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 | Oct 14, 2012 | #SMCSFBloggOff, ART, art business, Art events, cortese design handbags, custom art & design, Devas, fundraising, General optimism, GIFTS, interests, Miami, Miami Beach, nature's energy, paintings
It’s always charity event season here in Miami and as an artist, I receive dozens of requests from all over the country to donate art or my handbags to all kinds of worthy causes. I’ve become much more selective over the years after experiencing a variety of unprofessional situations and attitudes. It makes a tremendous difference when the organization is professional and shows their appreciation for the time, materials and creativity an artist puts into a work of art. The official letter thanking each donor for their contribution is pretty standard and it makes a great impression when I am also invited to be a guest at the event, but getting personally introduced to the winning bidder creates the most rewarding experience of all because charity event patrons often become collectors of the artist and look forward to seeing more of their art at future events.
This is a major benefit of the dynamics of cultivating donors and collectors. It’s about building relationships and communities. It is about everyone winning on all levels. The charity raises money to support their projects, the patron not only buys the painting that generates the sale, they get something unique and beautiful for their home or office and the artist gets recognition and ideally, a new collector.
When I think about my Orchid Angel I often wonder where if she is hanging on someone’s wall that truly appreciates her nurturing, peaceful energy. I hope so. On the other hand, she could be stuffed into a storage closet with unsold auction items. If that’s the case, I’d love to reclaim her!
by Percy Cat | Jul 16, 2012 | art business, Art events, Art Exhibitions, beekeeping, Bird Road Art District (BRAD), Miami, my garden, nature's energy, paintings
detail of "The Honey Queen" painting by Debra Cortese
The 3rd and final Opening Reception for the TRIAD ART Exhibition with Debra Cortese, Karen Deilke and Pamela Palma is on Saturday, July 21st at VALMAR ART, 4150 SW 74th CT (in the Bird Road Art District), Miami, FL 33155.
Debra Cortese is exhibiting her new series titled, “Seeds of Intention”. Each piece is based on variations of a Flower of Life pattern and represents a positive meditation for the future of humanity in cooperation with nature’s energy.
“The Honey Queen” painting honors one of the smallest and most significant creatures on our planet, the bee. Cortese has dedicated this painting to long-time beekeeper, Mike Price of Bees-n-the-Keys as well as other compassionate beekeepers in Miami and all around the world.
Coconut Grove artist (and Founder of the Coconut Grove Drum Circle), Karen Deilke is exhibiting her vibrant and expressive “Hot Tropics” paintings.
Miami Beach artist, Pamela Palma is exhibiting her evocative fiber art works that incorporate uncommon materials including shredded one-hundred dollar bills, the delicious color interactions of hand dyed yarns, and textural elements.
Live Blues with Miami guitarist, Rob Moore – all at VALMAR ART during the monthly Bird Road Art Walk on Saturday, July 21st starting at 7 pm.
Triad invitation with more details here.
Valmar Art, 4150 SW 74th Ct, Miami, FL 33155
305-267-9360
by Percy Cat | Jul 7, 2012 | art business, Art events, Art Exhibitions, Bird Road Art District (BRAD), Miami, nature's energy, paintings
Debra Cortese, Karen Deilke, Palma Palma art in TRIAD show
Hard to believe it’s almost time to hang the final exhibition of our TRIAD shows! I was fortunate to draw the short straw when Karen Deilke, Pamela Palma and I first met to discuss the logistics of hanging and scheduling our run of three artists, and three openings during the months of May, June, and July*.
I say I was fortunate to draw the short straw for several reasons which have developed throughout the process. The first and most exciting to me was the fact that I now had 2 extra months to create the new series that had already been showing up in sketches throughout the beginning of the year. I thought this was reason enough, but as it turns out, rotating walls for each new opening challenged each of us to step further outside of our comfort zone – creating new work, mixing up the exhibits each month and learning how beneficial it is to share our ideas and communicate our needs.
As artists, we are often very accustomed to working independently and making or avoiding decisions based on our current state of affairs. Working as a team requires cooperation, and communication in order to equitably satisfy everyone. Our communication skills were fine tuned as we worked through the details of times, dates, marketing materials, and meetings. I’d say we now have a better understanding of the processes involved in this type of a cooperative exhibit. And I’d also say there is always more to learn 😉
Please join us on Saturday, July 21st for the opening reception of TRIAD III. I’ll be showing my new Seeds of Intention artworks, Karen Deilke has new work in her Hot Tropics series, and Pamela Palma will have even more mysterious goddess weavings on display. Of course there will be wine and finger foods and LIVE MUSIC – by my friend, blues legend, Rob (Wild Boar) Moore. You can hear Rob’s music at www.robmoore-guitar.com.
TRIAD 3 Opening Reception starts at 7:00 pm and runs until 10:0 pm. There will also be a drawing to win a very special Seed of Intention painting. You don’t have to be present to win, but you do have to attend and fill out an entry so we can contact you to pickup your art prize! 😉
Click HERE for more info on the TRIAD show – and a map to VALMAR
you can also RSVP on Facebook HERE
*NOTE: final exhibition opens on July 21st and runs through August 15th, 2012.
by Percy Cat | Jun 4, 2012 | ART, Art events, Bird Road Art District (BRAD), Miami, nature's energy
TRIAD No. 2 (of 3) art exhibitions at VALMAR Art & Framing Gallery
Join us on Saturday, June 16th during the monthly Bird Road Art Walk.
Coconut Grove artist, Karen Deilke is headlining this opening with her
“HOT TROPICS”
a collection of large, colorful, tropical paintings.
Miami Beach artist, Pamela Palma, will present new fiber artworks.
Miami artist, Debra Cortese. will be showing her playful
Making Mango Salsa and food art, mixed media paintings.
NOTE: Cortese’s “Seeds of Intention” will be headlining
the TRIAD 3 opening on Saturday, July 21st
For full details and a map visit our official TRIAD Invitation page HERE!
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