Guest Post: Gnomeangel

Welcome to what I hope will be the first of many wonderful guest posts. Angie and I met (well we were both there, but we met via Twitter) at a recent ProBlogger Training Day in Melbourne. It just seems like too much of a coincidence that we are both from Canberra and that our tastes and passions seem to overlap in so many areas.

So without further ado, I bring you gnomeangel!

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Gidday, my name is Angie and I have a little blog called gnomeangel. I'm so stoked to have been asked by Jessica to do a guest post today on the wonderful Maken Art. It's such a privilege and honour to have been asked and a huge responsibility so I hope I don't disappoint.

Today I thought I would share with you my top eight artists of the moment. It's an eclectic list of artists that I have found through my travels on the internet. Most of the artists featured hang on the walls of my house, however there's still an illusive one or two that I need to capture.

In no particular order, they are:

• Nanami Cowdroy - An Australian artist Nanami mixes her Japanese and European heritage and influences to create stunning pieces of art. Absolutely stunning. The attention to detail combined with the simple colour palette is a joy to behold. I could spend hours just looking at the various elements she includes in her works. I would love to own an original of one of her works. You can purchase Nanami's works as gelskins for your electronic devices via gelaskins. (My laptop and iphone sport Nanami's art!)

Image source: Nanami Cowdroy

• Belle and Boo - This is a collection of artwork by the talented Mandy Sutcliffe. I love the innocence that Mandy's work conveys; it captures a part of childhood that is ever so fleeting. I'm also a sucker for a cute bunny. You can purchase Belle and Boo merchandise from their Etsy Store.

Image source: Belle and Boo

• ZukZuk - Helen is the creative genius behind ZukZuk. She's a New Zealander living in Canada, so I can claim her as Australian. *wink* I love the bright, bold, whimsical nature to Helen's work. Helen also has her own blog; Hello ZukZuk. You can purchase Helen's work through her Etsy store.

Image source: ZukZuk

• Bec Winnel - Bec is one awesomely talented Australian. She has such magic in her art. The realism is just astounding. I don't know how she manages to get such amazing softness to her work. You can purchase originals of Bec's work at her website. I'm yet to get one, but I'm working towards it!

Image source: Bec Winnel

• Yumi Yumi - Aline is the mastermind behind the wonderfully colourful artwork of Yumi Yumi. I do not know how she manages to get the colour wash look to her work but it is sublime. We have a couple of her prints in our house and not a day goes by where I don't spend time just starring at the colours and marveling at them. Aline also has a blog; Yumi Yumi Studio. You can purchase Aline's work via her Etsy Store.

Image source: Yumi Yumi

• Andrea Joseph - Andrea takes the humble ball point pen and turns it into something spectacular. Seriously, it's all done with ball point pen! I'm such a sucker for the detail. Andrea is currently working on publishing a childrens book filled with her magical images. She's blogging about the book and the images she's posted so far are just out of this world. I will be buying a copy when it comes out, not for the kids but for me! Andrea blogs here and you can buy her art via her Etsy store.

Image source: Andrea Joseph

• Gorjuss Art - The fact that Suzanne produces art at all is a miracle in itself. (Read why here.) I love her work for it's simplicity and adult nature. I'm also a sucker for a cute animal. You can purchase Suzanne's merchandise and art through her Etsy Store. Suzanne also has a blog; Little Gorjuss Things.

Image source: Gorjuss Art

• Kozyndan - As I've said before I'm a sucker for a rabbit and that's what drew me to Kozyndan. You can purchase their merchandise and art via their store. You can also read their blog here.

Image source: Kozyndan

Well, I hope you've enjoyed my artist recommendations and maybe you've even managed to find a new artist to follow. I'm going finish with some words of wisdom from Stella Adler;

"Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one."

If you've enjoyed this post you can find more of me at my blog; gnomeangel. Or follow me on Twitter; gnomeangel.