Inspire Me 2011: Project Progress

So I've been working on the painting inspired by Monica's photo of fireworks. You may recall that she was the winner of my "Inspire Me" photo contest. Here's the winning photo:

I wanted to do multiple panels, and I decided to do 3 long, skinny floating canvases. I LOVE these canvases because the sides are angled, which makes them look like they're floating. After I prepped the panels with black gesso, I painted a dark blue on top of the black. I am super happy with the outcome of this color! The blue on black looks awesome in person, although it's difficult to see the real color from the photos. Depending upon the time of day, the background can range from almost a royal blue to an almost black blue. 

Once I finished the background color, I put on some upbeat jazz and went to town with my palette knife and some bright colors. So much fun!

I'm still not sure if I'm finished with the piece. Some say don't touch it, others say it needs more. What do you think?

Beauty in Russia

As some of you may know, I recently started a series of paintings that were inspired by aerial views of freight containers. (And I am still working on more freight paintings.)

      

Google Maps has been super helpful with providing inspiring images for my freight series. And I think it may have inspired a new series....

These shots were taken above Russia, somewhere very far north where it is ridiculously cold. I doubt anyone lives in these areas, but they are absolutely gorgeous from above!!

"Inspire Me" Photo Contest

I want YOU to be involved in my creative process, so I'm creating a special photo contest! This contest is intended to open your eyes so that you might enjoy the beauty around you and to open my eyes to others' visions of beauty. Here are the details:

1. Take pics of everything and anything that you find visually interesting (feel free to use your phone!)

2. "Like" my Facebook page

3. Post your images to my Facebook wall with the caption/comment "Inspire Me"

The contest will end August 1st. Don't worry about lacking professional photography skills; sometimes the oddest images inspire me! 

After August 1st, I will select the image that inspires me the most (for whatever reason) and use it as a reference for my next painting. Will I render it with contour lines or make it completely abstract? Only time will tell!

Once the painting is complete, I will send you a free matted print! You pick the image size: 5x7, 8x10, or 11x14.

So what are you waiting for? Snap away!

*By entering this contest, you are giving Elizabeth Blair-Nussbaum (EBN Art Studio) the right to use your photograph. Specifically, you agree to allow Elizabeth Blair-Nussbaum (EBN Art Studio) to create a painting based on the entered photograph and sell that painting and any other items that reproduce that painting (prints, gifts, accessories, etc.). You will not profit from these items that Elizabeth Blair-Nussbaum (EBN Art Studio) sells using your image. Except as stated above, you retain all rights you may have to your photograph. If you do not feel comfortable with these terms, please do not enter the contest.