New Textile Collection Samples Have Arrived!

Happiness is:

Seeing your watercolor artwork printed on luxurious silk and cotton fabric. Can't tell you how pleased I am with the way the colors and designs translate to fabric...They are beautiful!

Now, we simply have to find a manufacturer who agrees ;)

Game on!

~Shell

Deep Within ~ on Exhibit at The Art League

Some things are meant to remain, forever, deep within.... ~ Shell

Very pleased that my ink and watercolor painting, Deep Within, was juried into the Art League's "Remains" exhibit for the month of April. The Remains show explored the theme of "things left behind". Artists were encouraged to broadly explore the concept of loss, whether a physical loss or an emotional one. You can see more pics of the wonderful gallery space at The Torpedo Factory Art space, here on my Posterous Blog. Hoping local friends will get a chance to stop by the gallery during the month to see the exhibit and enjoy all the incredible art The Torpedo Factory has to offer. -Shell

Beyond the Horizon...

Last week I announced that my company, Shell Artistree, has licensed my collection of best selling Ketubah art to a company called Ketubah.com, an industry giant who will now produce and sell those products on my behalf. This in itself is huge news, but really, it's only part of the story.....

Over the years, I have had success licensing my artwork and I have always enjoyed the process of working with a manufacturer, tweaking my art to fit their needs. I believed that my art could have a broader reach within a variety of mainstream markets, particularly those that cater to high-end home decor and accessories...I could envision it with ease. Fine art licensing was a natural fit for my art.

Wheels in motion, I decided to pursue my vision for creating a fine art licensing division of Shell Artistree. Fine art licensing allows an artist to offer their art to manufacturers for use on their products such as textiles, rugs, stationery products, accessories, apparel, etc. The beauty of licensing is that the same design can be licensed over and over again to different manufacturers and for use on many different products at one time.

To fulfill this vision, I conceptualized and created collections based on my watercolor paintings. This was an artistically prolific time for me. I was painting daily and I was dreaming about textile patterns:) I then worked with my team to design a gorgeous website which would become my online portfolio, introducing manufacturers to my available artwork.

Now, it is with deep personal pride, that I announce the launch of www.shellartistree.com which showcases samplings of my newest collections of available artwork, suitable for fine art licensing. I invite you to explore the new website, click around on each of the thumbnail images so you can see full patterns emerge, read the artist statements… It is truly a labor of love.

I believe that the quality of my art as well as my passion for new ventures will carry me along towards my goals and visions. I have learned that there is always a new mystery around the corner, as long as you are open to receiving it.

Shell

Floating Along with the Tide...

Sometimes, the only way to move forward is to take a deep breath, thoughtfully reassess, quietly release and then, allow the tide to gently carry you forward again...

When I first began designing Ketubot over 10 years ago, most of the Ketubah designs on the market at that time were rather traditional in design. I was inspired to try something new! Those first designs, which ultimately became the cornerstone of my entire collection, incorporated traditional, biblical symbolic imagery but in a fresh and modern way. This contemporary twist appealed to me as a painter. I liked the challenge of trying to depict traditional and timeless concepts of love, such as commitment, individuality, family and loyalty in an artistic and visual way.

The resulting Ketubah designs resonated deeply with modern wedding couples. Finally, they were able to find a Ketubah that honored both the tradition of the Ketubah as a ritual object as well fulfill their desire to purchase a fine art piece and begin their personal art collection. My Ketubah designs have always appealed to true art lovers.

In the last 10 years my company, Shell Artistree LLC has worked with literally, thousands of wedding couples. My collection has grown and evolved over time, but my personal design aesthetic and commitment to designing beautiful artwork that stands the test of time and that my clients will be proud to hang in their home, has remained the same. It has been an honor, to create for you.

It is time though, to again try something new!

I am proud to announce a new partnership between my company, Shell Artistree and Ketubah.com, the number one Ketubah provider in North America!

As of March 1, 2011, my best-selling, modern Ketubah design collection will be exclusively produced and sold by Ketubah.com. All of my beloved and timeless Ketubah designs are still featured on our newly updated Ketubahtree website so please do browse our Ketubah galleries to see our Best Selling Ketubot as well as my newest Ketubah designs. As always, we will feature an assortment of fine art prints and coordinating art products.

For Ketubah sizes, Pricing, Ketubah Text choices, Ketubah Personalization and Customization inquires as well as to place your order, simply click on the Ordering Information button located on each Ketubah page. When placing your order, please do mention code KTWEB100 so that Ketubah.com will know that my studio has referred you. If you have any questions during this time of transition, please don't hesitate to contact us in our studio. We are here to help you!

As for the Shell Artistree Studio, we are embarking on a new journey, a new beginning that inspires and energizes the artist in me. Many exciting opportunities are waiting, just over the horizon. Take my hand and float along?

More news, coming soon!

Shell

Neruda's Memoirs ~ Poetry by Maureen Doallas

Sore Chasing Dreams

Sore with chasing
dreams, I scatter

fresh-bought seed
in un-neat rows.

Ravens, wheeling
through cotton-balled clouds,

show me the meaning
of passion

at ground level.

___________________________________________

Always thrilling, to receive a new book in the mail. Even more so, when the book is written by someone you know and admire.

Maureen Doallas is an extraordinary writer. I enjoy her writing immensely. Her poetic words are clever, smart, thought provoking and the imagery she conveys through her words is vividly beautiful. This is a woman who writes from a deeper place...and she brings you along.

Always happy to support a fellow artist, I ordered Maureen's book, Neruda's Memoirs. It arrived last week and I've slowly been savoring her poetry. A bit unconventional in my approach, I tend to skip around when reading...choosing at random a passage or poem...whatever happens to catch my eye at the moment. Like all good books, I will read and reread over and over again, until I have had my fill.

One more poem that resonated deeply for me, this cold, late winter's morning....Enjoy!

Spring Thaw

Heads up:

tiny shoots

break earth's shell

spring up

from winter's

bed of dreams

showing us

how to make

a comeback

every time

Maureen's website ~ worth checking out!

We made the New York Times!

"...this piece of paper, this beautiful piece of art, is the sign of our covenant.” ~Sally Austin

Christians Embrace a Jewish Wedding Tradition~ New York Times (click to read)

A sweet mention in the New York Times!! The article features Sally and Mark Austin, one of our Ketubahtree.com wedding clients, non Jews, who wanted to incorporate the Jewish tradition of signing a Ketubah (A wedding certificate that combines beautiful artwork and wedding vows) into their wedding ceremony. We were thrilled to be able to recommend one of our couples to be interviewed for the New York Times article and even happier to see acknowledgment of this growing trend. Then again, our studio has been proudly creating ketubot for Jewish, Interfaith and Non Jewish couples for over 10 years ;) We wish the best to the Austin's and thank them, for their kind words about our art.

~Shell

Are you following Shell Artistree on Facebook? Please join me there!

For A Moment...

"If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for a moment."~Georgia O'Keefe


The most MAGNIFICENT flowers just arrived in my studio. They are glorious! Fresh and bright and green…and their scent...mmm...like heaven. A beautiful friend sent them my way, bringing me a little touch of Spring as Snowflakes fall teasingly from my sky. I know she will be thrilled to see that I have shared them with all of you ~

This kindness, never to be forgotten.


~Shell

My Ketubah Art Was Featured in Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine!

What a sweet surprise to see a beautiful picture of one of my Ketubah (custom fine art wedding certificate) designs featured in a wedding spread within the Fall issue of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine!

Amanda and Douglas's storybook wedding took place in Italy at Villa del Balbianello, a stunning chateau on Lake Como. The couple looked picture perfect and the setting, sublime. I am honored that they chose my popular "Ahava" Ketubah design and thrilled to see a great photograph of Doug signing the Ketubah on wedding day. Click here to see more beautiful photos from this enchanting wedding on MarthaStewartWeddings.com.

I invite you to visit my Ketubah Tree website to see all of our fine art Ketubot, Wedding certificates, Invitations and program covers. Ketubah Tree is a division of Shell Artistree Fine Art and Licensing.

~Shell

Floating out....

Take my hand and sway with me.

I’ll float along in the current of you….

Pull me close,
Feel my heartbeat staccato pulse dance.
Hide me in the folds of your love.
Keep me warm.
Sing to me and share your words.
And when my eyes grow heavy,
Let me rest….

Cover me in cotton and sing me to sleep.



Words © 2010 Michelle "Shell" Rummel
Photograph by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/treehouse1977/2892417805/

The Kindest Words from Happy Ketubah Clients

"Your energy is beautiful and I am so happy to have one of your Ketubahs." ~Faith

Wow. Sometimes my clients say the most lovely things....xo

Here, Faith's letter in full:

"Michelle,
I just ordered one of your ketubahs for my wedding...I love the design, Life Dance IV. It was hard to choose because all of your work is beautiful. You are also a beautiful writer (I checked out your blog). I was wondering what your inspiration was for the ketubah I chose. I read somewhere on your blog or website that when any individual chooses a particular ketubah, it is reflective of his or her self in some way. Curious about the one I chose and what that might say about me. I like the use of color and the detail. I love all of your work and enjoy reading your blog. Your energy is beautiful and I am so happy to have one of your ketubahs.
Faith"

And my reply:

"Faith,
You chose one of my best selling Ketubah designs. It is based on a design whose edition originally sold out within a few years. Life Dance 4 is so solid…a design I am most proud of. The imagery depicted is all biblical in nature, but with a modern sensibility and I believe that clients who resonate with this special design usually do so because of the beautiful integration of modern imagery with traditional elements of love, family and commitment. I can tell you that I loved painting this and after designing ketubot for 10 years, it is still one of my favorites.
~Shell"

Give the Gift of Art- Fine Art B'nai Mitzvah Gift Prints

Designed to coordinate with our B'nai Mitzvah Invitation collection, each Gift Print features your child's name in English and Hebrew, their Bar/Bat Mitzvah date, and the biblical phrase, "May your eyes shine with the light of Torah and your face reflect the brightness of the heavens", in English and Hebrew.

Each Gift Print is printed on 8.5 x 11" fine art archival paper and is professionally matted in an elegant white matte, to finished size, 11 x 14". The matted print is then slipped into a protective archival sleeve. Framing options available too for a more complete presentation!

Fine art is always appropriate for gift giving, and our beautiful gift prints are a unique and thoughtful gift to commemorate a child becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah!

Click here to see our entire B'nai Mitzvah Gift Print Collection!

Ketubah Sale ~ In Time for Wedding Season

Wedding season is now upon us and our studio is busy creating beautiful custom Ketubot for our wedding clients. In honor of Spring, our full size Ketubah designs are currently 20% off through May 31, 2010.

Click here for Promotion details!

Bar & Bat Mitzvah Invitation Reps and Dealers Wanted!

It's been months in the making, but our studio is finally ready to offer our gorgeous and unique Bar and Bat Mitzvah Invitations to a select group of Dealer Representatives! Dealer interest has been strong and so now we begin interviewing Reps across the country to find outgoing, established, motivated and professional representatives who think our B'nai Mitzvah Invitation collection is fabulous! Know anyone outstanding? Or have a favorite local store that carries upscale invitations?

Our own clients/friends are usually a terrific resource for us....We are open to ideas and suggestions :)

Click here for more information about our Dealer Representative program!

Georgia O'Keeffe Abstractions

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for~ Georgia O'Keeffe


A recent visit to the Phillips Collection museum in Washington DC to see the Georgia O'Keeffe Abstractions exhibit left me newly inspired and exhilarated. Featuring more than 100 Watercolor and Oil paintings, this gorgeous exhibit focuses on O'Keeffe's lesser known Abstract works...beautiful gems, delicate and serene.

I have seen O'Keeffe's work up close before...notably her most famous, and easily recognizable paintings of animal skulls, seashells and sensual flowers. However many times I stood before those famous works, as lovely as they were, never was I moved to silence. I viewed the art and certainly enjoyed the simplicity of the way in which she seemed to so effortlessly capture objects, but that's where it ended for me. I never had a "Gustav Klimt Moment" as I like to call it....a moment where, when viewing a piece of art, all else falls away, leaving just me and the painting alone in the room...my own breath and heartbeat, the only sounds I hear. That is, until I saw the Abstractions exhibit.

This collection of paintings is so gentle, sensual, evocative, erotic and dreamy. Her color palettes go from soft and serene to joltingly energetic. Her lines are exquisite and each piece evokes feeling, emotion, sensitivity and thought. There is an honest integrity in O'Keeffe's work. A genuineness and a purity of soul that comes through so strongly in those brushstrokes. In the end, her abstract paintings ultimately feel like an abstracted portrait of a woman who simply wanted to paint what she felt inside. And I can't help but relate so deeply to that part of her.

And so, with that clarity of thought filling me, validating me, empowering me... I pick up my paintbrush, turn up the music and simply, paint....

~Shell

Credits and Resources:
Series 1 Number 4, painted by Georgia O'Keeffe in 1918 Music,
Pink and Blue No. 2, painted by Georgia O'Keeffe in 1918
Photograph of Georgia O'Keeffe, by Alfred Stieglitz

Dreaming Big...

The sweetest visions come to me like a slow, steady drip coursing through my veins...


They take their own sweet time, breaking surface, swirling, rolling, deftly dancing their way through quarry's of questions and what ifs, defying logic and good sense.


But isn't that what the best dreams are made of?


The ideas that stick, slide under skin and skillfully skim the ridges and roadblocks. They sink silently and fall beside me, waiting for tides to gently shake me awake so I can touch them with the gifts inside and bring them, lovingly, to life.

--Shell

Words and Original Watercolor © 2010 Michelle "Shell" Rummel

Teach Your Children Well....

"You know you're directly making an impact when you see the people you are helping. They were so grateful. It was so touching."~Jordan Rummel, 16 year old

My son, Jordan Rummel and his friend, Marissa Bialek, Juniors at Fairfax High School co-founded Project BOND (Beginning to Open New Doors), a volunteer organization which strengthens family ties, helps children and assists people with emotional or physical disabilities, as well as those suffering economic hardship. Projects have included participating in charitable programs with Fannie Mae, the Salvation Army, the Lamb Shelter and the Capital Area Foodbank.

Recently Jordan and Marissa were honored by the City of Fairfax with a Proclamation by the Mayor and the City Council. It was a very exciting evening for the kids and culminated with an interview in our local newpsaper. You can read the article in full here:

Click HERE to read the article in the Fairfax Connection newspaper

To get involoved or simply to learn more about Project BOND, please visit the website www.projectbond.net

And, yes, I'm a very proud Mama;)

Baby It's Cold Outside...

How can one not be inspired by this?

Look past the ice and see the texture, the sensual line, the shadows, the refraction of light, the colors (yes! Colors such as lilac, pale pink and the softest golds)...the delicate translucence. I see so much more than icicles when I look upon these stunning images and all I'm thinking, dreaming, longing to do is try to capture the magnificence in a watercolor painting....

Inspiration is the key to any artists true success. It's that magic Muse, that often indefinable yet, oh so recognizable spark that marks the beginning of an idea or vision. It moves you towards creation and often guides you along the way. For me, that moment of inspiration usually begins with the distinct physical sensation of pulse quickening and heart beats which makes perfect sense to me...When we truly pay attention we notice that the heart leads the way, most of the time.

Such is the case with many of my new paintings and designs here in the studio. I've been paying attention to the natural beauty around me and I've been newly inspired and refocused on painting during these cold Winter months. I look forward to sharing my new work with our clients, galleries, stores and friends in the coming weeks. Good stuff coming, that I hope will make your heart beat just a little faster.

~Shell

Words and Images by Shell Rummel

© 2010 Michelle "Shell" Rummel

Thank You for a Wonderful Open House

Our stunning new silk pillow collection

It was wonderful to see so many friends at our annual Studio Open House! For two days, we opened our doors and invited family, friends and collectors to browse our artwork and new product lines amidst a casual, relaxed and easy atmosphere. It is always a pleasure to see you! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our event!

~Shell

Please click here to view memorable photos from our event.

All artwork and collections are available for purchase on our Poetreestudio.com website

Holiday Open House - Roadtrip anyone?

Please join us for our annual Holiday Studio Open House. Thursday December 3rd and 4th. For details including our studio address, please view the full invitation by clicking the link below. We'd love to see you!

click here to view the Invitation: 2009 Holiday Studio Open House

MitzvahArtistree.com Website Re-Design is Complete!

I am so proud to announce the re-launch of our Mitzvahartistree.com website!

Our newly designed site showcases our artistic, Eco-Friendly B'nai Mitzvah Invitation collections and thoughtful gift ideas for honoring this milestone celebration. I have been busy painting several new designs for the season and am excited to share them. I hope my art inspires and delights you and your child!

~Shell

Resources and Credits:

Promise Bat Mitzvah Invitation

Artist: Michelle "Shell" Rummel

All artwork © 2009 Michelle Rummel

A Girl's Gotta Do, What A Girl's Gotta Do....

This week, I've done my best to block out distractions (Twitter, Blip, unannounced studio visits, Twitter, long lunches ...did I mention Twitter??)

If I seem quieter than usual, it's only because I am working hard behind the scenes to re-launch our Mitzvah Artistree website. As anyone who has ever designed a website knows, the process feels a bit like moving a mountain.

The www.mitzvahartistree.com website showcases our popular B'nai Mitzvah Invitation collection. Our invitation designs are literally flying out the door lately and our original website couldn't keep up. We have spent the better part of 4 months redesigning and restructuring the site to make it more user friendly and visually beautiful. It has been a massive undertaking, requiring hours of focused dedication from my wonderful staff. The website is almost ready to re-launch (fingers crossed & holding of breath). I expect we will go "live" any moment now. It looks fantastic and we know it will do good things for my art.

In the meantime, la la la la la....I can't hear you. Shhhh.... I am busy working.....;)

~Shell

Cool Winds Wrap Me

I beg the summer sun to linger longer (the music's still playing...come, dance with me?) but it only laughs as it dips deep and slides electric into the shadows...leaving me standing naked and alone.

Cool winds wrap me...can't get warm.

I shiver.

Sheltering leaves blanket me as the last of bluegreen summer scent floats towards fingertips and drips down bark, over bare shoulders....


Resources and credits:
Meant To Be - original watercolor painting by Michelle "Shell" Rummel
Poetry by Michelle "Shell" Rummel
© Michelle "Shell" Rummel

A Comfort Beyond Words

You must habit yourself to the dazzle of the light and of every moment of your life...

~ W. Whitman

I always feel an inherent sadness as the last days of summer slowly roll by. August into September, this transition, leaves me aching for the warmth of summer sun, gone too soon as we slide swiftly into September. I find myself missing the heat well before it's even gone. Yes, a true artist's soul, complete with just a touch of melancholy angst.

In times of transition, I look to surround myself with comfort of mind, body and soul. A fresh new book... Rest, if my body will accept it...Music to bring inspiration or to steady my breathing... Those I love, pulled even closer to wrap my heart warm.

And then there's Walt.

I carry a small condensed pocket classic edition of Walt Whitman's Song of Myself with me everywhere I go. Tiny enough to fit within my hands, each morning I sift through the tattered dog eared pages looking for phrases of inspiration, energy, purpose to begin my day. Each evening I look once more for his magic words to calm, to soothe, to reassure. A master at visual imagery, Whitman's epic poem, a celebration of self as it relates to the magnificent beauty of the earth, sky and world around him...wonderfully exuberant, spiritual, soulful, sensual, playful, peaceful and at times, a little heavy handed as well. All elements and words combine with grace...part of his charm for sure and for me, the ultimate guilty pleasure...a comfort beyond words.

Farewell beautiful summer sun....

Credits and resources: Walt Whitman Song of Myself, Shambhala Pocket Classics

Edited by Stephen Mitchell

You Just Know It...When It's Right

Several weeks ago, one of my favorite people on twitter, Steve Finikiotis (@finikiotis ~YES, follow him! He is elegance, eloquence, intelligence and compassion combined!) posted a link to a marvelous interview by Charlie Rose of iconic French Photographer, Brigitte Lacombe. It was a long interview but well worth the time investment. Lacombe offered a poignant and informative insight into her process of capturing the world's most beautiful and interesting faces on film. The interview coincided with the launch of her newest book titled 'anima/persona'.

Lacombe, arrestingly beautiful in her simplicity, was clearly anxious in front of the camera. I listened and watched intently as Rose skillfully led her through a series of gentle and intimate questions that allowed her to talk freely about her passion...it was fascinating and endearing to see her soften as her words began to flow with more ease. The more she spoke, she charmed me (and obviously, Rose as well) and by the end, I considered myself a fan for life.

Lacombe explained how capturing an image is most often instinctive...there are no words to describe 'how' it occurs, rather it is the feeling of the moment, without thought. Her job , she said, is to put her subjects in the best light, acknowledging that the best photos are ones where the subject is fearless, giving up his/her will, in essence surrendering to the moment. When it is 'there', visually, you just know it.

Naturally, as an artist myself, Lacombe's words resonated deeply. Some of my best work has come during moments of surrender. Creativity often flourishes when the walls of boundary and constraint are gently lowered. For me, when I am painting and the colors mix and melt and the line and design flows with grace and purpose, well... as Brigitte would say, you just know it.

A mysterious large and heavy package recently arrived on my doorstep. As I peeled away the wrapping, to my complete surprise, I discovered I was holding Lacombe's book, 'anima/persona' within my own two hands. A belated birthday gift from my family, proving that they actually do hear me when I wax poetic about the things that move and inspire me. This magnificent book, a collectors dream, is a stunning collection that I will forever treasure.


~Shell


Credits and Resources:

The interview...please watch when you have time to truly enjoy and absorb. It's lovely, I promise... http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10512

The Book: Photographer Brigitte Lacombe, anima/persona http://www.artbook.com/9783865216441.html

Special thanks to my dear friend, Steve Finikiotis for being a constant source of positive inspiration. Please visit Steve's blog and you'll quickly get a sense of how unique this gentleman is: http://ospreyvision.com/blog/steve/
And on twitter: http://twitter.com/finikiotis

She Swayed Me

Am here between the earth and sky, floating, rolling, wondering why. It's taking so long to be found...I barely breathe... no sound.

But then, you find me in the grass, hold me tight and make it last. Take my hand in yours, you'll see...it fits just right, this part of me...

It's clearly meant to be.

You'll feel me slide beneath your skin, anchored to your soul within. Setting sun and sinking sky, wind sways but you won't question why.

You'll only know that this feels right, this swaying onset of nights light. So lay with me, let's dream, let's sleep...sway with me, into the deep.



Credits and Resources:
She Swayed Me, Original watercolor painting by artist, Michelle "Shell" Rummel
Original Poetry by Michelle "Shell" Rummel
All artwork © 2009 Michelle Rummel

I'll Be Here...

When the dawn is due,
Before the rays reach me,
I'll be here.
Waiting and watching.
Looking and hoping.
Maybe I'll be the one...
To discover the mystery of you.

Credits and Resources:
I'll Be Here- Original Watercolor Painting by artist Michelle "Shell" Rummel
All artwork © 2009 Michelle Rummel

Staying Connected...

…Don’t it always seem to go

That you don’t know what you've got

Till its gone… ~ Joni Mitchell

Not to be melodramatic, but for a few alarming hours yesterday, Twitter crashed. For those of us who have embraced this social media phenomenon, Twitter crashing felt like losing a most beloved well worn address book, complete with all the handwritten notes, scribbles, business cards, doodles, cross outs and redirect arrows in the margins.

Twitter is about connecting and sharing with people. And while I acknowledge that my initial focus for tweeting was professionally based and that many purposeful business contacts have indeed been born because of it, what has evolved for me personally is entirely different.

There are many creative, smart and witty folks within the Twitter community…the key is finding and following the quality among the quantity. I am fortunate to have followed a handful of truly lovely strangers who I now call, friend. I find it fascinating that meaningful, fulfilling relationships can be forged even with limited communication tools…In 140 characters or less, we have shared our work, our passions, our music, our inspiration, our art, our politics, our poetry, our words…ourselves. The character limit forces conciseness of thought in each exchange…alluring on its own and yet occasionally frustrating…sometimes it seems, there is so much more to say.

Twitter’s crash, brief as it was, opened my eyes to the reality of a semi virtual world where, in the blink of an eye, we can all be involuntarily disconnected. Special ones who have gotten under my skin (oh, you know who you are), I take this moment to tell you how real and dear and valuable you are to me. You fill me and for that, I will now hold you even closer.

Shell

Come follow me on Twitter

http://twitter.com/shellartistree

"I wanna hold your hand" image, courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/batega/1865482908/

Artist Inspiration~ Egon Schiele

Austrian Painter, Egon Schiele (1890-1918)

"At present, I am mainly observing the physical motion of mountains, water, trees and flowers. One is everywhere reminded of similar movements in the human body, of similar impulses of joy and suffering in plants." E. Schiele

I had the pleasure of closely viewing many of Schiele's drawings and sketches at the Neue Galerie in New York a few years ago. His figurative works are easily defined by the detailed bone structure he managed to capture...the bones, muscle and joints beneath the skin. Notable was the absolute delicacy of each often heavy, line...a talent to express strength, grace and sinew all within the same line...don't you think?

Having studied and worked alongside fellow Modernism heavy weights such as Gustav Klimt and Oskar Kokoscha, many of his portraits, erotic in nature, have a tense beauty that seems to come from within. Schiele favored geometric shapes and his portraits have a twisting, bending, jerky, angled presence about them. Favoring a muddier palette, his work was often punctuated with jolts of intense color. His paintings and sketches are both visually stunning and unnerving at the same time.

Shell

Fall For You...

Fall For You

Then she was there
In his dreams day and night
Crept inside his soul, snuggled in
Surprised them both
How simple it was
To surrender to it, and freefall...

Resources and Credits: Fine art original watercolor and Poetry by Michelle "Shell" Rummel http://www.poetreestudio.com/fallforyou.asp All artwork and Poetry © 2009 Michelle Rummel

Afternoon Shadow

When the sun starts to sink,
The colors of the earth begin to melt together.
All is slow and quiet... and I can breathe.



Resources and Credits: Fine art original watercolor and Poetry by Michelle "Shell" Rummel
http://www.poetreestudio.com/afternoonshadow.asp
All artwork and Poetry © 2009 Michelle Rummel

Peaceful Painting Day

Shell, painting... working on her newest watercolor design, inspired by the ocean blue.

Free Style

One morning, while on my recent trip to the ocean, I woke before sunrise and walked to the beach. A quiet place, the beach, at that early hour, I savored those moments of solitude…just me, my ipod in hand, walking along, searching for shells, in anticipation of the rising sun.

I soon came upon a man who was floating along in the cold Atlantic current. At first, I barely noticed him, his presence was so calm and quiet, as if one with the waves. And since one of my favorite things to do is to simply watch people as they move within their own space, I silently sat at the place where the softness of sand meets the smoothness from receding waves. Me, a meditative, quiet form, sitting patiently, breathing slow, listening to my music, just watching him float and roll with the water flow.

It was some time before he noticed me there, but when he did, I perceived a brief moment of self consciousness wash over him. He casually looked around to see if it might be someone else I was intently gazing at…something else within my path of vision. Resigned, he now left the passiveness of floating and began to swim…beautiful long arm strokes, kicking legs slicing the surf spray. He dove headfirst through oncoming waves…stood, shook his head, ran his fingers through his hair, spun around and around. He was clearly enjoying being watched, being noticed. And I smiled because I was joyfully watching him, happy to give him this moment in the early morning sunshine spotlight.

And it occurred to me, isn’t this what we all want? To be noticed in a gentle, non obtrusive way ~ To be appreciated for the good we inherently possess and have to offer ~ To not be judged by others for decisions we make and paths we choose ~ To be allowed the freedom to just be, in stillness or movement, however we wish within our own spaces?

We all move about so quickly in the daily chaos that is our lives. Take a moment to breathe deep, notice, appreciate and share the beautiful, unusual, unexpected gifts that are all around you. They are there…just open your eyes and ...watch.

-Shell

Words and Photo credit: Michelle "Shell" Rummel

Wave Study- work in progress

The ocean waves roll in and out...Quick Wave Studies for a new watercolor painting I am currently working on.

I would love it if you would take a moment to look and leave a few words for me...can be feedback or simply your thoughts on the work or subject. From your comments, I'll choose my favorite(s) and send the author(s) of those favorite(s) a free print when the painting is complete.

This watercolor is still a work in progress. Your words might inspire...take a chance...

Shell