Most of us have had this happen. We go to a party and bring a gift, then realize with ever growing dread that someone else brought the exact same thing. That gift registry should have prevented it...but, alas someone didn't bother to check the list and now you know that your hostess will probably be returning two of the three rice cookers...see that robin in the middle? Yes, whispering will ensue.

So I did a little experiment....I gave away random pieces of art for my husband's friends to bring home and keep....and they were thrilled. Over the moon, because each one was real, unique, their very own to treasure. 

When you give the gift of an original piece of art, you can relax because no one else will have the same one, ever again. The original, the one with the details that brag this is unique will be theirs!

A unique item such as original art, is a perfect gift for any occasion such as a wedding, housewarming, or simply a thank you for doing business with you. You would be surprised at how special they will feel, no matter what you decide upon!

My father loved pine trees. He planted them everywhere he could. Every summer we would drive up north and toil to water his seedlings. There were well over 50 of them. I think they reminded him of the mountains where he grew up. As I got older I really began to appreciate how they could enliven the dreary winter landscape with their pop of color, and whispering fronds. Alas, a fire took his many decades ago, but I had one in my urban yard that served to honor the memory of what was.

I spent the better part of 2017 fussing over dozens of pine cone paintings. I was grieving the loss of our red spruce. I counted the rings in the stump before they ground it and found that had lived next to the garage for over 70 years. I only enjoyed its beauty for 27 years. It was a piece of northern respite in a seriously urban landscape. I spent many a summer gazing up at its branches marveling at the creatures that flitted to and fro in the branches covered in cones. One of the few things that still connected me to my childhood was gone.

I didn't even realize it was a red spruce until I decided to learn more about the beautiful tree that was lost because of a high wind  that nearly uprooted it. It was leaning badly towards the driveway and there was no way to accommodate it. In my online meanderings, I discovered some beautiful things about pine  trees. All over Europe they are a symbol of peace. Personally, I find the cones to be a symbol of hope. A promise of renewal. Many species don't germinate until after a fire has ravaged the countryside. Thinking about the fires that swept through California last year, this fact gave me hope that nature would replenish the landscape if we just gave her some time.

All to often we are impatient for things to renew after an event. We want our spirit to heal right away, but it takes time. Nature takes her course and things will be different but life always proliferates and things shall be renewed. What are your thoughts? I would love to know!

This was the week when all of us, no matter our faith, took pause to remember, reflect, cherish each other, and plan for betterment in the upcoming year. Hold on to that which inspires you most and makes your soul sing! 

It has been a whirlwind year, and summer is a distant dream in this season of crisp air and falling leaves. Your thoughts are turning toward the holiday season and there is so much to do, and so little free time! Below is a short list of places where you can find unique nature art for gift giving this season. More details on each of these to come soon!

But WAIT. . .you probably haven't even purchased greeting cards! Well, I've got you covered! If you love shopping on ETSY you can find  them here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FineArt4SmallSpaces
The cards will be live on this home site soon, under the category Greeting Cards

Here is the short list I promised for where you can find unique Art and gifts:
Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens MI 48043
Telephone: (586) 469-8666
https://www.theartcenter.org
Blaufenster Gallery, 17114 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230
Telephone: (313) 640-4530
https://www.blaufenster.com
Fairfax Quality Market
899 Beaconsfield Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230
Telephone: (313) 822-7074

See you soon for more information about these locations, and what you can expect to find there!

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I finally decided that my art business needed a logo that reflected what my brand is all about. It took two months of revisions to decide on this combination of image and fonts. So many people have asked my why a bird, that I decided to write a blog post to answer that question. 

Nature art is more than a landscape, it also speaks to us about the creatures that inhabit the world. The bird symbolizes the freedom and flight that nature art will give you every time you view it. 

Many of you have also wondered why cursive letters, when all the world is talking about how cursive will no longer be taught. Perhaps it won't be taught formally, but behind the scenes, a quick search about instructional books for hand lettering reveals that cursive will never go out of style. 

Elegant art deserves an elegant logo. Let me know what your thoughts are about the logo and the cursive controversy!

Lift your spirits after winter's sojourn. The Avian Adventures birds have migrated bringing flower blossoms with them in celebration of springtime! Sixteen paintings of birds, flowers and a few waterscapes are on exhibit at Schramm's Mead in Ferndale, Michigan from March 15 through May 14, 2017. 

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Venue: Schramm's Mead, 327 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220
Exhibit Host: Mark McDaniel Burton (248) 259-5330
Meet the Artist: Thursday, March 30th from 6 to 8 p.m.
Venue hours: Wednesday-Thursday 4-10 p.m. Friday 4 p.m.-12 a.m. Saturday 1 p.m.-12 a.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-6p.m.

Where: Level One Bank Community Gallery
22635 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220

When: Now Through February 3rd (closing reception on Feb. 3rd from 3 to 6 p.m.

Do You wonder why birds? Every artist has a different inspiration, but mine started this fall, when I became enthralled with watching an airport of different species getting along (for the most part) watching out for each other, and sharing food. World travelers whose personalities I wanted  to capture more than a scientific identity, so I painted these from memory...no rehearsals, just letting the visual impressions guide my muse!

When the Grosse Pointe Art Association (GPAA) closed its location on Kercheval, I was at a loss as to maintaining a presence with my creations in the location. Keri Rasmussen and Blaufenster (Blue Window) Gallery to the rescue! She opened her doors right next to the GPAA, but then they moved. It could have been the first art gallery row on Kercheval, but alas she must wing it alone. The space is cozy, with a wonderful ambient light. She showcases many different talents, with unique creations ranging from paintings, to raku, to textiles and beyond. It is worth a stop!
Contact her at (313) 640-4530 to schedule a viewing, or stop by Thursday-Sunday during regular hours! Questions for me, please call (586) 596-0377

These tulips have gone home, as have the three flowers in their German Silver frames, but there are 10 gems left from Fine Art For Small Spaces, and in celebration of our new partnership, they are on special through October. Step in to Blaufenster Gallery and be transported to a world of beauty! The paintings shown below can fit in the smallest of condos, apartments, or those neglected nooks in your mansion!

Here is a sneak preview of just four of 20 walls filled with my creations. Large and Small, priced from $65 to $300 landscape and floral paintings. Who said you can't build a mixed collage wall of variety? As you can see, all these creations go well together, and can stand alone and hold their own, no matter where they find their forever home. Holding a show special, buy any three paintings and receive a 10 percent discount! I will also have greeting card boxed sets and prints from $18 through $25 available! The show is on  through June 24th, and if you can only make it during off gallery hours, get in touch and I will give you a tour. Twenty seven other members work will also be represented at the back half of the gallery, so it is truly a feast for the eyes, heart, and soul!

Featuring 91 landscape and floral paintings in both acrylic and watercolor will be on display and available for purchase, along with greeting card sets and prints.

The sizes range from 4" x 6" all the way up to 24" x 36", because small spaces are relative!


















Lawrence Street Gallery presents

                “Nature’s Song” a solo exhibition of member artist 
                Helena Kuttner-Giasson’s “Fine Art For Small Spaces”

                Show Dates:                           June 1 - 25, 2016

                Opening Reception:                Friday, June 3, 6-9 PM

                Mid-Month Reception:           Friday, June 17, 6-9 PM
               
Gallery Hours:
                Wednesday & Saturday, 12 to 5 and Thursday & Friday, 12 to 9 PM

                Location: Lawrence Street Gallery is at 22620 Woodward, Ferndale
                (east side of Woodward, in the second block south of 9 Mile.)

               Telephone: 248-544-0394