Isabelle Alford-Lago – Painter

Isabelle is based in California and has a number of her Gorilla paintings as street murals. I love the whispy nature of her painting style but also the expression of her gorilla portraits. She seems to be akin to painting gorillas at the moment which are becoming popular. Always good to find your niche!

http://isabellealfordlago.com/ 

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Asger Carlsen – Photographer

This is one ultimately strange dude, originally from Denmark, who resides in the U.S. Taking photos and merging elements to create a very creepy result. Some photos are somewhat pornographic so you've been warned. At first you'll see it's a bland shot of someone not doing very much at all but then realize there's more to it. Take a peek...if you dare!

  http://www.asgercarlsen.com/ 

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Eric Fortune – Painter

Eric's technique produces a beautiful softness. Online it appears his medium of choice is pencil, conte or pastels but he uses Acrylics on Watercolour paper. It may appear more noticeable in real life but on the web that's what I see. He lives in Columbus, Ohio and has produced many pieces for editorial work. His focus lately has been producing work for gallery shows.

http://www.ericfortune.com/

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Isaac Cordal – Photographer/Installation Artist

Isaac is a photographer as well as an installation artist from Brussels, Belgium. He has currently launched a book which I found interesting. Small sculptures are placed in several locations around city streets conveying a certain message. These are photographed and is the premise of the book. Although, without having the book handy, I am only guessing. Anyway, you can view the book itself on the publishers website if you click on the book cover from Isaac's main page. To view the rest of Isaac's work, just click on his "Welcome to my website" link.

http://isaac.alg-a.org/

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Kirk Reinert – Painter/Illustrator

I came across Kirk's work by researching an art licensing company, McGaw Graphics. His work on their site is all Fantasy artwork which isn't my thing. However, I ventured to his website and was totally mesmerized by his "Reality" paintings. Completely off the wall and intricately detailed. His background has been illustration work for book covers, however, his new reality work is worthy of a gander.

http://www.kirkreinert.com/

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Allison Sommers – Painter

Allison has a very vivid imagination with incredible detail. Relying heavily on her sketchbooks to nurture this imagination then bring it to life in her painting is an awesome skill I so admire. She's only been showing her work since 2007 but has gained a fair amount of exposure. Although her main website is a blog, if you check out her flickr pages and other links you can see a vast array of her work. Definitely a go to!

http://www.allisonsommers.com/

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Isaac Marzioli – Illustrator

This artist has a nice, clean, simple style. Although his work is geared towards children, he has developed a style which is appropriate for licensing. This is a new venture he is currently embarking on as well as a TV show involving his characters. I particularly like his blog as he shows beginning sketches, discusses his process and offers insights into using microstock companies.

http://www.isaacmarzioli.com/

http://www.meshaq2000.blogspot.com/

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Arturo Elena – Fashion Illustrator

I'm gearing slightly off topic with this week's post, however, I don't think Arturo's work will disappoint. A fashion illustrator from Spain with an exceptional off beat style. Long stretched necks and limbs just enhance the overall style he is trying to portray. He's been around for a long time and has numerous illustrations on his website. Worthy of a visit.

http://www.arturoelena.com/

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Megan Majewski – Painter

Ahhh, homegrown Canadian talent!!! Based in Vancouver, BC, Megan has a background in Computer Animation but her main love is painting. A charismatic technique of quirky oddities invoking your funny bone indeed. Worthy of a visit.

http://www.deadkittie.com/

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Kate MccGuire – Sculptor

I am always impressed by artists who stand out from the crowd. Kate is one of them. Her ability to recycle the feathers of pigeons and turn them into stunning sculptures is definitely what I call "talent". The ebb and flow of her pieces is breathtaking. Who would have thought those pesky birds could turn out to become such beautiful masterpieces.

http://www.katemccgwire.com

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Leontine Greenberg – Painter

Leontine resides in the U.S. and is what I would call an emerging artist. From her C.V. it appears she's only been exhibiting since 2009. I love the delicate aspect to her paintings which are mainly watercolour. Subject matter seems to be mainly birds, rabbits and odd contraptions represented in a whimsical manner. Lovely work!

http://leontinegreenberg.tumblr.com/

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Adam Wallacavage – Sculptor and Photographer

If you are looking for something different for your home decor, this is an artist worth looking at. Based in the U.S., he has created some interesting chandeliers that would definitely strike up a conversation around the dinner table. Or living room or hallway, depending upon where it's hanging. At first, he just made one for himself to complete his "Ocean" theme room in his home which was an Octopus. Then he decided to create more which developed into further creations. He's represented by Jonathan Levin gallery and although his own site is a bit void of information, I've included another blog that explains his work in a bit more detail.

http://www.adamwallacavage.com/

http://www.ransom-notes.net/?p=747

Beth Robinson – Doll Maker

Based in Vermont, Beth is a self-taught artist/doll maker. Her dolls are not for kids though! They are slightly twisted, distorted and creepy. However, the wonder of imagination always intrigues and fascinates me. Take a wander over to her site to view her creations. Christmas is coming!!!

This is a short video clip with Beth introducing her work. There are a couple more videos on her site too.

http://www.strangedolls.net/available_dolls.html

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Jimmy Pickering – Painter

The style of Jimmy Pickering could be compared with Tim Burton's, however, he confirms that when he began drawing, there was no Tim Burton in the mass public eye. He began illustrating children's books, with what appears to be his first, dating back to 2001 - "Somethin' Pumpkin". He has evolved into a well established artist in the U.S. with gallery shows and an online store. I just wish he had older drawings on his site to demonstrate how his work had progressed.

http://www.jimmypickering.com/

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Amanda Louise Spayd – Dollmaker

Here is an artist who truly represents the "waste not" idea of recycling. She scours the forest and antique stores for treasures that can be conformed into these unique dolls. Using old fabrics, bones and trinkets, she also creates molds for the faces with quirky expressions and intricate details. Talented indeed. Below are links to her main website, flickr page and someone else's blog who has a tremendous number of images of her creations. I've also included a stop motion video she has posted on her blog using one of her dolls. You can follow her on Facebook as well as Twitter.

http://amandalouise.com/index.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mandilouise/

http://visboo.com/monsters-by-amanda-louise-spayd.html

The Maker - Trailer from Zealous Creative on Vimeo.

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Erica Calardo – Painter

In the latest issue of Hi-Fructose magazine I came across an advertisement for a gallery showing Italian Pop Surrealism located in Rome. A whole mess of artists whose work is similar to what I've been posting on this blog. Since I can't take a trip to Rome right now, I am going to focus on posting some of these artists here. Erica being my first. This photo is from a series she did on wood blocks but her recent work is portraits of wide eyed females. Kinda creepy but mesmerizing as well.

http://www.popandbaroque.it/

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Mike Worrall – Painter

Mike Worrall's painting style is not unique. Very traditional oil techniques, however, it's the interesting subject matter that caught my eye. He has an extensive body of work spanning many years. I admire the imagination and constant flow of creativity in his work. It's also interesting to see the progression over a 10 year period of an artist's work, style and their ideas.

http://www.mikeworrall.com

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Troy Brooks – Painter

Troy is a home grown artist (I think). He talks about Toronto and has shown here as well, so I'm guessing he's from here and still lives here. Go see his show at Pentimento Gallery beginning Oct. 27 till Nov. 27. to find out more. I just might!!!

http://www.troybrooks.com/

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Andrew B. Myers – Photographer

Andrew is an emerging photographer from Toronto. What I like about his work so far is just the cleanliness of his images. Crisp, clean with no distractions. I also like his website. Clean and crisp as well!

http://www.andrewbmyers.com/

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Vincent Altamore – Digital Caricature Artist

I love artists who can do caricatures and do them really well. Vincent is one of those artists. Although his website is currently being revamped, you can view his talent on his blog.

http://vincentaltamore.blogspot.com/

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Nik Ainley – Digital Illustrator

Nik is based out of the UK. But interesting he first started in physics. Then moved on to the digital realm. Most of what I like about his work is his typographical renditions. There are several on his website. If you love type, check it out.

http://www.shinybinary.com/

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Xiau-Fong Wee – Painter

Although the pic above is in charcoal, Xiau-Fong is actually a painter. On her site are 3 sections, the other 2 show her paintings but I particularly liked these charcoal series. Really cute!

http://xiaufong.com/index.php

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Jessica Joslin – Sculpture

Jessica's intriguing use of old, antique baubles and parts along with bones, fabric and bits is worth a visit. What an imagination indeed! Definitely a good use of recycling!!!

http://jessicajoslin.com/jessica/

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Esao Andrews – Painter

Esao is a U.S. based painter who works mainly in oils. I found his work from the early 2000's quite interesting. Also a couple of time lapse paintings on his blog.

http://www.esao.net/index.php

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Josh Taylor – Painter

Currently residing in Vermont, Josh is a successful graduate of the Pratt Institute in NY. His style is a mix of acrylic, ink and collage. The bio on his website is a tad odd though but worth a read.

www.joshtaylorart.net

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Jacub Gagnon – Painter

Jacub is an emerging artist from Toronto. Woohoo!!! Worthy of a visit!


http://www.jacubgagnon.com/

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Anton Semenov – Digital artist/illustrator

This is one awesome piece by Anton, a Russian based digital artist. His illustration work is just as appealing and detailed. Unfortunately I couldn't find a truly dedicated website but he has a blog and shows his work on a few other sites listed below.

http://gloom82.livejournal.com/
http://www.behance.net/Gloom82
http://gloom82.deviantart.com/

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Amy Palmer – Illustrator/Painter

Sorry for not posting last week. I was up North enjoying the sounds and smells of summer!

Onto this week's find is the delightfully quirky work of Amy Palmer. Based in the U.S., the majority of her work is done in pencil. Beautifully executed. Some oils but mainly pencil. Each piece has a message of wisdom or lessons learned. I've posted the link to her site as well as to an art gallery showcasing her latest work which is not on her site just yet.


http://www.pigratdog.com/index.html

http://bowersockgallery.com/Amy-Palmer

Jeremy Dower – Painter

I'm reposting Jeremy Dower because his website is now finished. Although he calls his work "paintings" they do look like digital paintings but nevertheless he has a specific style I have never seen before. Holographic in a way that adds mystery. Worth a wander.

http://www.jeremydower.com/

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Robert Bowen – Painter

A San Francisco based artist, Robert's work engages familiar iconic figures in some very strange surroundings or circumstances. A tad on the strange side, but that's what I like.

http://robertbowenart.com/

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Jen Stark – Sculptor

Jen just recently had a show here in Toronto and I missed it. Would have gone if I knew of her before hand. She's featured in the current issue of Hi-Fructose. Amazing work with paper, wood and patience!!!!

http://www.jenstark.com/

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Noir Nouar – Painter

This LA based artist has a general theme across all her paintings. Food! Sinister in some cases but overall quite entertaining. Her website doesn't have a bio which is disappointing as I would like to know how she came up with her name. Interesting and very unique.

http://noirnouar.com/home.html

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Scott Radke – Sculptor

Scott is based in Ohio and has an extensive background showing his marionettes. He has produced work for movies/videos such as Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, been interviewed in numerous magazines and has an incredible cv of gallery shows. One simple idea that's been expanded upon and that's it.

http://www.scottradke.com/

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Steve Belmarsh – Illustrator

Steve is a US based artist. I noticed his illustrations in a Canson Fine Art paper ad in the latest issue of Juxtapoz magazine. Although he's still working on his own website, you can view his work on deviantart.com. Quirky oddities painted simply. Kinda wonder what his dreams are like!

http://sbelmarsh.deviantart.com/

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Aunia Kahn – Painter/Photographer

Aunia is a US based self taught painter. She's been painting for many years and has an extensive body of work to show for it. It's unfortunate she had a traumatic childhood, however, this was her driving force to achieve the success she has today. Her photography is not as extensive but still interesting.


http://www.auniakahn.com/index.html

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Matt Lyon – Illustrator

Matt is a UK based graphic designer/illustrator. I like his complex illustrations that are actually simple bits, doodles, coloured and mixed together. When all is complete, it seems to work nicely!

http://www.c8six.com/

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Samuli Heimonen – Painter

Samuli was born and resides in Finland. His paintings focus on using animals as metaphors. Each painting has a meaning. Simple technique but nevertheless, it still has impact. His site is in Finnish however the link below should take you to the English version of his landing page.

http://samuliheimonen.com/web/index.php?id=2

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Kris Kuksi – Sculptor and Painter

Darnit! I missed Kris who was here May 4 for a book signing at Narwhal Art Projects then for an artist talk, May 5 at the Toronto School of Art. I've seen his sculptures on the web as well as in mags and thought I already posted about him but apparently I didn't. He is one very talented artist and viewing his paintings shows his transition of work over the years to his now current body of work in sculptures. Amazingly detailed! Hopefully he will bring a solo show to T.O.!

http://kuksi.com/

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Jana Brike – Painter

Born in Riga, Latvia, Jana began her art career at a very early age. Attending the most respectable art elementary school in Latvia at the age of 10. Her work was beginning to surface publicly by the age of 15. Don't know how old she is now, but she remains in Riga with worldwide group and solo shows in her CV.

http://janabrike.com/

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Kevin Titzer – Sculptor

Kevin's unique pieces are all made from washed up debris from the Ohio river. Mainly driftwood which has been smoothed and cleaned from its' time in the river. Apparently the only thing he actually purchases are nails! On his site are links to gallery shows he's participated in as well as a TV show interview worth the viewing. A small glimpse into his studio and how he puts together his pieces.

http://www.kevintitzer.com/

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Caia Koopman – Painter

Caia is a US based painter whose work reminds me of a modern day Betty Boop. The majority of her work is based on females with wide eyes mostly looking right at you with attitude. Whimsical elements thrown in to the mix make her work quite enjoyable to look at.

http://www.caiakoopman.com/
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Tatiana Suarez – Painter

Tatiana is a Miami native currently living in Brooklyn. Her paintings are all of wide eyed women who sometimes have little critters hanging about. Worth a quick trip!


http://www.tatisuarez.com/

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Paul Barnes – Painter

Paul resides in Scotland but has had tremendous success with his work in the US. Showing at most of the underground art Galleries. Currently his main website is under construction, however, I've included a few other links that show his work. I love the softness of his painting style.


http://paul-barnes.com/

http://www.thumbtackpress.com/browse/artists.php?cPath=178

http://www.myspace.com/paulbarnes

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Michael Page – Painter

Thanks again to Hi-Fructose for featuring Michael's work. If you can't wait for the newstand copy of the mag to see his work, take a wander.

http://www.michaelpageart.com/Ihomemain.htm

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Annie Owens – Illustrator

Annie is one of the co-founders of my fave magazine, Hi-Fructose. Her delicate style is a mix of watercolour and ink. Beautifully executed and worthy of your time.

http://ouchclub.com/

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Squink! – painter and Kidrobot designer

Tucked away in a small UK town near Sheffield lives this artist known as Squink! Have no idea if Squink is a he or she but their paintings remind me of another fave artist of mine. In addition to painting, this artist also creates custom Kidrobots. Never heard of these before but they do look very cute! The link below will take you to their blog showing both, as well as, where you can purchase. Also is a link to a free mag produced in Sheffield which contains an interview from Squink and many of their artworks.

http://www.squinky.co.uk/#8e2/tumblr

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Steven Kenny – Painter

Steven has been painting for numerous years with the focus on blending humans with nature. Some very interesting concepts I found while viewing his work. I love this one especially because I love trees!

http://stevenkenny.com/default.asp

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Buddy Nestor – Painter

Not sure if Buddy uses any mind altering substances while doing his portraits, but they are definitely unique.

http://buddynestorartwork.com/home

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Lukas Kandl – Painter

Lukas was born in Prague but moved to Paris later on in life. His work is a mix of surrealism and fantasy. Some of his pieces remind me of Dali. Not just the content but his technique as well. His website is French which can be easily translated by your browser. No translation needed to view his paintings!

http://www.kandl.net/

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Natasha Newton – Painter

I know, Natasha's work doesn't really fall under the creepy, weird, surreal work that I normally feature, however I do like her style very much and think she's worthy of listing here.

http://theblackbirdsings.typepad.com/natasha_newton/

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