Art TRADER m a g a z i n e But there’s more. Do you notice the use of bold color? In all three pieces, color is used very effectively. Sal’s piece in particular is bright and playful! Andrea’s piece is a bit more subdued, but still uses color very effectively (and when is the last time you saw someone with purple hair?) In my piece, the yellows and reds are particularly bright. A third thing you’ll notice about all three pieces is that they use pattern in an effective way. In Andrea’s fairy piece, she uses dots throughout the background, and also uses a repetition of flowers and butterflies. Sal’s gingerbread house uses polka dots throughout. Think about how different the piece would be without those brightly colored polka dots on the trees or striped trunks! Finally, my piece uses swirls on the wings and in the sky to add a playful touch. So there you have it! Whimsical art can include: • whimsical themes or subject matter: often those that are fanciful, fun, happy, or fantastical • strong colors and very conscious choices on the part of the artist as to using color • stylization that takes the piece of art beyond the ordinary. This can include exaggerations, emphasis of certain features, distorting, simplifying or adding unrealistic elements • patterns: such as dots, swirls, lines, and so forth for increased effect As someone who considers herself a whimsical artist, I find that whimsical art is empowering and uplifting. I use art as a way to relax, to express myself, and really to enjoy and experience life. It also allows me to “re-see” the world in a way that is happier, friendlier, and much less serious. To me, my art needs to reflect my inner spirit and inner joy. And what better way to do that than to reach into my imagination and develop fantastical worlds full of swirled trees and boldcolored mountains? -70- Want more Whimsy? Join a Swap! ATCsforall.com has a few swaps going on right now that fit the whimsy category. Check them out! Harajuku Girls Swap Due April 15, 2009: http://atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8578 Whimsical Summer Girls Swap Due April 23, 2009: http://atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9093 Whimsical Goth Girls Due May 1st, 2009: http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8419 Super Kawaii Mixed Media Swap Due May 1st, 2009: http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8759 Take an Online Whimsy Workshop! The Whimsy Art Workshop The Whimsy Art Workshop is a twopart workshop designed for the artist or hobbyist who loves the whimsical, light, free style of art. The workshop is designed to help artists who are seeking to improve their artistic skills or working to develop a unique style. Level I Start Dates: April 1, 2009 September 16 Level II Start Dates: May 6, 2009 October 21, 2009 Register online at: www.arttradermag.com
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