by Debra Cortese | Feb 21, 2018 | nature's energy
NEW PATTERNS & ART
created from detail sections of a 4 foot tall painted gnome*
Below are just a few of the new print on demand products in my ‘Garden Guardians’ collection.
All of the patterns and configurations were created from elements of the original 2004 hurricane plywood GNOME painting which you can see in the photo below the designs. It has taken a few days to create the patterns and print files and more time to create the promotional images which will be used on social media to reach people who are searching for a green garden gnome image on a pillow or a phone case!
It is often a lengthy and involved process and I mess up quite often, but I’ve been doing this type of work for years (many, many years) and I still enjoy all of the processes. I really only get frustrated when there are technical issues like the site is slow and the print files seem to take forever to load, or I’ve mis-calculated the size for a particular product and have to start over. All just part of the process.
To see the full Garden Guardians collection, click HERE.
*The mystical Green Garden Gnome in the photo that accompanies this post has become a mascot for much of my personal story. This character, along with over a dozen very unique ‘hurricane plywood’ gnomes allowed me to connect with the Miami art and business communities in ways I would not have expected. It was a delightful project involving about 17 artists, the Neighbors for Neighbors organization, television stations, the Miami Herald, Miami Arts & Business Council, Pinecrest Gardens, the Coral Gables Annual Christmas event and much more.
To see the original Gnomes click this link and, to read the front page article by Patti Roth click HERE.
PHOTO 2004: the original 4′ tall hurricane plywood (Hurricane Wilma 2004, Miami) Garden Gnome with a tiny garden Fairy holding a violet light star tetrahedron.
by Percy Cat | May 6, 2017 | ART, Art by Debra Cortese, astrology designs, custom art & design, Debra Cortese Designs Handbags, Flower of Life, GIFTS, GIVEAWAY, Nature Designs by Debra Cortese, nature's energy, Patterns, sacred geometry, shopping
Flower of Life Taurus Pattern is now available on dozens of products!

TAURUS PATTERN SWATCH
Getting ready to launch my May 12th TAURUS Giveaway but first, I’d like to share the new TAURUS pattern!
This is an all-over repeat design that was created from elements of the main Flower of Life TAURUS Astrology design.

TAURUS ASTRO DESIGN
The new pattern features a field of golden sacred geometry disks plus waves of spring greens and ocean blues and it coordinates with any of the Taurus Astrology Design products so you can easily mix and match to create your own outfit or room decor!
I especially like the bold combos of the Astro Design on a T-shirt with matching pattern leggings and, the patterned Comforter with the main Astro Design on Pillow Shams. You could even use the patterned window curtains for a coordinated TAURUS themed bedroom!
I’d love to see the combinations you come up with! Please do share your photos and notes in the comments section below.
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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 9, 2012 | #SMCSFBloggOff, ART, art business, Art Licensing, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, custom art & design, General optimism, GIFTS, Miami, nature's energy

In yesterday’s blog, I shared the first pattern based on the Zebra Long Wing Butterflies.
The next step for me (my business side of art) is adapting it for a variety of products and applications.
The Zebra Long Wing pattern would be ideal for textiles: I can imagine a table setting with napkins and runners using a combination of solid colors to accent the pattern. Pillows and chair covers would be a possibility too.
Since I have my own line of bags and a Cafepress shop, I’ve already put together a casual tote bag, a hipster style and a couple of iphone cases. Tomorrow I’ll work on the web pages for these.*
This blog challenge…
is magnifying how time intensive it is to genuinely share my process of observing the delightful creatures, plants, sounds, movements, smells, and changes of light and shadows in nature.
I want to share how what I observe turns into the art and designs that I am compelled to create.
The zebra butterflies are no longer just pretty little winged creatures flying around my garden. They have a story. They have a vibration and I literally feel their colors, the beauty of their patterns, the magnificence of their fluttering flights and their dance of life. My connection to their energy becomes the muse, and once this is engaged, I am in the flow. I become a part of the ever expanding story of the colors, the butterflies, the cocoon, the bamboo, the raindrops and the art. I am in the dance and it is pure joy.
*Suggestions?
What do you think about a special sale on all of these products to celebrate the 30 day Social Media Club of South Florida’s blog challenge? Let me know in the comments. I’m open to suggestions.
Perhaps a giveaway at the end of the 30 days?
by Percy Cat | May 15, 2012 | ART, art business, Art Exhibitions, Miami, my garden, nature's energy, paintings
3 artists, 3 exhibitions, 3 months

"Buy Me Love" fiber art by Pamela Palma
Miami Beach fiber artist, Pamela Palma opens the TRIAD shows at VALMAR ART on Saturday, May 19th during the Bird Road Art Walk.
Palma’s exhibition explores the subtle innuendos of the values of money by weaving together shredded US currency with common expressions.
Karen Deilke headlines the June 16th opening with her mixed media collection of “Hot Tropics” paintings, and on July 21st, Debra Cortese is the featured artist showing her new “Seeds of Intention” mixed media art.
VALMAR ART is located at
4150 SW 74th Court, Miami, FL 33155
just one block south of Bird Road (turn onto 74th court at the Shell Station)

White Orchid by Karen Deilke
Artistic Threesome
Palma, Deilke and Cortese will each have works on display throughout the entire run of TRIAD. The official opening is this Saturday, May 19th in conjunction with the monthly Bird Road Art Walk. TRIAD ART runs throughout the summer until mid- August, 2012.

Garden Blues Angel by Debra Cortese