Quantcast
Channel: Kasia Polkowska Art
Viewing all 416 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

Sangres at Dusk

February 18, 2019, 7:08 pm
$
0
0
Sangres at Dusk, a stained glass mosaic, 29"x26", 2019 
Available for Sale: Kasia's Online Art Shop
This is my latest landscape depicting the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, an unbelievable backdrop in the high dessert valley where I live in Southern Colorado  I see these every where I go as they loom above me, with peaks over 14,000 and 13,000ft.

Detail of the light hitting the glass.
Sense of scale prior to custom framing.
Custom framed in my studio.
The wood is nailed and glued onto the in-house built substrate that the mosaic is glued onto.
I matched the stain used for the oak framing boards to the reds in the glass in the foreground.
I love how the stained wood brings out and highlights the colors of the glass.
One more close up.
↧
Search

Reflection of Inner Self

March 4, 2019, 9:39 am
$
0
0
Reflection of Inner Self, a solid foam and concrete form covered in a hand cut stained glass mosaic, 6ft x 29in x 29", 2019

The exterior of our home may rarely reflect our true self. This colorful house is an expression of personal identity. Wouldn't our neighborhoods be more interesting places, if for instance, each house would be uniquely representational of some aspect of its inhabitants' personality? Wouldn't it make things more fun if you could learn something special about your neighbor just by looking at the exterior of his or her home, a true extension of their complex inner-selves?

Detail of the hand cut mosaic.
I created "Reflection of Inner Self" to represents the inhabitant's many layers. This house has numerous windows on various levels for the dweller to gaze out at the surrounding world from different perspectives and for outsiders to get a tiny glimpse into their neighbor's inner being.

My 16 month old son loves playing around this whimsical sculpture.
Four Views of the Sculpture
A different angle of the sculpture.
Below are a few process shots including one of the digital concept sketches for the sculpture. First I hand sketched various ideas for the house, different shapes and proportions. Then I sketched a wraparound design for the form which I scanned into the computer and colored in. All of this was then used by my partner Kyle Cunniff to create a 3d model of my concept. 

From Concept to Reality
I worked on realizing my concept into an actual 3D form with Kyle. He put together the general shape for me. I then carved away the foam to create the funky walls and roof.

Kyle layering the polystyrene.
I used a sheer form to do the sculpting part of this project. I carved away whole sections of the four-sided form to create four additional walls, making this an irregular octagonal form.

The carved form before being covered in mesh and cement foam coat.
Once the form was ready, I fitted it with paper on all sides. That is where I hand drew my sketch from my original concept.

I felt like a seamstress doing this part. The sketching was fun, the paper fitting was the worst part of this project.
I numbered each section of the blue print, 16 in total. Then I chose my glass color palette according to my sketches and proceeded to hand cut all the shapes to create the glass armor for this sculpture. Even though I worked on top of my sketch, this was a free from type of project.

Finally, the mosaic part of the project.
Four section arranged, taped and ready to glue.
Kyle layering foam coat over the mesh covered form.
We applied two coats of foam coat prior to adhering the mosaic to it.
Me with my 'Reflection of Inner Self'
↧
↧

Blanca Massif Alpenglow

March 5, 2019, 9:41 am
$
0
0
Blanca Massif Alpenglow
a framed stained glass mosaic, 19.25" x 32.5", 2019
Available for Sale: 

Sierra Blanca Massif is a compact cluster of mountain peaks, with the tallest one being Blanca Peak measuring a soaring 14,351ft making it the 4th tallest mountain in the state of Colorado. This formation is part of the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Range running along the Eastern side of the valley where I live. The sky over these mountains is known for an incredible display of colors both at sunrise and at sunset. 

As inspiration, I used the purple and pink vail of light illuminating the mountains in this photo I took.
This is the view is what I get to enjoy everyday on my evening walks. I particularly love the imagery when the mountains have a bright, white snow-pack that is illuminated with the setting sun. When the sun sets across in the West, it leaves a gentle, rosy trail of colors over Blanca. The subtle violets and pinks of winter's alpenglow perfectly frame this most prominent feature seen for miles in every corner of the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado. 

I also used aspects of this photo, particularly the pinkish/violet sky and the lighter snow in the foreground.
As you can see, I combined various effect I experienced to create the atmosphere in my mosaic. 


I used a black and white printout of one of my photos as a general blue print.
I matched up the pieces of glass for the sky to create a painterly effect.
The mosaic is custom framed in my studio - I choose stains for the wood to best highlight the artwork.
More photos and details of the finished artwork coming later this week!

Don't miss the Pre-Order Sale on the Limited Edition Giclee Print of Blanca Massif Alpenglow: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/blanca-massif-alpenglow-pre-order/


↧

American Gothic Rabbit Style

March 10, 2019, 10:24 am
$
0
0
These bunnies are part of my Animals of the San Luis Valley Sculpture Series - Doodle Style Project. The gist of the project is to create sculptures off of rough sketches, not polished drawings. I wanted to see kid like drawings of animals scattered through out this High Dessert Valley. Why? I like to think of it more as 'Why Not?'

The front of the sculpture is covered in a glass mosaic that I built in my Alamosa studio near the sculpture park.

Above you can see my rabbit doodle. The actual sketch is only a few inches tall. I scanned it into the computer to create my color palette. Next to the sketch you can see the realized 8ft sculpture installed in Mosca, Colorado.

The bunnies installed at their new, permanent location. In the distance you can see the two bears who are part of this series. Each set of animals designates a campsite in the tiny campground part of the sculpture park that my parter Kyle and I are designing and building. 

Here the concrete in the pedestal has set and the bunnies are finally free to enjoy their new home, watching the sunset over the San Juan Mountains in the distance to the West of the park.

My son and I are standing next to the sculpture for scale. With the added height of the pedestal, the tip of the bunny ears reaches 9ft. Behind us, not too far from our park is the Sand Dunes National Park, a true work of art - one of the most incredible landscapes in all of Colorado.
↧

Alpine Lake ~ Rocky Mountains

March 22, 2019, 8:43 pm
$
0
0
Alpine Lake
a framed stained glass mosaic, 24" x 48"

Does this mosaic bring you back to an alpine lake you've hiked up to? It brings me back to the countless mountain lake hikes I've been lucky enough to treck up to in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado where I live. These memories span far beyond to Wyoming, Utah, Montana and Idaho where I've gone on adventurous road trips and quests to see and to enjoy natural wonders new to me.

Natural pattern in the blue glass? Well, not really ... it was inspired by nature for sure but I actually hand embellished the solid, blue glass to spice it up a bit and to add my special, painterly touch.
Alpine lakes may be my favorite hiking destinations. When I lived in Boulder, I loved all the lake hikes in the Rocky Mountain National Park but especially in the Indian Peaks Wilderness which was much closer to the canyon where I used to live.


Me standing on top of one of the 13,000ft granite peaks surrounded by mountains that cradle all sorts of pristine alpine lakes that I got to enjoy during that time.
My favorite lake hike in this area was Blue Lake which actually inspired this mosaic. The entire hike is postcard perfect. Finally when you arrive at the lake, you are encircled by the prettiest peaks. It feels surreal after walking the most colorful wildflower trail to end up encompassed in gray and blue. Its like you arrive in granite cathedral. Its very humbling and awe inspiring.



Today when I look up at the Sangre de Cristo mountains which are the local range near Alamosa where I currently live, I think of all those special bodies of water that are nestled among the high peaks - they truly are magical, mystical places.

Angle view from the left.

Angle view of the lake.
Every time that I get to hike to a place like this, I realize how fortunate I am to be here. These are very, very special places and I am privileged to be here and I am a very aware of that. Every step to get closer is so very meaningful to me.

↧
↧

Fencing the Mystic Valley Sculpture Park

March 24, 2019, 11:42 am
$
0
0
We are embarking on an ambitious project of fencing in our new 40 acre sculpture park! This means 1 mile of fence that Kyle will most likely build by himself! The project calls for 300+ wooden posts, 4 miles of barbed wire as well as miscellaneous fencing tools and supplies. 


This project is fully founded by two independent artists - Kyle and myself. We are looking for creative ways to keep the momentum going so I am releasing a limited edition print of 'Blanca Massif Alpenglow' inspired by the view seen from our park. 

The proceeds from this archival, hand signed and numbered print will partially fund the completion of the fencing project. Buy Print Here Until April 15, 2019 there is a Pre-Order Special which means you can get print at a discount.



If you are not unfamiliar with the Mystic Valley Sculpture Park, below is a small glimpse into the humble beginnings of our greatest creative endeavor!



In the summer of 2018, my partner Kyle, our son Ethan and I decided to embark on the wild journey of building a sculpture park in Southern Colorado in close proximity to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. We acquired 40 acres of wild, high alpine dessert land with nothing on it - no structures, no electricity, no water - we are starting completely from scratch with a 1 year old boy in tow to set the pace.



So far we have created and installed 5 mosaic sculptures and have 10 more lined up for the Spring season alone! We've cleared a small road that leads to what we consider the epicenter of the project. Everything will expand from there. 





We've built a shaded patio as well as three campsites with picnic tables and fire pits for our family and visitors to stay at. One of the sites even has a tiny A-Frame on it. We hope to add more artistic structures as our project grows. We've even added what some folks have referred to as the cutest outhouse ever - it has three stained glass windows in it to really set the mood!



Part of the roof of the A-Frame opens up to an unobstructed, panoramic view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Sand Dunes.



The first set of sculptures we created is inspired by the animals of the San Luis Valley which our land is part of. 


Thus far, we have created bunnies to pay tribute to the all the jack rabbits that sprint across the property while we work, bears to pay homage to the ones that roam the near by mountains and coyotes who howel and yip as the sun sets for the day. Our son Ethan is eager to help with everything and loves inspecting our progress -too bad he is not quite ready to help with the fencing.



We've made good progress with limited resources on the creative side of things. Now to keep the momentum of the project going we need to start adding more serious infrastructure, a fence being crucial. Right now, the best way to support the project is by purchasing a limited edition print - Buy One Here: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/blanca-massif-alpenglow-pre-order/ 


The prints of the above mosaic will never be printed again so its a unique opportunity to grab one at a below retail value while supporting something very special in its early stages of development ~ Thank You and spread the word if you know anyone who would be interested in our project. 

↧

Earth Day Sale

April 22, 2019, 10:04 am
↧

New Landscape Portfolio Website

April 20, 2017, 12:21 pm
$
0
0

This week I published a new website for my Landscape Portfolio: https://www.kasiapolkowska.com  That will be my primary website for my fine art work.  The Kasia Mosaics Website will still be up as it contains a greater variety of projects from different time periods and functions more as a blog.
↧
Search

Artemis - A Mosaic Owl Sculpture

May 25, 2019, 1:46 pm
$
0
0
Artemis is a collaborative sculpture between artist Kyle Cunniff and myself. Kyle sculpted the form while I created the custom hand cut stained glass mosaic as well as the custom handmade ceramic tiles to adorn the sculpture.  This 7ft tall mosaic owl is part of the 21st annual Art on the Streets exhibit in Colorado Springs. It is located on 528 S Tejon St at the intersection of Tejon St and E Moreno St. The sculpture will be up for viewing till the end of May 2020. It is for sale via the City of Colorado Springs. 

Artemis installed in Downtown Colorado Springs
This new sculpture is inspired by the owl's prevalence in pop culture. Owls seem to have burrowed themselves into many aspects of our lives - fashion, design, art etc. These mysterious, nocturnal creatures have captivated the human mind. 


The ornate design on the back of the 3D mosaic sculpture 'Artemis'
As far as design goes, owls are beautiful specimens, adorned in natural patterns of intricate feathers. But their striking, keen eyes may be what enthralls us the most and adds to their wise demeanor. 

The eyes are created with a custom cut stained glass mosaic, a contrast from the handmade ceramic feathers on the owl's head.
These are enigmatic creatures of the night and symbolically they are the keepers of sacred knowledge. They have sparked our curiosity and through it have found their way into our hearts. 

My partner Kyle and our son Ethan with me and Artemis - this was a collaborative sculpture between Kyle and I.
Every time I see an owl - a real one up in a tree or a man made tribute - it is a treat. With this sculpture I wanted to share my love of this enchanted creature. I hope that each passerby that encounters this large mosaiced owl is reminded of the mysteries, the magic and the beauty that comes from nature and that cane come from within us.

As all our collaborative projects, it all begins with a concept and lots of conversations =) 


I created the sketch on the right which I digitally colored in. Then Kyle used my drawing to create the 3d model concept on the left. Looking at these early sketches, we knew this concept had to be realized into a tactile form which Kyle hand sculpted.


In a nutshell, the interior of the sculpture is created from polystyrene, mesh and a form of concrete called 'exterior foam coat'. Lots of work there but there isn't enough room on the blog to share this complex sculpture process. Above is my favorite shot of Kyle doing his thing!



Both Kyle and I have a growing interest in ceramics. For this project I created custom ceramic tiles for a portion of the sculpture. Above you can see some of the color samples I created for my color palette. To the right of those you can see some of the clay tiles in the drying process during the carving/clean-up phase.


The top of Artemis is the section with the majority of the ceramic tiles. That part has a really lovely pattern that will mostly not be seen from street level as the sculpture is 7 feet tall. Above it is seen outside during the loading for transport to Colorado Springs. 



A similar patter is continued from the top of the head down the back of it. 



The rest of the mosaic was created with custom stained glass shapes. Each piece was cut and arranged by me.  


Kyle and I created a map of the owl's form and I sketched a rough outline of my patterns. I worked on top of these rough sketches, hand cutting each shape.



The objective was for the mosaic to resemble more of a hand sketch rather than a refined, neat and cleaned-up rendition of my concept drawing. I wanted the sculpture to feel more organic and hand made rather than a perfectly clean object reminiscent of manufactured forms.


Creating this type of sculpture takes lots of fitting and measuring to make sure that all mosaic sections can fit properly and to wrap around the curves nicely. That is probably the most tedious part of the process and one that is not my favorite. Its like being a glass seamstress of sorts.



Due to the size of the sculpture and the endless fitting and measuring of the form, gluing the mosaic was done in sections. The same was done with grouting.



Artemis weight approximately 300lbs. He is large, awkward to handle sculpture so Kyle designed a special dolly/cart for loading the sculpture for its transport from our Alamosa studio to downtown Colorado Springs, a 3 hour drive through the mountains.



In Colorado Springs we had a crew of city workers and as well as leaders of the Art on the Streets program welcome Artemis and to install him onto his new location in the downtown. 



The above photo was taken during the installation of Artemis whom my son Ethan got to watch come alive in our studio. He inspected the owl the whole way through. As little as he still is, he was excited to see his mosaic friend be outside in a new and fun environment.

Below are a few more photos I took after the installation. I hope that the presence of Artemis in the downtown add a bit of whimsey and fun for the people passing by. If it brings even a fraction of the joy that it has brought to my son, then I could not be happier with what Kyle and I spent months working on.


Peekaboo! I see you ...


I'm coming for you!


I gotcha mommy =)
If you live in Colorado Springs or near by or maybe if you are visiting our beautiful state and you'd like to see this sculpture in person, it is currently located on 528 S Tejon St at the intersection of Tejon St and E Moreno St in front of Atomic Cowboy. If you take some fun pictures and post them on Instagram, tag @KasiaMosaics so I can see them. Knowing that people enjoy public art as much as I do is a driving force in the creation of this kind of work.
↧
↧

Summer Solstice

October 18, 2019, 8:23 pm
$
0
0
Summer is full of wildflowers. It is almost impossible not to be inspired by the beauty of even a single flower. I love revisiting the theme of the Lotus, symbolizing rebirth, enlightenment, self-regeneration and purity - much of what I feel is also symbolic of our journey here on earth. Each summer I find much inspiration in its beauty as well as comfort in it. Nature has so much to offer in that aspect of what the human spirit needs. 

Summer Solstice, framed stained glass mosaic, 20″x20″ ~SOLD
Summer Solstice is a mixed media piece. The center of the flower is made of hand cut stained glass circles. The petals are handmade ceramic tiles that I shaped, fired, glazed and re-fired in my studio. The background is a hand cut and arranged stained glass mosaic created by me. It was custom framed in my studio to highlight the warm feeling that radiates from this art piece.

The mosaic arranged and ready for gluing.

Grouting - here you can still see the grout haze.

I created this piece back in June. Currently, it is the last 2d mosaic art piece that I've created to date. I mention this because I've decided to take an extended a break from creating my 2d glass work, an art form that I've dedicated myself to for the last 12 years. I plan to focus on mosaic sculpture as well as revisiting my love of painting while also nurturing my growing baby, a second for me. Once the baby arrives in March, I will have a very limited time for work but I hope to eventually carve out some time for painting again. You can see my last few available 2d mosaics here: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/


↧

Reflection of Innerself II

October 21, 2019, 4:33 pm
$
0
0
Reflection of Inner Self II, a solid sculpture covered in a hand-cut stained glass mosaic, 7ft x 2ft x 2ft, 2019 ~Available

My sculpture, Reflection of Inner Self II is currently on display in Alamosa, Colorado on Main Street as part of the 2019/2020 3rd Annual Artscape an outdoor art exhibition.


I carved the form from layers of polystyrene using a combination of tools: a hotwire bow and a sheerform. I worked based on my digital sketch though I wasn't too focused on copying my sketch exactly as I really enjoyed experimenting with the form and manipulating its shape with my hands. 


The exterior of our home may rarely reflect our true self. This colorful house is an expression of personal identity. Wouldn't our neighborhoods be more interesting places, if for instance, each house would be uniquely representational of some aspect of its inhabitants' personality? Wouldn't it make things more interesting if you could learn something special about your neighbor just by looking at the exterior of his or her home, a true extension of their complex inner-selves?  

The mosaic coming together,

Hand Cut Stained Glass Mosaic
Gluing
Grouting
Installation in Alamosa, Colorado 
Different Views
↧

Closing Art Sale ~ 20-40%OFF Plus Free Shipping

November 8, 2019, 1:53 pm
$
0
0
I'm having my biggest Art Sale ever! There are only 6 mosaic landscapes, 1 mosaic owl and some prints and stickers remaining. I'll be switching the direction of my work this year and am trying to find homes for the rest of the work from my studio.

I've discounted everything 20%-40% OFF. You can get an extra 5% Off for payments with a Check - Use Code: Five
See All Available Work Here: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com


These are the 6 stained glass mosaic landscapes that I currently have available. I will not be making more of these in the near future so its a great opportunity to snag a one-of-a-kind handmade glass vista of the American Landscape seen through my eyes.


"Java" is the last mosaic from my Owl Series. This one is 40%off with Free Shipping in the US. https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/barn-owl/


The Limited Edition "Blanca Massif Alpenglow" is also on Sale. https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/blanca-massif-alpenglow


The Limited Edition "Ursus Borealis" Print is available as well and is currently discounted: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/ursus-borealis/


Buy a Sticker or a Set Here: Stickers and Prints on Sale


This unique metal print is also available and on Sale via my Prints and Stickers page. It also comes with two Free Stickers: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product-category/art-prints/

↧

Artemis ~ New Vinyl Stickers

December 1, 2019, 8:49 am
$
0
0
    This is a limited sticker run - only 50 are available ~ currently half have been pre-ordered. Click Here to See Available Stickers

      • Sickers will be shipping out on December 4, 2019 
      •  This is a 3"x1.95" thick vinyl die cut sticker of the "Artemis" a mosaic sculpture created by Kasia Polkowska & Kyle Cunniff.
      •  The stickers are perfect for any surface.
      •  Stick it on a water bottle, growler, car, bike, helmet, other gear, laptop, etc. 
      • These are durable, dishwasher safe and weather resistant. 
      • A UV laminate protects these from the sun and scratches, keeping them from fading.


      The 'Artemis' sticker can also be combined with the 'Bear Witness' sticker. See Here: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/bear-witness-4x4-75-and-artemis-3x1-95-set-of-2-vinyl-stickers/

      Free Shipping within the continental USA. All orders outside get charged a $1 for the additional shipping costs. If you have any problems placing your order, please email kpolkowska@gmail.com
      ↧
      ↧

      Lotus Flower Comission

      September 18, 2017, 9:00 pm
      $
      0
      0
      Blue Lotus Flower on Yellow, stained glass mosaic, 12"x12", 2017 ~SOLD
      Below are some of the color choices of stained glass narrowed down by the client.


      All of the glass, including the flower petals and circles is completely handcut with just the tools seen below.


      This is an original Kasia Mosaics Design which is often requested to be commissioned in different colors and sizes. The design is exclusively copyrighted to Kasia Polkowska and may only be reproduced by the artist. Below is a photo of an earlier rendition of the same design but larger (22"x22") and hence with a more detailed center and background. It is the mosaic that inspired the above commission.


      ↧

      Kasia Mosaics Online Classes

      August 30, 2020, 4:14 pm
      ↧
      Search

      Mixed Media Mosaics

      September 1, 2020, 8:07 am
      $
      0
      0

      I created this mixed media mosaic as a gift for my neighbors. I have a ceramic kiln and have been experimenting with creating tiles. A few months before working on this smaller flower 12"x12", I created a larger version of my popular lotus designs as an 18"x18" piece. I really liked the effect of mixing ceramics with glass and thought that a mixed media mosaic like that would make a lovely gift.

      Above you can see the mosaic outside in the bright Colorado sun. I love bringing my work outside for photographing because mosaics look particularly wonderful when they are showered by sunlight from all directions.

      Below are a few process photos.

      In the photo above are my glazed tiles loosely arranged on my copyrighted pattern of my lotus design. Here I also showed some of the experimental center tiles I created. The one in the center of the flower is the one I decided to use.

      For the background of the mosaic, I decided to use stained glass. When choosing the colors in which I would glaze the flower petals and center, I considered what glass I had in the studio that would work nicely with my glaze choices. When I pulled the tiles from the kiln, I knew that this glass would look fantastic with the tiles. In this photo, you can also see the hand tools, I use to cut all my glass (I teach this in my Online Mosaic Classes). 

       

      I grouted the mosaic in black. This created a nice contrast with the light/medium colored glass and tiles as well as the big bold shapes in this composition. 

      And here is one of my son's holding the mosaic, always helping mommy =)

       


      ↧

      Artbitrium

      November 11, 2020, 10:32 am
      $
      0
      0

      Artbitrium (Latin for Determination), stained glass mosaic sculpture, 4ft x 4ft, 2020 by Kasia Polkowska

      The Moth demonstrates pure determination, always searching out light in darkness. Though, if in this quest, it stumbles upon a 'burning' brightness, the fragility of its body will succumb to it. The strength of the moth's faith is divine yet can bring upon a sudden melancholia when its vulnerability gets the best of it - the Moth reminds us to beware of 'Blind Faith'.

      I created two sets of matching wings for the sculpture. Being that this is a public art sculpture, I wanted passerby's to be able to enjoy it from both directions.

      These days I usually have my little assistant lending mommy a helping hand, while indulging in yummy treats of course =) 

      My other assistant, my partner Kyle created the beautiful sculpture for this new sculpture. 

      Here Kyle and Ethan are applying exterior foam coat to get the sculpture ready for the mosaic application. 

       
      The stained glass mosaic is glued in large sections as seen here. This is the front-mounting techinque, using clear tape. I actually teach this approach to mosaics in my 2d Mosaic Flower and Mosaic Owl Online Workshops. 

      Using tape for transferring mosaics onto bases allows for working more fluidly. For this sculpture I used it for about 95% of the mosaic. There were small sections in hart do reach places where it was better to cut, fit and glue each piece at a time which is not my preferred way of working but it was necessary.

      Ready for grouting!

       Grouting this type of mosaic sculpture is a pretty tedious, time consuming task. It took many hours and both Kyle and I do get it done.
       

      Grouting Detail.

      Late nights in the studio! Having a toddler and an infant does not leave much room to work these days, hence the sleepy eyes on both Kyle and I. 

      And during the day, the little assistant is back at it, polishing the grouted sculpture =) 

       
      This is in front of our house, the day before we delivered the sculpture to Alamosa, CO for installation. It is on display on Main Street for the duration of the 2020/21 Alamosa Artscape an Outdoor Art Exhibit in the Southern Colorado town. 

      Another angle view. The sculpture caught the setting sun nicely. 

      To finish it off here is Ethan ready to fly away with his colorful wings. I love seeing how he reacts to each new project <3

      ↧
      ↧

      These Prints Are Almost Sold Out

      December 5, 2020, 7:12 pm
      $
      0
      0
      I only have 3 Ursus Borealis prints left for sale. These are archival limited edition printed on watercolor paper. Check them out here: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/ursus-borealis/ 
       
       

      Currently the prints are 20%Off with 2 Free 'Bear Witness' vinyl stickers plus get Free Shipping for the Holidays in the US. You can also save 10% on your frame and matting at Frame It Easy by following the link in my Art Shop (linked above)

      My 'Bear Witness' stickers than can also be purchased separately: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product-category/art-prints/  These are durable, vinyl 4"x4.75" and brightly colored. I only have 5 of the iridescent ones left (these are also a limited run).

      Each print is hand signed and numbered by me.


       The prints are of a mosaic that I created as a gift for my first born son back in 2017.

      Here is my son Ethan next to one of the prints. He was just a few months old here.

      Here is Ethan with a framed version of the print. He is close to 2 years old here. 

      And here is Ethan holding one of my last prints next to his mosaic bear in his room.

      Here is a link to more photos and info: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/ursus-borealis/

      ↧

      Chromatic Spring - One of Yellowstone's Wonders

      December 7, 2020, 8:15 am
      $
      0
      0

      Chromatic Spring, 36" x 48", framed stained glass mosaic on board https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/chromatic-spring/

      In 2012, I visited Yellowstone National Park for the first time. I spent a week hiking with a good chunk of time visiting lots and lots and lots of geysers. Below is a photo I took of Chromatic Spring which inspired the above stained glass mosaic that I created years after that first trip to Yellowstone.

       
      From all the geysers and springs I got to enjoy in Yellowstone, I feel like this one really lent itself to becoming a mosaic. It encompassed the colors I loved and hinted at the textures that drew me in, plus it was set against a forested hill which for me really tied the whole composition together. 
       

      Until that trip, I've never seen any geothermal activity in person. I was completely awestruck. The colors, the textures, the patterns, the smells - it all intrigued me. Then, throw that among the pristine Yellowstone landscape where bison, grizzlies, wolves and many more animals roam - and I felt like I was in a fairy tale. I was so giddy because I finally made it to America's Park - a dream come true that exceeded my expectations.

      Believe it or not, this is just a handful of the geysers I visited and took photos of. There are so many in Yellowstone. It is like a geothermal all-you-can-see buffet. But definitely don't get too close as they are scolding hot and extremely dangerous.

      Honestly, it can be difficult to really take it all in because it requires ample time to not become overwhelmed. It is easy to try to hurry to 'see it all' in an afternoon if you didn't plan to love the geysers as much as I did.

      Even though I did alot of research leading up to my trip and I knew there would be a lot of really neat geothermal features, I was not prepared for the magnitude of what I would see.  These were natural features, the kind that I've never seen before or even really imagined could exist. They were completely new to me and that is what I found especially beautiful, having a completely new experience in the outdoors. It was magical and surreal and euphoric.

      The first spot I visited, took way longer to explore than I anticipated. I was completely dumbfounded when I realized that hours passed and there was still an infinite boardwalk of points of interest to explore. After that first day, I must admit, I felt fatigued with seeing too much. I was so happy and tired at the same time - it was amazing.

      It was all so cool that I just didn't want to miss any of it. But after that first exploration, I readjusted my pace and tried to take it in slower. I spent a week in Yellowstone and was lucky to have multiple days to visit various goethermal sites and to even try to avoid the crowds which was a sweet bonus.

       

      I look back at these photos and think to myself 'I got to peek inside the Earth - Wow! That was something - what a grand experience.'


       
      Each new geyser I walked up to seemed more intriguing than the last one. It really was pretty overwhelming for the senses and for the brain to wrap itself around what it was seeing. It was definitely not possible to capture in photos but ofcourse I still took some and am so glad that I did because I would not have believed what I saw if I didn't have these to look back on.

       
      4 million people visit Yellowstone National Park each year and I was one of them. It is a place that has so much to offer and it attracts visitors from across the globe. Everyone takes away their own special memories and hopefully leaves inspired to be a better stuart to our powerful yet fragile planet. 

       
      Its been years now since I've visited the park but looking back at these images, I long to go back and to once again be amazed by these sights in person. I may have to wait a few years though for my little boys to be old enough to safely take in the grandeur of Yellowstone. These funky, colorful holes in the earth are so attractive, that I imagine it would be a mission to keep the boys from trying to run up to them so we'll wait a bit =)
       

      Below you can see me working on my version of Chromatic Spring. I got to time travel back to Yellowstone while meticulously choosing each piece of glass to cut and shape into one of the many shapes that came together to create my humble tribute to this magnificent place. 
       

      I do feel proud of capturing the feeling of the the textures of the landscape in glass. I love looking at this mosaic. It is eyecandy for my soul <3 

       
      Chromatic Spring is a hand made stained glass mosaic, custom framed in a deep gallery style float frame created with hard. It is 36" by 48" in size and is ready to hang on any wall like a painting. Currently it is on Sale via my Art Shop: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/chromatic-spring/
       
              
      As part of the sale, I am offering Free Crating and Shipping within the continental US. The mosaic purchase is available on my custom monthly payment plan. After the first payment, the mosaic is shipped to the collector who then makes the remaining payments till the art is fully paid for while getting to enjoy it in their home. Email kpolkowska@gmail.com with questions/inquiries.
       
       
       

      ↧

      Alpenglow Over Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain

      December 12, 2020, 4:29 pm
      $
      0
      0
      Alpenglow Over Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain 
       acrylic painting on board finished in gloss varnish, 30″x30″, 2020
      Available For Purchase: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/alpenglow-over-hallett-peak-and-flattop-mountain/ 
       
      This painting is of the view from the Emerald Lake Hike in the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. The scene is one of my favorites in the park. It is the view of Hallet Peak and Flattop Mountain seen from the frozen Dream Lake along the snowshoe trail I hiked many times. You can also say that its the view from Emerald Lake below because it is pretty much the same =)
       

      Above is a photo of me and my partner Kyle at the end point of the hike standing on frozen Emerald Lake. This is the third and last lake along this lovely hike.


      I brought out the sketchbook and graphite to get ready for this painting. I had lots of fun with reliving one of the views along the Emerald Lake Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park through my pencil. This scene is from the crossing of frozen Dream Lake which is so beautiful in the winter. I loved hiking/snowshoeing this very pleasant trail when we lived in Boulder and miss it.

      Wintry Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, graphite on watercolor paper, 12″x12″
      The drawing is available unmatted and unframed: https://www.kasiapolkowskashop.com/product/wintry-hallett-peak-and-flattop-mountain/  

      The painting is custom framed in a hardwood, gallery type floating frame made of oak, stained in ebony black and finished in semigloss. 
       

      Here you can see the painting outside, lit up by natural warm sunlight.
       

      Here is an angle view of the painting that highlights the gloss varnish that I applied to it.

      Its fun to look back on hiking at Emerald lake through my photos and then to look at Kyle holding the painting and to think that this is a real place that we've been to and not just a fairytale. It is so beautiful in real life and I feel that it was a privilege to have been there, more than ones and in all seasons of the year. Winter though might offer the most unique view that really feels otherworldly. That's why I wanted to paint it.

      My partner Kyle is holding the painting up, showing a sense of scale. This painting is 30"x30" making it a pretty nice size.

      ↧
      Viewing all 416 articles
      Browse latest View live
      Search