Zatista The premiere source for original art online

When you hear the term “animal print” you probably think of something like this:

Kate Moss in Leopard Print Coat

But at the moment I’m talking about something more like this:

William Wegman "No Fun Sleeping Under A Picture Like This+ Pink Elephants" 20x200.com

We all have our photos of Pooch and Kitty on the mantel at home, but animals in art don’t have to be cute.

Catherine Ledner "Camel" catherinesanimals.com

In fact, sometimes it’s more interesting when things get a little… strange. I’m not talking about really strange, I’m talking about a 1/4 tsp. of strange.

Catherine Ledner "Armadillo 1" catherinesanimals.com

Like how beets sometimes taste like dirt or how cilantro can taste like soap. Just strange enough to leave you walking away with a ‘curious’ feeling.

Mr. French Poster Cannibal Kingdom Beaver by Charles S. Anderson Design

Molly Wortham "You'll Be Poison" zatista.com

Susan Grissom "Lady and Her Bird" zatista.com

Of course, it’s all a matter of personal taste. This is just one woman’s opinion and I think it’s refreshing when ‘animal art’ doesn’t hit you over the head with a ton of cute.

Nathan Oliveira "Baboon (Celadon)" Marsha Mateyka Gallery

Besides, you’ve got plenty of opportunity for that in the kids’ rooms!

Have unique thoughts on art, design, and style?

This summer we’re inviting our community to be guest bloggers! If you love WallSpin and are interested in being a contributing blogger, send a note or submit a post to: nancy@zatista.com. Know anyone else who may be interested? Forward this to your friends.

Have you heard of it? If not, you’ve got to check it out. It’s a group art project and anyone can participate.  You don’t have to be an artist to enter, all types of people are part of this project. To receive a sketchbook, pay $25, choose a theme from a list of 24 intriguing possibilities including: The View From Up Here, Face in the Crowd, Things That Changed Other Things, or opt for the project to choose a theme for you.

Sketchbook by Duncan Reid

Enter by October 31, 2010, return your completed sketchbook by January 15, 2011. Tour begins March 2011.

Sketchbook by Ken McCarthy

The Art House Co-op says, “Thousands of sketchbooks will be exhibited at galleries and museums as they make their way on tour across the country. After the tour, all sketchbooks will enter into the permanent collection of The Brooklyn Art Library, where they will be barcoded and available for the public to view.

Sketchbook by Kate Castelli

Once barcoded, artists will be able to track where on the tour their book is viewed and how many times it’s pulled it from the shelf – we want to make sure you can stay connected with your sketchbook!”

How cool is that? Let’s do it!

Good news this month: Zatista and Zatista abstract artist Mary Lea Bradley have been featured in the July/August issue of Elle Decor Magazine. Gotta love that! Visit your local newsstand today and check us out on page 30 at the top of the “What’s Hot” list.

Until then, enjoy some examples of Mary Lea Bradley’s colorful and dreamy paintings here. These expressive images are hard to resist!

Mary Lea Bradley "328 Untitled" zatista.com

Mary Lea Bradley "351 Untitled" zatista.com

Mary Lea Bradley "377 Untitled zatista.com

Mary Lea Bradley "409 Untitled" zatista.com

Mary Lea Bradley "Unchained 5" zatista.com

Mary Lea Bradley "Unchained 4" zatista.com

John Hamm as Don Draper Photo: courtesy of AMC

Talk of the style-setting show Mad Men is rampant. Media outlets and audiences far and wide are intoxicated by the sleek mid-century cool of the show’s fashion, interiors, and cocktails. Now in its fourth season, Mad Men inspired style is in the spotlight everywhere from Design Within Reach to Banana Republic to QVC.

Steven Miller "Untitled #16"

I’m tickled that Mad Men is raising the profile of one of my favorite time periods, as far as style is concerned.

Alex Lupse "Noise"

The show’s set decorator Amy Wells, twice nominated for an Emmy for her work on the show, has created pitch-perfect early 1960s interiors representing Manhattan swank, Palm Springs modern (my fave) and suburban traditional.

Maude Andrade "Warm Snow"

If you love the look, consider adding a touch of Mad Men style to your walls. Whether you Draperize your living room with florals:

Ann Painter "Irises After Van Gogh"

Bernard Victor "Tropical Fruit, Flowers and Candle"

Elizabeth Miller "Bouquet"

or Sterling Cooperize your loft with abstracts,

Mary Lea Bradley "Intrigue"

Harold Smith "Jazzstract - Albert Ayler"

Sandra Wray "Untitled (13)"

these original works of art from Zatista will evoke a bygone era and help you mix a little bit of madness into your world.