The Fun Times

Want to see some Raw Talent? We've added a variety of new artists and photographers to our Raw Talent selection. For those of you who haven't taken a browse there already, our Raw Talent page is there to inspire you...it's a list of our favorite artists and photogrpahers...so if you want to see some great artworks, some stunning photography or if you just want to feel invigorated, go take a look!

Show me some Raw Talent - I want to see some great new artwork and photographs from across the world...

Now, as you all know, I am no art expert (whatever that is), and so I judge its value purely by the emotional response I get when I look at a piece of art. If it looks nice, feels nice, is nice, then I think it's got value. I don't want it to be shocking, or grotesque or so obscure that I can't relate to it on any level. My litmus test for "good art" is the simple question, would I hang this piece in my front room, office, bedroom, kitchen? Would it bring joy and brightness to my day to see this piece of art in my home? If the answer is Yes, then I think it's got value because it adds something positive to my life.

Which brings me on to Raul del Rio, my latest discovery in the world of art, color and life. Would I hang a piece by Raul del Rio in my front room? Without a doubt. The only problem would be choosing which one! I came across Raul's work when browsing through ImageKind's online galleries, where Raul is a fellow member artist. His work is hard to miss - it leaps out at you, a blaze of color and cheerfulness - it's so vivid, it literally pulsates with life.

Raul himself describes his work as "modern primitive". All his work effortlessly combines his two main interests: Nature and Heritage. He portrays nature and architecture as he would like them to be: bright, colorful, stylized and clean. In his collection of artworks, you'll see pieces featuring wildlife (from birds to fishes and whales), farm animals, bright Mexican villages and market scenes, all bursting with life, color, lush vegetation and tropical fruits. There are landscapes and underwater scenes too, with Raul's style elegantly mixing primitive and folk art with the exotic and even a touch of realism here and there - there's so much going on in del Rio's artwork, that everyone will find something to relate to, something which reaches out and touches them.

When I read the long list of eminent environmental organizations who have commissioned Raul del Rio and are affiliated with his work (including Greenpeace, Earth Island, Conservation International, Environmental Defense Club, Humane Farming Association, Animal Voice Magazine and National Wildlife Federation), it becomes clear why I feel such an affinity with Raul's work, for I too am someone for whom Nature is not only inspirational, but central to my life and a driving force behind everything I do.

I highly recommend taking a look through Raul del Rio's entire collection, but here are my own personal favorites:

Toucans by Raul del Rio
Veracruz by Raul del Rio
Country Chickens by Raul del Rio
Lavanderas by Raul del Rio
Las Palomas by Raul del Rio

You can also view the work of some of my other favorite artists on our Raw Talent page. Enjoy browsing!

Imagine setting yourself the task of creating a self-sustaining business to generate passive income while also losing 60 lbs - all in the space of 90 short days....well, that is exactly what our fellow ImageKind artist, Ali Sabet is doing. Inspired by a book called "The 4 Hour Work Week" by Timothy Ferris, Ali Sabet has set himself this awesome challenge as an experiment in betterment and self-reflection that he calls his 90 day life transformation.

Go check out his work, marketed under the name PixoPopKids, and learn more about this fascinating guy who not only runs a full-service firm (Sabet Brands) but also heads up the character design based social site Mojizu...

And if you know any kids whose birthdays are coming up soon, go buy some children's art from Mr Sabet!

More art for kids is also available HERE.

Fellow Imagekind member, MIKE CRESSY's exhibition opens shortly at the Laura Frost Fine Art Gallery in Ballard, Seattle. The Gallery Show Opening is on 9th June 2007, to coincide with the monthly Ballard Art Walk. Don't miss it! Mike Cressy's work is stunning, colorful, original and full of life, and the show will feature his latest acrylics and some of his latest prints.

To preview Mike Cressy's artwork, take a look at his Imagekind Gallery, where you can also find out more about his upcoming show.

The Laura Frost Fine Art Gallery
5801 14th Ave NW
Seattle
WA
USA

Been to a fabulous Art Show recently? Seen a great Film? Been to a wonderful Photography Exhibition? Please share your enthusiasm and post a review on The Fun Exchange!

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