While passing through we interviewed a couple of signing artists and noticed many interesting trends going on, some of which have been around for a while but some which seem to have the potential to branch out and develop more "new" directions.
ARTISTS AT THE MART
We met many fellow artists and took a few pictures to share with you all. Next time I will try to take more, although the lighting situation at the Mart and other meeting places is not in our favor, so I apologize if the images are not perfect.
Studio M had a great get-together with artists from around the country. It was so much fun to hang around with the very talented Ronnie Walter, artist, writer and agent for Two Town Studios and her husband Jim Marcotte, also a writer and agent.
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| Alex Colombo & Ronnie Walter at Studio M ~ Atlanta 2015 |
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| Artist Patti Gay ~ Atlanta 2015, C & F Enterprises Signing Event |
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| © Patty Gay, C & F Enterprises |
It was also a great pleasure to meet R.B. Hamilton, a self-taught artist who has won Best-in-Show and First-Place (in acrylic mediums) for his work in various art shows. His wife, interior designer Betsy Drake, has expanded his art to include pocketbooks, totes, towels, and designer pillows. Hamilton's original art, limited edition reproductions, designer pillows and pocketbooks can be seen in fine gift shops, home furnishing stores, and galleries throughout the United States.
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| Artist R.B. Hamilton painting at the AmericasMart Atlanta 2015 |
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| Artist & Interior Designer Betsy Drake |
ATLANTA 2015 - TRENDS
Watercolors are a strong trend seen at Surtex last year and also in Atlanta this year. This is a style that goes well with just about all trends.
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| © Alessandra Colombo |
We have already seen the emergence of themes like woodland, forest animals, including owls, foxes, hedgehogs, and deer, but we heard people asking for "hunting, fishing & wildlife" several times, so this appears to be a branching out of the same trend: Nature, Earth, Organic.
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| Courtesy of Design Design ~ Trendspiration 2015 |
Birds are still going very strong along with more and more colorful botanical, florals and gardens. Farmhouse has a strong appeal with elements like distressed wood, roosters, pigs, cows and bunnies. And don't forget the dogs, cats and other domestic animals, they are also in demand.
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| Courtesy of Studio M |
Consequently, the Rustic trend that started a while back, along with Primitive and Native Indian art appear to be stronger, although they are caught into the big mix of what is being called the "new Industrial Revolution" - the Makers Movement. I found a good definition for it:
Beaded art was featured by several showrooms, and although is not new, it's being interpreted in new ways.
"The maker movement, as we know, is the umbrella term for independent inventors, designers and tinkerers. A convergence of computer hackers and traditional artisans, the niche is established enough to have its own magazine, Make, as well as hands-on Maker Faires that are catnip for DIYers who used to toil in solitude. Makers tap into an American admiration for self-reliance and combine that with open-source learning, contemporary design and powerful personal technology like 3-D printers. The creations, born in cluttered local workshops and bedroom offices, stir the imaginations of consumers numbed by generic, mass-produced, made-in–China merchandise."
Industrial & Urban Chic featured lots of metal, wire, textures and grays or neutral colors. We saw some beautiful hand stitching & embroidered details and natural textures (variations of burlap, twine, bark and other similar materials). Below here you can see a new collection from Cathy Heck Studio featuring their new product line with Primitives by Kathy.
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| Courtesy of Cathy Heck Studio |
Beaded art was featured by several showrooms, and although is not new, it's being interpreted in new ways.
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| Courtesy of Certified International |
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| Courtesy of Midwest-CBK |
Calligraphy and wedding styles with whites and creams are taking their spot in this market already full of ideas. Fresh and beautiful Paper Cutting art was found in several showrooms. Chalk art is still present although in the descending, it seems. Metallics are the new emerging colors.
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| Courtesy of Design Design |
Another trend spotted although not new to the market is the Blue Prints, Science & Math one. Very nice, with deep blues and other elements.
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| Courtesy of Certified International |
Personal & Essential is a trend that comes from Europe. This general trend of very eclectic expressions of all sort features also some colorful Bohemian & Folk mixes. Mid Century is alive as well as contemporary art, with strong, vivid colors over neutrals.
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| Courtesy of Transpac |
Travel & Places takes a spot in the trendy markets, with maps, scooters, bikes and famous cities or places.
And finally, the traditional Coastal is everywhere but with Mediterranean blues becoming prominent.
I am sure we missed some... we wish we had more time to spend with many more talented artists and creative manufacturers but we ran out of time. To the next AmericasMart Atlanta show!
~ oOo ~
AN INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO
I saw this video through one of my friend artists on a social media site. I thought to add it here at the end of this editorial as I found it very inspirational and encouraging for those artists who are just beginning in this free-lance & commercial art field.
Four Disney Background Artists Paint A Tree In Their Iconic Styles
~ oOo ~
References with links:
