Inspiration Tuesdays

One of my favorite things to do online is to search not only for unique artist’s blogs but also for web sites that really offer something inspiring. Just today, I googled one of my favorite illustrators, Walter Crane. When I did this, I ran across one such site where I explored all the wonderful links provided there and am in awe of the collections to be found at this amazing locale. The site is the Digital Library of Illuminated and Illustrated Books. Can I hear the collective sighs from artists and lovers of book illustration across the blogosphere or is that just me? ;) Perhaps you’ve already stumbled upon this fantastic site and I have been living under a proverbial rock by not knowing that it was around. If that’s the case, where have I been? Nevertheless, this link has secured a permanent place under the ‘Links to Inspire’ tab on my side bar. Hum, perhaps this will be a weekly feature then...How about Inspiration Tuesdays? It might be nice to spotlight special sites that might help to get the creative juices flowing. We can all use that every now and then, right?

Back to information about the site- This fantastic library has been lovingly created by Alfredo Malchiodi, Anita Malchiodi, and Carlos Alonso Cabezas. Let me extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to these three for creating such a wonderful place to view some of the most beautifully detailed examples of 19th century Victorian and Arts and Crafts illustrations to be found in one location. I absolutely love this site and will certainly be making weekly visits for some much needed inspiration. Do yourself a favor and take a look at some of the offerings to be found there. You won’t be sorry!

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( Angel of Mercy )


( Proclamation )

Saying goodbye to a drawing can be incredibly difficult for me. Two of the hardest works to let go of have been two of three conte` angels that I’ve made. One, my first attempt at conte`, belongs to Guidepost magazine to possibly be used in a “future” feature in their angel art gallery but the other two were sold this summer at the same show. I had never exhibited the originals before even though I made the drawings in 2007. I sold note-cards at Parish Christmas bazaars. I also sold them at art fairs and in a gift shop but never had the originals appear in public. Why? Was I displeased with them? No, I loved( still do) them and I loved working with conte` which gave them the old world feel that I adore so much. No, it was because, well, they were my angels and I kept the originals close by to inspire me. They represented celestial guidance, protection and direction, which I desperately need in all areas of my life but especially when creating. The visuals reminded me to be grateful for the rich blessings all around me even when I might sink into bouts of self-centeredness. So, it was with a bit of trepidation that I dropped them off at the first show where they made their debut. They got a lot of attention and several people commented on how much they would love prints or note-cards but they did not sale that evening or over the month they were on exhibit. Okay, I’ll admit it. I was a bit relieved. I felt that meant they were destined to come back home with me to keep inspiring. Still, they had generated a lot of interest so I made a mental note to re-photograph them to make better quality prints and cards.

A few months later, my one woman show rolled around and I was hesitant to send them along. The curator of the gallery asked me to include them so I agreed and dropped them off with 18 other pieces I had ready to go. I felt certain they would once again come home with me. They had to, right? We were destined to be together forever. However, this time both originals sold on opening night of the exhibit. Not only that but I had two people vying for Angel of Mercy and another gentleman had his checkbook in hand, heading towards the curator, on a mission to purchase Proclamation. It had literally just sold. I stood watching all of this take place, far removed from the chatter of wine glasses, laughter, background music and reverie taking place all around me in the gallery. This may sound odd but the emotions I experienced ranged from absolute bliss to profound loss. Then it continued when I received commissions for more angels. I had a lady call me “the angel artist”. As flattering as that was, I’ve always resisted being categorized in such a way. I suppose that’s why I explore so many different subjects. Yet, time and time again, the Angelic/Ethereal pieces seem to speak to me and I feel very connected to them. They are just so intimate and personal.

Some other artist friends and I have discussed this strange loss that we experience. I think it’s safe to say that most of us view our artwork as our “children” but find it much easier to let some pieces go than others. I wonder about other blogging artists out there. I wonder which ones mean the most to them and what did they go through when their special “child” or “children” left them for a new home. Feel free to share if this applies to you.

The Muse Within

Artist's Statement:


“ Above all, art is a never ending process in which you learn something valuable with every creation that you bring forth. My first love has always been drawing. A pencil or pen is so pure and honest. I’m amazed by what can be achieved with line, stippling and value progression. There is an immediacy and purity there which captivates me unlike any other art form."

Welcome to The Muse Within. In the coming months I will be posting drawings, illustrations and paper cuttings from my portfolio. This site will also feature art history articles, essays, exhibits and other musings from my studio. This is where I hope to connect with those who love and want to learn more about the creative process. Above all, it is to be a place where all are welcome to visit.

My website, www.rebecccachamberlainart.com, is in the process of being published. It will hopefully be completed by mid week, around August 11Th.

The first image featured here, Nouveau Butterly, is from a series of Art Nouveau-inspired pieces that I made in late April. The idea came from some designs that I saw in turn of the century wrought iron fences. Every single pen and ink piece that I make with the combination of line, scrolling design, and dot is heavily influenced by Aubrey Beardsley's work. I am completely captivated and drawn to his illustrations and find that most of my latest pieces, even paper cuts, have these characteristics incorporated in them in some way.

This illustration was made with Faber Castell pens on Arches cold pressed acid free watercolor paper. The size is 5" x 7". For purchase information please use the contact email on the sidebar.