Under the Compass Moon

Bajidoo - on Ovation Television

2009-04-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Brazilian Sun

2009-03-27T04:46:00.001-07:00

New Bajidoo Bangle Design: An amazing dedication between two very special people.... a unique bangle design for Manolea comissioned by Mariem.....how lovely :)

Avanguard Portrait, Inked

2009-01-01T12:28:00.000-08:00

I pretty much began as a graphite artist, then moved to Ink. Back in the 80's finding a good pen was difficult and often costly if you managed. At least this was the case for a girl in a small town way outside Seattle as I recall.

One day, I discovered a bottle of black india ink and a crow quill at my only local art supply store. And my work immediately evolved to pen & ink.

I have moved off basic pen & Ink to many other mediums since that time, now I consider myself a mixed media artist --I can never settle on just one way of doing anything. Every so often I have to go back to my artistic roots.

I have no idea what everyone, ... or anyone else, was doing on New Years Eve...But I was Drawing:

Some time back when we gota new digital camera with all kinds of "special modes" on it, my husband was goofing with the settings, when he snapped the pic that I sketched this from...so for that I dedicate the drawing to my hubby, Anto.

Regards,
Brenda

Bajidoo Signature Bangles

2008-12-07T17:20:00.001-08:00

"News, News, News!"

This Holiday Season has barely begun and it is already intense, so much has been keeping me busy from the beginning, in November, and now bleeding into December.

In November I did alot of housekeeping on my website http://www.bajidoo.com, now the site is completely new and jazzed up a bit with links to Five photo galleries. My galleries contain more than 400 pics, wow! I know... lol! Right?

Well the photos are separated into five distinct groups:

Gallery of artwork
Gallery of Art Objects (Like my Clocks, Collector Gift Boxes and Hand painted Ceramics), which have been previously sold or are currently for sale in one of my Etsy stores
Gallery of My Henna Tattoo work
Gallery of my Hand Painted Lampshades
Gallery of Bajidoo Signature Bangles

By having the galleries it is a bit easier to organize my photos for future reference. If you stop by my galleries please take time to comment on anything you like there, I am a feedback junkie and really promise to pour over every word your willing to type.

In addition to the WebSite refresh I have been working with Indus Trading Company to author a "How-To" for publication online and it print. The "How-to" document outlines the steps necessary to recreate my Bajidoo Signature Bangle "Denim Dream" The idea is to create a "project" for others to follow so they too can have fun creating Bangles.

The "How-To goes to press later this month.

On December 13th, I'll be at the "Handmade for the Holidays" Art & Craft show at Edgewater Drive in Orlando, FL... then on December 30th I will be at "Homegrown for the Holidays, Artisan Market & Winter Solstice Celebration," which is sponsored by the Florida School of Holistic Living and others.

Finally, "COMING TO BABDOYAN @ ETSY SOON," I am about to introduce, Henna Painted Denim...have a look at these teasers...these are brand new ....With tags still on Aeropostale Ladies lowrise jeans! I painted some henna patters on them and viola!

So be sure to check back often for more updates. For now, Happy Holidays from Bajidoo to you.

Bajidoo Signature Bangles

Etsy :: Rob Greenwood's Shop

2008-11-01T14:56:00.001-07:00

Wow! Talk about absolutely adorable. Have a look at the creativity here in Rob Greenwood's work. Something right out of the pages of a children's bedtime story or a lullaby.

Beautiful prints and so affordable at the holidays, I can see these as a perfect frame-able series in the babies room. I have four grand babies myself.

Look at the whimsy in this sweet little image of "Two Lips":

Snuggly like a buggly in a ruggly these two are tucked into two tulips , the redest II have ever seen...and petals look velvety soft.

Then we have a Couple of "Bookworms", leaning on each other for support.

Finally the "Ships in the night" all such lovely images steeped in emotion and goodness.

Go Check out Rob's Story on Etsy and give him a warm welcome, do a little shopping. Get into the Holiday Spirit!

Here's the link or click on any of the images posted here . . . . Etsy :: robgreenwood :: Rob Greenwood's Shop

Regards,

Brenda Abdoyan

Etsy :: HelixDesign :: The Hand Painted Lamp Shade

2008-10-20T06:14:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone - It has been a while...I have been so busy!

Late September I displayed my art from both of my original Etsy Shops (Babdoyan & Bajidoo) at the "Fall in Love with Handmade" craft show in Orlando, FL. I was very pleased with the outcome of that show...even though it was incredibly hot! I got sun burn that day.

Then I have been painting and drawing like crazy, getting ready for the Grand opening of "Twist of my Wrist" Bangle Boutique in West Palm Beach Florida...Where I have agree to work with Mr. John Bandy (Boutique Owner and Entrepreneur). I will be sending 6 to 7 of my bangles to West Palm Beach for that event.

Finally I open yet a third shop on Etsy for my hand painted Lampshades, the Shop is named "HelixDesign"... Here are a few of the shades displayed there:

This is the Golden Peacock, No2

Number 2 because the original Golden Peacock (a slightly different design) sold some months back.

This is a shade I named Victorian Fossil the stylized fern reminded me of the fossil images you often see in the museum gift shops.

Then I decided to add a bit more glitz and flair using Mosaic tiles along with my paintings and I came up with "Daisies at High Tea"

I guess I had the bug to paint shades cause I kept on going...I love Dragon Flys...so I have to create a shade with dragon flys and Dandelions...Here it is:

After Dragon Flys who can resist Ladybugs?

So I designed a little bedside table shade with a version of my "Leafy Green Lady Bug" painting on it:

To See the entire Lampshade Collection ---CLick on any of th pictures above or the link posted below. Thanks for stopping by "Under the Compass Moon"...which Ironically was the name of my very first lampshade design. Regards, Brenda.

Etsy :: HelixDesign :: Hand Painted Lamp Shades

Clara Batton Smith, Artist

2008-09-02T02:50:00.001-07:00

Can you imagine how wonderfully creative the world of designing costumes for Chicago Children's Theatre must be? Well that is where Clara Batton Smith began her creative career . . . . now look at where it has taken her: "MASQUERADE" is just absolutely amazing.

The amazement is not just found in the colors and subject matter but the incredible detail!

As Clara states in her own profile on Etsy, She began by collage techniques in her costume design work. Realizing that she was enjoying the art of of making the costume renderings in preparation for the actual costume, she followed he heart and kept going down the rendering path and eventually landed on Etsy with her magnificent work. How lucky are we?

Have a look at "LA CHANTEUSE," The expressiveness is extraordinary in this piece.

Clara has recently relocated to Melbourne, Australia, but she is still right next door to everyone on Etsy. Before you click on another URL go check out the rest of her incredible work on Etsy.

Here is Clara Batton Smith's Storefront link:

"CLARABSMITH" : http://www.clarabsmith.etsy.com

And one more image for the road -

Design By Humans T-shirts - So Let Them Eat Cake by bajidoo

2008-08-17T19:47:00.001-07:00

So every now and then we have to employ a little shameless self promotion, why now? Cause I am very proud of my design and my cause. The image I created for this T-Shirt contest is one of my personal favorites. I love animals, nature and wildlife, I used to focus all my artistic talents on the painting and drawing of animals.

Before I ever drew a single human I drew this Baboon, he is one of my more detailed images. Every hair was drawn with a bottle of India ink and a crow quill. I wanted the contrasting cake to be dense and vivid color, over indulgent imagery - I was attempting to draw my version of the surreal state of things when the French Queen originally made the famous statement "So Let them eat cake," which was her supposed reply to being told her subjects were starving, they had no bread.

Please take a moment to have a look at my T-Shirt Design entry at "Design by Humans" and vote for my image if you agree that it make a great shirt! If I should be lucky enough to win the contest I am planning to donate a portion of the proceeds to local ASPCA of Central Florida. You can help me reach that goal by voting for my design :)

TO VOTE GO HERE ---> Design By Humans T-shirts - So Let Them Eat Cake by bajidoo

Or Click on this Linked Image of my CAKE!

While your on the "Design by Humans" site have a peek at my other designs - not running in the same contest -

"Perched,"

"High Noon & Wicked Henna" . . . . . .

Here is a larger version of the Original "Design Contest" submission:

Have a great day and thanks for having a look at "Under the Compass Moon" BLOG.

Etsy, Michelle Spiziri, Artist

2008-08-05T06:55:00.001-07:00

From Michelle's own Etsy profile she states that, Most of her paintings and imagery comes directly from her imagination. "Never setting out to illustrate a specific theme or story, she creates each image as she goes, changing and shaping it along the way. "

Have a look at the "Day Dreamer" - terrific use of color to capture the emotion of the moment and the character being portrayed, the description of the piece states that-

Her tee shirt reads” Do what you love, Love what you do”. She is reading a book on “how to win friends and influence people”
I say, follow your heart! - I think all those carefully crafted details are represented here.

And look at "LuLu", what curly eyelashes she has wrapped around those baby blues! A very approachable girl - but is also described by Michelle as, "a little shy and now lives with a family in Pennsylvania. She is the sensitive type and has a heart of gold. She also loves kittens."

And here we have two incredible horses of many colors!

Take a few minutes to have a look around Michelle's gallery on Etsy, you'll find plenty of whimsy and fun from top to bottom, while your there.

Here is here link: http://www.mspiziri.etsy.com

Anne El-Habre, Artist

2008-07-23T10:50:00.001-07:00

Today I was looking over some of the details on my own Etsy store, when I clicked on the link to see who had marked my store as one of their favorites.

Nestled, among the other icon's there, I found Anne El-Habre's avatar. The avatar is a beautiful painting of a woman's face. (To see it, and you must!, go to Anne's Etsy Store http://www.AnneE.etsy.com) The avatar just happens to be one of her many works of art, and they are all ohhhh so impressive. Have a close up and personal look at this master piece and then say that somehow you were not utterly inspired?

"Dryad" is just plan gorgeous!

Okay so enough of the sexy naked guy hugging a tree comments. On a serious note, Anne is an amazing artist. I am so impressed by "Eleanor"

I love mythology and Anne's paintings are like your there witnessing the event. Each Character seems to jump off the page.

Eleanor's flowing red hair is completely romantic, next to her alabaster skin.

From Anne's profile on Etsy: "I was born in Maine. I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design waaay back in 1989 and got a Degree in Graphic Arts. Although I liked it then, the computer has taken much of the Art out of it, so I returned to drawing and painting shortly after graduating.

I am primarily self taught, gouache being one of my favorite mediums, though my strength is drawing. I also have a passion for printmaking.

My influences are turn of the Century illustration (Pyle, Wyeth, Booth, Leyendecker) and Victorian and Symbolist painters.
Inspiration comes from many sources, namely folklore, mythology, nature, and the human form."

Just Amazing!! go --- go now and visit Anne's shop on Etsy, I bet you'll look around a bit when you get there. Here's the link:

http://www.AnneE.etsy.com

Etsy :: AnneE's Profile

My Brilliant Weblog Award

2008-07-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Here is my list of nominees for the passing of the Brilliant Weblog Award.. Thank you again Jane for nominating me!

I am so greatful for getting this award nomination and happy to pass it on to the seven BLOGGERS below.

I am sorry for my delay in getting this out there, but immediately after I got the award, life threw me a curve ball and I was devasted by the loss of one of my five year old Shar Pei pups.

ShiShi - ShiShi was a doll, a perfect companion and the engergizer bunny in our house. She will be terribly missed. Her death was sudden and shocking. She simply woke up one morning early and 1 hour later she died of a failed heart. Her left ventrical burst and she didn't have a chance to recover from such a horrific event.

I have been devasted, I still go to the door to call her in, I still hear her feet clicking across my hardwood floors and I still see her adorable face in my mind every day. So please forgive my tardniess in passing the torch.

Today I dedicate this little passage and my award to Shishi Sai Lai... my wonderful little Shar Pei.

Directions for Nominees below

1) Put the logo on your blog, logo can be found in the upper left of this blog.

2) Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4) Add links to those blogs on yours.

5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

So my 7 Nominees are......

Jane at http://www.folkartbycampbelljane.blogspot.com/,

Amy at http://www.amyrehnae.blogspot.com/,

Michael at http://www.michaelorwick.blogspot.com/,

http://www.twistedthicket.blogspot.com/,

http://www.dishfulsofdoodles.blogspot.com/,

http://www.blueheronkate.blogspot.com/

http://www.tadadesigns.blogspot.com/

Amy Rehnae Giles, Collage~ Mixed Media Artist

2008-07-09T09:45:00.001-07:00

I could be wrong, but I feel that collage and mixed media artist are often overlooked when it comes to "fine" art. Looking at the beautiful eye catching work of Amy Rehnae Giles, reminds me of the keen sense of color, texture and imagery that a collage or mixed media artist must possess to create works such as these.

There is certainly appeal of a high magnitude present in these works. The colors, though earthy and somewhat muted are pleasing to the senses and romantic. The butterfly at the center of "Fragile Beauty" brings a certain sense of uplifting to the onlooker.

In "Just Be" the colors are of the same hues, but the image takes a seductive turn that reels you in. You can't help but focus on the beautiful girl peeking through the framing collage. A perfect selection of images, shapes and textures that completely compliment one another.

Finally in Amy's artistic expression "Amazing Grace," There is a bit of Yin and Yang going on that captures your curiosity from moment one. I find the image to hold a sense of mystery and hopefulness in equal proportions. I bring it back to Amy's keen sense of color, texture and imagery to have mixed such fine aspects for her imagination into fine art for us to enjoy.

Check out Amy's other works on Etsy:

Here is her link: http://www.amyrehnae.etsy.com

Enjoy!

Etsy :: GarThoma Studio

2008-07-03T07:29:00.001-07:00

While making use of the "POUNCE" function on etsy, to browse through the artist's store fronts that have not yet had a sale, I landed on Garthoma.

I have collected woodblock prints in the past, mainly Yoshitoshi, but Garthoma's wood block printing really has special appeal. Looking at his print of "Wash Day," there is a real feel of Americana Folk art. This print could just as well be an illustration included in a story by Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain).

The woodblock print technique is special artistic skill worth noting. The wood block is designed so that the areas to show 'white' are cut away with a knife or chisel, leaving the image to show in 'the darker color of the ink or paint.' The block is cut with the grain of the wood.

Then ink is applied to the block and pressed firmly and evenly on the paper to produce the print. The picture will print "in reverse" or mirror-image.

So this image of "Between the Rows," as well as the other two prints on this page were carved in the reverse or mirror of the image you see here.

Keeping the technique in mind while viewing Garthoma's work brings you to a new appreciation for the effort it takes to create such a wonderful piece of art.

Take a few moments to get a closer look at the work of Garthoma, it is quite incredible - here is the link Etsy :: www.garthoma.etsy.com

BRENDA THOUR, Artist

2008-07-01T02:23:00.001-07:00

While viewing a treasury link that I was sent just yesterday, the incredible art of Brenda Thour stopped me dead in my tracks. As it turns out she and I have the Interior Design Team on Etsy in common, as well as a few other things.

The images of wildlife that she paints are so soulful and surprising. I, myself began my artistic efforts from childhood by drawing animals in natural settings. Even though Brenda took up painting only as recently as 1999, she has a very well developed eye, and a very cooperative hand. Look here at her Waxwing. Just amazing!

Another interesting parallel between Brenda Thour and I, beside the fact that we have the same first name, is her choice of birds to render in her painted images. I have a mixed media version of the waxwing in my personal portfolio, as well as a watercolor of a loon. Have a look Brenda's painting of a mother loon sitting on her nest. You can really imagine this view being one you might be seeing in nature, it is such a pure depiction.

From the Artist:

"Hi, my name is Brenda Thour and I love to paint. I have been painting since 1999, when I finally realized my dream and gave painting a go. My first passion is in painting animals, followed by landscapes. I find it very rewarding, fun and thrilling to be able to take a blank canvas and depict Gods' handiwork on it. To create a piece of art that gives someone a feeling of peace is a true blessing."

Take a moment to see the rest of Brenda's listings on Etsy, each and everyone is a delight. Here is her link:

Etsy :: www.Luvs2Paint.etsy.com

DONNA ROSE, Artist

2008-06-29T07:02:00.001-07:00

I am always looking at who is on etsy, indiepublic, the talent datatbase and artmajuer ...among other places. I not only love to paint, draw, and create myself -- I love to look at the incredible work of others.

To me, seeing the art of others is a unique view into the world the way they see it, it is rare and difficult to share that view with words. I suppose that is where the phrase, "A picture speaks a thousand words," came from.

I was looking around etsy, when I stumbled upon a few incredible watercolor creations by Donna Rose, -- the Petunias initially caught my eye.

I was so impressed by the choice of color and the truly watery use of the paint to depict each flower from Donna's perspective.

Then I saw the tortoise... I thought his expression was genuine and the color usage was brilliant.

But what can you say about this rose? So perfectly illustrating a rose, in sunset hues, at the peak of bloom. . . . .Just glorious.

From the Artist: "I have been painting for many years.

It is something that helps me keep my sanity.

I have taken some lessons and a few workshops but mostly I'm a self-taught painter. I recently started working with stainglass. Love it. I think it is the beautiful colors that draws me. I have taught painting and have shown my work in both Idaho and Montana. Now along with everyone else on etsy I'm showning it to the world."

Take a moment to stop by Donna's etsy site and look at her work, I am certain you'll enjoy what you find there. http://www.artbydonnarose.etsy.com/

JANE CAMPBELL, Artist:

2008-06-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

What could be better than Whimsy and Angels? Angelic Mermaids - possibly?

I Found a beautiful angelic face within an ICON in my favorites on Etsy. The tiny button sized image stood out amongst the 400+ other tiny images, so I had to click through the rabbit hole to see what was on the otherside.

Look at what was there! These are deemed as "Folk Art" in style by Jane, but these must be the deepest and richest folk art images I have ever seen. When you look at the faces on these mermaids you wish they were dolls so that you could sqeeze them. They were created with such dimension.

From Jane's Profile on Etsy.com:

"I have enjoyed painting for 37 yrs. I am basically self taught but have studied art on my own & taken classes. I am a member of the Folk Art Society of America & Swell Sister Society, a new group of Sacramento women artists.

My art has been sold all over the US and internationally. In addition to my love for painting, I am a crafter. I learned to crochet at age 7. I was mesmerized by Japanese sparkly yarn!

This was the beginning of a lifetime of crafting! I enjoy crochet, knitting, sewing, embroidery & other needlework, perfume making, cake decorating, wood crafts, clay work & decorative painting.

So in addition to my paintings you never know what you might find (...under CampbellJane on etsy)!

My art is inspired by sweet things in my life, my loving family , my friends and sometimes by my goofy sense of humor. My life is filled with music, artful things & loving people."

If you have not stopped by Jane's shop on Etsy you really should - here is the link: http://www.campbelljane.etsy.com/.

JUSTIN VINING, Artist and Student of Law :

2008-06-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw Justin's images, I knew this was a person who saw the world in a full spectrum of colors that most of us can only dream of. He has manage to take the edges of Van Gogh's Starry Night and with a sprinkle of Whimsey has somehow soften the gravity of eternity that is captured there.

Viewing this rendition of the moon, suddenly you realize the huge influence that ball of waxy blue dust has on every moment in our life, from the tides to our moods...

Here he has captured the impact with vivid color and grace.

In Justin's, "It's a Beautiful World" ...I believe we see the image of the man, the artist and his credo -

"I am an artist and a full time law student.

Creating is an adventure I get lost in.

I believe in enjoying life and making a difference.

I try not to overlook the small things.

I enjoy hope, beauty, trust and love.

You have to believe in yourself before people will believe in you,"

Justin is an artist you should see, I have taken notes.

Don't forget to visit Justin's Online Gallery - http://www.justinvining.com/ , you'll be glad you did.

by, Brenda Abdoyan, screen name "Bajidoo