Here is an illustrator I have loved since I was at uni 15 years ago - Sophie Fatus! I used to have her postcards up on my wall and her painted handmade paper illustrations really inspired me.  Now one of my daughters favourite books 'Here we go round the mulberry bush' happens to be illustrated by her!  What goes around eh?!  Take a peek...
 
I have been reading some new books to my daughter Daisy and just adore the beautiful illustrations by Sophie Tilley in the Princess Evie's Ponies collection (written by Saran KilBride), so inevitably I googled her and Oh! the rest of her stuff is divine!  The colours are soft and candylike and they combine beautiful, whimsical, funky, quirky imagery with stacks of personality!   My absolute favourites are her litle girls, princesses and fairies... they are stunning!  They are so cool and contemporary and there is someone for each little girl (and big girl!) to relate to!!!  
I like to think this would be me in the middle!!!

www.sophietilley.com
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Olaf Hajek is one of the world’s most successful illustrators. His colorful work is infused with a folkloristic naivety and freshness and can be seen in publications such as The New York Times, in advertisements for companies such as Bacardi and even on postage stamps. Despite the diversity of his clientele, Hajek makes no aesthetic compromises. His characteristic style of “magic realism” is what makes his work appealing to a broad audience and range of clients. Flowerhead is Olaf Hajek’s first monograph. It presents an extensive collection of his commercial work as well as personal art that he created exclusively for his book....
Flowerhead
The Illustrations of Olaf Hajek
Release Date: 
January 2010
ISBN: 978-3-89955-281-2

 
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I love love love bold bright colours and naive style painting.  These paintings by artist Tracey Ann Finley reminds me of the paintings of artists like Hundertwasser or Basquait............

Tracey is a self-taught artist, who has loved creating art her entire life.

In 2004, she began offering her work for sale. Her colorful paintings hang in spaces across the USA, Canada, Spain, Australia, Japan, England, Mexico, as well as other countries. Adults and young people are captivated and drawn to her vivid and bold approach to color and subject matter. Many individuals have recognized her uniqueness and continue to add to their collections. This imaginative, prolific artist is a rising new talent.

check her out on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kitty107?ref=seller_info or go to her website www.traceyannfinley.com

 
I love keeping up to date with Polymerclaydaily.com as I get to hear little titbits about some wonderful artists and crafts people, then I start some mooching and discover even more!!  Carol Simmons is one of my recent favourites, along with Rachel Gourley (see earlier posts).  They both work with colourful Polymer canes.  I tend to be really influenced and excited by artists looking at things like microscopic bits, underwater creatures etc so Carols work is fab!!


She has published a new Flickr site which gives you a quick view of how her botanically-based art has grown.

Carol Simmons is unveiling new work with this Sporocarps piece (see image and quote below). After years of looking at mosses, lichens and algae under the microscope, she reinterpreted her vision in polymer.
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"Sporocarps are the spore-containing fruiting bodies of mosses, lichens and some algae. This is my most recent piece of work. It is undoubtedly informed by my studies of mosses and lichens while in grad school. I spent many hours peering at them under a microscope and drawing what I saw. Working next to my wonderful new friend and artist Laura Tabakman at a recent retreat inspired me to try this sculptural form. The standing components of this mini-sculpture (4 inches across) are elevated on telephone wire.

 
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Many many many more monsters to see!!! This is really an indulgence for my clever little husband who is a whizz with his fingers and some plasticine! 
 
Lollipops! Lollipops! Lollipops!!  One of my favourite visual ideas!!  Here is a little glance at my evenings mooching.....
 
Canadian (BC) Lorraine Seibold is a metalsmith who enjoys pairing pierced hollow metal forms with polymer clay. Her inspiration often comes from the seashore, flowers and her shapes are playful.  See more of her lovely work on Etsy.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LaughingBird