The wonderful, wacky world of Ken Oberholtzer at Coastwalker Folk Art

Today I'd like you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning primitive paintings of Ken Oberholtzer, a folk artist in purist terms who lives in Maine. His work is deceptive: first you notice his brilliant abstract backgrounds, then you see the crazy animals, the birds and fish, the bold flowers, and the humor. His use of color is a delight. For those of you (really?) who try to link your artwork to your interior design colors, you can't go wrong -- he uses every color in the spectrum, throws it onto his wood panels without reserve, impulsively, hugely confident in the stunning result.

If you're an abstract art lover, you'll want one (or two, or three...) of these. If you've always loved Folk, he's a master. You get 'em both with his work.. Of course, I had to get the painting below. This is literally the motto of my life (you know how much travelling I do).  I just can't accept it...

This last one has been sold, but I think it's my favorite.  If he ever does another one similar to this, it will be mine. Did I mention I bought a few of his already? So much for being a struggling artist myself...

I suspect that Ken paints every day. I'll wager that he's a funny, unpretentious, but philosophical kind of guy, but he probably doesn't need to hear that. I've probably embarrassed him with all this high-falutin' talk.

Go look at his Coastwalker eBay shop. You'll be well rewarded.

If you're outside North America, you'll have to throw yourself on his kind nature to have one mailed internationally. But he's such a nice guy, I don't think that will be a problem.

Until next time...

Toronto Maple Leafs Vs Montreal Canadiens

I know it's an odd title for an art blog, but I just watched a great hockey game.  (I am a dedicated Leafs supporter.) It reminded me of three paintings I did as an homage to these two teams a couple of years back. Those paintings were sold, but prints are available. Click on the titles for more information.

The Buds Were Winning

but Malcolm suppressed his joy.

regretting his decision to attend an away-game alone.

Brother Alfonso was New to the Order

and having some difficulty adjusting.



 Brother Alfonso was Perturbed

to discover that Brother Domenic, a sturdy fellow,

was from Montreal

Okay, so this is blatant self-promotion, but if I don't do it, who will? And I so love my Leafs...

Tosya at Etsy - A Brilliant Illustrator with a Child-like View

Illustrator Tosya is a gifted and funny girl.  She works in pen, or pencil and crayon, to create these magical pictures.  She seems to capture the child-artist that was once deep in us but that sadly got left by the wayside as we grew up. I'm happy to report that Tosya has a firm hold on that innocent view of life. These are an absolute joy.

I have a cousin who looks just like this...

And I've been to a few art gallery openings where the folks looked like this...

Rush hour crowd and a cat...

When was the last time you REALLY danced?

Or really talked?

Ah, love is in the air...

Ain't love grand?

Party Time!

I've never met a blue cat, but Tosya has, and it's just lovely.

Please see all of her wonderful illustrations at Tosya at Etsy where there are 75 items for sale.

What better way to enjoy the holiday season than with these great images? I hope they leave you smiling. Everything Tosya does is so happy! Even those rush hour pedestrians seem okay with things.

“I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.” — Shirley Temple

Well, of course, it wasn't the real Santa, was it? Poor Shirley, not realizing she had the wrong one...

Do check out this silly video of me and my cats. You can download one with your own photographs, and it's fun.

Have a wonderful holiday, my dear blogger friends.  If you're traveling, may you all arrive safe, sound and on time, and not too stressed out. If you're staying home, pull that snuggly throw over yourself and relax on the sofa for a bit. Go ahead. You still have time before Santa arrives.