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"No Cargo" by Tracy Mewmaw on Zatista.com

Wow, the summer is really getting away from us here and it looks like there may be no hope of getting away before the New Year. I can’t say I feel alone in that predicament though, pretty much everyone I know is forgoing vacations to save a little money or just get ahead on a few projects around the house.

"Early Morning at Portland Head Light" by David Cleaveland on Zatista.com

The good news is that there is a close second to actually going places: buying really, really good photos of those places. I’m a pretty bad photographer, so my vacation shots would be all “fingers over the lens” and “long arm goofball self-portraits” anyway.

"Old Deerfield Barns" by Diane Gray on Zatista.com

Plus, think about how easy it is to spend a couple thousand dollars just on hotels and food (and the odd bungee jump at a random state fair)! By comparison, buying an outstanding photo of a beautiful destination is a great deal. Just fix yourself a cold beverage, hang your new piece on the wall, point the fan in your direction and kick back – the environment will thank you, too.

"Chaco Canyon" by Arthur Davis on Zatista.com

After taking in some barns and lighthouses in the Northeast, it only makes sense to stop off in the Southwest. Green chili salsa and margaritas anyone?

"Johnboat" by Tracy Mewmaw on Zatista.com

This one is even shot point-of-view – nothing like a swim on a hot summer day!

"Muir Beach 2" by Rachel Hutchins on Zatista.com

Maybe make a stop just north of San Francisco to take in some redwoods and a nice deserted beach.

"Mt. Hood Sunrise" by Elizabeth Wade on Zatista.com

And then swing by the Pacific Northwest for some salmon and a microbrew or two. Ahh, what a trip!

"Quail Bird" by Elizabeth Graeber on Zatista.com

You know that person in your life who you really love but they also kind of irk you because they’re so good at everything they do? They pick up juggling in a day and then turn around and whip up Bananas Foster like it ain’t no thing? Well, in the art world, illustrators are kind of like that.

Sure, a good illustrator can make a book come to life, but as I have learned lately, they are also the ultimate Jacks and Jills of all trades. For one reason or another I’ve come across a number of talented folks this summer who have distinguished themselves in one area of the art world–graphic designers, rock show poster artists, fashion designers, exhibiting artists–and yet identify themselves ultimately as illustrators.

"Yellow-Billed Cuckoo" by Elizabeth Graeber on Zatista.com

Here on Zatista we have a great example of the walking bundle of versatility that is an illustrator: Elizabeth Graeber. Her drawings of birds are quirky and stylized, but don’t allow yourself to be lulled into thinking of them as simple. Sure, she uses basic tools–pens, ink, watercolor–but if you look at her methods, especially the way she reproduces prints (screen printing), you see an artist wielding simplicity with savvy. In a very disarming way Elizabeth makes the most of the inconsistencies of the human hand and imperfections in the artistic process. It somehow says “favorite children’s book + favorite t-shirt + favorite album cover = would look great in your place or on a gallery wall.”

"Screech Owl" by Elizabeth Graeber on Zatista.com

If you’re looking for some outrageously affordable, lighthearted art for your home that has personality to burn, look for Elizabeth’s work or seek out other illustrators here on Zatista.

"The Joy of Girls" by Allan O'Marra zatista.com

I’m curious to hear how you readers out there are spending your summers. Are you traveling or “staycationing”? Are you visiting friends and family? Are you at the beach? In the mountains? At the lake? Wherever you are, I hope you’re enjoying the bliss of summer: warm weather, cool swims, ice cream, picnics, bike rides, and kids staying up late.

"Picnic" by Peter Worsley zatista.com

For the art lovers, there are still some good outdoor art fairs to visit as summer turns to fall. Many of our Zatista artists are there selling their artwork. Maybe one of the fairs listed below is in your neighborhood. If you are out and about, let us know where you’ve been and what you’ve seen. Enjoy the rest of your summer and don’t forget to report back to us on what you find!

"Niece" by Xiuyuan Guo zatista.com

•    Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair, Charlevoix, MI – August 14, 2010 Now in its 51st year, this fair has a good reputation with critics and collectors because of both the quality of the work and the great location.
•    Sausalito Art Festival, Sausalito, CA – September 3-6, 2010 On Labor Day weekend the stars of the contemporary art scene are showcased in this beautiful setting. Plan for a great time, with excellent food and music.
•    Long’s Park Art & Craft Festival, Lancaster, PA – Sept. 3-6, 2010 Featuring original work from 200 great artists from around the country. Free entertainment and great food all presented in a lovely park.
•    Arts, Beats & Eats, Pontiac, MI – September 3-6, 2010 This fair will take place in Downtown Royal Oak for the very first time.  The festival will offer more than 200 performances on ten stages, a highly ranked Juried Fine Arts Show, and local restaurants with some of the finest cuisine in metro Detroit
•   St. Louis Art Fair, Clayton, MO – September  10-12, 2010 A small event, only 165 exhibitors, competition is stiff to be one of the chosen exhibitors.
•    Atlanta Arts Festival, Atlanta, GA – September 18 & 19, 2010 Set in historic Piedmont Park, this fair is an event dedicated to bringing together outstanding artists from around the country with the enthusiastic art buying community of the Atlanta area.
•    St. James Court Art Show, Louisville, Kentucky – October 1-3, 2010 Held in the heart of historic Old Louisville among the country’s largest collection of Victorian homes, this art show has for over five decades provided the region with a rich cultural legacy.

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.