There’s a good reason why I haven’t downloaded the Instagram app for iPhone… until now. I’m obsessed! I may need an intervention.

I downloaded it yesterday, which worked out perfectly considering I was performing in musical ‘Avenue Q’. As this was our encore performance, there was a lot of love and emotive material for me to capture. I’ve included some of the pics above!

Since the beginning of 2012 I have been working on some exciting yet discreet projects and its been challenging not to post any of my new work since I love sharing with everyone. Instagram is the perfect outlet and solution for me at this time. I’m thrilled to share some of my photos with you all. I love that this process is instant and that I don’t have to wait for the paint to dry to showcase something creative!

If you would like to follow me on Instagram, my profile name is: lisapenz

What’s yours? xx

I always photograph my new paintings outside. Overcast days are the best since there’s no glare from the sun… so Vancouver is the perfect place to take artwork pics!

Today, I had to photograph one of my paintings in a hurry. It snowed last night, so I had to bundle up! I don’t prefer to go out in the snow with my artwork but since I was rushed to take this photograph, I was desperate. To my surprise though, the snow created a really nice lighting effect.

I wasn’t alone. My cat, who is a very curious and helpful Maine Coon decided to join me. He usually behaves as if he doesn’t like the snow but I snapped some shots of him that may conflict with that notion. I had so much fun taking pics of him that I nearly lost track of why I was outside freezing in the first place! : )

Evil Queen by Noah. Disney Fine Art.

Art by Jenny Chung. Property of Disney.

I’ve just returned from an amazing New Years trip to Disneyland! It’s hard to believe I haven’t been there since I was 10 yrs old! A lot has changed since then but the enchanted feeling of being inside the Park remains. No one does it quite like Disney. I had forgotten how magical it is. Shame on me!

One of the highlights was discovering some breathtaking ‘Disney Underground’ art. I was so thrilled to be amongst artwork that felt in a similar vein as my own. Coming from Vancouver — a city of landscapes and conservative art, it felt so incredible to be surrounded by contemporary illustrative styles and vibrant themes.

I was blown away by the work of artist Noah and his new ‘Villain’ collection. The way that he captured the Evil Queen from Snow White was absolutely stunning and ethereal. I couldn’t stop staring at this dark and compelling portrait. I’ve attached an image above. It amazed me how Noah managed to make something so beautiful out of something pure evil.

I was also really drawn to the work of Jenny Chung. She captures the illustrative style of the Disney princesses eloquently and so graphically. I really enjoyed the simplicity and flow of how she composes her work. It turns out Jenny was raised in Vancouver too which makes her even more cool! Read more about Jenny on her blog.

I wanted to bring back a special piece and it took me several days to come to a decision. In the end, I went back to my original inspiration and choose a Little Mermaid limited edition giclee by world-renowned Disney visionary Larry Nikolai. This piece I own now is called “Longing To Dance”. In 2011, The artist and Disney Imagineer Larry Nikolai had also Art Directed the concept work for the brand new Little Mermaid ride ‘Ariel’s Undersea Adventures’. This process took 3 years! And no doubt it did — it’s spectacular.

It’s astounding to me how these Disney Princess images never seen to get old. Nostalgia is so powerful. I feel privileged to have experienced a wide range of interpretations of the characters among various artists. The film Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs was released in 1937 and Snow White’s presence in Disneyland is as popular as ever! I have to admit… I’m really tempted to create my own portrayals of my favourite characters.

What are your favourite characters from childhood that still resonate with you now?

If you had to decorate your own Christmas tree, reflecting yourself and your business — what would you do? What would it look like?

This very subject was one of my fun challenges this December. In late November Rize Alliance contacted me and asked if I would decorate my own unique tree for the Rize House! I have to admit, I was a little nervous at the thought and a few questions raced throughout my mind… How can I make it fun — (and not tacky)? How can I make it my own without being too much? And how can I make it memorable…? You wouldn’t think decorating a tree is a big deal but when it’s your brand on public display — you really want to a good job!

As I reflected on 2011, it was important to me that my tree should keep consistent with my Indulgence theme. I decided to feature my ‘Butterscotch Ripple Effect’ mini-prints with silver hand-made bows. Considering my theme was all about sweet things, I thought it would be cool to have a part of the tree edible — so I turned Lindt Dark Chocolate Truffles into ornaments!

If you’ve decorated any fun, themed Christmas trees this holiday season, please share — I’d love to see them!

Read more about the Rize trees and initiative here.

Charlize Theron, the Evil Queen ©2011 Universal Studios

'Still The Fairest' by Lisa Penz

Is it any wonder that fairy tales are coming back into our mainstream Pop culture? In late 2009 I created my take on The Brothers Grimm fairy tales — a series depicting defining moments of female heroines, who served as my role models growing up. Why were these characters so appealing to me..?

In 1937 Disney debuted their first Fairy Tale “Princess” feature — Snow White was an instant success. A year ago Disney announced that they would stop making fairy tale films, stating that these type of “Princess” films no longer appeal to children — a dramatic change as children today perceive our society values as being ‘sexy’ and ‘cool’ rather than being a princess. So why then, have two different Snow White feature films surfaced for release in theatres in 2012 – ‘Mirror, Mirror’ starring Julia Roberts and ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ starring Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron, directed by Rupert Sanders. Has anyone else noticed this trend? And The Brothers Grimm characters not only can be seen on the silver screen — they can also be found in new t.v. series Once Upon A Time and Grimm.

So it seems we are going back to darkness in a spin on traditional Grimms tales. It is becoming more and more apparent that we are living in a time where darkness speaks to people, amidst a blatant world of exposing all of oneself through media, people now crave the unseen, the mystère.

At the crux of it all there is a fascination that lies in the curtained and unexplained. Our human minds are still hungry for enchantment and the mythical. This is why I feel my paintings are relevant and topical today. What compels me to paint my own interpretation of these heroines is not only their beauty but their journeys told and the overcoming of surmountable obstacles that I found so appealing and enigmatical.

And why is the Snow White fairy tale coming back? Could it be that this fairy tale is resurfacing because it resonates with young adults and transports us back to our childhood? The fairy tale market segment used to only be children — now it belongs to us. The studios are finally doing the dark version of the story, an angle that they have not explored before which directly pertains to my paintings. Only now it’s being retold from a standpoint of darkness… of grim.

Artwork by Peter Winnett

Artwork by Peter Winnett

One of the highlights of being in a group show is that you get to meet other inspiring, interesting artists. At the Hunter Bisset Gallery’s ‘Beau Ideal’ group show in October, I met fashion illustrator and fine artist Peter Winnett. There was something about his graphic and feminine works really spoke to me. If you get the chance to experience Peter’s work in-person, you will realize his passion for his work is very apparent.

Peter has been nice enough to answer some questions about his work! Read below for interview…

I will begin by asking you the same redundant question everyone asks me (because I’m now curious)… Why do you illustrate women?
I’ve always been attracted to a mysterious femme fatale in high heels.

How did you get your start in the art industry?
I was commissioned to illustrate the poster for the Halifax Grand Prix shortly after graduating from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.

I have seen your work in different mediums. Which medium are you currently working with?
I’m currently working digitally, but I love working in oil on canvas.

What process in your art making interests you most?
Trying to make the vision a reality.

What are some of your artistic challenges at present?
Bringing the images in my head to life, especially when they are in fast paced motion.

Can you share your top 3 crucial things you’ve learned through your own art/experiences?

Can you tell us about something you are looking forward to on the horizon?
Attending an artist residency in New York next summer!

Where can we find your work?
There’s a book of fashion illustrations coming out by Lawrence King Publishers next year.
Also, http://www.winnett.net and http://www.peterwinnett.com show most of the good stuff.

Thank you Peter!

I’ve recently learned of Etsy-sponsored artist networking events that have started in Portland, expanded to Baltimore and now San Francisco. All following the model of “speed dating” this unique event is where art and networking directly collide. Artists with retailers and galleries join together and meet for 2 minutes only. I thought this was a brilliant concept to help bridge the arts community together in collaboration with retailers. It’s a win-win for all parties. I think every city should do this!

If you only had 2 minutes to talk about your work — what would you say? Would you discuss your process, talk about your inspirations, your goals? As an artist, do you have your elevator pitch ready?

How would you make your impression and stand out amongst all of the other artists? Can you sum up your art or craft in one sentence even?

Learn more about I HEART ART

Since my Pop Gallery exhibition in October, I’ve received a number of enquires about digital reproductions for my pieces ‘Orange Rush’ and ‘Vanilla Temptation’. These prints are both available again in 11×14″ size, including a small white border, each hand-signed by the artist.

If you are interested in purchasing a print, please email your order to: info@lisapenz.com

To view other works that are also available for print order, please visit: flickr or gallery

Ethical Bean doughnuts at Pop Gallery’s ‘Indulgence’ show.
Photo credit: Charles Zuckermann

It’s no surprise that I’m really into confectionery and all things sweet. In fact, I’m so passionate about dessert, I created my ‘Indulgence’ collection around my love for sweets. Since confectionery is a part of my every day life and apparently now my art, I’ve had several fans ask me to blog and “review” about my fav sweet things!

If you were at my Pop Gallery opening, you would have tried my latest craze… Ethical Bean’s fair trade doughnuts! If doughnuts aren’t your thing, no worries, these are not your typical glazed. Ethical Bean’s dougnuts are made with pure, organic ingredients, so you can enjoy without the guilt! Unique ingredients are an amazing feature of these dougnuts. Some of the flavours I’ve tried are: cinnamon, lavender, raspberry white chocolate, ginger and maple. My favourite is definitely lavender! I’ve recently tried ‘pumpkin spice’ – their latest edition for Fall. I’m eagerly awaiting their Christmas flavor…

You can try these doughnuts at Ethical Bean: 1315 Kootenay Street — or at Little Mountain Coffee Company in SoMa

Come by Pop Gallery this Sunday, October 23rd for a live painting experience!

Pop Gallery presents a Live Painting Event, featuring….