Thursday, October 14, 2010

Focus On... Eastwitching! {And A Giveaway!}

If you missed my post on the Eastwitching bunnies a few weeks ago - you missed out! I love her bunnies - the emotion in their faces is palpable. And now, she has new ones - I like the english eccentrics. Read the interview with Alison and don't forget to enter the giveaway for a print of your choice!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.
I started Eastwitching because I wanted to paint scenes from the novel by John Updike called "The Witches of Eastwick" - I only did one or two and then I started painting animals. 


What made you decide to sell on etsy?
I joined Etsy because it was such a simple and beautiful site and very attractive and easy to use as a buyer and a seller.


Where do you get your inspiration?
The drama of light and shade inspires my work. Color contrast also inspires me. Animals with their innocence and artfulness intrigues me and painting their shapes and gestures is a challenge that constantly appeals to me. I also paint people portraits in pastel and I am always looking at people's faces as the infinite ways of expression enchant me.

An ideal buyer is someone who sees a painting of mine and feels what I felt when I was painting it - in other words the painting will resonate with them in some way. The energy and mood I was feeling at the time can be felt in a painting and it is this that someone else may pick up on if it is for them.


What kind of mediums do you use and why?
I use watercolor because it is so clean and non sticky and messy but really because it is so fresh and spontaneous and it moves on the paper by itself aking it look free and energised. I also use soft pastels as they are perfect for my portrait work - allowing me more control than watercolor as pastel stays just where you put it!

{apple orchard time - one of my faves!}

What is your favorite music to craft by?
My fave music is Led Zeppelin or sometimes Joni Mitchell.


When its cold outside... 
me and my Jack Russel Dotty sit together on the settee with a nice sweet cup of strong milky tea and toast and watch the wild weather through the patio doors that look onto our tiny back garden.


When I need a boost... 
I surf all the lovelies on Etsy! Or treat myself to a couple of second hand books on Amazon.


I wish I was...
- nope - don't wish I was anything else - fine as I am.


If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be... 
- inner peace.


If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be... 
with Mr Robert Plant please.


If you were an animal, what would you be?
I would be a fire horse as this is my Chinese Zodiac sign.

{king of fox hollow - special promotion price - only $19!}

What's your favorite piece of your own?
Fave piece of my own is a pastel of an Apache Indian. I am pleased with his simplicity and emotion. 


What are your favorite blogs/websites right now?


You can find Alison
on her blog
her collaboration blog (she is currently illustrating a child's poem by poet Marnie Jones. The poem is about animals waking in the morning in nature and will hopefully be ready by the end of October!), 
and flickr!

*Also*
here is a great article published by Alison's University when she was published by a major greeting card company in 1997.

Alison has graciously offered to give away one print (a $25 value) to a lucky winner!

- To be eligible for entry, you must be a follower of my blog through google friend connect or through your preferred RSS reader. -
- Make sure you leave me a way to contact you if you win. -
- Please leave separate comments for each entry. - 

First entry (mandatory):
Head over to Eastwitching and tell me your favorite item!

Extra Entries (optional):
- Head over to any of Alison's other shops and tell me your favorite item there (and which shop it's from). 1 entry/comment for each shop.
- Follow Alison's blog.
- Sign up for the Kate and Oli mailing list.
- Follow me on Twitter, tweet about this giveaway and leave me the link.
- Add my button to your blog.
- Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link. 

Fine print: Giveaway begins when it is posted and ends at 11:59pm pacific standard time October 22, 2010. A winner will be selected by a random number generator on October 23, 2010 and will be emailed promptly. Michelle will ship anywhere in the world!

122 comments:

  1. I love this one. http://www.etsy.com/listing/57188721/original-8x10

    I always loved dragonflies.

    www.thecrochetloft.etsy.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love Happy Days (the elephant print)
    susanerios at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. LIKE Kate & Oli on FB
    susanerios at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like Tulips 8x10 from petalessence shop
    susanerios at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. My favorite is this listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/54050179/print-8x10.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like the Your Church in Watercolor - original custom painting 10x14 inches from her architecture shop.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I follow the Eastwitching blog.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I subscribe to the Kate and Oli Newsletter.

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I like you on FB (Suzanne Gregg).

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I follow you on Twitter @kiddo47 and tweeted.

    http://twitter.com/kiddo47/status/27355993435

    kiddomsg at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. My favourite item is the barn owl in flight, called "The Journey" . Gorgeous!
    :o)
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I follow Allison's blog.
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I signed up for your mailing list.
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I "like" you on FB (under my name, Piroska).
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. From her floral Etsy shop, I love the poppies.
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. From her architecture Etsy shop, I love the old churches.
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. How to choose one favourite?!?! I love the Fanfare print and the fruit bunnies are simply sweet too!

    twocheekymonkeys at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I "like" Kate and Oli on Facebook as Deborah Davey.

    twocheekymonkeys at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like the Sister Rose Bouquet 10x8 from her floral Etsy shop.

    twocheekymonkeys at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I like the Custom Home Portrait - original watercolor 10x14 inches from her architecture shop.

    twocheekymonkeys at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. i like the sweet squirrel- we have tons of those little critters in our yard. it's nut season!
    thanks!
    shenais
    divertida at fastmail dot fm

    ReplyDelete
  22. i follow her blog.
    thanks!
    shenais
    divertida at fastmail dot fm

    ReplyDelete
  23. I follow and I absolutely love LONNYMAG reader SPECIAL PROMOTION - Print 8x10 - King of Fox Hollow!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I love the King of Fox Hollow, but I think the best is the custom pet portrait option, her dogs are beautiful and so soulful.

    sugareaterATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  25. My favorite is the King of Fox Hollow
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I follow Alison's blog with google friend connect
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I follow you on Twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/AmberGoo/status/27394823034
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love Blossoms from Alison's nudes and portraits Etsy shop
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Poppies is my favorite from her florals shop
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. From her architecture shop I love the Custom home portrait - original watercolor 10x14
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love the "Fanfare" print!

    tink.inthepink(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love the Crab painting in the Eastwitching shop!
    ms.johnsonmahs at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. great giveaway! i'm already a follower my favorite shop item is this one:
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/54052282/print-8x10
    such a cute little mouse :) thanks for the chance!
    curiouspug@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. http://www.etsy.com/listing/56997243/original-8x10
    This flamingo has to be my fav. :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. My fav item from Enchanting Illustrations is this http://www.etsy.com/listing/50305991/custom-home-portrait-original-watercolor

    ReplyDelete
  36. From urbanmeltdown, i heart this
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/54061620/dream-prints-white-belly-8x10-inch
    tribal looking portait.

    ReplyDelete
  37. From petalessence, I like this best

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/47183516/dream-prints-poppy-sister-10x8-inch

    ReplyDelete
  38. My fav item from Eastwitching is: FRUIT BUNNIES - Redcurrant Stalks Bunny - original watercolor painting 8x10 inches.

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  39. My fav item from yout florals etsy shop is: DREAM PRINTS - Tulips - 8x10 inch Archival Quality print.

    Thank you! louise_gillies@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Following on FB!! Your paintings of animals are beautiful!! My favorite: http://www.etsy.com/listing/58944552/original-8x10

    Julia @ JFIllustrations on Etsy
    vgn.artist@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love the lighthouse print and any of the bird ones.

    I am a follower of your blog (Jen)

    productsoftheday@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. "Gossamer Dream"
    is my fav and my little girl just went crazy over it saying it is going to be in her room if I win lol
    amber01sw@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. i follow their blog as amber01sw
    amber01sw@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. i follow on twitter as Amber01sw
    amber01sw@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. i like u on FB as Amber Lusk MacDonald
    amber01sw@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I love all the animals, esp. the baby calves, foxes and crowned fox :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Love the Gooseberry Bunny from the animal shop

    ReplyDelete
  48. In urbanmeltdown, Dream Blossoms is ethereal and so beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  49. In her floral shop, I love the Poppy Sisters!

    ReplyDelete
  50. In her homes shop, I love the 10x14

    ReplyDelete
  51. The teal parakeet is wonderful. I love the colors - amazing work.
    shutterboo at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  52. happy days is my favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Melody.DuValatgmaildotcom

    My faaaavorite is the seahorse print. I've always loved seahorses and that print is just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Melody.DuValatgmaildotcom

    The Orange Tulips in petalessences are beautiful

    ReplyDelete
  55. I liked her girl pleasing painting in her nude and portrait shop Melody.DuValatgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  56. I don't understand how I'm supposed to have a favorite custom home or wedding portrait, they're custom. But I suppose I like the sample picture of this one best http://www.etsy.com/listing/50914238/custom-home-portrait-10x14-inches

    Melody.DuValatgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hello all artylovers above - your comments and enthusiasm are so fantastic! THABNK YOU for taking the time to look and glad you enjoyed. Your comments are giving me a mile wide smile. Wishing you all LUCK for the draw .. regards Alison the Brush behind Eastwitching :)

    ReplyDelete
  58. i already follow you on google friend connect and my favorite print is the dream print ladybug :)

    kendallcrowgirl(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  59. my favorite is the home to roost print you have featured here. I love it and so would my kids ( who love the movie labyrinth)

    boswif e@ gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  60. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I love the "Off to work painting" - from eastwitching shop

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/53835206/original-8x10

    alvin_darmawan@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. from her floral etsy shop, I love the orange tulips print

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/54052979/dream-prints-orange-tulips-8x10-inch

    alvin_darmawan@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. From her architecture etsy shop - I like this custom home portrait painting

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/50306511/custom-home-portrait-original-watercolor

    alvin_darmawan@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. from her nude and portrait etsy shop - I like the Girl Pleasing dream prints

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/54063869/dream-prints-girl-pleasing-8x10inch

    alvin_darmawan@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Followed her blog :)

    alvin_darmawan@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. Like your FB as Alvin Darmawan

    alvin_darmawan@hoamail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. signed up for your mailing list :)

    alvin_darmawan@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. They are all amazing, bu my fave print is the DREAM PRINTS - Happy Days with the elephants. It makes me smile!

    My email is svlara(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  69. From her urbanmeltdowns shop, I love the Girl Pleasing print. My fave color combo!

    My email is svlara(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  70. My fave from petalessence is the Tulips print.

    My email is svlara(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Christina - xristya@rock.com - I love the left profile of the crow's head print!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I follow your blog, and I would have to say my favorite item would have to be either the seahorse or the clown fish. It was hard enough to narrow it down to two!

    alionandalamb at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  73. Oh, choosing a favorite item is hard! This very style of watercolor is one of my favorites, and then the subjects--!

    But, if I'm against a wall, guns sighting down at me unless I choose...Maine Man! Look at that lovely shell, look at my log in name! How can I not love it? Those colors!

    carapacenator(At)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. And I follow Alison's blog!

    carapacenator(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Your work is magical! Almost impossible to pick a favorite, but I do love the dragonfly. http://www.etsy.com/listing/57188721/original-8x10
    gourddust@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. I love the fruit bunnies!! Especially the Strawberry Fields one.

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I like the Poppy print on her Petalessence shop

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. I love the church (the first listing) she did on her Pineapple Pinks shop

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. on your mailing list

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I like you on facebook

    snaugle81@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. i love lion print.

    egle dot mane at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  82. Love The Journey An owl flying.
    malmort01 at optonline net

    ReplyDelete
  83. Follow you on twitter
    malinda1971

    ReplyDelete
  84. I like the When I Grow UP - 8x10 inch Archival Quality print

    yuki@michelf.com

    ReplyDelete
  85. My favourite item on urbanmeltdown is West Mitten Butte - 8x10inch Archival Quality Print

    ReplyDelete
  86. Tweeted

    http://twitter.com/yuki_kokoro/status/27769731811

    ReplyDelete
  87. My favorite item in the shop is to the lighthouse. It would make the perfect gift for my boyfriends grandfather.

    jesage@asu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  88. I liked Kate & Oli on facebook

    jesage@asu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  89. GFC follower of Alison's blog

    jesage@asu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  90. Signed up for the kate & oli mailing list

    jesage@asu.edu

    ReplyDelete
  91. I really enjoy the "Serenity Seahorse" AND it would go perfictly in my bedroom : )
    KathrynAnnGrant@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Signed up for the Kate & Oli mailing list : )
    KathrynAnnGrant@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  93. I am now following you on twitter and I tweeted about this givaway!

    ReplyDelete
  94. I have also liked Kate & Oli on Facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  95. I love the raven meet print. All are wonderful though. kcarlson1152[at]hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I love ALL of the bunny prints! They would look amazing grouped together to fill the wall of a baby nursery!
    mommytrenches at gmail dot com
    (I follow via GFC)

    ReplyDelete
  97. I <3 the poppies print from her floral etsy shop!
    mommytrenches at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I follow Alison's blog!
    mommytrenches at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I follow on twitter and tweeted!
    http://twitter.com/MommyTrenches/status/27840433947
    mommytrenches at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I like Kate and Oli on FB
    April P
    mommytrenches at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Blogged!
    http://beeluckymama.blogspot.com/2010/10/gorgeous-print-giveaway-ends-1022.html
    mommytrenches at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I like this one:
    Gooseberry Bunny.

    jkupc7 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I follow Alison's blog via GFC.


    jkupc7 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  104. My favorite item is the flamingo, Elegance. :)

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  105. My favorite item in the Urban Meltdown shop is the "DREAM PRINTS - West Mitten Butte"

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  106. My favorite item in the Petalessence shop is the "Apple Orchard Time".

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  107. My favorite item in the Pineapplepinks shop is this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/50914238/custom-home-portrait-10x14-inches

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  108. Following Allison's blog via gfc.

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I'm signed up for the mailing list.
    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  110. Following you on twitter.
    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/my_wunderkammer/status/28065400976

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  111. Your button is on my blog:
    http://skittlefairy.diaryland.com/index.html

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I like your FB page. My username is wunderfraulein.
    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  113. Blogged:
    http://skittlefairy.diaryland.com/101021_44.html

    so.kitsch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  114. Such a great artist! I follow her blog. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  115. I love, love Master Newton: http://www.etsy.com/listing/54052282/print-8x10

    ReplyDelete

Leave some love! Check that little box that says " Email follow-up comments to..." so that you can see when I reply to your comment!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...