Category Archives: Paintings by Dee

Fine art paintings are created by artist, Dee Van Houten. The collections include: Animal Art, Life Expressions personal paintings (custom orders) and SoulWorks (spiritual art).

Toucan Rendezvous: Delightfully Vibrant Watercolor Painting

Intriguing Watercolor Painting

Toucan Rendezvous is an intriguing and energetic piece that portrays a group of toucans gathered together in a beautifully orchestrated rendezvous. This appealing artwork was originally created in the gouache medium (opaque watercolor) resulting in a stunning display of vivid colors and intricate details. It is available as a giclee print in different media and sizes to choose from. The original toucan painting has been sold.

Giclee Fine Art Print

Available as a giclee fine art print, Toucan Rendezvous offers the opportunity to bring this charming painting into your home or workspace. With various media options and sizes to choose from, you can select the perfect rendition of this artwork to suit your taste and complement your decor.

Although the original painting has been sold to an art collector of the artists’ work, you can still own a reproduction of Toucan Rendezvous. Add a touch of magic and liveliness to any space with this appealing artwork, showcasing the beauty and elegance of these magnificent birds. Transform your surroundings with the contagious energy and cheerful atmosphere emanating from this exceptional painting.

Vibrant Colors and Charming Composition

Choose Toucan Rendezvous watercolor painting as a giclee print and let the vibrant colors and enchanting composition transport you to a world filled with nature’s wonders. Immerse yourself in a palette of vibrant colors that breathe life into every corner of this watercolor painting. Each shade is carefully chosen to evoke a sense of enchantment and joy.

This painting brings the magic of the jungle to your space. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this giclee print captures every brushstroke of the original Toucan Rendezvous watercolor painting ensuring that you receive a high-quality reproduction that reflects the artist’s mastery. Hang it on your wall and let its vibrant colors invite you in.

Custom Framing Options

Elevate your chosen artwork even further with custom framing options. You will be able to choose from a variety of media paper or canvas, numerous different print sizes and mats. Our team of skilled artisans will expertly frame your giclee print in a style that enhances its beauty, ensuring it becomes a focal point of admiration in your home or office. Take a moment to explore our diverse range of mat and framing options and discover the perfect piece to add a touch of artistic sophistication to your home or office.

You can view the Toucan Rendevous painting as a giclee print and many more animal art giclee prints at the artist’s website, devaart.com. Go here to buy this lively art print.

Contact
IndieMade Artisan Jewelry Collections: devaart.art
Online Art Gallery-Store: devaart.com
DevaArt Studio Artisan Jewelry Boutique
Artisan Jewelry Information
Email: devaartstudio@devaart.com

Aluminum Cuff Bracelets: 14 Proven Facts To Know About

These distinctive aluminum cuff bracelets are hand-etched and hammered in a free-form style. Etched lines, images and abstract shapes create beautiful textural effects. For example, unique elements and a variety of metals, such as, fine .925 sterling silver beads and charms give the design a contemporary look. In addition to antique silver, other elements include oxidized sterling silver and repurposed findings. Also, vintage beads, crystals and/or other components may be used.

Aluminum is a durable, strong and lightweight metal. Furthermore, it is comfortable to wear. Also, there is no nickel, copper, lead or iron in this metal. I create handmade one-of-a-kind bracelet and necklace designs.

Aluminum Cuff Bracelets

Aluminum is a wonderful metal to work with. For example, these aesthetically designed aluminum cuff bracelets are made of a type of metal that is often overlooked. But, this metal should not be as it is quite versatile and very beautiful. Also, aluminum is hypoallergenic, lightweight and has a nice shine once it is hand-etched and buffed. For instance, doing this makes the metal look like sterling silver but is less expensive than sterling.

Aluminum never tarnishes
Contains no iron and will not rust
Nickel, copper and lead-free metal
Easy to clean
Hypoallergenic
Eco-friendly
Non-toxic and safe to wear

Open-Cuff Bracelets

All of the open-cuff bracelets I design are from 1 inch to 3 inches wide. They will approximately fit a 6″ to 7.5″ wrist. Also, some are adjustable but it depends on the gauge (thickness) of the metal I use. The aluminum cuff bracelets wrap around the wrist like a cuff (think cuff of a shirt).

My cuff bracelets are hand-etched in lovely, textural patterns. I usually add a crystal stone and/or sterling silver beads wrapped in sterling or oxidized sterling silver. Furthermore, this type of bracelet can be made of gold, brass, silver or copper. I exclusively use the durable aluminum metal and mix other metals with it to create a very unique design.

Modern and Fashionable Aluminum Cuff Bracelets

My artisan handmade aluminum cuff bracelets are modern looking. Equally important, they are eye-catching, stylish and feminine. I also blend different metals together for dramatic and edgy accents. This gives them a sophisticated style.

Each aluminum cuff bracelet is distinctive and diverse. This also gives them a unique one-of-a-kind appeal. They are hand-crafted in a free-form manner. Every bracelet is hand-etched and hand-hammered. Finally, this gives them a graceful and lovely finish.

Cuff Bracelet Materials

I use a variety of materials when I design my aluminum cuff bracelets. For instance, here is a list of components that are often used in my open-cuff bracelets:

Oxidized sterling silver
.925 fine sterling silver
Swarovski crystals
Repurposed findings
Raw crystals such as amethyst and quartz
Antique and sterling silver beads and charms
Sterling silver, antique pewter, Tibetan silver

Rumi (image below) is an appealing handmade, hand-etched cuff bracelet. I used antique silver and sterling silver beads on the front of the bracelet. The 6″ long and 1.5″ wide metal cuff is hand-etched with hearts in a free-form design. I antiqued the metal and used color on some of the hearts. Furthermore, attached to the bracelet is a smaller, hand-etched heart with a purple embedded Swarovski crystal. The inside of the cuff is also hand-textured. This bracelet will fit a 7-8″ wrist circumference. One-of-a-kind design.

Hand-etched with hearts
Antique and sterling silver beads
Smaller hand-etched heart with Swarovski crystal
One-of-a-kind design
Fits 7-8″ wrists

Aluminum Properties

Versatile, hypoallergenic, lightweight, durable, strong
Never tarnishes or rusts (contains no iron)
No copper in aluminum; will not turn your skin green
Nickel, lead free
Eco-friendly, non-toxic
Perfect metal for sensitive skin
Easy to clean; use dish soap, lightly buff with included buffing cloth

How To Correctly Put On and Remove Cuff

Turn wrist to side; slide cuff over the side of wrist
Do not squeeze from top as this will misshape bracelet
Turn wrist over so that you are looking at the ends of the bracelet; gently press in on the ends to tighten
Some thicker metals won’t have any give and you may not be able to tighten
When it’s time to remove the bracelet just reverse the steps.

How To Care For Aluminum Cuff Bracelets

Keep bracelet dry, clean; store in humid-free place
Do not expose to water
Keep away from any chemicals

Absolutely Charming One Of A Kind Handmade Jewelry Gifts

Are you looking for one of a kind handmade jewelry gifts for someone special? Handmade jewelry gifts may be the perfect solution. How would you feel if someone gave you a beautiful piece of artisan handmade art that is an aesthetically designed one of a kind design? Very special, I would think!

Massed produced jewelry can be found everywhere you go and worn by many people. What’s so unique about that anyway? By wearing a one of a kind artisan necklace, you would have a tough time finding anyone else with the exact same piece. Even if the artist makes other designs that are similar, handmade items are never exactly alike in craftsmanship and materials.

Handcrafted Exclusive Gifts

Artisan handmade gifts are widely accepted and in demand. It used to be quite time consuming to find a store with distinct choices of handmade gifts. Nowadays you are able to go online and find lovely and charming one of a kind handmade jewelry gifts from all over the world.

You can easily find handmade jewelry that will fit any budget. Materials used, the uniqueness of the design, labor and complexities of the piece will determine the price. There is a distinct advantage of buying this type of product online because of the low overhead and a lot of times free shipping is offered.

One of a kind handmade jewelry gifts from DevaArt Studio. — ***Ocean Waves***
(sea glass, sterling silver, crystal stone, wire wrapped)

Materials Used In One of a Kind Handmade Jewelry Gifts

Artisan handmade jewelry can be very appealing and lovely, unlike jewelry that is mass produced. Many different kinds of materials are used in designing handmade jewelry, such as, fine silver, gold and raw copper. Really, all it takes is the creative imagination of the designer to come up with all sorts of materials.

I use crystals such as, raw amethyst, sterling silver, genuine sea glass, beads, Murano, dichroic and lampwork glass beads (this type of fused glass is painstakenly created by hand). I also use mother of pearl beads, beautiful Swarovski crystals and vintage beads. Many of these materials I combine for a beautiful harmonious effect. Some of the raw crystals I wire wrap with sterling silver wire. These are very beautiful and designed in a free-form style.

One of a kind handmade jewelry gifts at DevaArt Studio. — ***Splash***
(free-form, wire wrapped, sterling silver and genuine sea glass)

Sophisticated artistry is interweaved into these one of a kind handmade jewelry gifts. The jewelry I design and create are artisan handmade necklaces. My jewelry collections include ocean inspired, crystal, sea glass, dichroic, Murano (handmade in Italy) glass and lampwork glass (handmade fused glass). All available at devaartstudio.com.

Making A Statement

A bold statement can be made by wearing an alluring and attractive necklace as you will find at DevaArt Studio. People will admire it and compliment you on your lovely piece of jewelry. Unique to only you; it’s one of a kind!

In conclusion, these artisan handmade necklaces make awesome gifts because they are so different from any mass produced jewelry. The best place to purchase these unique necklaces are at my online boutique store (devaartstudio.com). Amaze someone special in your life with one of a kind handmade jewelry gifts.

Mixed Media Painting Innovative and Playful

A mixed media painting fuses various mediums together. This may include drawing mediums such as, graphite, ink and color pencil. Pastels or crayons are also other good drawing mediums to use. Painting mediums, for example, oils, acrylics and watercolor integrate together in many ways.

Other materials used as collage components, such as, newspaper, is an excellent source. Magazine pages and photos are other good choices. I am going to design a new mixed media painting using my mom’s fabric quilting samples. So, fabric is an item you can definitely blend with other mediums. You can also stick with only two different mediums.

Dragonfly Connection mixed media painting seen below, uses a variety of media. I painted this on a semi-rough watercolor paper substrate. Alcohol ink and acrylic ink blends with a transfer printing technique. Embellished with alcohol ink and archival ink. Words are hand-stamped. This is definitely a fun and exciting way to create!

Mixed media painting; dragonfly by Dee Van Houten. — ***Dragonfly*** ***Connection***

Creating A Mixed Media Painting

Collage is another mixed media method you can try. This design arrangement comprises of paper pieces such as, newspaper or photographs. Other materials used in a collage may be sheet music, book pages, stamps or vintage ephemera. Ephemera is usually described as collectible memorabilia. For example, old ticket stubs or playing cards, plus many others. Collages can be very textural and quite unique, which I love. I have also used tissue papers in one of my collage paintings.

Substrates you may want to consider using for collage works are cardboard, wood or canvas. Book pages can also be another surface you may want to use as something different. There are so many to choose from, use your imagination!

Mixed media paintings inspire artists, me included, to think out of the customary box. You can research many other potential ways of creating this one-of-a-kind and awesome art form.

This is an example of a mixed media collage art by Patricia Srigley

Creating An Assemblage Work Of Art

Another way to combine media would be with found objects for assemblage work. This three-dimensional art form has a very sculptural look to it. Assemblage art work can also be unconventional and odd-looking to some people. This makes for a very individual work of art.

Related to collage work, assemblage is usually designed more as a 3-D piece of art. All kinds of found objects such as, metal, sculpture and plastics, to name a few, are excellent choices.

Remember, even if you are a beginner or pro, let this fabulous art form take you on an incredible ride of pure joy. Use your imagination and be as inventive as you want to be!

This is an example of assemblage art by Victoria Borodinova

8 Reasons Why Art is Vital Today and Always

ART appears in so many forms of expression with its bountiful styles and mediums. It could be a drawing, music, the theater, dance, a movie or novel, a poem, sculpture or painting. Art is vital and provides the imagination with a multitude of ways to express oneself. It can project you into other wondrous places in your mind. The feeling you may experience when you view a piece of art can explore avenues you never thought of before.

Seeing art that is quite moving can affect you on a deep emotional level. It may bring tears of joy, happiness or sadness. It many even stimulate your creativity and get you started on your own inspired journey.

Why Art Is Vital

• Provides us with the history of art.
• Invites the developing minds of children to be creative.
• Art can be calming, exciting, dark, upbeat or many other emotions.
• A universal language that unites people.
• Art therapy may be needed to comfort, support and guide you.
• Gives voice to politics.

"Elephant Party" giclee prints at DevaArt Studio Gallery. — ***Elephant Party*** Giclee Prints

Have you ever wondered how everyday life was back in the days of our ancestors? Learning about art through the ages gives us how it may have been for them. Through cave drawings, for instance, art gave us a good idea how people used to eat, live, play, farm and even relate to one another. It shows a clear picture of human progression over the years. You can learn so much from the past, which is very crucial for your future.

Art is Vital for Brain Development and Overall Health

Many doctors treating dementia and Alzheimer’s patients release reports that show how their patients who draw or paint improve significantly. Taking part in art therapy improves their memory and they may even recover at a faster rate. People who do not practice creative activities may be slower to heal. A single picture is worth a million memories. Art can improve your brain health and help build connections between the brain’s right and left hemispheres.

Creating Art is Necessary for a Child’s Development

Children must be introduced to the arts at a young age, especially painting and drawing. This helps their brains grow and develop. It encourages them when establishing practical extra-curriculum skills. Art expands a child’s imagination and benefits them when they try to express themselves.

Before a child speaks, it sings. Before they write, they paint. As soon as they stand, they dance. Art is the basis of human expression. Phylicia Rashad ~

***Ethereal Dreams*** – Graphite, Color Pencil, Ink

Children communicate differently, voicing what they feel inside. While some become aggressive, others withdraw entirely without saying a word. You may not realize what they are trying to communicate sometimes, especially the quiet ones. However, if you look deeply into the art they created, you can find out much more about them.

Overall, art education has had a very positive impact on children’s performance both at school and at home. One research revealed that children who study art in school perform well in other subjects in class. They also find it easier to connect with others socially and their self-esteem is improved.

Voice to Political Differences

Art is much more than aesthetics as it also serves a political purpose. A lot of people who demonstrate for a cause may use art to express their feelings and get their message across. It has become part of activism and a way to call out public oppressors. A lot of activists express their causes using painted boards and papers. Also, newspapers use cartoon drawings as a political message. In these two cases, art is meant to speak for the voiceless in society.

Art Is Vital Because It Lasts

Art is vital because it can and does last for a very long time. For example, cave drawings from millions of years ago line the walls of caves worldwide. Art from eons ago helps us to understand the life of those who lived before us.

***Zebras Of A Different Color*** – Giclee Prints

Art is a Language that Unites People

Art has its own language that anyone can relate to. Viewing artwork evokes emotions that words cannot always do. Even so, the same artwork may mean different things to different people. It may not elicit the same emotional reactions, but it does make you think of perhaps looking at something differently than you normally would have. You do not have to necessarily understand what you are looking at to feel something emotionally.

Art is Therapeutic

Experiencing art, no matter which kind, is therapeutic in itself. It may help to reduce stress levels (think meditative type music), reduce anxiety and lessen depression. When you take a few minutes during your day to enjoy any kind of creative work, your cortisol hormone levels reduce. This hormone is connected to your stress level. Also, combining art therapy with medicinal therapy may benefit people who suffer from mental and/or emotional health.

A World Without Art?

Art is vital to everyone. "Mountainview" watercolor. — ***Mountain View*** – Watercolor

I cannot imagine living in a world without some form of creativity. Art is vital for everyone, including making our environment beautiful. Furthermore, a world without art would be dull and lifeless. So, go to an art gallery, museum, listen to music, see dancers perform, attend the theater. Do whatever you enjoy to keep art wrapped around your soul and your life.

Contact
Online Art Gallery-Store: devaart.com
DevaArt Studio Artisan Jewelry Boutique
Artisan Jewelry Information
Email: devaartstudio@devaart.com

DevaArt Studio Artisan Handmade Jewelry::Fine Art

Artisan Jewelry Boutique::Fine Art Paintings