Original photo of the pine and oak trees that inspired Debra’s new bark patterns
Both the pine and oak bark patterns that are featured on clothing and home decor products were inspired by my love and curiosity for the variety of textures and colors of my surroundings. The models for this new design were actually the mature pine tree, the tall one behind the canoe in the landscape photo, and the hand-holding couple of oak trees that stand like guardians on the bank of the Delaware River just outside my studio window.
The trees and the surrounding plants (along with my gardens) serve as hosts to many creatures depending upon the time of year. In spring and summer, this particular pine tree is often inhabited by a hive of honeybees. They return each year to a long, narrow crevasse in the tree’s west side. I haven’t yet tasted their honey but am quite certain a visiting bear delights in his visits to this tree!
The colors and textures of the bark on this glorious pine tree were best captured with macro photography which I intently reviewed to select a most appealing detail section for the pine bark pattern. I’ve added images of several of the most popular ‘Pine Bark” products that are available from my Society6 shop.
I hope you enjoy the texture and colors of my tree bark designs. I certainly enjoyed creating them!
3 Oak Tree Bark Patterns by Debra Cortese
now available on clothing, accessories, tech and home decor products
click on images for product descriptions, options and pricing
Click on the green square to see the holiday gnome swinging in the Christmas Pines
My garden gnome is now enjoying the winter out of the cold river winds. His favorite place is on top of the studio bookcase where he has a picture window view of the Delaware River.
Wishing you a joyful Christmas and Holiday Season 🙂
I’ve set myself some solid goals and even created an action calender for the next 6 months – all based on my commitment to exhibit at Surtex in May 2011! I’ve had the art licensing dream for over 25 years and have dabbled in it intermittently over that time period. I’ve created a lot of art for hire – logos, t-hirts, custom designs for client products and events; have a respectable presence on Cafe Press where I share my art on calendars, mugs, shirts, hats, magnets, cards, ornaments and more… and of course there are the Cortese Design Bags, but I ultimately want to create art that gets seen every day!
Many artists I know cringe at the thought of having their art reproduced on ‘God forbid – a shower curtain!’ and I do understand where they are coming from. I have many paintings and images that I am very emotionally invested in for all kinds of reasons and would not want these reproduced on placemats or paperplates! However, because of my experiences when observing the nature elements that I photograph for my art, I know that the energy of the forest, trees, fields, plants, flowers, and wildlife is not only palpable, but the vibrations that they emit can profoundly affect our physiology. Have you noticed how much better you feel after even a short walk in nature? Granted, the physical movement of your body is a major aspect of this experience, but a walk along a mountain stream is infinitely more refreshing and energizing than a jog down the cement sidewalks of most city neighborhoods.
I’ve been hiking, gardening, and walking in nature and enJOYing this for as long as I can remember. I have delightful childhood memories of helping Nana in her huge vegetable garden along the Delaware River; of playing along the banks of the pond my father carved out of stream beside our home in Narrowsburg, NY and picking wildflowers along the country road walk home from our neighbor’s farm where I’d visit as often as possible to see the animals and help weed the gardens 🙂
Every day I visualize my work on thousands of home, garden and personal items. A huge part of this vision is to share the magic, the powerful energy that I feel when I’m working with the nature images. I know many, many people are avid gardeners, flower enthusiasts, nature lovers and I’m pretty sure they will all agree that there is no better feeling than being ‘in’ nature, whether tending a garden or hiking a new mountain trail. It is so much more than it appears on the surface. The vibrations of our physical bodies align with the vibrations of the plants and we literally ‘feel’ better, happier, healthier. I believe that the images and designs created from nature’s palette of vibrant colors and shapes produce similar vibrations and when people use a product that features a Nature’s Energy design they will be able to experience some of the magic and power of nature.
For fellow artists or anyone who is interested in getting or staying focused on something you are passionate about, I’d like to recommend listening to, or reading any of the work by Esther and Jerry Hicks and Abraham. They are releasing a new CD this week – Getting Into The Vortex: Guided Meditations CD and User Guide – and I can’t wait for mine to arrive!
Affiliate Note: I only recommend products or services that I personally use and believe in and I may earn a commission on products that you purchase from following a link on this page. This is another way an artist/entrepreneur is able to earn money and continue doing the kinds of work we love.
On Sunday, March 14th, for my very first time, I’ll have my art and handbags in one of the most festive and friendliest art events in South Florida. I’ll join fellow GroveHouse Artists and 60 or so others, plus several bands (think live music/dancing in the streets), and all of the residents along a two block stretch in Coconut Grove called Gifford Lane for the 12th annual art event that resonates with Old Grove artsy-ness 😉 The show starts at noon and ends at 5pm. It’s daylight savings time, so set that clock ahead on Saturday night and on Sunday around noon, head over to Coconut Grove and ‘do’ the Gifford Lane Art Stroll! Be sure to stop by and say hello! Last Year’s Event – slideshow from Rosie and Phil Brown:
Official event Press Release from Gifford Lane Artist, Trina Collins:
Coconut Grove’s Secret Art Festival: Gifford Lane Art Stroll
Reappears for 12th Year of
Misbehavin’ Under the Trees
March 8, 2010, Coconut Grove, FL
It’s the Grove the way the Grove once was. Like an exotic bloom that flowers but once a year, the wild blossom unfolds its petals once more: the twelfth annual celebration of the original Gifford Lane Art Stroll will burst into color and lilting music along one usually sleepy little block of Gifford Lane between Oak and Day Avenues (3200 block) on Sunday, March 14th from 12 noon to five o’clock.
The event features more than sixty visual artists displaying their works on the fences and in the front yards along the cute little lane, including a number of the finest artists in the region.
Sculpture, portraits, tile mosaics, large abstract paintings, photography, mixed media, and jewelry, as well as several specific art forms that have no name will be displayed along the shady lane n the informal tropical setting.
The Art Stroll has long established a strong reputation for first rate art that sells at amazingly affordable prices. Unlike some other street festivals, the Stroll is known among the artist community as a place where artists really come to sell and people come to buy. Artists line up to get in this show. All sorts of folks show up: people from the next block, celebrities from the Beach, well-known City politicians, sports stars, and now people from out of state are showing up for what is called one cool art party.
Some neighbors open their homes to perfect strangers who want to just hang out and chat or maybe use the rest room or discuss Obama’s health plan.
This is one amazing place to buy tropical art and tuck it under your arm, but it is an even more remarkable place to just chill, sip endless glasses of intoxicating cucumber punch, or eat grilled shrimp on big skewers, have home cooked burgers, and participate in long leisurely political or philosophical conversations with absolute strangers, and then do some mean dancing in the street, and then dance a little more.
The live music is nonstop all afternoon and the tunes are sweet, sweeter, and sweetest. In addition to the Coconut Grove Juggling Exchange, there will also be a number of popular local bands appearing, including: Blue Man Grove in their first headliner gig at the Stroll, and also the Coffee House Gypsies. Additionally, several other well-known area groups are expected to drop by and jam. There is plenty of casual street dancing as the party progresses. Live music, old style.
The nearly legendary little Art Stroll continues a Grove tradition of wild and crazy artists who defy convention to bring people together in the magical clearing under the trees. More than a decade ago, a half-dozen active artists lived on this block of Gifford. They started the tradition. Most of them have now moved away but a hearty band of neighbors—several dozen strong–meet frequently to carry on this most unlikely of all arts festivals.
Almost the only way you are going to hear about the Gifford Lane Art Stroll is by word of mouth—they don’t advertise and each year thousands of people attend over the course of the afternoon. People who knew the Grove decades ago swear this is the closest thing you’re ever going to experience that looks and feels just exactly like the old Grove the way it was.
“We only have the Art Stroll one afternoon a year,” says founder Trina Collins, “but we now have residents who have purchased homes on the block because of the Art Stroll. It is all done by resident volunteers. In the months of January through March we have potluck suppers with 25 or thirty folks in people’s homes and have some amazing food and planning sessions. It is really quite remarkable how this little festival has brought so many diverse neighbors together. We all know each other as a result of this. It has made us a community. The Gifford Lane Art Stroll is a real friendly afternoon in Coconut Grove. Everybody should come out and buy some art and have some cucumber punch.”
Once again, all of the participating artists at the Art Stroll will be giving a percentage of their sales to two Grove charities—this percentage will be added to contributions made by the public and neighbors living on the block. The two benefiting Grove charities are the St. Stephen’s AIDS Ministry and the St. Alban’s Day Care Center in the Village West. Each year, the Art Stroll donates 100% of the proceeds to the charities. Last year more than $4,000 cash was donated. More than $30,000 has been contributed to Grove charities since the Art Stroll began.
The Gifford Lane Art Stroll promises to be a good hearted afternoon of delights under the leafy canopy on Sunday, March 14 from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Be sure to be there.
For further information contact: Trina Collins (305) 445-9698
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with so many events this week, but still want to get out, see fabulous art and maybe even do a little holiday shopping…you will definitely want to visit our One-Night-Only, Holiday Art Bazaar on Sat, Dec. 5th at the Mutiny Hotel in Coconut Grove, Florida.
The Bazaar starts at 6 and runs until 9 pm. Arrive early, enjoy complimentary champagne and chocolates, meet the artists, see original paintings and prints, sculpture, designer handbags, custom made jewelry, reiki demonstrations, and much more…all created by the following local and international artists:
Shari Beffingham, Leo Casino, Debra Cortese, Laura Cerwinske, Karen Deilke, Pauline Goldsmith, Carol Haggiag, Atena Komar, Monique Lassooij, Maria Napoles, Irina Patterson, Valentina Ramos, Maui Reple, Fevi Reyes, Eileen Seitz, Harry van Gestel.
The Mutiny Hotel is presenting this event as part of their Pure Imagination program in conjunction with the monthly Coconut Grove Art Stroll. You can also enjoy poolside cocktails and even stay for dinner at Atchana’s East/West Kitchen, located right on the premises and just a few steps from the Holiday Art Bazaar!
Where else can you enjoy complimentary champagne and chocolates, hear great live jazz, wrap up your holiday shopping with delightfully unique art gifts and not have to pay an admission charge?
Mark you calendar right now for Saturday night, December 5th and join us at The Mutiny Hotel, 2951 S.Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove, FL 33133.
Many of the artists will have special offers available only during this event!
For example: I’ll be showing my line of handbags and, for this event only, when you BUY ONE bag at the regular price of $130. you can get a 2nd bag at 50% off! Click here to preview Cortese Design Bags.
Holiday Art Bazaar: FREE Admission. Valet parking ($8.00 – a bargain most anywhere in Miami!)
Just posted Pauline’s Painting News in the comments below. Here’s an image from one of the cards Pauline will have at the show. Package of 4 amazing botanical images @10. Great Stocking Stuffers!
Tropical Botanic Art Greeting Cards - Goldsmith Galleries
Today I’m confirming the artists (names and images further down in this post) who will be part of our Holiday ‘Art’ Bazaar at The Mutiny Hotel on December 5th in Coconut Grove, Florida.
For one-night-only, you can shop, enjoy complimentary champagne and chocolates, listen to live jazz by Leo Casino, and purchase unique, original art, jewelry, sculpture, fine art prints, cards, handbags, and more ‘art’ gifts created by professional artists, designers, and craftspeople of South Florida, Latin America, and the Netherlands – all in one place!
Leo Casino
A LITTLE BACKGROUND ART INFO:
On the first Saturday of every month, Coconut Grove hosts an ever-changing, stimulating, and more often than not, surprising (I always love when the people of Hare Krishna parade through the galleries and share their joyful music and energy!) Art Stroll.
December promises to be one of the best ever because, after all, Art Basel Miami is in town and… ART IS EVERYWHERE!!! So much that it’s almost a bit overwhelming, especially if you try to see it all and attend every event.
This year, you’ll have the option of taking a leisurely Art Break. Join us at the Holiday Art Bazaar, sip complimentary champagne, enjoy luscious chocolates and get some (or all) of your holiday shopping done at the same time, in the same place!
THE MUTINY HOTEL PRESENTS – PURE IMAGINATION – HOLIDAY ART BAZAAR
The Arts continue to thrive in historic Coconut Grove, and the once-infamous (I’ve heard many eyebrow-raising stories!) Mutiny Hotel now draws a new kind of attention to itself, every first Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The bright swatch of coral that is The Mutiny Hotel and the intensely blue South Florida sky offer the perfect backdrop for the colorful and thought-provoking works of South Florida’s artists.
Join us on Dec. 5th, 2009 for an exclusive,
ONE-NIGHT-ONLY, Holiday Art Bazaar!
This is your chance to see some of the most creative works of this select group of artists in a casual setting, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, wine pours, champagne and chocolates. Jazz musician, Leo Casino will be entertaining us in his impressive and incomparable style.
Enjoy Poolside Cocktails and Dinner… before or after Art!
Atchana’s East/West Kitchen is a sophisticated hideaway located on the ground level of The Mutiny Hotel. Open to the public and hotel guests, this unique dining establishment serves a sumptuous array of fresh, authentic Asian dishes, along with American Classics such as New York Strip Steak and Snapper Filets.
Enjoy dinner and/or cocktails in the intimate wood-paneled 45-seat indoor dining room, or outdoors, next to the poolside waterfall.
Check back here soon to see more of the art and artists that are participating in this exclusive, ONE NIGHT ONLY event and be sure to mark Saturday, December 5th on your calendar right now! The Mutiny Hotel has valet parking at a very reasonable $8, and we’ll have more than a few surprises for ‘Holiday Art Bazaar’ guests! Admission is FREE!
Contact me at: debra@debracortese if you have any questions about Holiday Art Bazaar.
Here’s a sample of one of the first email messages I look forward to opening every morning:
Every single minute of every single day, they’re there, Debra.
They may be hidden behind circumstances, people, or light poles. Challenges, closed doors, or lost keys. Camouflaged, dovetailed, or whispering. Purring, kissing, or hissing. But more often than not they’re laying about in the open, under a clear blue sky, in plain view. Absolutely. Guaranteed. You’d throttle me otherwise.
You will be able to choose the dollar value of your gift
when you click the order button below.
NOTE: The Gift Certificate shown here
is issued through my safe, secure Paypal merchant account. Contact me at: debra@debracortese.
You can also order by phone: 305-665-2528
– and I can’t wait for mine to arrive!
Join Debra's Nature, Energy & Art News list and you'll always first to know about new art, designs, events and products.
PLUS as a subscriber, you will receive exclusive, members-only discounts and special offers.
AND...as a list member, you are automatically entered in all of Debra's GIVEAWAYS.
Click