How much does environment play in the success of an artist?

Lynne Perrella

As an artist, I believe there's a necessary recipe of things that need to meld together to accomplish the perfect dish of inspiration/passion/creativity. Having said that, it doesn't mean I'm not consistently passionate about wanting to creating art...However, having said that...I have days where creation spills out of me like water from a faucet...and days where it's dried up like the desert. I've never gotten to the point where I have a dream studio space. I've had better, I've had worse. Right now, it's in between. In fact, the name "Studio Petite" originated from this very issue! It's true that when someone really wants to succeed at something, they'll find a way. I have found that way...to the best of my knowledge/abilities. This blog may sound like I'm wining or making excuses...Definitely not my intention. Though, my goal is to succeed largely enough at what I'm doing, to have EVEN more freedom, space, etc. to spread my artistic wings. For example...I currently work in watercolor, Photoshop, and mixed media. I've always wanted to get into oil painting, or paint on larger canvases...Not going to currently happen. So, my question is...How much do you feel your surroundings push you one way or the other when it comes to happily expressing yourself?

Here are some studios that inspire:

theworldsbestever.com Eric Fischl's art studio. 

Atelier Cezanne. Lauves Studio.

apartmenttherapy.com The Brain by Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects.

apartmenttherapy.com LA Kelly's Retro Loft. 

Amadea Bailey

theluxhome.com

A little artistic inspirational head's up for 2012! Viva La Color!

I recently read this interesting article on Pantone's top color for 2012: http://www.refinery29.com/tangerine-tango-pantone-colors-2012 I incorporate Pantone in marker form and Photoshop form in to my art. However, this isn't the main reason I'm drawn to this. A few years back, I wore a lot of color...It made me feel happy, alive, artistic, inspired, and most of all...me! As time went on...this lessened and deadened. Sad? I think so...Was it because I was sad? Hmmm...maybe. I was going through a more somber phase...Luckily, things are looking up these days! Though, I feel the main thing that pushed me over the edge was moving to NYC. I lived in Manhattan for 2 years. Don't get me wrong...I loved the vibe, the magical access to all things, and the diverse people melting upon the streets...It's just that it's mostly consumed by a sea of black and grey fabrics. I'll admit...In ways, I'm a slave to trends and fashion in general. I am sincere in staying true and authentic to who I am. However, let's face it...You see flared jeans left and right...you buy flared...You see skinny jeans over and over...you buy skinny...so on and so on...I also belive the gloomy attire sweeping this nation has been due to the depressive state we've all been in. SOOOO...I fall upon this article, and I have hope! Hope for myself, and hope for the rest of us beautiful souls whom have lost their luster/their sparkle/their glitterfied pitter patter for all things colorful!! Even if I'm buying in to the trends...Viva La Color!

An artist's journey to Atlanta

I recently attended the Atlanta gift show over the weekend. It was so exciting and inspiring for several reasons. I had been to Surtex in NYC, but never the Atlanta show. If you're a licensed artist, buyer, or agent...You should definitely check it out! I do warn you though...It's massive...go with a game plan, or you'll be consumed by product. Also, wear comfy shoes. I'll admit...I've ignored this at times in the past...Luckily, you can still wear flats or low boots, and look chic girls ;). Back to the inspirational part. Seeing my work on product...there's just nothing better! It's so so rewarding to see your vision come to life, and to know your hard work has paid off. It's also crucial to walk the showrooms...It gives you a sense of what's hot and being licensed. Lastly, you can interact with other artists...This is critical for our mental, spiritual, and creative mind/heart/soul! Being an isolated artist working in my studio...I can feel in the bell jar. I'm hyper critical of my work. It never helps when my hands float across the keyboard only to stumble upon other artist's beautifully licensed designs...Sighhhhhh It's not that I don't have my confident days...I do. However, let's face it...thi business is pretty much entirely based on opinion...When you only have your own head judging you...it can be a rough road! A goal of mine is to make this the year of being less perfectionistic and more free with my art. It's true it's a job...but, it should be a job of fun, whimsy, and passion!

Me with my new line from Evergreen/Cypress for Christmas 2012:

Standing in front of my "Buzz On In" flag in the Evergreen showroom:

Two more of my flags in the Evergreen showroom:

Standing near my coffee mug in the LANG showroom:

Inspired and excited about my new artist's blog!

Hi everyone! Long time no write. I hope your 2012 has started out healthy, happy, and full of hope. For awhile, I posted a blog. Unfortunately, it fell by the wayside. Soooo, my goal in 2012 is to remain dedicated to posting my artistic adventures at least twice a week. For those of you who are just now stumbling upon me...I'm a licensed artist/designer. I use a variety of mediums...watercolor, pen and ink, colored pencil, marker, acrylic, collage... Basically, anything that brings my vision to paper or canvas! My work ends up an everything from greeting cards to coffee mugs. I feel it's a special and unique experience to bring my fans/readers in to my world of creation...and if I can meet some creative and/or inspiring souls along the way?...even BETTER!!!! So, get to know me, my art, my process, my world, my coffee obsession...and hopefully, I'll get to know some of you!