Art166 - The Fine Art of Insomnia

The one where it's w-a-y too hot to think happy thoughts.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 09:50:00 +0000

          "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."
                     ~ Harry S. Truman, United States President

"Guess what, Harry? I can't stand the heat."
                     ~ Wendy J. St. Christopher, Artist

As a barely-teen, I was abruptly transplanted from the snow-covered, urban wonderland of Wisconsin to the steamy-hot, urban landscape of South Texas.


'Power Station - Hot' from Art166.com

Before that time, I was sure 100+ degree heat was something that only happened in science fiction stories -- or in one of my favorite episodes of The Twilight Zone. (scroll down to watch the episode)

Yikes -- 100 degrees! That couldn't happen in the real world, could it?

Silly, silly, me.

It's hot in my host city. It's dripping with humidity hot.

It's heatwaves rising tsunami-like from the pavement hot. It's burning soles of your feet, through your shoes, hot.

It's never have a good hair day hot; I'll never pry this shirt from my back hot.

It's waterproof mascara-melting hot.

It's 'do I smell bacon or have I been outside too long?' hot.

It's running through hell wearing gasoline shorts hot.

Yes, it's that hot. Actually, it's this hot --

'Southern Extremes', available at Art166.com, from $32 US.

Relocating from Wisconsin to South Texas meant trading 9 months of cold for 9 months of heat. A meteorological 'opposite day', as it were.

Years later, I am still not amused. I am, however, very, very . . . . . . well, you get the picture. ;-)

* * *

Both fine art prints, 'Power Station - Hot' and 'Southern Extremes', are available in a variety of sizes, fine finishes, and optional framing choices. They're also available as Acrylic Mounted or Metal (Aluminum) prints -- both come ready-to-hang and require no framing.

While visiting the site, you're invited to sign up for my newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

* * *
If you've read this far, you deserve the promised episode of 'The Twilight Zone'. Your computer or other internet-capable device must be compatible with YouTube to view. Enjoy!

Oops! I'm sorry to report that CBS has removed episodes of 'The Twilight Zone' from YouTube.

You can still watch the episode -- The Midnight Sun -- on Hulu.com, at this link -
http://www.hulu.com/watch/440785

Signing off at 4:50 a.m.
More True Tales of an Insomniac Artist,
Wendy J. St. Christopher, Art166.com and Art166.net

The one about time, patience, and creative rewards.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 13:42:00 +0000

          "May what I do flow from me like a river,
           no forcing and no holding back . . ."
                   ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

Texas takes summer very seriously, and I find few things worth braving the heat of day. But, if all is just right with my Universe, there comes a moment when triple-digit temperatures take a back seat to pure wonder.

In this case, the wonder was a light-dappled riverbed, just on the cusp of sundown.

My original photograph of the site showed the bare bones of a moody dream-scene; more than worth a day's drive through the late-June heat of the Texas Hill Country.

I took the photo in 2007; but, it was only a few weeks ago that inspiration struck. Like lightning, I had a sudden vision of exactly how I would enhance that photograph -- transforming it into the feeling I wanted to convey -- the very story I wanted to tell.

Title - 'River of Dreams and Wishes'

'River of Dreams and Wishes', available at Art166.com, from $42 US.

So, a full day of driving into the Hill Country and back,
+ a few minutes to compose and shoot the photograph,
+ seven years waiting for a very specific creative spark.

Sometimes, that's how long it takes to 'make a picture'. Apparently, patience really is a virtue!

* Cheers to my friend, Joe Haley, who was Driver, Refreshment Procurement Officer, and Bodyguard, on that seemingly ordinary day more than seven years ago. :-)

----

This fine art print, 'River of Dreams and Wishes', is available in a variety of sizes, fine finishes, and optional framing choices. Click here to learn more, or purchase. (Product page will open in a new window of your browser.)

Optional framing and matting treatments are also available at the site.

While visiting the site, you're invited to sign up for my newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

True Tales of an Insomniac Artist,
Wendy J. St. Christopher, Art166.com and Art166.net

The one where an obvious clue is discovered -- without spreading that messy, black dust everywhere.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 08:42:00 +0000

" . . . if you want to stand out, you have to learn to crystallize your existence,
and create your own fingerprints."
~ Carlos Santana

In pursuit of truth, justice, and the American way, I originally planned to join the local police force. Unfortunately, that was back in the days of pre-political correctness, and I was one inch too short to apply. (Apparently, my elegant, long-legged stature is all in my mind.)

As it turns out, even civilians of average height can uncover relevant evidence . . . like this thumbprint abstraction, for instance.

Title - 'One Clean Print'

In bright colors on yellow --

'One Clean Print - bright', available at Art166.com, from $47 US.

or classic greyscale on white --

'One Clean Print - greyscale', available at Art166.com, from $47 US.

If you're thinking the only crime here is a crime against art . . . well, that burden of proof lies with you. Feel free to order a few large prints, to aid in your investigation. First, examine them for clues, then hang them on your walls!

I call that a win/win situation; justice served! ;-)

------

* Fine art prints of my 'One Clean Print' images are available through my website at Art166.com.

Prints are available in a variety of sizes, fine finishes, and optional framing choices. Click here to learn more, or purchase. (Product pages will open in a new window of your browser.)

* While visiting the site, you're invited to sign up for my newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

True Tales of an Insomniac Artist,
Wendy J. St. Christopher, Art166.com and Art166.net

The one where I'm Thinking of Blue, but not feeling blue. Wendy J. St. Christopher, Art166.com

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 12:33:00 +0000

"Blue -- darkly, deeply, beautifully blue."
~ Robert Southey, English poet

Recently, I've been haunted by blue. I've been researching blue, counting blue cars, seeing blue in my dreams.

Not the cheery, bright, blue of morning skies and crystal-clear lakes, but the deep, quiet, blue of secrets and serious thoughts, and things that gently go bump in the night.

As is the way with hauntings, the best solution is to bring things into the light of day. Here's the exorcism of my 'blue' . . . for now, at least.

Title - ''Thinking of Blue'

Thinking of Blue', available at Art166.com, from $42 US.

* This print, depicting my strangely blue obsession, is available in a variety of sizes, fine finishes, and optional framing choices. Click here to learn more, or purchase. (Product page will open in a new window of your browser.)

** I suggest the Acrylic Print (no frame necessary), for a contemporary, high-impact display, or glossy or semi-gloss papers for a more traditional look.

** MATTE PAPERS AND CANVAS FINISHES ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THIS VERY CONTEMPORARY IMAGE.

Optional framing and matting treatments are also available at the site.

While visiting the site, you're invited to sign up for my newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

True Tales of an Insomniac Artist,
Wendy J. St. Christopher, Art166.com and Art166.net

The one where I'm lost, but my art is right where it belongs. Wendy J. St. Christopher - Art166.com

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 11:59:00 +0000


'Grand Hyatt San Antonio' at Art166.com. Prices begin at $32 US.

"Wherever you go, there you are."

~ from The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension

I have a nearly non-existent sense of direction.

Say you'll meet me on Houston Street, and I'll end up on Military Highway. Ask for directions to Austin, and I'll point you toward Corpus Christi.

So, it shouldn't surprise anyone that, even though I've photographed this hotel several times, I couldn't quite find it again to double-check its name and location.

I called my sister for advice. Yes, the grumpy sister, who hates being interrupted at work. The conversation went something like this --

Me: "You know that big hotel next door to the Convention Center? It's right across the street from that other REALLY BIG hotel? The one on Commerce Street?"

Her: "No; but, the Convention Center's not on Commerce . . . "

Me: "Sure it is! You know -- right behind the mall . . . "

Her: "That's Market Street, dufus!"

Me: " . . . . . ."

Her: "The Convention Center? The Lila Cockrell Theater? Market Street."

Me: "But . . . I've spent an hour searching for buildings on Commerce . . ."

Her: "D'uh."

Me: "Okay, thanks. Let me spend a little more time on Google."

Her: "That's just sad." ~ disconnects phone ~

Me: ~ I hang up the phone, too -- even though I'm pretty sure she's completely wrong. ~

Two minutes later, I hit redial. She answers, reluctantly. My earlier call has, apparently, exacerbated the inherent grumpiness.

Me: "Guess what? You were right; it's the Grand Hyatt, on Market Street! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Her: "That's just sad." ~ disconnects phone ~

Me: ~ I hang up, too (deja vu?), and add the newly corrected information to my online listing. All the while trying to figure out when I mentally swapped Market Street for Commerce Street . . . ~

------

* This fine art print depicting the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, Texas -- on Market Street, not Commerce Street -- is available through my website at Art166.com.

The print is available in a variety of sizes, fine finishes, and optional framing choices. Click here to learn more, or purchase. (Product page will open in a new window of your browser.)

** I suggest the Acrylic Print (no frame necessary), for a contemporary, high-impact display, or Premium Somerset Velvet Paper, for a more traditional look.

Optional framing and matting treatments are also available at the site.

Suggested framing as shown above -

Frame style - Simple, black, gallery frame. Model 111MBLK
Mat style - Arctic white w/black core

While visiting the site, you're invited to sign up for my newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

True Tales of an Insomniac Artist,
Wendy J. St. Christopher, Art166.com and Art166.net

Introducing The 'Natural Attributes' Collection, by Wendy J. St. Christopher - Art166.com

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 16:15:00 +0000

"Creativity is a lot like looking at the world through a kaleidoscope. You look at a set of elements, the same ones everyone else sees, but then reassemble those floating bits and pieces into an enticing new possibility."

~ Rosabeth Moss Kanter

Kaleidoscopes make me think of the past; a time when nothing was perfect, but everything was possible. A time when escape could be found in a 99 cent cylinder from the local Woolworth's store.

Kaleidoscopes are imagination, mystery, and wonder -- an accessible stream of endless possibilities.

Kaleidoscopes are magic! At least, I thought they were, until I was five or six years old. ;-)

They still have their own kind of magic -- patterns, shapes, and colors, forming an intriguing 'other' -- which is why I enjoy exploring them through my art. I've created kaleidoscopic art for many years; first, with paper, scissors and glue, then, and now, through the medium of digital art.

I like my current process better . . . more gratifying output, less frustrating clean-up. ;-)

With this new collection, I've taken my kaleidoscopic images to a different plane; a plane of pure whimsy, where everything is colorful, bold, complex, and lush. Symmetry, order, and elegance are joyful co-conspirators in these twenty pieces.

These vibrant images create a stunning focal point -- whether displayed singly or in groups -- and are equally at home in contemporary or traditional spaces.

Fine art prints from The Natural Attributes Collection are available through my online galleries at Fine Art America. They can be purchased in a variety of sizes, fine finishes, and optional framing choices. Click here to see the entire collection.

While visiting the site, you're invited to sign up for my newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

True Tales of an Insomniac Artist,
Wendy J. St. Christopher, Art166.com

Rufus Sewell reads "9/11: Out Of The Blue" by Simon Armitage - 1/4

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 13:08:00 +0000

All four parts available on YouTube -
Part 1 - http://youtu.be/yacjArDnRbY
Part 2 - http://youtu.be/wlQHVzdGwTk
Part 3 - http://youtu.be/ufZey15WTAk
Part 4 - http://youtu.be/weebw7QOU80

Warning -- Includes real-life images and scenes.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 09:58:00 +0000

Leaky kitchen = sinking ship
True Tales of an Insomniac Artist,
Wendy J. St. Christopher, Art166.com

Last evening, during an unseasonal downpour, my kitchen ceiling sprang a serious leak.

I spent the night bailing out, napping in random, 20-minute increments (just in case the rain started again), and remembering, with inappropriate nostalgia, our usual, summer drought conditions.

The $3.21 in my account won't cut it. Anyone know a San Antonio roofer who'll 'work for art?' Hope springs eternal! :-)

In slightly-exaggerated fact, my kitchen resembled my own abstract, 'Sudden Storm' -- only indoors, which is so, very uncool . . .


('Sudden Storm' - print prices start at $37 US - click for larger view or purchase)

Enjoyed your visit? Subscribe to this blog -- right, top of sidebar!

St. Christopher signing off @ 4:58 a.m. CST.

From Rusty Photos to Fresh Art - My New Collection Revealed!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 06:55:00 +0000

The Oxidation Collection -
(Print prices start at $32 US)

While on a shooting expedition with a friend, I braved a midsummer, creepy-crawly-laden Texas field to photograph an abandoned, rusty, Hesston 600 tractor.

The resulting pictures were solid, if unamazing. In fact, the most exciting thing about that shoot was the Texas-sized grasshopper I fished out of my blouse during the walk back to the truck. Ewwww!

Fast-forward a few years, when I was hit with sudden, blazing inspiration -- dig out those rusty tractor shots (the tractor was rusty -- not the photos) and transform them into a 12-image collection. Wonderfully recycled visual art!

Piece of cake, right?

One of the many joys of photo-manipulation is that every capture is brimming with possibilities; I never, ever delete anything I've photographed. Even the most mundane capture can become a gorgeous background or texture.

In this case, I had an intriguing source as a kickstarter. I also had about a zillion ideas -- all that earthy color and intriguing texture!

These two images had already settled comfortably into my online galleries, but were starved for rusted company --

So, I spent a week or two thinking . . . thinking . . . thinking . . . Hmmm, an obviously-themed collection of visually diverse images . . .

In typical fashion, the Lord and Lady arrived first. Early birds tend to do that --

Then, late one night, the dramatic Torso,

and meditative Zoned,

nudged me from a half-hearted attempt at sleep.

Several others followed in quick succession.

Finally, the regally oxidized King demanded an immediate transfer from my mind to the comparative safety of the computer --

In the end, one dozen completed works were ready to brave the light of day -- all as different as they are similar. Twelve images, ten of which didn't exist just a few months ago, even as a glimmer of thought.

So, when inspiration knocks, go where it leads -- even if that's into a grassy, Texas field crawling with insects and (gulp!) lizards.

I can't wait to see what comes knocking next! :-)

* CLICK HERE to see the entire, eclectic collection. You can own all, or any part, of The Oxidation Collection . . . if you're so inspired.

Enjoyed your visit? Subscribe to this blog -- right, top of sidebar!

St. Christopher signing off @ 2:20 a.m. CST.

This Old Blog - Time to renovate!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 06:02:00 +0000

NOTICE:

Update - April 5, 2013:
Launch Date - April 8, 2013!

Update - March 26, 2013:
The redesign is almost complete. Mere days away from relaunch!

December 29, 2012
This blog is currently undergoing renovations -- please stand by!

While waiting, you're invited to view my past blog entries (found by scrolling down the right sidebar), or to visit my primary online galleries by clicking below.

Thank you.

Mad Squares - new video

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 22:46:00 +0000

Mad Squares

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:54:00 +0000

2525 IN 2012

My YouTube Channel reaches 2,525 views!

If you're actually reading this in the year 2525, please drop a comment to honor the moment.

For visitors joining us from our current timeline, please CLICK HERE to view and subscribe to my YouTube Channel.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:00:00 +0000

ART VS. PSYCHOLOGY
-- ART WINS!

(click an image for larger views and info, or to purchase)

The 'Testing' Series

by Wendy J. St. Christopher - Art166.com

(See the 'Testing' video, below this post.)

During my third-grade-year in elementary school, I was pulled from classes for about a week to take a series of tests. My favorites were the Rorschach tests -- even though I'm convinced such subjective testing is largely unreliable.

I was sure those cards would look really cool hanging in my bedroom, though asking for them probably skewed my test results. ;-) Unfortunately, my powers of persuasion were not as finely-honed back in those days and I didn't get the cards, but I've never forgotten how much I liked the look of some of the images -- especially the stark, spare, black and white pieces.

It was inevitable that, at some point, I'd design my own. :-)

* * *
Design note: These museum-quality prints are available framed or unframed, or in a high-impact, contemporary, ready-to-hang acrylic finish. All framed prints are shown with Raven Black Mat and 111MBLK Economy Rainbow Black Frame. Other frames and mats are available. Click here, or the individual images, above, for more info.

Click here to visit and subscribe to my YouTube Art Video Channel!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:38:00 +0000

NEAR-ARREST HAS
HAPPY ENDING!

Towering 5

(click image for larger view and more details)

Towering -- The Series

by Wendy J. St. Christopher - Art166.com

(See the 'Towering' video, below this post.)

Who knew a buff security detail would rush you if you pulled out a camera in the parking lot of a Veteran's Administration Hospital? Not this hapless shooter!

Luckily, I talked my way around the too-casually-mentioned "detainment", and/or surrendering my camera or memory card (say what?), then was allowed (with an official escort!) to get the photos I was after, too. :-)

Think fast, talk faster -- that's my motto!

Since that memorably high-adrenaline day, a complete set of these five tower crane prints have gone to their forever home in London, England, while 'Towering 5' was purchased, just yesterday, by a collector in Dallas, Texas.

Towering 5 was printed using Fine Art America's new, no-frame-necessary, ready-to-hang, acrylic print process, which is a beautifully high-impact way to show off contemporary work, like my own.

Here's more info, directly from Fine Art America's site:

ACRYLIC PRINTS

Bring your artwork to life with the stylish lines and added depth of an acrylic print. Your image is printed directly onto the back of a 1/4" thick sheet of clear acrylic.

The image is the art - it doesn't get any cleaner than that!

All acrylic prints ship within 2 - 3 business days and arrive "ready to hang".

The high gloss of the acrylic sheet complements the rich colors of any image to produce stunning results.

All five of my 'Towering' images can be seen in the brief video below, and are available as framed, unframed, canvas, or acrylic prints, through my website - Art166.com.

A big 'Thank you!' to the collector from Dallas for choosing one of my lovelies, and for choosing to show it off in FAA's exciting, acrylic format!

Visit and subscribe to my YouTube Art Video Channel! Click here!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:18:00 +0000

Newsflash! Trains Rock!

Day Train

Crossed Signals

The Powerhouse

Braking

(Click images for details and larger views.)

Train images by Wendy J. St. Christopher -

These, and other train-related, fine art prints are available from my Art166.com galleries. Choose your favorite images, framed or unframed, professionally printed on museum-grade papers or canvas. Acrylic prints are also available.

Visit and subscribe to my YouTube Art Video Channel! Click here!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:33:00 +0000

Offbeat Artist Confesses To Being Hopeless Romantic!

(click images for larger view and purchasing info)

"Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one."
~ John Keats

"The supreme happiness in life is the conviction that we are loved."

~ Victor Hugo

* * *

The True Love Trilogy -

A ridiculously romantic trilogy of floral images -- sold separately, but positively dreamy when exhibited together.

Fine art prints available now, at Art166.com, through order fulfillment partnership with Fine Art America.

So, who do you love?

New Frontiers, by Wendy J. St. Christopher - Art166

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:45:00 +0000

Trains, Locomotives, Railroad Video

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 21 May 2011 22:08:00 +0000

A Less Than Royal Wedding Video

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 May 2011 10:59:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:36:00 +0000

"Hostel"
is available for purchase at Art166.com or Art166.biz

$2.68 - $159.60 USD

* * *

"Room for one more, honey!"
~ from The Twilight Zone episode "Twenty-Two"

I have a love/hate relationship with sepia. It's not color. It's not black and white. It's a tone without a country and I'm intolerant of its general, wishy-washy lack of commitment.

Sometimes, I use it anyway. ;-)

Want to subscribe to this creative journey? See the box, top right sidebar.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 07:38:00 +0000

"Up"
is available for purchase at Art166.com or Art166.biz

$2.68 - $159.60 USD

* * *

"Character, like a photograph, develops in darkness."
~ Yousuf Karsh

More adventures in black and white. Photographed at the Botanical Garden in San Antonio, Texas.

-

Want to subscribe to this creative journey? See the box, top right sidebar.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 04:57:00 +0000

~ "Black Velvet"
is available for purchase at Art166.com or Art166.biz

$2.68 - $159.60 USD

* * *

"The world is black, the world is white . . ."
~ Three Dog Night

Back in the stone age, when I first picked up a Canon 35mm SLR, I loved shooting in black and black. Eventually, typically, black and black began to bore me. Ho-hum, yada, yada, yada. Here's a beautiful, black and black . . . tree. Yawn.

Fast forward some years later, and my interest in b&w has reignited -- in a moderate way -- so, I've decided to indulge my renewed interest. Occasionally, at least.

This work is different from my stone age stuff, as my creative impulse has become ever more unconventional. And, as usual, all my images will be under the digital influence.

Maybe.

Let's see where it takes me.

* * *

*Today's image, "Black Velvet", explores a breathless moment under a deep, black sky. Photographed at the Botanical Garden in San Antonio, Texas.

* * *

Want to subscribe to this creative journey? See the box, top right sidebar.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:26:00 +0000

(click image to enlarge)

Prints, from $16.30

"Sudden Impulse" is available through my Art166 - Zazzle Gallery.
Choose your options (size, paper, etc.) when ordering.

* * *

“Vision. It reaches beyond the thing that is, into the conception of what can be. Imagination gives you the picture. Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own.”

~ Robert Collier, (American motivational author, 1885-1950)

Digital Art - What’s it all about?
Digital art -- still an exciting, new concept for many -- is all about bringing your creative ideas and imaginings to life, using a computer and printer instead of brushes, paints or other traditional tools.

It’s as simple, and wonderful, as that.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:46:00 +0000

(click images to enlarge)

$3.35 card - $127.68 canvas

"Zephyrus - The Relic" is available now at my Art166 - RedBubble Gallery.

Choose your options when ordering.

* * * *

This is NOT Oprah Winfrey's Blog!

I know we've all heard that a very special lady is launching a very special project today -- and I know the artwork, above, is very special, indeed, so I understand the confusion -- but trust me; this is NOT Oprah's blog. (Though if she'd like to invite me to do an arty show segment, I am SO there. (Hey, Oprah -- call me!)

If you want to view hours (days!) of medical advice, relationship advice, diet advice, fashion advice, psychological advice, decorating advice, (all of which is great advice, I'm sure) you're probably waiting, eagerly, in front of the TV.

If, instead, you want to get comfy with your computer and view some cool (if I may say so), intriguing, contemporary art -- and, perhaps, learn a little about digital art along the way -- well, you came to just the right place.

For any old-timers out there, I know you heard this blog was dead, but this is a new year for an old blog . . . that, in the coming days, just might have a few fresh ideas up its sleeve. :-)

Happy New Year!

"Free Your Mind" by Wendy J. St. Christopher - www.art166.com

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 10:33:00 +0000

I spent the night sprucing up the blog. If my urge to be ridiculously industrious continues, I could be blogging again withing a week! Go me! :-)