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Tag: artists

A window of opportunity

Couple paints windows of opportunity

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Business, Retail.

BRADENTON BEACH – A couple with a vision to work together is making a living doing what they love on Bridge Street – painting windows.

Married for three years, Christina and Jessica Fonseca of M Lynn Creative realized they have talents that complement each other.

“I’ve always been into art,” Jessica said. “I’ve always joked that I have never met an art medium that I didn’t like. If I don’t like it, it’s probably that I’m just not good at it!”

“I’m the business side of this. I have a degree in business administration. I do the marketing, social media and everything involving the business side of this,” Christina said, adding that despite what Jessica may say, her partner has plenty of artistic aptitude.

A window of opportunity
M Lynn Creative’s completed work is featured at Back Alley Treasures on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. – Jason Schaffer | Sun

The couple is based out of Orlando, but has a special fondness for Anna Maria Island, and has acquired a dozen businesses that utilize their services here on the Island. The Fonsecas admit that despite their marketing skills, a lot of their work comes from word of mouth. Christina Fonseca says despite the rapid growth of their business, they are available for Easter window scenes now, and future holidays have openings as well.

To have M Lynn Creative dress up a window, call 407-259-1450, email marialynn.creative@gmail.com, or follow them on Instagram at mlynn.creative or on Facebook at MLynnCreative.

Artist has unique take on Island landmarks

Artist has unique take on Island landmarks

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Some artists are inspired by nature, some by the people around them, and some, like Paul Arnold, by the places he liked to hang around growing up on Anna Maria Island.

Although the artist’s work can be found in places like Harry’s Grill, Tide Tables and Minnie’s, Arnold currently resides near Dayton, Ohio. That doesn’t stop the former Bradenton Beach resident from spending his extra time creating some of the most unique artwork anywhere on the Island.

“We moved here in 1982 and I loved it. My dad, Leroy Arnold Sr., was on the city council when I was in high school in 1986, then actually became mayor of Bradenton Beach in the mid-90s, so we have strong ties to the community,” said Arnold. 

After high school, Arnold was accepted to the prestigious Ringling College of Art and Design, where he worked with some of the nation’s best up-and-coming artists including famed Disney animator Aaron Blaise, who was a friend and classmate.

“I actually auditioned for Disney and didn’t make it, but my friend Aaron Blaise went on to be involved in just about every big Disney project of the 90s, including The Lion King,” said Arnold. “He was definitely an inspiration.”

Everyone who sees Arnold’s artwork will see something slightly different, but the one constant is the almost psychedelic vibe. At the same time, they make you wish you were there due to the instant familiarity. 

Artist has unique take on Island landmarks
Paul Arnold lists the Green Turtle as one of his favorite places from his teenage years in Bradenton Beach. – Submitted

“I call it ‘no rules’ art, because I just want it to be fun and not follow a strict set of rules,” said Arnold. “I’ve been influenced by album cover art from the 1970s as well as Mad Magazine. I always wanted to work for Mad and that probably shows in my art.”

Arnold currently has a calendar featuring Island locations such as Ginny’s & Jane E’s, the Green Turtle, Skinny’s Place, Bridgetender Inn, Rod & Reel Pier and more Island favorites. The calendars are available at Minnie’s Beach Cafe in Holmes Beach, as are postcards which are also available at some Island gift shops. Arnold welcomes commission pieces; contact him at paulbarnold@yahoo.com.

Island Gallery West welcomes new members

Island Gallery West welcomes new members

Written by Jason Schaffer on . Posted in Art, Entertainment.

HOLMES BEACH – Island Gallery West features art created by its 30 member artists who work in paint, drawing, mixed media, photographs, sculpture, jewelry and glass mosaics. The gallery recently announced the addition of two new member artists to the co-op.

Terri Westbrook is a painter whose style leans toward impressionism, working primarily in pastel media. She is inspired by the places she has traveled to and lived, including Charleston, S.C., Anna Maria and the Florida Panhandle.

Westbrook discovered her love of creating a little later in life than many artists. She has learned the basics of art and the nuances of pastel art only in recent years from online and in-person instruction.

“My paintings are journal entries, my response to what I see when I’m out in nature, or my emotions about a place I visited many years ago,” she said. “Making art is like meditation for me. I hope people enjoy my pieces that come from my heart.”

Larry Paul is an award-winning artist who creates unique works of art using Prismacolor colored pencil, inks and graphite. From impressionistic old doors and windows, realistic plant drawings, and expressionistic interpretations of sunsets and volcanoes, Paul’s art comes from decades of studying and photographing the natural world’s effects on human-made objects – the beauty of decay, the complexity of the philodendron plant, and getting inspiration from walking the beaches of Florida’s west coast searching for sharks’ teeth.

Island Gallery West welcomes new members
Island Gallery West artist Larry Paul – Submitted

Much of Paul’s work derives from the outdoors and built environments, though subject matter and inspiration also come from a collection of his original photographs taken since the 1970s, along with photographs taken during self-prescribed photographic exploration tours. 

Island Gallery West is a co-op with each member paying a portion of the sale of their art to fund the operating costs. They currently have 32 member artists, all of whom are from the area. The gallery welcomes submissions from any local artist who would like to become a member. After submitting required material and documentation, new members must get a two-thirds majority of current members’ approval to be accepted.

The gallery is located at 5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, trolley stop 15. Normal hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, but they will be closed for renovation from Sept. 13-24. For more information on the gallery and its artists, or on becoming a member, visit www.islandgallerywest.com or call 941-778-6648.