Collector Spotlight!...

Please join me in welcoming my second guest feature for my new Collector Spotlight series! Robert Brawley, also known as "The Halloween Fanatic" has been collecting my original art and "twisting my arm" as he likes to call it, for a few years now! After he first introduced himself via email, it didn't take long for me to realize what a passion he has for the holidays, especially Halloween. Along the way, he too has delved into the arts of crafting in various clays, and you can peek at Robert's creations here. For now, enjoy the images he has taken of his private collection along with a little Q & A below!.......

Collector-Spotlight-Robert-Brawley

J: How did you learn about my Halloween folk art?
R: I found out about your work online, and originally I had special ordered an owl, then I saw your bulldog, and knew, I had to have one that looked like my dog Twinkle!

Twinkle

J: How long have you been collecting my originals?
R: Since 2008, my dog Twinkle being the first original, and after that I was hooked!

O-mouth-cat

J: What is it about my creations that captures your imagination?
R: The whimsy, graphic design, and detail that goes into each wonderful piece.

Springy-JOL

J: Where have you had the best luck in acquiring my original pieces;
 shows, web sales, Collector's Catch, eBay, etc?
R: Special order originally, but then through web-sales, Collector's Catch, and at one time at Frame by Frame, a wonderful shop owned by artist Rodney Leeseberg.

Roberts-collection

J: Do you have a favorite piece in your private collection?
R: This is always a hard question because it is almost like picking your favorite child. However I think Twinkle is my favorite! I do love the pieces that my wife has picked up for me as Christmas and birthday presents too. Lily Luna, even included an original illustration of her, by you, very special!

Lily-Luna

J: Is there anything in particular you suggest I try making in the future?
R: I would love to see Johanna Parker Skeletons! I think you could make some amazing skeletons, with your talent!

Halloween-grouping

Thank you Robert for sharing your Halloween collection and spooky fun display with us! My illustrated plates on the wall (offered thru Bethany Lowe Designs) were a fun bonus to see and really make things pop! And, you were clever to request those special ooak commissions when you did as now MY plate has been a bit too full to chip away at other requests. (fingers crossed time will be more forgiving next year!) As always, I appreciate your support in my artistic endeavors and I wish you the best in yours!

~ Johanna

PS: I am anxiously awaiting more fun images from my loyal collector fans out there, so please don't hesitate to share your photos with me! I know some of you still need to decorate, so when you're ready, send them on over. I hope to showcase a few more collections before October 31st strikes! Many thanks for your support and interest in my original work :) I look forward to sharing your collections with my reader friends.

Treasures, Found & Received...

It was a beautiful morning, so JP and I decided to follow the endless trail of garage sale signs, zig-zagging through funky old neighborhoods in search of treasures. While some sales were a lost cause, others proved a bit fruitful in our hunt. I found a few vintage goodies while JP searched for tools and the like. I scored, he didn't - but usually, it's the other way around! I also recently scored 2 delightful prizes from talented artist friends offering Giveaway treasures on their blogs. So, I feel fortunate and grateful for all of these treasures.... Have a look-see....

~ Johanna




















* Jack fashions one of two old crocheted doilies that I found discarded in a bin.... I can only imagine the time and love spent on this.. I will drape it over a bench or prop for an upcoming holiday display....



* Buttons galore in a big bag for $4! They all seem time-worn and vintage. I'll put them in a glass jar and keep them handy, just in case...


* A pair of folding wooden stools will be just perfect for propping my folk art at various shows.. $1 each...


* I was attracted to the turquoise color and shape of this Lane pottery vase, a perfect vessel for my colored pencils.... $2...

**And as for the Treasures Received, I was given this whimsical "Pair of Twos" by the ever so talented artist Brandi Milne! She has a truly mesmerizing style, and I invite you to visit her blog, filled with eye candy: http://brandimilne.blogspot.com/


* How did Brandi Milne know that I love ladybugs ever so much?! Next on my list is the perfect frame to properly display these original drawings....

**And last but not least, Robert Brawley, aka "Halloween Fanatic" gifted me his stylized rendition of the Munny Doll in his recent Blog GiveAway.... He's an avid collector of folk art and obviously has the artistic touch as well! Many thanks to you both for sharing your fabulous talents here in Blogland!.... I feel so lucky to have won these special treasures!


* Robert Brawley's bold, graphic style in black and white makes this 'lil guy pop!