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 Debra Cortese | Feb 12, 2018 | nature's energy
Dandelion with oil textures
Dandelion with energy effects
Dandelion with paint daubs texture
After my short bout with Cabin Fever, I got myself right back to work on a few designs for Spring and chose a dandelion photo to work with. I created three different effects from the same photo. Each one a variation of “Dandelion Seeds Ready To Fly Away!
One with an oil paint filter, one with an ‘energy’ effect, and one in paint daubs which is a favorite photoshop filter for me.
Each version is now available as an open edition fine art print on paper or canvas and each design is also available
on totebags, journals, pillows, phone cases and more from my Society 6 shop.
And, if you’d would like to see something other than Dandelions, CLICK HERE to see all of my print-on-demand designs.
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.
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 | Dec 2, 2016 | nature's energy
Like many others, I have been shaken by the chaos, greed, irreverance, hostilities, fear and anger that is bombarding our lives. I’m fortunate to live beside the Delaware River and for the past four years have become increasingly attracted to the ever-changing faces of the ancient rock formations that surround an area called The Big Eddy in Narrowsburg, NY.
I’ve been photographing, sketching and painting the rock formations that support the bridge and line the riverbanks almost daily during every season and at all times of day. The images can change dramatically within seconds and I literally have thousands of photos that I feel compelled to work on, to be able to share the majesty and presence of the ancient rocks that hold the earth, trees and guide the flow of the river. I feel the energy of these ancient guardians and often imagine the stories that they have witnessed throughout time.
The earth energy is very powerful here. I often wonder if the rocks and river harbor a secret portal that often deflects the electronic signals of phones, computers and televisions. Some of my favorite neighbors are eagles, bears, raccoons, skunks, opposums, minks, and snakes. There are also owls, ducks, geese, herons, all kinds of water loving birds, fish, turtles and deer – often strolling past my studio window or nibbling at my garden.
I digress.
Nature, our earth, Mother Earth to me, provides us with all kinds of gifts and when we are open to listening and seeing, there is beauty, power and magic everywhere.
Today, it feels like time to share the River Rock Totems, as Guardians, especially for the Water and the Water Protectors at Standing Rock – with the intention to share the ancient wisdom and power of nature for all who care about the health of our planet and each other.
~ Debra Cortese 12.2.16
by Percy Cat | Nov 21, 2016 | Art Exhibitions, Holiday Sales, my garden, Nature Designs by Debra Cortese, nature's energy, Patterns, photography
click image above for slide gallery
Bright shiny objects just call to be photographed. After dumping the block of ice that had frozen in my garden wagon, I noticed the sparkling lights and winter colors and of course, could not resist a few photos and then patterns/reflections – voila! Ice Jewels.
The slide gallery shows all six of the designs that are derivative artworks from that wagon full of ice.
You can see four of them (framed and ready to hang or giftwrap) at the 12th Annual Art In Sixes holiday show at the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance 37 Main St. Narrowsburg, NY (Great Holiday Shopping at this event which features 168 artists and over 500 works of art!)
As you may know I also represent other artists via the virtual Gallery Number Nine and just want to add that six of us have work in the 2016 Art In Sixes show – the others are: Philip Jostrom, Tamara D’Antoni, Louis N. Pontone, Ramona Jan and Susan Miiller. And, of course you are invited to see all of our art online at Gallery Number Nine.
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