Cyndy Carstens, Artist

Happy Thanksgiving!

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:26:00 +0000

Thanksgiving Eve

5x5" Acrylic on Canvas

Smiles on the faces of my family,

The warmth of friends,

Words of wisdom & comfort found in my books,

A kiss from my endearing husband,

And the blessings received everyday from a generous & loving God . . .

All of this . . . & more . . .

I am so grateful.

Small Works - 5x5" Skyscape

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:29:00 +0000

Christening

5x5" Acrylic on Canvas

$45.00 (unframed) OR $65.00 (Framed to 10x10")

Including Shipping in Continental U.S.

Yesterday morning the sunrise was so incredible. The light seemed to just kiss the purple and magenta cloud formations.

Seascape and Skyscape

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:38:00 +0000

Color 30 - Wind

36 x 24" Oil on Canvas

Standing on the edge of the bluff

Overlooking the ocean -

The smell of sea salt in the air

As the crisp breezes

Make your ears sting just a little -

The sky overhead

So big

You feel like the grains of sand underfoot -

No where else

Have I experienced such wonder and Peace -

No where else

Have I felt the touch of God so close.

Skyscape Oil Painting

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:47:00 +0000

Thunderstorm At Sunset

5x5" Oil on Canvas

$45.00 (unframed) or $65.00 (framed)

All works can be purchased through PayPal.

Thunderstorms in the desert are rare but can be intense, usually preceded by a dust storm.

On this particular evening, the air was free of dust and as the sun set, the clouds glowed.

Skyscape Oil Painting

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:39:00 +0000

Sky Winds

5x5" Oil on Canvas

$45.00 (unframed) or $65.00 (framed)

Blue and orange are opposites on the color wheel and can sometimes almost make the colors vibrate. Here cadmium orange is grayed slightly with cobalt blue and burnt sienna. The blue sky is toned with burnt sienna. Changing the hues gives the work a more unified feel, while maintaining the drama.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Skyscape Painting in Acrylic

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:42:00 +0000

Fire

5x5" Acrylic on Canvas

$45.00 Unframed or $65.00 Framed (plus shipping)

The sky last night seemed to be lit from within -

a stark contrast between the fire below the cloud line

and the pale blue above it.

My thoughts on dark values:

I don't believe there is any true black in nature. Every dark has shades of color captured inside, so I seldom use a black on my palette. Instead, I create my darkest darks using primarily a mixture of ultramarine blue and burnt umber. To this dark, I can add alizarin crimson for warmth, raw sienna to gray the dark, or a number of other colors to change its value or hue.

Skyscape Oil Painting & Color Theory

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:12:00 +0000

Early November Evening

5x5" Acrylic on Canvas

$45.00 (unframed) or Framed $65.00 plus shipping

I painted this small piece yesterday specifically for comparison to "Falling Day". The intensity of the purples here are softer and placed next to the brighter yellows with grayed color as a transition between the two. I believe the overall effect and emotion are totally different. Adding the shallow landscape at the bottom gives balance to the darker areas at the top.

Skyscape Oil Painting & Back to Basics

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Falling Day

5x5" Oil on Canvas

$45.00

Please contact me directly to purchase this, or any of the works you see here and on my webpage.

Often as artists, we need to be reminded of the basics in color theory and composition. Over the next few weeks, come with me as I review the roots of a "good" painting. Of course, art is subjective, but I believe the fundamentals are imperative.

The skyscape miniature paintings I have been doing the last year or so actually started out as color studies. Based loosely on photos taken of the incredible sunsets of Arizona, the works are primarily investigations of color juxtaposition. In "Falling Day", I added cadmium red deep between the purple and yellow, which are opposites on the color wheel, to calm their relationship a bit. Adding bits of the purple to the horizon yellows allows for a softer "punch".

5 x 5" Oil Skyscape Painting

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:14:00 +0000

5 x 5" Oil on Canvas

Well, it is Monday again.

My mind appears to still be in the frying pan.

I have four new 5 x5" Oil Paintings (above is number 1) that have no titles. If the little piece inspires you, and you care to share your thoughts, I could use some help giving these small gems names.

Just click "Post a Comment" below. I would be ever so grateful.

I am still trying to get ready for the upcoming Home Art & Studio Tour slated for Dec. 6th. In the meantime, the West Valley Arts Council is sponsoring Wednesday evening Art Walks during November leading up to the Art Tour at the Citadelle Shopping Center (59th Ave. & Utopia, Glendale, AZ) complete with wine tasting.

We have an empty store space to exhibit works from all five participating artists. Stop by from 6 to 8 pm to share a few laughs with us (and see some great art!)

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

Abstract Watercolor w/Ink

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:46:00 +0000

Pieces #4

13 x 9" Watercolor with Ink on Paper

I am really too tired to figure out something cool to write. I do hope you enjoy this piece. And the next post, I promise, will give you something to contemplate.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Abstract Watercolor w/Ink

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Pieces #3

13 x 9" Watercolor and Ink on Paper

This is another in the Abstract Watercolor Series. The abstracts are so unlike my oil paintings and the Skyscape Series, I know. My only justification is I have too many ideas floating around in my head to stay with only one series or medium. So, I hope you will bear with me as I run from one idea to another.

I believe my saving grace in what may seem as disjointed works, is the overall emotional impact many of the paintings evoke from viewers, along with a sense of freedom and harmony for the mind and soul.

Have a Happy Monday!

Skyscape Oil Painting

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:01:00 +0000

Color 29 - Journey

30x40" Oil on Canvas

Another skyscape? I don't know if I ever will tire of painting such magnificence.

Your comments are always welcome and appreciated.

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this painting or any of my other pieces.

Hope you have a wonderfully fun weekend.

A Sunset Sky and a Feather

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:43:00 +0000

A Feathered Gift

16x20" Oil on Canvas

This the painting I am donating to the West Valley Arts Council for the raffle during the Home Art and Studio Tour on Dec. 6th, 2009. If you live in the Phoenix area or will be visiting, please consider joining the tour. There are 5 artists participating this year - all located in the Northwest Valley. Information on the tour and raffle can be found at the WVAC website.

I also wanted to thank Michele in Yorktown, Virginia for purchasing McDowell Mountains in support of Art Now for Autism. The auction was a great success and raised over $3000.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Contemporary Pen & Ink Drawing

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:52:00 +0000

Flight of Wings

10 1/2 x 7 1/2" Pen & Ink on Paper

I haven't posted a new drawing in a while, although this one has been done for a about a week or so - too many other things to do. I didn't have my brown inks with me when I started "Flight of Wings", hence, it is black and white. I like the effects of adding subtle color, but also find black and white dramatic.

Hope all is well with all of you - Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Art Now for Autism Auction in Full Swing

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:29:00 +0000

McDowell Mtns.

8 x 10" Oil on Canvas Board

I know I have mentioned the auction before, but I wanted to remind everyone the auction starts today. In light of the the staggering news headlines yesterday, I am even more disturbed. Statistics now report 1 in 91 children have some form of autism, which exhibits difficulties in communication and behavior, among other symptoms.

Over 90 artists are participating in this year's auction from all over the world. Please visit www.artnowforautism.com

Perhaps you will find a wonderful piece of art to call your own and help support this incredibly worthy cause at the same time.

Have a wonderful day!

Abstract Watercolor

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:39:00 +0000

Pieces #2

14 x 10" Watercolor

This is the companion painting for Pieces #1. I haven't had a chance to work on any additional watercolors the last few days, but will try to photograph "as I go" on the next one.

Hope all are happy and healthy - Happy Wednesday to you.

P.S. After the December Home Art & Studio Tour, these paintings will be for sale.

Abstract Watercolor

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Pieces #1

14x11" Watercolor & Ink

This is a little different take on the pen&ink drawings. I am excited about the possibilities - trying some new things for the Home Art & Studio Tour slated for December.

Also, don't forget to check out the Art Now for Autism art auction which begins Oct. 1st.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Pen & Ink Drawing - "A Fire Within"

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:42:00 +0000

A Fire Within

10 1/2 x 7 1/2" Pen & Ink on Paper

The burning in our hearts for a better world appears to be constant. I am listening to an old Moody Blues album ("Seventh Sojourn"). The world hasn't changed much since the 1970's. The lyrics could have been written today. I found myself saddened to think we have come so far while standing in the same place. We are older, wrinkles caress our smile, we have aches in places we never knew existed - and yet, the world remains the same. War still ravishes. Our young still die in foreign lands. Leaders of countries still want to thrust their will onto the lives of their own peoples. Hatred runs rampant and prejudices still prevail over peace.

There are many wonderful things and people in the world. I don't mean to sound so negative. I wonder, though, if the human race - all colors and sizes - will ever learn to live in harmony.

Skyscape Oil Painting

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:34:00 +0000

Approaching Storm

5x5" Oil on Canvas

Over the weekend, we had some storms associated with the hurricane that hit the Baja Coast of Mexico. Unfortunately, we didn't get as much rain as was expected - or we needed. Rain can sometimes be scarce in the desert. "Approaching Storm" is a tiny attempt to capture the storm clouds just before dusk.

Art Now for Autism Auction

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:39:00 +0000

McDowell Mtns., AZ

8x10" Oil on Canvas Board

This painting is my donation to the Art Now for Autism Reverse Auction. More than 70 artists are participating from around the world. Art pieces will be available for viewing October 1-4.

Day 1 & 2 of the Auction (Oct. 5 & 6) all work will be $90.00

Day 3 & 4 (Oct. 7 & 8) all unsold pieces will be for sale at $60.00

Day 5 & 6 (Oct. 9 & 10) unsold art will be a steal a $30.00

Participating artists will ship work directly to the buyer after receipt of funds.

Autism affects 1 in 150 children in the United States. These are incredibly terrifying numbers. Please help those researching autism and receive a wonderful piece of art.

Hope you all have a great Labor Day Weekend.

Post Modern Impressionist Oil Landscape

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Color 26 - The Walk

24 x 36" Oil on Canvas

So here it is - the latest in the Color Series I've been promising to post. I am still enamored with the setting sun, but have fallen in love the ocean as well.

Your comments are always welcome and help me to remain focused on improving my work.

I think I may have found a woman to help with my mother, but it is too soon to know if my mother is going to run her off yet. A little prayer now & then would be more helpful than you know.

I hope you have a wonderful week and I promise I will try to post more regularly.

Peace, laughter and warm hugs.

Pastel Sunrise in Oil

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:56:00 +0000

Pastel Sunrise

5 x 5" Oil on Canvas

I know I usually try to capture those sunsets or sunrises with the most drama and contrasting color, but something about my mood drew me to paint the one from this morning which was soft and peaceful.

Wishing you all a restful evening.

Movement in a Skyscape Oil Painting

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Movement

5 x 5" Oil on Canvas

Here is yet another in the 5x5" series. I've titled it "Movement" due to the sense of change I think it embraces. Our personal worlds and the world at large are in constant flux - sometimes good - other times not so good. I think the key is recognizing change and being flexible enough to bend with the winds.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Small Skyscape Oil Painting

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:34:00 +0000

Untitled #3

5 x 5" Oil on Canvas

I seem to be at a loss for titles lately. If anyone has a feeling about this little piece, I could use some input. Thank you all so much.

Have a great week!

Pen & Ink Drawing

CyndyCarstens@gmail.com (Cyndy Carstens) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Coming to Terms

10 1/2 x 7 1/2" Pen & Ink on Paper

It has been a challenging week. Three trips to the doctor with my mother, but she is feeling better and that is a good sign.

I am continuing this series of drawings because paper and pens are extremely portable allowing me to take my work with me wherever I need to go. In "Coming to Terms" I used several shades of brown ink and 2 shades of gray/black. What do you think of the variations?

Your comments are always welcome. Thank you for all the encouragement over the last year or so - I always look forward to reading what you think. Have a great weekend!

Quote of the Day

"An artist is not a special kind of person,

but every person is a special kind of artist."

A.C.