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.
by Percy Cat | Dec 7, 2011 | ART, art business, Art events, Art Licensing, cortese design handbags, custom art & design, GIFTS, Miami, my garden, nature's energy, SALE
Or better yet, practical, wearable, gifts that are not only endowed with the beautiful, joyful energies of nature …. they also have the ability to protect ones feet, adorn ones iphone or ipad and carry ones important papers, laptops, yoga gear or baby supplies.
Just click on any of the images and you can get all the details plus see many more designs!
I’m in the process of putting together my annual Holiday Open Studio event and as always, I like to have several brand new bag designs plus some new stocking stuffer type items. This year, CafePress came through with a fun new product that I just got carried away with. I’ve had so much fun creating patterns for the new flip flops and I can’t wait to see people’s reactions to them on Sunday. Several clients have already ordered multiple pairs and the new iphone covers are a big hit as well.
I have new Hipster* style bags and the Peacock Feather Blues is already a big hit as well as the deluxe Business Travel style bag. Note: 5 top selling designs are specially priced for this holiday season.
If you order by Dec. 12th you can have them delivered by Christmas in the continental USA!
*(Hipsters are not available online yet but will be very, very soon!)
Time to go. I have an appointment to meet with my chief Elf advisor who gently but firmly distracts me from even more BSO’s (bright shiny objects) so I stay focused on the truly productive projects 🙂
by Percy Cat | May 20, 2011 | ART, art business, Art Licensing, nature's energy, SURTEX
Debra Cortese - Nature's Energy Cortese Designs booth at Surtex 2011
First day back in studio was filled with paperwork, accounting, sorting, making followup lists.
Today, day 2, I got into downloading a few images from the trip and worked on several different designs that will become art licensing collections and will be on their way to the contacts I made at Surtex.
I now have a good idea of what licensees are interested in and am tailoring my designs for the current trends. It was a ton of work to prepare for this show and after weeks of working 12 to 16 hours days, it’s a bit of a letdown to get back into a more human schedule 😉 but I am definitely ready for 8 hour days again!
One of my projects involves stalking the native peacocks around Coconut Grove, South Miami and most likely at Pinecrest Gardens. I need to photograph them so I can create a few more images for the peacock collection. I see shower curtains, bath towels, mats, and accessories in peacock blues, greens and more!
Surtex was incredibly inspiring and educational and while it is not for every artist, I do feel like I’ve found my way home.
I’ll be rebuilding my websites in the coming months because they have become a bit scattered or shall I say challenging to find your way back from some locations? In the meantime, here is link to NATURE’S ENERGY CORTESE DESIGNS for art licensing and here is link to main home page: www.debracortese.com
by Percy Cat | May 9, 2011 | ART, art business, Art Licensing, Miami, nature's energy, SURTEX
Final printing of portfolio designs today, and up to Thursday. Plan to ship display materials out Wed. Get mani-pedi and late Mother’s Day brunch with my daughter. What to wear is pretty much laid out along with my suitcase/garment bag that YAY, does have wheels! I can barely remember when they didn’t have wheels and am really appreciative that I don’t have to lift and lug anymore!
Just had my 3rd and hopefully final online chat with GES chat rep and got confirmation that we do indeed have the taller counter height and not the table. Apparently the form was not filling in correctly. Persistence is required. Thank you to all GES reps that helped with this. System is efficient and user friendly, but you must check and double check details.
Very excited to be headed to NYC to exhibit at
SURTEX, May 15-17. See us in Booth 644 Cortese Designs
along with ArtsOrganism, Tom Weinkle, Sandy Edie Designs
and Erin Inglis/Broken Fingers Art.
by Percy Cat | Nov 6, 2009 | ART, art business, Art Licensing, nature's energy
Just finished "Sweet Sprouts", inspiration to start my winter vegetable and herb garden. digital photo/art by Debra Cortese
click images for larger views
"Ruella Floral Bouquet" digital art by Debra Cortese
These images share a common background, but with color and size adjustments.
Ask me about creating custom nature images for your business or special event.
debra@debracortese.com
Visit my art for licensing pages to see dozens of images of flowers, trees, wildlife, pets, foods,
and patterns of nature.
www.debracortese.com
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