annamariaart

Watercolor miniatures-

2012-01-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

image size:2,5 x 3,5 inches

study no5-

study no 6-

study no9-

I am getting things ready to open my Etsy shop again-

With watercolors-

Happy-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

A cat called Cinnamon-

2012-01-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

A cat called Cinnamon-

Acrylic on wooden panel- 6 x 6 inches

At Arts Off Main-

Happy New Year! ( Better late...) I will try to keep up with the blog
better. I will try. I am painting cat portraits, birds, and working on a larger theme but I am not
ready to show that work yet.
And I wanted to say:
Thank you - for coming by, for looking, for reading , for commenting. Thank you my sweets-
You are awesome!I really am thankful. Really.
Miaow.

Hugs-

Holiday birdies-

2011-12-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

Winter,acrylic on wooden panel- 12 x 12 inches

After painting cats one just has to paint birds- right?

First snow -2- acrylic on wood-

6 x 6 inches

And really they seem to be so very appropriate for the season.

First snow 3-acrylic on wood-

6 x 6 inches SOLD

They are my ' holiday birdies' -in more ways than one.

I want to wrap up with all the Christmas preparations, and then

take some time to plan for next year which will definitely

include some profound changes in our lives here.

And all the while, I will be listening to Olafur Arnald's 'Living Room Songs'

So I will wish you Happy Holidays, lots of good company,

yummy food, board games, long walks, book reading, skiing, swimming,

and all that is best fun for you in your part of this gorgeous planet...!

Hugs:)

Annamaria Potamiti

the comfort of cats-

2011-12-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

In the middle of this mess at home (which will probably last another month),

I had the notion to find comfort in making some colourful but straightforward cat

portraits.

Cats seem to be symbols of domestic bliss.

Don't you think?-

And I am in need of that now.

I will be doing a few more and see how else I can

approach the whole concept of 'home in bliss'.

I will be taking five of these 'looking at you'-cats-

to Arts Off Main this morning. It will be sad really to

see them leave the studio, they have been great company this week.

Better run and make some more then-

hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

The current state of affairs-

2011-12-04T13:42:00.001-08:00

Disarray- Disorder-Discomfort!

Lucy seems to rise above it...

Her pink bow brightens up my view to the gutted kitchen.

Things have to get worse before they get better.

So they say!

Hugs my sweets,

Annamaria Potamiti

New work in the midst of chaos-

2011-12-02T08:17:00.001-08:00

Domestic landscape-

8 x 8 inches

acrylic on panel-

Our house is in chaos- We are renovating with a view to selling and moving.

I am trying to walk through the mess with my eyes closed and work

like mad in the studio. The result is lots of new work being shown at

Libby's Kitchen!

And if you are in town, we will be in party mood at Arts Off Main over this weekend.

We are celebrating the gallery's 8th Anniversary and will be donating 10% of all sales to the Vancouver Food Bank!!

Blogger and I have been struggling lately. Sometimes I can't download a new post,

very often I can't leave comments on your blogs- Bother! Hope it all smooths out soon.

Hugs,

Annamaria Potamiti

All hours in the studio-

2011-11-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on canvas- 30 x 36 inches

Probably finished-

Acrylic on canvas- 30x30 inches

Have to get back there-

It's almost as if life is on hold-

until these paintings are done-done-

meanwhile, enjoy Aloe Blacc here

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

A post with an emphasis on blue-

2011-11-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

Blue- obviously- here

Mine, hidden-

17th century Modernism from India- here

Stratis Vogiatzis-

I think it's the gorgeous stove that pulls this space together so beautifully-here

                                               I came across Klaas Gubbles- Love his original vision-
                                                Interview here-

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

On her way-

2011-11-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

Rea, who turns twenty-one next month, has found a place downtown.

The last couple of months leading to her move I felt scared and

sad. I saw only the things that ended. Her happiness though is infectious,

and now I feel delight in her new path.

Our relationship now has the serenity and clarity of a day after

a northern storm.

In a favorite coffee shop, Rea putting the final lines

in an essay, Lucy playing, and me doing sketchbook work.

The deepest joy-

to watch my daughter on her way to making her

own life.

Cat trapped in the afternoon light-

2011-11-10T22:33:00.000-08:00

A cat got trapped by the afternoon light-

But she got out of there fast, right?

I like the way the new paintings all look together. The light and the fireplace.

Some are finished. Most not.The colours don't exactly reproduce in the photos.
But I like the photos anyway.

You see, there was a raging battle in the studio.

Hairpulling,

namecalling ,

and devious emotional manipulation...

But, phew!

Shape won.

She did.

Hugs,

Annamaria Potamiti

To love and to treasure-

2011-11-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

Flexible light- A cool idea- Here-

Sculpture or shoes? I dare you! Here-

Yes, I would, if I could , find this, buy it, and wear it- here-

House in Tokyo that I want (now)-here

( Beautiful) Painting by Barbara Campbell Thomas,

whose Studio Index blog has been my source of delight these days-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Daily life and miniatures -

2011-11-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

This is proving to be an invaluable exercise.

Of course most of them will end up in the bin-

Which is fine.

I have been working in the living room (our music room)-

loving the light here-

And the drama sometime.

                                                 And ,eventhough, I take care of the house,
                                                             walk Lucy to school,
                                                  and do all the things I normally do,
                                      in my head I feel like I am in some sort of 'silent retreat'-.
                                                     Or maybe it's always been like this-
                                                                and that is fine too-

Hugs,
Annamaria Potamiti

These days-

2011-10-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

Making bread in the morning- It takes me fifteen minutes-

But then, the simplest of meals becomes something quite special-

Meanwhile, I am working my way through one hundred miniatures-

Which didn't start abstract, but abstraction pushed it's way in-

I can't rest, can I?

My mind is in a knot-

and I am slowly and carefully

trying to turn the maze into a river-

Flow-

breathe-

smell rosemary...

there it is-

I have learned to bake bread, haven't I?

I added some rosemary to my loaf this morning-

an experiment that seems will turn out just fine-

Yes, it will.

All will turn out just fine.

I trust-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Found bird-

2011-10-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Found Bird-

Acrylic on artboard-

5 x 7 inches

Buy here

Found it with Lucy on the way to school yesterday. Yes, she did think

I was a strange mom to pick it up and take it home to paint, but aren't

moms strange anyway? I think it comes with the job description:

Mom:

provider,

nurturer,

hugger,

teacher,

strange.

Hugs,

Annamaria Potamiti

White roses (fake)-

2011-10-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

White rose (fake)-

Acrylics on art board

5 x 7 inches

Buy here

In the morning light,

you squint,

and you don't see the plastic-

Making our life beautiful,

(sometimes just bearable)

is a matter of

knowing the right tricks-

is it?

Hugs,

Annamaria Potamiti

Art on the living room table-

2011-10-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Art on the living room table-

acrylics on artboard

5x7inches

Buy here

                                                              Uncluttered...Better-

                                                                      Hugs,
                                                              Annamaria Potamiti

Pear in front of a stormy sky-

2011-10-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Pear in front of a stormy sky-

5 x 7 inches, acrylic on board

buy here

We had a very Greek-Canadian Thanksgiving.

The menu:

cheese pie,

dolmathes,

roasted potatoes,

smoked salmon,

big Greek salad,

hummus,

apple crumble

and/or

pumpkin pie

with ice-cream.

And I am still stuffed...

but thankful...!

How about you?

Hugs,

Annamaria Potamiti

Pomegranate and Modern Art-

2011-10-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

Pomegranate and Modern Art-

Acrylics on gessoed board

5 x 7 inches

Buy here

A very quiet-home-alone- morning is a Treasure...Oh, to love them

all so deeply And to be so relieved when they are all out of the house ...

You know what I mean , don't you?

( and just as I was saying that one jogger returned home... so,... not home-alone-any-more...)

Goes to show you ,you just have to grab that Moment when it comes!

Happy Weekend all...

Hugs ;)

Annamaria Potamiti

Holly by the window-

2011-10-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Holly by the window-

acrylics on gessoed board

5 x 7 inches

Buy here

My great-grandmother lived through a war that devastated and uprooted her young family.
Years later, my mother always remembered her grandma Maritsa's home (in a goverment housing project in Athens) to be cheerful and pretty, because Maritsa made sure it was always
decorated with fresh flowers (daily baking smells probably helped too!)

Hugs,
Annamaria Potamiti

Bird on the wire-

2011-10-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Bird on the wire-

Acrylics on gessoed board-

5x7 inches

Buy here

This looks like it could become a small series of small paintings.

Looking out my window. There was a bird that came and sat on the

wire as I was painting and I had to quickly include him too.

Hindi Zahra, 'Beautiful Tango' here

(I do like my tangoes and my waltzes I do...I tell you, anything with a twist...)

And are You making sure you are having a great day?

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Leaf at the window-

2011-10-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

Leaf at the window-

acrylic on gessoed board- 5x7 inches

Buy here

There is more orange in that yellow. Can't seem to match the photo to the painting today.

But I loved working on it. Loved all the emotional stuff it quietly alludes to...

In the end, there is always a 'twist' somewhere, somehow...

Hugs,

Annamaria Potamiti

A small twist-

2011-10-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

                                                Lemon Twist-
                                 Acrylic on gessoed board- 5 x 7 inches
                                 Buy on Etsy-
Quiet, grey days. They need something yellow. Need a lemon. Certainly need a twist...

Hugs,
Annamaria Potamiti

Cyclamens and 'Les Miserables'

2011-10-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

Cyclamens and 'Les Miserables'

acrylic on board

9 x 12 inches

Bid here

This lovely book that I bought from the library sale, I haven't been able to read yet.

I read it once when I was about thirteen. My mother insisted that I read all the 'classics' then, and I did so (because I was a good and obedient girl, eventhough nobody thought so-I wonder why?)

So perhaps this is another painting about my mother. She adored this book then. She loved the garden love scene. The love letters. My mom is a true romantic...( I love you mom)

Hugs,

Annamaria Potamiti

New painting and some peach clafoutis-

2011-09-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

Reading by the window

Acrylics on masonite- 8 x 10 inches

Bid here

Ok. So I am the Queen of the Snail's Pace.

All my life, it's true.

I am not bothered by this anymore (sort of). I try to work with it.(try)

Like I seem to dicscover some good things very late in the game .

Such as making a super moist, not too sweet, very peachy, peach clafoutis.

Of course I should have been making this already for years now.

Still...maybe it's sweeter that way...

And I made this darling treat, because I was so very

inspired by Alicia's blog from the thoroughly delightful 'Posie Gets Cozy'.

Again I am probably the last person in the blogging world to have come across her blog,

but maybe I came about it just at the right time.

You see apart from being 'slow', I am also very happy to be home and

stay home, and sit quietly in my corner and do my thing, paint. I don't need parties, or

too much social interaction at all. Indeed all activities that are out-of-home, are almost painful to me.

This always caused me great amounts of guilt, which

Alicia has totally thrown all out

the window for me, she had indeed 'healed' me from a load of nonsense it seems.

Thank you Alicia, you are indeed so very clever, and so very talented, and so

very happy at home...!

As for the clafoutis (Alicia seems to like clafoutis too),

I read three or four different recipes, and then did my own thing.

5 peaches

1 cup half/half

1 cup all purpose flower

1/2 cup brown sugar

1,5 tsp vanilla

3 eggs

pinch of salt

Easy, peasy:

Preheat at 375*

Slice the peaches and put them on a greased round 9inch baking dish.

Mix everything else starting with the sugar and eggs.

Pour gently over peaches.

Bake for ten minutes at 375* and then lower the temperature at 350*

for about forty minutes .

Some people cover the baked clafoutis with icing sugar.

I just put a nice spoonful of whipped cream over each slice.

Now all are content and happy (at home)-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Path by the water-

2011-09-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

8x10 inches

Acrylic on canvas on board-

Purchase here-

Painted in the car in two seperate sessions. First morning was moody but yesterday it was all bright and sunny so I had to change the whole thing over. But yes, fun. I use one brush for everything.

When I start I can't stop. Not even to change brushes. I must paint like a maniac. It's a good thing I am programmed to remember to breathe...The car is

enjoying some new colour work in the interior. Probably preparing for Halloween...Poor old, mama car...!

And my sweets something so very delicious to listen to (over and over obviously..)here

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

A mobile studio-

2011-09-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

Yes. It's official. I have a very deep old-fashioned streak in my head.

Where does all this come from? I still don't know.

But it's there. And I am painting my heart out.

This was done in our living room. We have a really beautiful view

to the sea. I thought this would be the perfect August painting.

For this year anyway. The whole summer was dark and then

right at the end and the beginning of September we were

gifted with some gorgeous sunny days.

But I got restless painting only in the house and turned

my car into a studio/cocoon. (you know I need the cocoon) I drive around

until something calls out. Then I paint directly, and as fast as I can.

The thing is, I am in a huge learning curve, because painting in this

manner after so many years is like trying to speak in the French you

haven't spoken since highschool (and you only passed your courses then because you were

cheating in a creative way). And it's a bit like going to the gym. I do

lots of moaning and groaning and protesting, and have to battle with myself

to just start! Once I start it's all good. By the end I am ecstactic. The

next morning I am trying to find a way out of going to the mobile studio again.

Oh no it's sooo hard. I can't deal with this. My life is a mess. I want to go

back to bed. Wake me up next spring. Rub my feet. Feed me treats.

But then I paint. And I get through the day.

And I am happy.

And that is good enough.

For now.

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Meandering her way back home-

2011-09-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Pear by the window- Acrylic on canvas- 8 x 8 inches
BUY

So, I am much more like my mother that I ever imagined. My mother was all about flowers.
I have an image of her watering daisies in our garden, while listening to Chopin's Preludes. I very clearly remember the cover of that vinyl record , it was a painting
of a woman siting next to a large bouquet of flowers (Degas, 'Woman With Chrysanthemums'). Her head is leaning on her hand. She is looking away from the flowers, lost in some private reverie. My mother and that painting are completely merged in my mind.
What did I start off saying? Yes, now I paint flowers, and I don't think it's a phase...
Maybe I miss my mother terribly because she is so far away. Maybe I miss being that little
girl wondering what on earth my mother was thinking about when she was lost in her Chopin
Preludes.
Do you think we all start becoming more like our mother's when we hit fifty? Is that
what 'maturity' is all about?
When I graduated from art school I went off to live in Skopelos ( most gorgeous island in the Aegean)
I wanted to live quietly and be a landscape artist. I loved a fully loaded brush and lots of wild
gestural strokes. I loved colour and intense contrasts. Probably too wild and too intense then.
I remember I sold a painting at a hotel that was being renovated, and a little kid came by
and commented on the 'volcano' in the painting. Hmm. (it was a tree...) It's probably all for the best that this particular period in my artistic career ended with the arrival of my first children...
My last big landscape took over three moths to paint, I was working in oils ,and I had the most
charming little studio in the village. Just one room, the front door opening up to a small courtyard where the neighborhood kids run around and played. I had a BFF for a neighbor, she and I seemed to be having babies at exactly the same time... Well, I had a baby in the play pen chewing on everything but her toys, a baby in the tummy and that was it with oils. I switched to watercolors and gave the studio up. ( Sigh...)I then gave up on the island altogether because I wanted my kids to get the best education I could offer them. And my marriage fell apart, which made a difference as well.(hmm ...again)
Why am I writing all this? I am back painting lush and colourful but hopefully much quieter, and this time in acrylics-I have learned the merits of 'restraint' since- (the hard way..) I have put the watercolors aside, and picked up the acrylics- my three older children are on their way, soon moving out to their own places-Lucy will have to endure a mother who is a full time painter and listens to lots of Chopin- Recently, I went through a phase where all my limitations ( as an artist) suddenly were so too painfully 'in my face'-I had to buckle up or bust- Good thing I do know how to buckle up!
Ok. I will go take a hike now and be back soon. It seems like I have lots to tell, and lots to paint.

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

After a 'big time out'-

2011-09-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

It's not only little ones that need some 'quiet time' now and then-

I did- I certainly did-

This has been the year of 'falling on my face' multiple times-

and it ain't over yet, I know-

So, I have been doing my best

to rediscover the things that bring me joy

and just plain having 'fun'...

I sleep as much as I can-

I paint the things I love-

I simplified our meals-

and obviously any ideas of 'dieting' has been thrown

out the window-

I am currently celebrating my soft and rolling, 'huggable' extensions...-

I am making lists of all the things I want

to do and will * of course* do one day-

like:

1. *read all the 'classics'*

(have you ever done that- or aspired to?)

(is there a serious list somewhere?)

2.*take one favorite chef's book and cooking

each and every recipe* (a la Julie and Julia of course)

(which chef would you choose? I am still thinking

about mine- I am debating between Michael Smith-Nigella-

and Jamie Oliver...)

3.* read as much as I can about gardening

because one day I will have a nice little

yard to plant a garden in*-for real-

not as a metaphor for a marital... relationship...-hehe-

(any books to suggest?)

4.*watch the whole series of the 'Gilmore

girls' while painting my toe nails-*

(I have never watched the 'Gilmore gilrs' before

and my daughter Elli,

looked at me with a questionmark face-

'isn't it a few years too late mom?'

Whatever...-

This new part of my life will allow plenty

of plain, old-fashioned vegging-

comfort food,

comfort reading,

comfort watching,

comfort sleeping,

cheap entertainment if I have to,

and I will go through this life cycle

with a smile on my lips-

5.* Paint a painting daily*,

even if I have already discovered that I

am horribly undisciplined, and hate any kind

of commitment-

6.* Aim for 1000 paintings in the next few years*-

I might be ABLE TO REALLY PAINT then...-

so I will first aim for 500-

and really 100-

so probably it is better to focus of the next 10-

yes- I will start with doing 1 (glorious) painting a day-

and sometimes go a bit larger because I refuse to be too

'tight 'as-ed' about this-

yes, I will be gentle on my hard-to-commit self-

I am thinking of bribes and such...-

Anyway, I have already started on this, and I will show more

artwork soon,

but I really must run off to the studio now-

and to attend to some young girl's need

for new school supplies,

(back to school in five days....yea!)

life as usual-

but not before I show you these:

Ok. we were there only three days -

but it was plenty to fall in LOVE

with the place-

Imagine vineyards in BC,

open skies,

beautiful lakes,

orchards,

vineyards,

more vineyards,

sunny, sunny days...

Yes, this is *Naramata*-

we wanted to stay there, live there,

breathe there,

paint this landscape daily...

oh- I dream a dream-...

so what about you?

Did you all have a wild and wonderful August?

Or was it a quiet, gentle and wonderful August?

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Blog vacation!

2011-07-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

watercolor, 4 x 6 inches

Thank you for all your comments and just for coming by and reading my chatter !
It's time for a small break, as I am way too busy, and too mobile right now to blog.
I will be back here August 16. Have fun my sweets!
Hugs
Annamaria Potamiti

Summer markets-

2011-07-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am still perfecting the art of selling art! I have some way to go, granted!

But, I absolutely love watching people stop, and take it all in smiling.

It also thrills me when they pay me to hand them over something I have made with my hands and
they love it, and want to take it home with them. It's a whole different thing from showing artwork in a gallery. This whole experience does of course test my shyness, and my wanting to run away from large groups of people and climb a tree with a book maybe...but you see just because of this, it's probably the best thing ever to help develop my social skills!

Hugs,
Annamaria Potamiti

Elvira found out that she was the captain.

2011-07-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

mixed media

8 x 10 inches

I borrowed the quote by W.E.Henley:

'I am the master of my fate;

I am the captain of my soul.'

I realise how important the storytelling aspect is in my artwork,

and I am going to stick with it. At the same time, I want to create more

layered, textured images.

The girl's dress comes from a printed drawing I did last year,

It is a flower upside down. Which is how she often feels.

Vulnerable as a cut flower.

Storm raging.

The mirror shows pink. Soft.

And yet, ultimately, Elvira, soft, pink, flower and all,

is the captain,

and the sea is full of treasure,

if only she can stay still and collected now.

Not to blame the storm.

Storms happen.

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

What was in the mail and some new work-

2011-07-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

I have loved Francesca's work for the longest time. Now I have one

of my favorite prints at home. I had wanted to frame it before I showed you, but my

days are too crazy busy. I decided to do a variety of markets this summer, and that on top of

everything else, it is just non-stop work. I am not complaining, I love it.

But I wish I could do justice to Francesca's beautiful work. You can take a better look here

And you can also visit her funny, lovely, gorgeous blog here!

5x5inches, mixed media on paper

I have also been feeling that I have been getting too literal,

with my birds and all, and I just wanted to do a few looser

pieces, just going about it inuitively, thinking of texture and colour.

5 x 5 inches, mixed media on paper

I have this thing about pink, maybe its the light here of the very early mornings, maybe I am dreaming it,

maybe I am hungry for it, whatever it is, it is the colour I need to see these days.

And how are you my sweets?

Is there anyone else doing markets and shows this summer?

Are you just hanging out on some exotic beach,

or cooking delish summer dishes in a hot kitchen,

or drinking iced coffee while you are browsing through the

blogging world?

Whatever you are doing,

I hope you are loving it!

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Elina waited-

2011-07-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on wooden panel, 8 x 8 x 3/4 inches

In the sunner Elina would go with him to the beach and then wait while he went fishing. While he
was off doing his own thing she ate a lot of watermelon. She later complained that her hands got sticky with the sweet juices and sand.

But I can't wait around, I am off to the studio!

Hugs,
Annamaria Potamiti

Nina celebrated her birthday-

2011-07-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Nina celebrated her birthday in her housecoat,

sitting in the garden with her best friend-

I just celebrated a birthday that I was somewhat 'anbivalent ' about,

and a little later I was having breakfast at a coffee shop when these two women showed up

in their housecoats, with funny things in their hair, giggling and all

excited, because on of them was celebrating her birthday.

I think next year I will do just the same and (bad word)

all 'ambivalence'. So there, you are invited! Next April

in your housecoats!

Hugs

Annamaria Potamiti

Susan takes her littlest for a stroll-

2011-07-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

Red haired Susan is taking her littlest one for a stroll.Maybe they will end up at the park.

Maybe they will just walk around aimlessly, looking at the gardens, talking to some birds,

smelling pretty flowers, spotting a fox, all the usual things that a mom and toddler do

when they are out for a stroll.

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

The girl who could make choices-

2011-07-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

A nice woman made a butterfly from various veggies and fruit, for a tiny, little girl.

She said:'I made this butterfly for you. Look, it's so pretty!Will you eat it?'

The little girl looked at it very seriously for a looong time.

Then she picked a muffin and smiled.

True story.

And a treasury with a very different kind of story but maybe some similarities.

Here

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Miss Appletell-

2011-07-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

Miss Appletell, lover of sensible smiles, most days will keep her hair in

a ponytail, and out of harm's way.

(I have opened the story-door)

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Speak bird-

2011-07-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

The bird spoke in colour-

Digital print on vintage paper-

hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

She's my rainbow-

2011-06-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

acrylics on wooden panel. 6 x 8 inches.

Rea, is passionate about her yoga. She is thinking of becoming an instructor.

I was thinking she's my rainbow.

Hugs,

Annamaria Potamiti

Camille Seaman: Haunting photos of polar ice | Video on TED.com

2011-06-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

Camille Seaman: Haunting photos of polar ice Video on TED.com

I never knew icebergs 'rolled over'. Got to see!

Hugs,
Annamaria Potamiti

The writer who hid the chocolate bars-

2011-06-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I met a lovely, striking woman with the most

amazingly thick, gorgeous, chestnut hair. I didn't know her all that well but she once confided to me that she and her husband

had never given their children chocolate, not even for birthday cakes.

Never, ever chocolate for the children.(who were already twelvish and elevenish)

They hid chocolate bars around the house for themselves, and secretly ate them

after the children slept.

Later I found out this woman was a writer. She just

published her first book.

Writing and hiding chocolate

both involve loads of

discipline I am sure-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Gratitude-new attitude

2011-06-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you my sweets for all your lovely comments and thoughts-

I have now commited to seeing this stage of my life as the beginning of new things based on adopting a different perspective-

Mostly it has to do with being in a place of gratitude instead

of a deeply judgemental attitude. I have been trying to do this for some time now, but with this and that ,I lose focus and I have to put myself back on track.

Meanwhile, I truly am very happy and grateful to have had a lovely feature at the Papernstitch blog

here- Thank you so much Vanessa and Brittni-xx

So here's to chasing our dreams at whayever age...
I am in love with the photography here-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

About change-

2011-06-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

I hear the winds of change. Can you hear them ?
Do you remember that sound of the wind blowing, buzzzing, through cracks and poorly sealed windows?
It's not a bad wind. Just powerful.
It makes me want to stick my tongue out and taste it all.
All of life.(hey, that sounds like a good print)
My good friend Jane asked me about the box of tissues. No my sweets, there has been
no crying, it's just a nasty, mean allergy. My love and I are tending to our garden ,and even if
there are dry patches, and weeds, and it takes lots of work as all gardens do, it's heavenly to go out there and smell when it's all blossoming.
It's just this lust for life.
I didn't tell you last month I turned fifty. That put me in the dumps. I bloody hated it.
It depressed me. Eeeyore, eeyore... I felt tired, exhausted, drained. I guess raising three teenagers for the last few years took it's toll. Saying that, these children were heavenly cherubs compared to the mean teen I was to my mom. (...so sorry mom!..)
And of course there is the eternal list of things not right.
And my artwork going in circles.
And I realised it's not about the art.
It's about lack of confidence, lack of focus, and lack of faith.
I had a great teacher, a really great teacher in art school, Sheilla Lamb. She told me two wise things I chose to ignore then but never forgot.
She said ' if you just keep painting as you already do, your painting will get better and better naturally-' Until now, so many years later, I have always wanted to paint like someone else.
Haven't invested enough in me.
(I just deleted a bad word here).
She also told me I painted from 'my stomach.'
So true!!
But I really wanted to impress the world with my brain...
No matter that my brain is stuck to my tongue tasting the world...
So my sweets I have made you follow me around in what sometimes is my art-lust, sometimes is just a dead end, but I feel my circles have come together.
I am fifty and absolutely ready for the rest of it all coming straight from my very own figertips,and belly, and hugging arms.
Love you lots-xx

Acrylics on wood, turned prints-

2011-06-23T07:59:00.000-07:00

The wind at the park-

SOLD

Stay ahead of the rain-

Birds in the city-

Oliver's bird-
Olliver (18 months) came in the house the other day and pointed to the picture longingly and persistently,
crying out 'ba-ba-ba!". So... he had to take the bird home, and now it's Oliver's bird!
I think prints on Etsy and paintings at Arts off Main. And going around town looking maybe for other outlets as well.
The girl is in business. The Arts business that is. She is working hard. And taking time off with friends to drink coffee. She actually realised that taking time off is totally good for her work! Daaahhhh!

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

Charlie Winston_ Tongue Tied

2011-06-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

What does one do when one is burried in tissue boxes?
Of course one sings and dances around the studio...

Ok. My sweets this has to be played reeeeaaally loud!

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Half Eeyore- half piglet-

2011-06-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

(image from here)

Yes, I tell you, Eeyore is just who I become very often...

Particularly, when I have a cold-allergy combo that makes me

hug my numerous tissue boxes for dear life-

And Piglet too.

Oh My!

My favorite painting from the show-

Rea enjoying the very loud classical music from a passing car-

Posing for mom-

Who rewarded her with coffee and 'fruit fries- with yogourt ketchap'-

a 'Little Nest' specialty for little kids, which is absolutely perfect for big kids as well.

Ok my sweets, I will go back to eating my thistles now, and do some

more painting - I should say I guess, that I am doing a new series of

'make me feel good paintings', just to go against the being in the dumps

mood-Is it bad to make 'kiss me better' paintings? Hey, I liked the

sound of this- Hmm-

Hugs, my sweets-

In the deep-

2011-06-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am not done with my swimmers yet. They keep coming.

Mixed media: gouache,watercolor and penicl on watercolor paper.

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

From my window-

2011-06-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

Digital print-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Swimming in the pink-

2011-06-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

Digital print-

Got to run-

This is going to be a running week-I will keep posting here though-

Short but hopefully sweet-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Enough waiting (I 've got the sun in my belly)

2011-06-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, she does-

She wants to be on that boat-(even if it's not really a cruise boat...)

Drawing and digital.

Combination of screenprinting and digital.

Same.Having fun! Making stories.
(If you are in Vancouver, came and visit- I will be at the Dragon Boat Festival at False Creek. Should be good.
Lets hope the weather makes it all better!)

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

pink painting (about a badass wolf)-

2011-06-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Wolf on the sofa- bad pink wolf!

Wolf on the table-Stay wolf-stay-

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

Angus & Julia Stone - You're the one that I want - Rolling Session#12

2011-06-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Just gorgeous!

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

New watercolors and thank you Brittni!

2011-06-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

Took a couple of new small watercolors to my favorite place in town

and thought I might take some photos of them right there, see how it would work.

I get happy at 'The Little Nest', something about the open space,

the yummy treats, the excellent coffee-

makes it very special for me- So I took Rea along-

Then we took a couple more photos in the neighborhood-

Of course I was thinking of Etsy-

So these watercolors are already up- here-

And, on another (but very special) note:

Brittni Mehlhoff , the founder and curator of fabulous Papernstich, was interviewed

by Christina, who puts together the get the look decor, for Etsy Blog-here-

Brittni has created a very attractive, modern and eclectic living space , using her 'great eye' to combine vintage pieces, modern furniture and beautiful artwork.

I get a very sweet mention, and it is a real thrill to see one of my watercolors

on one of her beautifully curated 'art-walls'-

Thank you so much Brittni-what a delight!!

You can check out Brittni's blog as well- here-

When I am here I am there -where are you when you are here?

2011-06-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

From the latest Etsy treasury: HERE (photo: eva Photos)

Did you have a good weekend?
We had two sunny days in a row- yes we did!
Hello summer!
And you might like this next link:
Shirin Neshat: Art in exile Video on TED.com

Hugs,
Annamaria Potamiti

About pink art, grown-up children, and chocolate making-

2011-06-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

New photos of 'revisited' artwork.

Very happy with this little one. I was afraid of using this pink, but

it really turned out to be the best choice. There is so much gorgeous texture that has built up with

all the layers of acrylic and a few pieces of cut paper collaged under all the layers.

Here I used a very intense orange. I love the way it has an odd

sort of quality, like a strange, unfamiliar sound that makes your head turn.

The orange is fairly flat and 'manufactured', like some sort of industrial colour,

but the drawn parts of the artwork are soft and greyish and familiar.

Odd but lovable.

I tagged them on Etsy as 'urban primitive'- The 'primitive' coming from

using my memories to draw from.

The shapes and forms are organic, and relate to

the human body and forms in landscape.

But the colours are definitely derived from 'urban' experiences-

Ok. On a different note, I have to tell you that the benefit of having older children around, is

that you can use them as models, and have them cook too!

Rea made these :)( a Greek version ,I suppose, of 'eggs Benedict', with tomatoes and feta...)

And the little bowl, is a lovely purchase from Etsy! You can check it out here

And ,finally, my sweets, what is food and art, and how can children be children ,really, without chocolate?-

From the super lovely 'the Makers' , by Jennifer Causey- here

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Ofrin - Blankets /// Berlin Sessions #8

2011-06-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Happy June!

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

Weekend finds-

2011-05-30T13:24:00.000-07:00

Look who was in the neighborhood this weekend!

I kind of thought 'oh this looks nice- I want to be in that boat-'

But no, not really- I would rather walk and

find odd arrangements with plastic flowers-

and munch on super delicious lentil burgers-

and stay in my studio-

there is still so much to be done-

so while I am working you can enjoy this video here- really interesting stuff about how a textile and fashion designer is inspired by an artist and his artwork to make her stuff!

And if you are so inclined you can check out one more etsy treasury-here

So work for me and hugs for you!

Annamaria Potamiti

Sunday art,food, travel- and the love of a cat-

2011-05-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

Valerie Anne Molnar - found here- from a link found here

the always inspiring vialiivia here

The wondrous, really exciting work of Lisa S. here

From the fabulous Bigbang traveling studio here-

Fab potatoes- got to check out the recipe here

                                  And one of mine- from my new work- which I haven't shown you
                                  too much of yet- because I am going really slowly with it-
                                  but I love this watercolor, and it's up for sale here-
                                  Lovely Shash's cat Pinky Leon needs urgent surgery- all artwork
                                  sales on the site go to these medical expenses- So take a look!

And of course , lots of Sunday hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Barefeet in the summer-

2011-05-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about what recharges me- what I dive inside for, when things get tough - Most often it's memories of summers at my grandparents home by the beach, just outside Athens-This is a photo of my mom and I , I think I am two years old-

And walking barefoot everywhere-
These are my very own treasures- never to be lost-

And some treasures from today's etsy treasury-here

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

YOU ARE INVITED :

2011-05-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

recharge:... to regain energy or spirit....

~vt :

...to inspire or invigorate afresh...: RENEW...

(Websters Dictionary)-

Our Arts off Main group show will be on from June 14th to 19th, with some really exciting musical performances on both opening and last day. Do please come, I am sure it will be very special, and make sure you say hi!
What 'recharges' you my sweets?
I still have tons of work to do so tada for now!

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

Quietly pretending to escape calories-

2011-05-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

Feeling very quiet these days-

All I seem to want is large coffees and bites from someone else's cake-(that way they get the calories-

and when I say 'they' its usually my husband...- funny, I watched my grandmother doing exactly that

when I was growing up- she 'never had dessert, just a bite of his...'- only she was round ,very round,

and my grandfather very slim- hmmm- I wonder...)

Anyway,

while doing these things, I also discovered this-

Yay for their lovely work!

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

All sorts Sunday-

2011-05-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

Paper napkins from UGUiSU -here

Painting by Krin Rinsema- here

The home of Renny Ramakers-

who is the director of Dutch design company Droog-

and much more of this house -here

Hope you have an inspired Sunday-
Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti-

Marie Laurencin-

2011-05-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

M.Laurencin's portrait of Coco Chanel (which Chanel didn't approve of-because it wasn't a good

likeness)...

I have had this book forever-I used to love-hate her work.

Just like her paintings isn't she?

'Group of artists' (the poet Appolinaire in the middle)

I used to find Laurencin's paintings too 'feminine' and soft and dreamy.

Now I think of these as qualities to be treasured, not as burdens.

More about her here

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

Jaffa Road LYG (Lo Yisa Goy) Highlights

2011-05-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

I want to lay down my sword and shield too...
Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

Inspiration-art and architecture-

2011-05-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

The photoraphy of Petra Mala Miller-

Take a look here-

The artwork of Leiko Ikemura- here

Plus Architects-here

via :here

Have an inspired day!-
Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

Swimmer-

2011-05-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

'Swimmer'- mixed media on paper-

Precious sunlight through the studio's window-

Have a lovely weekend-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Breathe-

2011-05-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

A new print- from a series I am working on these days. It's a reproduction of a mixed media piece made
with pencil, ink and watercolor.

And a new Etsy treasury here. About being at home and dreaming of the beach- Do you catch yourself dreaming of the beach too?

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

Resolved (revised-repurposed-revisited) art, coffee and sugar-

2011-05-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Resolved this-'Cloud'-mixed media on wooden panel-

Ok. So it's raining too much.- so coffee and something sweet is a must-

and preferably with some pink flowers around-

or even better- coffee on a bright green table-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Resolved work, forests at home,and inspiration-

2011-05-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

Resolved this-'my nest in an abstract world'-mixed media on wooden panel-

Loved these- a house like a forest of tulips today-

drunk this-

watched this- about the power of belief-so inspiring-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

This and that and something sweet-

2011-05-09T09:04:00.000-07:00

From the life-drwing studio. Moving on.

Anthropologie coming to Vancouver.

After days of rain it will do.

Dotted plants.

Something sweet.

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Art and architecture and an Etsy treasury-

2011-05-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

The treasury here-

House somewhere outside Stockholm-

Here

Xenia Hausner-interview

here

Pelo House-

here

Pencil sculptures- Dalton Ghetty-

here

I have been looking around-
What do you think?

Hugs-
Annamaria

Comic Abstraction: Polly Apfelbaum installs Blossom

2011-05-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

This is an old video but I just found it, and I thought maybe there are a couple more of you who might enjoy watching this.
There's more of Polly Apfelbaum's work here
I am in the studio these days working on a series of new paintings that are a litttle larger ,and some much much larger,so I thought I would share more of what inspires me and excites me as I discover it .
Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

Inspiration-

2011-05-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

Sweet dreams?

Yes, I would move in- now!

And here...-

If you like you can dream on here

via this lovely blog:

And this new love- artist Jan Roede- An amazing colorist-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Beirut - "Nantes"

2011-05-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

Rea listens to these guys all the time- which makes me happy because I love them too.
And I think the whole set up of the video is great fun-
Have a lovely week-

Hugs-

A day's drive-

2011-04-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

'So delicate, wide and continuous'-

A bridge over-

'Turning current'

lines hard -

lines soft-

But then I had some lovely news. Emily from El Vintage just featured my work!!

Thank you Emily!

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Julie Green's on going project: The final meals-

2011-04-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is an art project I respect tremendously. It seems fitting to mention it at Easter.

Julie Green paints the final meal requests of death row inmates in the USA.

More than four hundred plates have been painted so far.

She plans to continue until capital punishment is abolished.
If you would like to find out more, you can look at the artist's website here.
I found this project mentioned here and here.

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

Exploring the inner landscape-

2011-04-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

Urban drawing in emotional landscape-

Three fish-

To drop a stitch-(OK. I love that stitch- true fact)

Urban, with moon slice-

all 5 x 7 inches, mixed media-

Are you having a good day?

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

The pink places-

2011-04-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

Awake-

the change in the flow-

dive in a pink pool-

mixed media , 5 x 7 inches-

Diving in the pink-

Have a lovely day-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti-

Emotional spaces- more of-

2011-04-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

mixed media- 5 x 7 inches- 'he had support again'

mixed media- 5 x 7 inches,'homemaker in the meadow'

mixed media, 5 x 7 inches,'only a pair of gray wings

mixed media, 5 x 7 inches,' like himself, but wonderfully not like himself either'

I used, watercolor, thread, graphite pencil. I am also working in the same spirit on larger works in acrylic.

I can't get myself out of the studio, I am absolutely loving this process. I love the lyrical elements, but I have also always craved for order, oh how I crave for order (and fight it in the same breath)...I am at a place that satisfies both worlds, and allows me plenty of space for experimentation in terms of mark making and layering.

I hope your week has started off well.

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Spike Jonze Presents Lil Buck and Yo-Yo Ma- and a Wonderful Book on sale

2011-04-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

How inspired is that!
Via: HERE
Also, there is a super sale going on over HERE
her cat needs an operation so Shash is having a big sale of the book!
Check it out !

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

I am - on my way home- said the fish-

2011-04-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5 x 7

On my desk-

Hugs- Annamaria Potamiti

Adele - Rolling In The Deep

2011-04-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

I imagine driving in an open highway with this song playing reaaaaaally loudly- and yes, it has to be
some convertible beauty or other...and I have to be wearing a gorgeous scarf and be on my way to a super vacation....Is that too much to ask for? Have a lovely fantasy day...xx

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti

Familiar places-

2011-04-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

My sweet vacation-(a girl can dream..)

My nest is the best ( corny I know, but sometimes you just have to give in ...!)

Small domestic- It's an older one, but I love the sweetness of the painted surface and the implication of violence in the title. What is a small domestic?

All watercolors. All 5 x 7 inches.

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Steaming ahead-

2011-04-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

A river runs through me-

(thinking of) The wholeness of things-

Bend like a flower-

All 5 x 7 watercolors-

Tons of elfs and little mice and imaginary assistants helping out in the studio.Work is progressing in full speed.

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

More loving-

2011-04-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

I have known Alexandra Hedberg's work for quite some time now. It keeps growing on me.

Her gestures are superbly confident, her use of colour exquisite, her process so complete and exact.

I love the sharp edge contrast, between expression, sometimes violent expression , and disciplined restraint.

She lets things run like wild horses and then suddenly with a single pull of the reins she puls everything back to order. Just beautiful!!

Alexandra's blog is highly enlightening as well, since she is amazingly generous and articulate in sharing her thoughts and knowledge.

Hugs,

Annamaria Potamiti

Oh how I love-

2011-04-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

The work of Ky Anderson-

I have been showing you lots of my own work and I want to start showing you alot more of what inspires me. Happy weekend my sweets-

Annamaria Potamiti-

Emotional spaces-

2011-04-08T07:29:00.000-07:00

Whereas the daffodils made their own emotional statement-

the complex nature of appearances-

the unpredictable season of the daffodils-

brought to an emotional landscape-

Where the titles are equal parts of the watercolors-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

A journey with daffodils-

2011-04-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Daffodil pond-

watercolor and charcoal pencil- 5 x 7 inches

where the daffodils became a wild animal of the prairies-

watercolor- 5 x 7 inches

who left the daffodils on the beach?

mixed media- 6 x 8 inches

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Daffodils by the window-

2011-04-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

Watercolor-6 x 8 inches-

I am starting to spill out of my own box-

A good sign probably-

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

'I have loved flowers that fade'- and something about Mrs. Delany-

2011-04-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

watercolor- 5 x 7 inches

I was working on this watercolor while I was listening to CBC2- and then I heard this song: 'I have loved flowers that fade', sang by Musica Intima, a group I have had the great luck to see live in Vancouver.

Later on I happened to came across this brilliant book: 'The Paper Garden'

Have you heard of Mrs.Delany (1700-1788), the inventor of mixed media collage? Apparently, at the age of 72 and through the next ten years of her life she created 985 beautiful cut-paper (hand coloured mostly) botanically correct flowers. A must see!!!

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Resolved work-Softening things up-

2011-04-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

Watercolor- 8x8inches

Watercolor 7 x 10 inches

Watercolor, 5 x 7 inches

Watercolor, 8 x 8 inches

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

First to open-

2011-03-31T08:01:00.000-07:00

Watercolor- 5 x 7 inches-

It really was witnessing the 'forces of Spring'! I had to 'dance as fast as I could' with my brush because the

flowers kept changing so rapidly!

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Flowers holding on-

2011-03-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Watercolor, 5 x 7 inches

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti-

Yellow tree-

2011-03-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Watercolor, 5 x 7 inches.

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Yiannis from the life drawing studio, and some more tulips-

2011-03-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

First week of this pose from the life drawing studio. Watercolor. 5x7 inches.

I have noticed that lately my figures stretch out of the 5 x 7 box I draw for them. I am struggling to stay with the smaller sizes. When I was a student in the Florence studio, I used to pin a very ,very large roll of paper on

the wall and draw almost life sized figures. I itch to go much, much larger again.

Pink tulips turning violet. Acrylics on canvas. 9x 12 inches. It took me two days

to complete, meanwhile of course,the tulips had changed colour and shape...but nevertheless

it is done and I am pleased.

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Painting to the rythm of a waltz-

2011-03-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

A long One- short Two/Three. Not perfectly so, but I believe it is a good guide to keep in mind.
Rythm has become a goal. Fluidity too. These, and a matter of factness. And to find the enduring in the ordinary.

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Red on blue-

2011-03-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on canvas, 5 x 7 inches.
Working on the little ones, and planning new work for an upcoming show(soon more on that!)
Still struggling with achieving fluidity with acrylics. Things move along, sometimes fast, sometimes very s...l...o...w...l...y..., it's all a learning curve. Or so my good friend L. tells me...(sigh...)

Hugs-

To keep at it, until it all comes together-

2011-03-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

Watercolor, 5x7inches (roughly 13 x 18 cm)

Last day of this pose. I was siting in almost the exact same spot as last Friday, but this time I painted with a full colour palette.

About one third of the way through(the sessions are three hours long), I thought I had totally 'lost' it! But then as if by magic it all came together! I love this about watercolor, or any media for that matter, if you keep at it..., it yields...and gives you the sweet fruits of your labour!

Hugs-

Annamaria Potamiti

Making cards-

2011-03-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

'Me time'

Watercolors from my sketchbooks-

Making cards for Arts Off Main-

Hugs-

New and old-

2011-03-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

A rushed week-

Some older work up on Etsy-

Hugs-
Annamaria Potamiti