by Debra Cortese | Dec 1, 2017 | custom art & design, Debra Cortese Designs Handbags, Delaware River, Gift Certificates, GIFTS, Greeting Cards, honey bees, Narrowsburg, Nature Designs by Debra Cortese, Nature Lovers Gift List, nature photography, nature's energy, Patterns, photography, shopping
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.Â
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
by Percy Cat | Feb 8, 2013 | ART, art business, Art Licensing, custom art & design, nature's energy, paintings, Patterns
Since I’ve recently packed up my life’s belongings and made the move from Miami back to my childhood hometown, Narrowsburg, NY, I’m rediscovering work that I had tucked away in folders, portfolios and boxes. I was delighted to rediscover a folder of small, 5×7 inch acrylic paintings, really exercises in painting, small studies feels like the correct term. And, with my more experienced designer eyes, now saw these previously not so special works as prime material for derivative works. The waves and swirls of color are perfect for patterns and repeat designs. I see home decor textiles, wrapping paper, kitchen and bath designs, handbags of course, and oh, so many possibilities!
I’ve scanned all of them into high resolution files and have already begun the re-design process. And, since I really no longer need to hold on to these colorful little gems, I’ve decided to post them here on my ebay page so an astute and appreciative new art collector will be able to add to or start a collection of original paintings that literally vibrate with joyful shapes and colors.
If you may be that collector, here is the link to all of the small works. Happy bidding and if you are really interested, contact meand make an offer. You will make my day just by appreciating the art 😉
by Percy Cat | Oct 31, 2012 | #SMCSFBloggOff, ART, astrology designs, cortese design handbags, custom art & design, Flower of Life, GIFTS, nature's energy
I’ve been thoroughly entranced with Flower of Life throughout this year and when I think back, this has been with me forever. Flower of Life is the ultimate representation of the powerful, core elements of life.
When you can truly know the visible and underlying structures of our universe, Flower of Life is the basis of source energy that connects every thing we can see and imagine: tangible physical things, thoughts, relationships, events. Flower of Life is smaller than the smallest known element and is capable of expanding into entire universes – to infinity and beyond. Every structure of sacred geometry can be found by connecting points within the Flower of Life. This is my current favorite aspect of it. I anticipate a long and progressive relationship with this powerful energy and know it has many more secrets to share. It is a process of learning, accepting and cultivating the properties that are aligned with the work I love and using the energy of Flower of Life to create and share life stories. It connects every thing and every one.
We are only limited by our beliefs. Imagination and focus are key elements to be all we desire. Our ultimate, true power lies within our hearts and our thoughts. I’ve had FOCUS as my personal keyword for several years. It continues to challenge and remind me to stay on the path that is the most joyful and inspiring one for the highest good of all.
I have so much in my head as I write this, but want to keep these posts somewhat focused and hopefully interesting. Your comments are always welcomed especially because our relationships are vital to the expansion of who we are all becoming.
And… of course I have new Flower of Life designs to share 🙂
click on the image for larger views and full details.
PLUS… The NEW 2018 FLOWER OF LIFE iphone cases are available HERE in my Society6 Shop.
by Percy Cat | Oct 18, 2012 | #SMCSFBloggOff, ART, Art Licensing, custom art & design, GIFTS, interests, my garden, nature's energy, photography, rescue cats
FAIL missed 2 days of 30 day blogoff challenge #SMCSFBlogOff
However, I’ll make up for by sharing a new image of Oreo, our first Florida rescue cat, who will turn 9 years old this month.
One of the first art exhibits I participated in when we moved to Florida in 2003 was the holiday event at Cauley Square. Oreo was a tiny, scared kitten that had been dropped off to fend for himself. He was beyond scrawney, but very hungry and willing to come out of hiding to eat just the small crumbs of food that my daughter Jenna, was luring him in with. He devoured the crumbs and became the first of our tribe of 7 rescue cats that now rule my morning and evening rountines.
Morning coffee with the kitties under my favorite garden trees is the best way to start any day!
Here’s another Oreo pose… across the table watching, waiting for another crumb from any thing a human is eating. He has a healthy appetite and is an excellent sleeper 🙂
 Happy Birthday Oreo!
by Percy Cat | Oct 8, 2012 | ART, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, cortese design handbags, custom art & design, Devas, eco green, General optimism, interests, Miami, my garden, nature's energy
Raindrops were glimmering through the morning fog and an odd looking creature was hanging from the bamboo leaves next to my driveway. As my family and friends know, I can never resist a closer look at something that moves, makes a sound or has an unusual shadow, shape, or smell.
The “creature” turned out to be three Zebra Long Wing Butterflies. Two males, sexually aroused and not so patiently, waiting for the young female to emerge from her cocoon. I originally thought they were either dining on some other unknown creature or assisting the young lady in unfurling her wings, but further research* suggested that mating with a newly emerged female is part of the dance of life for these butterflies. The female releases a pheromone as she is unfurling her virgin wings and the males have excellent pheromone sensors. This also made sense as to why so many other males were fluttering around the same branch practically knocking the perched males off the bamboo branch.
Of course, since today was the first day of Social Media Club South Florida’s 30 day blog challenge…
this would be my topic – with images and oh yes, even a new design based on the Zebra butterflies. Well, about 7 hours later (I did accomplish other things in this time and realize it is essential to pare this way down for future posts, but as often happens, the project took on a life of its own) I’m finally putting all of the pieces together and getting this on my blog!
I invite you to share the beauty, power and magic of your garden or neighborhood in a comment with a photo on this post, or by email to debra (at) debracortese.com
Enjoy the beauty, power and magic of nature every day!
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*Susan Leach Snyder has provided a great resource on Zebra Long Wing Butterflies (the official Florida state butterfly) on the Conservancy of Southwest Florida website.
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