Art with Heart Series: Our Favorite Online Wall Art Discoveries & the Artists Who Create Them - Week 11
This website & blog articles may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Welcome to Week 11 of our 'Art with Heart' venture – a captivating series crafted to ignite your passion for exploring unique, handcrafted artwork and the talented artists behind each masterpiece. Our aim is to lead you through the stories of skilled artists, unveiling the inspirations and techniques that breathe life into their creations. Delve into the world of wall art that surpasses mass production; it's a statement reflecting your longing for a space filled with character, emotion, and the unmatched charm of artisanal craftsmanship. Prepare to dive into an adventure beyond mere wall embellishments; embark on a journey to curate your surroundings with pieces that mirror your individual style, crafting a home adorned with exclusive, one-of-a-kind artistic treasures.
Plein air painting on holiday in Portugal - by Connie Azevedo
Meet Artist Connie Azevedo
Nestled on the picturesque West Coast of New Zealand's South Island resides a visionary artist whose work reflects the quiet, peaceful moments found in the natural world. Connie Azevedo, a New Zealand landscape, and floral artist, draws inspiration from the breathtaking beauty that surrounds her, creating art that not only preserves memories but also sets the mood for serenity and relaxation. In this blog post, we embark on a journey through Connie's creative process, exploring her inspirations, preferred media, and the unique ambiance she aims to convey through her artwork.
The Artist's Beginnings-
Connie Azevedo's artistic journey is marked by a lifelong exploration of creativity. While she dabbled in various artistic pursuits, it wasn't until a few years ago that she found her true passion in painting. "I've always been creative and have experimented with many different things before really settling on painting a few years ago," she shares. This settling period allowed Connie to discover the medium that best resonated with her artistic vision.
Intentions and Themes in Art-
Connie's artistic intentions are clear – to convey a quiet and peaceful atmosphere through her creations. For her, art serves to keep alive beautiful memories and experiences, transforming spaces into havens of calmness and relaxation. Her paintings become windows into serene worlds, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in moments that evoke a sense of tranquility.
Connie expresses her love for landscapes, a fascination that traces back to her childhood. The allure of beautiful views, the interplay of colors in a sunset, the gentle filtering of light through trees, and the sight of idyllic islands in turquoise waters – these are the elements that captivate her. More than just aesthetic appreciation, it's the emotions these scenes evoke that fuel her artistic expression. The goal is to encapsulate those quiet, peaceful moments that elicit smiles and warm feelings.
New collection of oil paintings in progress by Connie Azevedo
Exploring Mediums and Techniques-
Connie's artistic versatility shines through her willingness to experiment with various mediums – watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil. Each medium offers unique qualities, teaching her new techniques and keeping her creative process dynamic. Despite her fondness for all of them, if pressed to choose, Connie declares a special affinity for oils.
Oils, with their rich texture and blendability, allow Connie to express herself freely. The forgiving nature of the medium, enabling her to rectify mistakes, aligns seamlessly with her artistic process. However, she humorously notes that the slow drying time can sometimes test her patience.
Connie's love for experimentation extends beyond medium selection; it also includes her preferred subjects. While landscapes remain her primary focus, occasional inspiration strikes from pretty flowers – particularly those she has nurtured herself – and specific colors. Currently, she finds herself in a "green moment," a testament to the evolving nature of her artistic exploration.
Life on the West Coast-
As a fourth generation 'coaster,' Connie's roots run deep on the West Coast of New Zealand. Growing up in this gorgeous locale, she developed a profound connection with the landscapes that now inspire her art. After leaving for several years to explore different parts of New Zealand and Europe, Connie returned to the West Coast in 2018. This homecoming marked a significant chapter in her artistic journey, as the landscapes and seascapes of the West Coast became the primary muses for her creations.
Okarito Lagoon - one of many fine art prints Connie offers
Left Bank Art Gallery Showcase-
For those eager to witness Connie Azevedo's artistry firsthand, a visit to the Left Bank Art Gallery in Greymouth provides an opportunity to experience her work in person. The gallery serves as a portal into the serene worlds she paints, allowing visitors to appreciate the details and emotions woven into each piece.
A Farewell to Watercolors-
Connie's creative journey is ever evolving, marked by phases and projects. A recent addition to her repertoire includes a collection of beachy watercolor landscapes, now available in her shop. These pieces, though captivating, will be the last of her watercolor works for a while as she redirects her focus towards new artistic endeavors.
Ambitious Summer Project-
A testament to Connie's ambition is her recent summer project, an exploration of sunset and sunrise themes in oil paint. This venture, while presenting both ease and challenge, reflects her commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. Delving into different lighting conditions, she seeks to capture the magical moments when the sky transforms during these transitional periods.
Color Palettes and Inspirations-
Color palettes play a pivotal role in Connie's art, with blues and greens dominating her landscape-focused works. However, she currently finds herself drawn to chartreuse, adding a vibrant pop to her compositions. This nuanced use of color allows her to convey specific moods and atmospheres, enhancing the emotional impact of her paintings.
Connie’s studio in the West Coast bush
Fun Facts About Connie Azevedo-
In a lighthearted moment of self-disclosure, Connie shares some personal tidbits that offer a glimpse into her life beyond the canvas:
A double shot espresso, no sugar, is Connie's coffee order of choice – a beverage that transforms her usually quiet demeanor into a talkative one.
Despite her dedication to painting, Connie confesses her love for reading and acknowledges that, if forced to choose between painting or reading to relax, she would opt for the latter.
Red holds the title of Connie's favorite color, although she rarely incorporates it into her paintings, revealing the nuanced choices that define her artistic style.
Brushes, specifically short flat ivory brushes by @rosemarybrushes for oil and acrylic paintings, and round Princeton Neptune brushes with a soft hake for watercolors, stand out as Connie's favorite art tools.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Connie Azevedo's artistic world, where the landscapes, colors, and emotions of New Zealand's West Coast come alive. With an unwavering commitment to capturing moments of tranquility, Connie invites enthusiasts to explore and acquire her original pieces and fine art prints available on her official website, https://www.connieazevedo.com/. For an immersive experience into her creative process, her Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/connieazevedoart/, serves as a visual diary. Here, followers can witness the evolution of her work and engage with behind-the-scenes content. To connect directly with the artist, inquire about her creations, or acquire a piece of her captivating art, visitors can utilize the contact options provided on her website. In a world often characterized by haste, Connie's art stands as a timeless reminder to pause, reflect, and discover solace in the natural world's innate beauty.
As we wrap up this weeks adventure in the captivating world of online wall art, we want to express our gratitude for your support and invite you to continue this creative journey with us. Your dedication to exploring exceptional artworks and showcasing the talents of extraordinary artists is greatly appreciated. Sign up for our newsletter and don't forget to drop by every week to discover new additions to our 'Art with Heart' collection and share the beauty of Rozee Living's wall art home decor with your friends. Keep in touch with us on social media for updates and more artistic inspiration. Until next time, have a blast decorating and enjoy the exploration!