Father's Day! Sailors Nautical Knots! /  by Abbie Zuidema

Father's Day, Sunday, June 15th, is right around the corner. 

Dads are notoriously the most difficult to buy for. Nautical knots are perfect gift!  They are fascinating. From the names of the individual knots, history, meaning & their function-I'm hooked.

I discovered The Ashley's Book of Knots, an incredible tome of a book that includes 4,000 knots! It blew my mind.

There are 4 different knots styles to choose from: Figure Eight Stoppers, Bowline, Sheepshank & True Lovers Knot (maybe not for Dad's day, but still quintessential). Or maybe you just need one for yourself.

All 4 knots are available in my Etsy shop. 

Each work on paper is drawn, then traced, then transferred to Fabriano watercolor paper via inkblot technique with India ink.  Individual knots are hand detailed with pen & ink, and finally filled with Dr. Martin’s Radiant Concentrated Water Color. 5.5" x 7.5"

*Custom Commissions are available*

Don't be a Pansy! Happy Mother's Day! /  by Abbie Zuidema

For Mother's Day this year I made a series of Pansy ink blot paintings.

In France, the pansy is a flower that symbolizes remembrance, of loving memories.  What better way to express just how much you love your momma than with an original floral watercolor.

Vibrant watercolor pansies exude the essence of spring.  Limited edition of 10, on 300gm white satin Somerset paper, 5x7.5".

Each piece is unique, completed using blotted line technique.  This process is composed of 4 stages. There is the original drawing, a trace of that drawing & then an ink transfer onto Somerset paper. Watercolor is then hand applied to each piece.  It is labor of love.

 All the pansies sold out, but I am happy to make a custom order upon request through my Etsy shop.  You can also email me directly.

Kohl's Summer Brights Servingware /  by Abbie Zuidema

Introducing KOHL'S "Summer Brights"~

From painting to servingware....

This post begins with an image of the painting that the "Summer Brights" collection is based on.  That work is then translated into plates & bowls & mugs.

I am so pleased to be able to share this newest addition to the porcelain collection.

KOHL'S Summer Brights Dinnerware

Food Network™ KOHL'S Summer Brights 4-pc. Plate Setting

Kohl's Department Store & Food Network Collaboration!!! /  by Abbie Zuidema

At last!  I can finally show & tell! 

In 2013 I collaborated with Kohl’s Department Store & Food Network to paint some custom watercolors. Those carrots, eggplants, tomatoes & artichokes have been transformed into Servingware.

~Click HERE to have a look online~

Kohl’s is selling online & in stores, plates, bowls & platters embellished with my paintings and handwriting!  I am thrilled to be able to let this long kept secret out. Exciting!

Lingerie Watercolors Prints on Etsy! /  by Abbie Zuidema

Presenting six select lingerie prints from my watercolor collection, Knickers & Things, available in my Etsy shop. Prints will be available for $35 apiece.

Inspired by the desire to make something beautiful & decadent, this collection is a celebration of materials.  They investigate the intricacies of each garments construction stitch by stitch, simultaneously celebrating the unique personality of each piece.   Traditionally admired by one & then discreetly tucked away in a drawer, in the form a painting, all can admire its beauty.

Framed prints are also available at Bibber & Bell Wine & Spirits in Williamsburg, BK.  Swing by! See some art & sample some delicious wine.

Wishing everyone the best.

Happy Gobble day!

A.

Rakija! Will Rawls’ The Planet Eaters! 4 days left for Kickstarter! Only $500 to go! /  by Abbie Zuidema

Will Rawls, dancer/choreographer extraordinaire, has turned five years of work, research and travel in the Balkans into an incredible multi-disciplinary performance.  My one of a kind Rakija watercolor was created as a Kickstarter prize for Will Rawls’ performance “The Planet Eaters”.  Check out his Kickstarter & contribute! Only 4 days left & $500 to go!

I’ve focused on the traditional drink in the Balkans called Rakija "rah-kee-ah" a fire brandy made from plums, pears, apricots & other fruits. It is widely considered by many to be the national drink. Rakija is part of many special occasions, including baptisms, marriages, joining of the army, and visiting of friends.  It was terribly fun to make a messy, juicy painting full of color.  I am also tickled to be able to contribute to Wills incredible vision.

Check out his Kickstarter! Help him reach his goal! The money raised will go towards an interdisciplinary work re-configuring Balkan folklore as an intimate performance for dancer, Will Rawls, and musician, Chris Kuklis.  It will pay for costumes, materials, lighting design and for building a dance floor for the show. The theater has a concrete floor and there's lots of jumping in folk dance-Will needs to keep his knees…

New Prints up @Bibber & Bell Wine and Spirits! /  by Abbie Zuidema

Yehaw! Happy September! New prints are up at Bibber & Bell Wine and Spirit!  What a treat to be able to hang more work! A big thank you to Damien & Robyn for extending my artistic stay.

Art should be accessible to everyone, to be lived with & shared.  With that philosophy in mind, I have made some of my favorite watercolor paintings into prints.  Pieces from my collections of watercolor Maps, and Knickers & things, are available framed or individual. Unframed prints are $35 & framed prints are $70, priced for those of us with budget in mind.

If you haven’t had the chance to check out the Bibber & Bell you should.  Stop in & say hello. Peruse their fabulous wine selection. There are some delicious things to be sipped & had.

P.s. All the wine labels denoting region are made by yours truly.

P.p.s. Prints are available in my Etsy shop-just added New Mexico to the mix!

they draw & they Travel-Alaska Map /  by Abbie Zuidema

Exciting!!!  My Alaska map is front & center on "they draw & travel" website! Awesomeness.  TDAT showcases maps illustrated by artists from around the world.

I love what Nate & Salli are doing on "they draw & travel" & I am SO pleased to be able to be able to contribute. If you havent seen the website have a look. They also have a website, they draw & cook.

Gobble! Gobble! Mondays Projects /  by Abbie Zuidema

My friend Nina Lalli of  Mondays Projects asked me to do a collaboration! Love those. She wondered if I would be interested in painting a turkey onto a platter for a special order?  It was a unique request, that we emabarked upon with many failed & hilarious attempts. The end results however were a success! We are both pleased as punch! 

P.s. We are taking orders for this special Turkey Platter~ there are a few people patiently waiting already!

Hawaii + Bon Appétit = Double Rainbows! /  by Abbie Zuidema

Hurry, it’s your last chance to grab an issue of July’s Bon Appétit Magazine.  In it you will find a gorgeous story about Hawaii! Last December, I was lucky enough to assist prop stylist Amy Wilson on a 4-day whirlwind shoot on Oahu, Hawaii. Every morning we saw the sun rise & then worked our tails off!

Carla Lalli Music writes of the union between the local & organic-of making Oahu a better place to eat & live. It features MA’O Organic Farms, chef Ed Kenney & chef de cuisine Dave Caldiero of Town restaurant, deep sea fishing with Kimi Werner & Mark Healey, our wonderful hosts Kim & Jack Johnson & a cameo appearance by Kelly Slater.  Photographer Cedric Angeles did an incredible job capturing the magic of the people & the place.  Three cheers for the Bon Appétit crew that made it all happen!

This Hawaii map was inspired by that adventure & all the marvelous things we saw & people we encountered.  Big mahalo to everyone who contributed & welcomed us-the hospitality was tremendous.  I cannot wait to go back (next time for more than 4 days)

To see the Hawaii map in my Etsy shop click here. 

Also online is a really cool video of Kimi Werner swimming with a great white shark-it’s awesome. Here is the link to see the article, photos & video online at Bon Appétit.

Mahalo,

A.

Summer Studio Sale! June 1st, 2-8pm /  by Abbie Zuidema

I am thrilled to announce a Summer Studio Sale!

The archives are getting sorted and paintings & drawings will be available at 20-30% off.  Bibber & Bell is graciously hosting my opening-there will be delicious wine to taste & 10 years worth of art.

Original maps, knickers & things, wine paintings, drawings, rainbows, mehndi, watercolor fragments, food paintings, silverware and more . . . .


Saturday, June 1st, 2-8pm


Bibber & Bell
418 Union Ave
btwn Devoe & Ainslie St.
718-599-2000

Located on the North Side of Williamsburg, Bibber & Bell Wine and Spirits was recently established by two of my very favorite people, Robyn Semien & Damien Graef.  The shop is lovely, an oasis from the city, stocked with wines that delight any palate.  Just pop out of the Lorimer stop of the L Train in Williamsburg & say hello.

Drink wine & buy art!

All the proceeds of the sales go towards Freelancers Union Health Insurance-with enough sales I qualify!  Yehaw!

Australia Map-ode to ochre & Aboriginal Art /  by Abbie Zuidema

Australia just seems to be on the brain, popping up everywhere!  Ochre is mined in Australia & used by Aboriginals in ceremonies and their art. I've been reading from the book, Color, a Natural History of the Palate,  by Victoria Finlay. Her chapter on ochre was enlightening. Ochre-iron oxide-was the first color paint. It has been used on every inhabited continent since painting began. Australia has the longest continuous painting tradition in the world.  I was inspired & made sure to use ochre as the primary hue of this piece.  As a result of this map I have a much greater respect for the color, its origins & the people that have interwoven it into their culture.  So cool.

Aries-year of the of the black snake /  by Abbie Zuidema

 

One of my very best friends is having her first child. This watercolor was created for her shower invitation & as a gift for the expectant mother.  This painting was inspired by baby's birth sign, Aries & the Chinese year sign, Black Snake, it will be born under.  As for the rainbows and the fire, well, who can resist a little dramatic flair!

Archival prints are available @my Etsy shop for $35/$5 shipping. 

Je t’aime~Valentine's Day! /  by Abbie Zuidema

I got carried away.... I love Valentine's Day. There are never enough hearts for me.  Or red or pink.  As a result I am offering a one-of-a-kind, little watercolor painting, on deckled edge 5x5" 260gsm Fabriano Medioevalis Paper.  It’s the perfect heartfelt Valentine for that someone special in your life (could even be yourself.) Each watercolor has the year, 2013, written in pencil on the front of the painting & is signed and editioned on the back.

$45 a piece $5 shipping

~Have a peek at my Valentine's @myEtsyshop~

Diner Journal Issue #23-After Dinner /  by Abbie Zuidema

I am thrilled to work with Diner Journal.   It was an absolute delight to make paintings that celebrate the women of Saltie! Not only is the food amazing & inspiring-I love those women.  After our years at Diner together, I consider them family.

Three cheers all around!

P.s. Bon Appetit Magazine included Diner Journal in their 25 Food Trends for 2013, at #22 Indie Food Mags to Read.

P.s.s.  Saveur Magazine included Diner Journal as part of“16 Great Indie Food Magazines.”

saltie cover.jpg

*click on thumbnail to see a larger image*

Fashion-the Wild /  by Abbie Zuidema

Recently I was interviewed for the Wild.  How cool. Fashion & Art!  I wracked my brain for answers to questions like, "Who would you like to go on a tete a tete?" & "What is on your life to do list?"  Some of my answers surprised me. It's not a bad practice for all of us to do every once and a while.  I highly recommend it.

Oh, & the answer to: "What is my Wild wish?"

not to be a starving artist.

Sandy Relief & Waves4Water /  by Abbie Zuidema

Thank you everyone!  We raised $630 from the Etsy Rockaway Map sales!!  Your generous contributions helped make this happen! Thank you! So awesome.

100% of the sales have been donated to the Waves4Water fundraiser Rockaway Renegades.  Waves4Water works on the front-line to provide clean water to communities in need around the world. To learn more go to: http://www.wavesforwater.org

The Rockaway Renegades are an all volunteer based, direct action group committed to the cleanup and relief effort currently underway in the Rockaways following the devastation left behind by Hurricane Sandy.  To learn more about the awesome work the Rockaway Renegades are doing: www.rockawayrenegades.com.  Take a second & LIKE them on Facebook!

Thank you again for your support! Sandy is still affecting so many people’s lives. Your contribution makes a difference.