The Symbolism of Roses in My Artwork: A Personal Journey

As an artist, I've always been drawn to the beauty and complexity of flowers, particularly roses. Their structure and form captivate me, providing a unique combination of complexity and elegance that I strive to capture in my artwork. Roses hold no negative connotations for me. Instead, they are a symbol of pure, unadulterated beauty and resilience that I aim to convey through my work.

Over the years, I have undertaken extensive research into the symbolism of flowers, which has greatly influenced my approach to portraying them in my art. Each petal, each curling tendril, each burst of color or pattern of shadow is imbued with meaning, reflecting not just the inherent beauty of nature, but also the echoes of my personal journey.

Creating art is a deeply personal process for me. Each stroke, each line, is an externalization of my memories and ideas, transforming them from abstract notions into tangible reality. My artwork is both a reflection of my internal world and a means of communicating with the world around me.

Recently, I have been experimenting with black and white pieces, a departure from my typically vibrant color palettes. This exploration has resulted in three new untitled pieces that showcase my talent for capturing the nuanced forms and structures of roses, even without the use of color. These artworks are a testament to my versatility as an artist and my ability to convey beauty and symbolism through various mediums and techniques.

I'm excited to share that these black and white pieces will be featured in my upcoming show at The School of Visual Philosophy in San Jose, CA, this August. This exhibition promises to be an exciting showcase of my recent works and a unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in my captivating floral narratives.

For those unable to attend the show, my artwork is available for purchase and I do offer shipping. Feel free to contact me directly for more information.

My journey with art, much like a blooming rose, continues to unfold in surprising and beautiful ways. I invite you to join me on this journey, to experience the world as seen through my eyes, and perhaps, find a part of your own story reflected in my work.

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Exploring the Wonders of France: A Journey to Perigord Retreats

Bonjour, fellow wanderers! Grab a croissant and join me on an unforgettable adventure through the enchanting landscapes and charming villages of France. I recently embarked on a trip of a lifetime to Perigord Retreats in Gourdon, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. From the bustling streets of Paris to the idyllic countryside, let me take you on a virtual tour of my incredible experiences.

My journey began with three captivating nights in the City of Love itself, Paris. The iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, left me in awe of their grandeur. Strolling along the city streets, indulging in delicious French cuisine, and immersing myself in the artistic atmosphere of Montmartre made every moment in Paris truly magical.

Leaving the bustling city behind, I boarded a train and made my way to the picturesque village of Gourdon, where Perigord Retreats awaited. This serene haven nestled in the heart of the Perigord region was a sanctuary for artists and creative souls. Accompanied by ten talented women artists and our inspiring teacher, Ardith Goodwin, the journey promised to be filled with art, culture, and camaraderie.

Each day at Perigord Retreats began with a delectable breakfast spread of French pastries and homemade yogurt topped with granola—a delightful treat to fuel our artistic endeavors. Our adventures took us to local villages and towns, and the scenery was straight out of a postcard. The charming villages of Rocamadour, Sarlat, and many others enchanted us with their cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant markets.

After hours of sightseeing, we would find a peaceful spot to savor our picnic lunches, thoughtfully prepared by the talented duo, Katel and Paula. The flavors and freshness of the local ingredients amazed us at every bite. Energized and inspired, we would then head to the studio, where creativity knew no bounds. Guided by Ardith, we explored various art techniques, allowing our imaginations to flow freely onto canvas.

During my stay at Perigord Retreats, I had the privilege of completing a captivating artwork that will be showcased in my upcoming exhibition at The School of Visual Philosophy in August. As a token of gratitude to my readers, I have created an original 4"x4" piece on watercolor paper, which I will be giving away. The attached photo is a glimpse of the artwork that awaits its new owner.

As I bid adieu to Perigord Retreats and the captivating beauty of Gourdon, I carry with me cherished memories of art, friendship, and the boundless wonders of France. From the vibrant streets of Paris to the tranquil countryside, every moment was a testament to the rich history, cultural heritage, and gastronomic delights that this enchanting country has to offer. Until we meet again on another exciting journey, au revoir!

Giving back

Hey there, it's Amy Steinberg, and today I want to talk about something that's been on my mind a lot lately - the idea of figuring out what really matters in life. As an artist, I'm always searching for inspiration and meaning in my work, and that's why my teacher, Ardith Goodwin, often reminds us to think about what matters to us and use that as the foundation for our art.

But let's be real, this isn't just important for artists. It applies to all of us. We only have this one life to live, so it's vital that we focus on the things that truly matter and make the most of every moment.

For me, one of the things that really matters is making a difference in the world around me. Whether it's through my art, volunteering, or just being kind to those around me, I want to do what I can to make the world a better place.

That's why recently, I've started doing something that may seem small, but it means a lot to me. I've been picking up deceased animals and taking them to the local animal shelter to be checked for a chip. It's a way for me to honor the lives of these animals and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve. I provide each animal I pick up with their own blanket as a way of honoring them, wrapping them in the small blanket, slipping them into a plastic bag, and taking them to the county shelter.

It may seem like a small thing, but it's one way I can make a difference in my community and honor these animals who have passed on. It's not just about picking them up, it's about honoring their lives and place in the world.

So, I want to challenge you to think about what matters to you. What are the things that make you feel fulfilled and connected to the world around you? Once you've figured that out, find ways to incorporate them into your daily life. Whether it's volunteering, donating to a cause you care about, or simply being kind to those around you, there are so many ways to make a difference in the world.

So, let's take Ardith Goodwin's advice to heart and figure out what really matters to us. By doing so, we can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Whether it's something big or small, find a way to make a difference in your community and honor the things that matter most. We only have this one life to live, so let's make it count!

My creative process...

I'm thrilled to share with you my creative process as an artist! Flowers have always fascinated me, and I have been fortunate enough to have had rose bushes in my yard for over 20 years. The way the petals fold onto themselves and are intertwined with the petals around them is a relationship that never ceases to amaze me. I am constantly trying to figure out how to visually represent this relationship in my paintings.

My creative process begins with an idea that is inspired by my experiences. For instance, I might see a rose in my garden, and I'll be motivated to paint it. I try to capture the beauty of the rose and its unique relationship with the other petals around it. This is an ongoing challenge that I embrace as an artist.

Another aspect of my creative process is the juxtaposition of the flowers with the abstract background. I enjoy creating visually interesting contrasts that keep the viewers engaged. The abstract background adds a unique dimension to the painting and provides a complementary contrast to the focal point of the flowers.

Experimentation with colors and textures is another crucial part of my creative process. I play around with different combinations of colors and brushstrokes to capture the essence of the flowers in my paintings. Sometimes, I use bright, vibrant colors, while at other times, I prefer muted, earthy tones. I also experiment with various textures to create a captivating visual effect.

Overall, the creative process is a journey of self-discovery for me, and I am always exploring new techniques and ways to express myself through my paintings. I hope that my paintings bring as much joy to you as they do to me!

Rediscovering Collage: How a Selfie Challenge Led Me to Create Art and Help Cats in Need

At the turn of the new year, my mentor and friend Ardith Goodwin challenged a group of us who are in her Mastrius group to paint a selfie. I'm not great at painting people, let alone trying to get a likeness of myself, so I used a combination of AI images of my face from the Lensa app and created a hybrid painting and collage. It looks like me doesn’t it?

This was an interesting task for me as I ended up with a painting that looks like me but in a distorted way. It was a fun task, and I remembered how much I like collage. So, for that reason, I have been making some small vintage-like collages of cats and other things. I'm doing several cat collages for local cat rescue organizations so they can sell them and raise money. One of the cats is named Lucky, and he is looking for his forever home.

The process of creating the hybrid painting and collage was an adventure in itself. I started by taking several selfies and uploading them to the Lensa app, which uses artificial intelligence to generate a more flattering image. I selected the best one and used it as a reference for my painting. I used acrylic paint on canvas to create the base layer of my self-portrait.

Creating this piece reminded me of how much I love collage. I used to create them all the time when I was younger, but over time, I got away from it. I had forgotten how therapeutic it is to cut and paste and create something new from existing materials. Working on this painting and collage helped me rediscover my love for this medium.

Since then, I've been making small vintage-like collages of cats and other things. I'm doing this to help raise money for local cat rescue organizations. I've always been an animal lover, and I wanted to use my skills to help cats in need. These collages are a great way to do that. They're cute, fun, and quirky, and I hope they'll bring joy to whoever buys them.

One of the cats I've been making collages of is named Lucky. He's a beautiful long haired black cat who's looking for his forever home. Lucky is a fearless and fun cat who loves to everyone he meets including dogs! He's also very playful and enjoys chasing toys and playing with strings. Lucky would make a great addition to any loving family, and I hope he finds his forever home soon.

Creating a hybrid painting and collage of myself using AI images from the Lensa app was a fun and interesting experience. It reminded me of my love for collage and inspired me to create collages to help cats in need. Lucky and the other cats I've been making collages of are looking for their forever homes, and I hope my collages will help raise money to support their care. If you're interested in adopting Lucky or any of the other cats, please reach out to your local cat rescue organization. And if you're interested in buying one of my collages, please visit my website at https://www.amysteinberg.com/shop and scroll to the bottom to see available collages.

Exploring Nature's Beauty: A Preview of My Upcoming Solo Show

I am excited to share with you about my upcoming solo show at the School of Visual Philosophy in San Jose, California. As an abstract floral artist, I aim to create vibrant and expressive paintings that explore the beauty of nature, particularly flowers.

One of the studies I am currently working on for the show measures only 10"x10" on cradled board, but I am in love with it. The piece features three different flowers with unique shapes and colors, along with one abstract shape that is a macro view of several petals, making it very abstract. To add a pop of contrast, I have also incorporated black and white stripes.

My approach to creating art pieces is to showcase the relationships between the abstract ground, macro petals, and flowers. By doing so, I hope to convey the beauty of nature in a dynamic and visually engaging way. For me, creating abstract floral paintings is a way to express my emotions, and I believe art is a way to convey emotion.

I am excited to showcase the connections between the different elements in my paintings in this solo show. Through my art, I want to inspire my audience to see the beauty of the world around us and appreciate the intricate details that make it so fascinating.

The solo show will open on August 12, 2023, and I cannot wait to share my art pieces with you all. Thank you for your interest and support, and I hope to see you there at the School of Visual Philosophy!

Why I support Soldiers of Suicide

Words matter. It's a simple phrase, but it's one that I try to remember every day. As someone who has experienced the devastating effects of suicide, I know firsthand just how much words can hurt. That's why I'm passionate about supporting the Soldiers of Suicide organization.

Soldiers of Suicide is an organization that provides resources and support to soldiers who are struggling with mental health issues. As someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, I know just how important it is to have resources like this available. It can be hard for soldiers to ask for help, but with organizations like Soldiers of Suicide, they don't have to feel alone.

One thing that I appreciate about Soldiers of Suicide is that they don't just focus on the physical aspects of mental health. They understand that words matter, and they provide support for soldiers who have experienced trauma, including the trauma of sexual assault. They work to create a safe and supportive community where soldiers can feel heard and understood.

I believe that it's important to support organizations like Soldiers of Suicide because we need to take care of our soldiers. They put their lives on the line for us every day, and we need to make sure that they have the resources and support they need when they return home. Suicide rates among soldiers are alarmingly high, and it's up to all of us to do our part to help combat this epidemic.

So if you're looking for a way to make a difference, consider supporting Soldiers of Suicide. Your words and your actions matter, and together we can make a difference in the lives of soldiers who are struggling with mental health issues.

A day in the studio

Today in my studio, I spent some time working on a series of small wood panels that I'm using as studies for my upcoming art show. The show, which will be held at the School of Visual Philosophy in San Jose, CA, will feature 14 pieces of varying sizes that explore the relationship between a macro view of rose petals and an abstract ground.

For these studies, I sketched out some abstracted shapes on five small wood panels, all based on photographs of rose petals where I pulled out a very closeup view of 3-4 petals, leaving some parts unfinished. The juxtaposition between the intricate details of the rose petals and the abstract shapes and colors surrounding them has been a fascinating exploration for me.

To bring my vision to life, I started with some color swatching to plan out the base colors I will use. I decided to use indigo, N5 gray, quinacradone magenta, and Naples yellow as my base colors and mixed tints, tones, and shades from there. I love how these colors work together to enhance the relationship between the macro and abstract elements in each piece.

As I worked on these studies today, I found myself completely immersed in the process. Each panel is unique, and the combination of colors and shapes has created a sense of depth and complexity that invites the viewer to explore each piece in greater detail. Even though these panels are just studies, I'm already excited about the potential of this series.

I'm looking forward to sharing this series with the San Jose art community, and I hope to inspire others to explore the relationships between the micro and macro elements in their own work. While these panels are just studies, they represent a significant step in my creative process, and I'm excited to see where this journey will take me next.

Introducing "Garden of Roses": A New Series of Art Blocks for Art-O-Mat

If you're a fan of Art-O-Mat, you will see a new series of art blocks popping up in the vending machines soon from yours truly. The series is titled, “Garden of Roses”.

Each block in the series is hand-painted with an indigo base coat and features a beautiful rose design. The roses are expertly crafted, with every petal carefully painted to create a sense of depth and texture.

But the "Garden of Roses" series isn't just visually stunning - it also has a deeper meaning. The series was inspired by the idea of growth and renewal. Roses are often associated with love and romance, but they can also represent growth and transformation, I wanted to create a series of blocks that would inspire people to see the beauty in growth and change.

The "Garden of Roses" series is comprised of 50 unique blocks, each one a little piece of art that can be collected and treasured. And they can be purchased from Art-O-Mat machines across the United States. I’ll update you when I find out which locations my blocks are in.

Creating a series for Art-O-Mat is a new challenge, but one that is ultimately very rewarding. I've always been a fan of Art-O-Mat and even created blocks for them about 18 years ago with a piece that was collaged with pictures from Africa.

So the next time you're browsing an Art-O-Mat machine, keep an eye out for the "Garden of Roses" series. You just might find a beautiful piece of art that speaks to you and reminds you of the beauty in growth and transformation.

A Journey Through Wonderland: The Inspiration Behind My Latest Series

As a child, I was transported to fantastical worlds through books like "Alice in Wonderland", "The Wizard of Oz" series, and "The Hobbit". These tales sparked my imagination and inspired me to explore my own creative potential. That's why I'm excited to announce my latest series of paintings, "Alice in Wonderland Meets the Queen".

"Alice in Wonderland" has always held a special place in my heart. The whimsical tale of a young girl who stumbles down a rabbit hole and into a world of magical creatures and curious events captured my imagination and inspired me to see the world in a new way. As I grew older, this love for Wonderland only grew stronger, and I knew that I wanted to bring this world to life in my own unique way.

And so, I set out to create "Alice in Wonderland Meets the Queen". This series of 6 paintings captures the fantastical journey of Alice as she encounters the peculiar inhabitants of Wonderland and ultimately meets the Queen. Each painting is a fusion of bold watercolor glazes and abstract florals, capturing the magic and wonder of the Wonderland world.

From "By the Side of the Moon" to "Tea with the Queen", each painting tells its own unique story and invites the viewer to step into the world of Wonderland. This series is a celebration of the power of imagination and the joy of creative expression, and I'm so proud to share it with you.

I invite you to visit my website to view "Alice in Wonderland Meets the Queen" and to discover more about the inspiration behind each painting. I hope that this series will transport you to Wonderland, just as "Alice in Wonderland" and other beloved tales transported me to fantastical worlds as a child.

So, join me on this journey through Wonderland. Let's explore the power of imagination and the beauty of creative expression.

Finding Joy and Light: A Personal Reflection

As human beings, we all search for sources of joy and light in our lives. Whether it's our friends and family, our passions and hobbies, or simply moments of beauty in the world around us, these things bring us happiness and comfort. For me, two things that bring joy and light to my life are art and animals.

Art has always been a source of inspiration and fulfillment for me. From the moment I first picked up a paintbrush, I knew that creating was what I was meant to do. The process of taking an idea and bringing it to life on a canvas is magical and allows me to express my feelings and emotions in a unique and meaningful way. Whether I am painting abstract florals or working on a new piece, I am constantly in awe of the beauty that I can create.

In addition to art, I have a deep love for animals. Whether it's my own pets or simply watching wildlife in their natural habitats, I find so much joy in their presence. Animals have a way of bringing out the best in us, and their innocence and beauty is truly inspiring. Whether I am at the zoo or simply enjoying a walk in nature, I always feel a sense of peace and happiness when I am around animals.

In conclusion, art and animals bring so much joy and light to my life, and I am grateful for the happiness and comfort they bring. Whether I am creating a new piece of art or simply spending time with my pets, I know that I am surrounded by beauty and love. So, what brings joy and light to your life? I invite you to take a moment to reflect and celebrate the things that make you happy.

The Art of Giving: Reflections on 'The Gift'

As an abstract floral painter, I have always felt that every day I get to practice my art is a good day. My art is not just a hobby or a job, but a gift that I have been given and a gift that I get to give to others. It is a form of expression that allows me to connect with the world and others in a way that is both personal and universal.

In Lewis Hyde's book, "The Gift," the author explores the idea that art and creative expression can be seen as gifts, in the sense that they are given freely and circulate within a community, rather than being treated as commodities to be bought and sold. This idea resonates deeply with me, as I see my own art as a gift that I give to the world and to those who experience it.

For me, the act of painting is a form of meditation and a way to connect with the beauty and mystery of life. Every stroke of my brush is an opportunity to express my own unique perspective and to add something new and meaningful to the world. And, because I see my art as a gift, I feel a sense of obligation to share it with others, to bring joy and beauty into their lives.

The idea that art is a gift also reinforces the idea that it is not just about the final product, but about the process of creation itself. The act of painting is just as important as the finished piece, as it is a journey of self-discovery and growth. I believe that treating art as a gift can enrich both the individual and the community, and can lead to a more vibrant and meaningful cultural life.

As a painter, I see my art as a gift, not just to myself but to others. The act of painting is a form of meditation and self-discovery, and by treating it as a gift, I am able to connect with the world and others in a meaningful way. I hope that my art will bring joy and beauty to those who experience it and that it will contribute to a more vibrant and meaningful cultural life.

12 social media ideas for artists

1. Share your process: Take a photo or video of yourself creating a piece of artwork and share it with a brief description of your process and inspiration.

1. Behind the scenes: Share a sneak peek of what's going on in your studio and the projects you're currently working on.

2. Artist spotlight: Highlight another artist whose work you admire and explain what you love about it.

3. Inspiration Monday: Share a quote, image, or piece of artwork that inspires you and why it resonates with you.

4. Work in progress Wednesday: Share a photo or video of a piece you're currently working on and ask for feedback or suggestions from your followers.

5. Throwback Thursday: Share a photo or piece of artwork from your past and talk about what you learned or what you would do differently now.

6. Freestyle Friday: Showcase a piece of artwork that you created spontaneously and explain the story behind it.

7. Showcase your collection: Share a photo or video of your portfolio or a collection of your work and give a brief overview of your style and themes.

8. Customer appreciation: Share a photo or testimonial from a satisfied customer and express your gratitude for their support.

9. Giveaway: Run a giveaway for a piece of artwork or a print and ask your followers to share or tag friends to enter.

10. Collaboration: Share a piece you created with another artist or a photo of a joint exhibition and talk about your experience working together.

11. Share your story: Write a blog post or create a video discussing your journey as an artist, including your challenges and triumphs.