Paper Musings

Recent Trip to SF MOMA

2012-02-02T00:09:00.001-08:00

Eye Candy

2012-01-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

a recent find... I am entirely seduced by things arranged by color.

Paper Installation for Atelier Joya

2012-01-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

Recent installation for the New Year at Atelier Joya.

nighttime painting

2012-01-09T22:09:00.000-08:00

I love painting with gouache, especially on black paper. This is a little painting I did last night.

Drop In Painting at Autobody

2012-01-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

2012

2011-12-31T15:17:00.001-08:00

welcome 2012...

Drop In Painting at Autobody

2011-12-29T18:52:00.001-08:00

Sketch

2011-12-26T21:02:00.001-08:00

made with love

2011-12-22T00:13:00.000-08:00

little beeswax collage paintings

Weekend Pics

2011-12-05T10:54:00.001-08:00

Sketchbook

2011-11-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

Taught a weekend long workshop on surface techniques at SFCB and got to play in my sketchbook a bit...

Found pic

2011-11-19T16:47:00.001-08:00

Drop in at Autobody

2011-11-16T21:45:00.001-08:00

11.11.11, Paper Flowers, & A Midnight Trip to Houston

2011-11-09T22:40:00.001-08:00

Headed to Houston for not one, but two weddings... I made all the flowers for one very special couple and I am at SFO waiting to board a 12:30 am flight to Texas. Lots of pics to come...

Wall art

2011-11-03T10:06:00.001-07:00

Just made and installed this piece for Alexa, a 17 yr old who loves color mixed with vintage flair and handmade art. Looks great in her new room!

Visit with Dxn

2011-11-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hung out with my good friend, Dickson Schneider... got to check out his studio which is always amazing. Dickson is one of my greatest sources of inspiration. He's always painting, making a video, creating a print or working on a project. Other than a series of portraits he's been working on, he just rebuilt a vintage bike and covered it in abstract enamel paintings... amazing as always.

Also got to take a peek at Katina's new body of work. I'm used to walking into her studio, seeing a large mylar sheet on the floor with several muffin tins strewn about containing around 3 dozen variations of black ink dilutions which she uses to paint overlapping shadows. I was so surprised to see color when I walked in today. Flowers, pattern, rich saturated colors all mingling together to create these complex and fluid scenes...beautiful.

Finished off the visit with a trip to Blue Bottle... a great morning.

Zombie Night at Cal Academy of Sciences

2011-10-27T22:14:00.001-07:00

1:44 am

2011-10-25T01:44:00.001-07:00

It's probably not a good idea to share anything written at 1:44 in the morning...

...

2011-10-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

source

feeling like this recently...

Back Home

2011-10-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

Just got back this weekend from two weeks in Prague and Berlin... I took 3000 photos! I'll be posting some of them soon... this one is from Berlin

Upcoming Classes

2011-10-16T15:59:00.000-07:00

Its been a super busy month and I'm excited to announce some upcoming workshops...I'll be teaching for the first time at Press: Works On Paper in San Francisco. Press is an awesome shop featuring small press books, limited editions, and hard to find and rare vintage items in addition to other awesome literary and design treats. Join me at Press for Shadow Boxing Fun Wednesday evening October 26th. For more details and to register for the class, check out the class listing.

I'll also be teaching an Image Transfer process class at Saffron & Genevieve Friday Oct 28th. If you haven't been to this delightful shop, you're in for a treat. Scarlett serves champagne and chocolate for workshops and we get to create art in one of the most inspiring design studios anywhere. Find out the details and sign up here... only 2 spots left.

And finally, I have a whole new series of classes for San Francisco Center for the Book's next schedule. I'll fill you in on the details soon, but for now, I'll be teaching an Image Transfer class this week on Friday, October 21st.

Hope to see you in a workshop!

Berlin

2011-10-09T13:34:00.001-07:00

In Berlin for one more day... Went to the flea market this morning, discovered two great neighborhoods, and saw an amazing photo exhibit by Taryn Simon. Many pics to come...

Berlin

2011-10-07T17:32:00.001-07:00

Took the train from Prague to Berlin today. The countryside was picturesque and the ride pleasant... It's the middle of the night here in Berlin and I can't sleep. Looking forward to visiting museums tomorrow and the flea markets!!! Gute Nacht.

Dobry Den

2011-10-06T23:03:00.001-07:00

Good morning Prague... View from my window...

Gone Fishing

2011-10-02T22:37:00.001-07:00

Off to Prague tomorrow morning... many pics to follow.

New Items in Strictly Vintage

2011-09-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

New items in the shop including this awesome antique illustrated medical dictionary from 1921!

Drop In Painting at Autobody

2011-09-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

A few days late but... the results from drop in painting. It's from a pic of this guy sleeping.

Strictly Vintage Now Open on Etsy

2011-09-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

Check out our new Etsy Shop Strictly Vintage. Matt and I launched the shop this morning with our featured item... a Trapper Nelson Indian Pack Board. This old school hiking pack is named after the legendary Trapper Nelson of the 1930s who lived off the land selling furs, walking the woods and became known as the Wildman of Laxahatchee after he opened his own wildlife zoo. He's something of an outdoorsman's hero... This is just one of the many vintage items you can add to your collection. Check them all out on Etsy! Cheers!

trapper nelson

Drop In Painting at Autobody

2011-09-08T00:14:00.000-07:00

Drop In Painting at Autobody

2011-09-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

Send Me Your Picture and...

2011-08-27T00:15:00.000-07:00

I'll make a painting...

So every Wednesday night I do a quick painting at drop in and I am running out of inspiration...
So, send me a pic of you and I might use your beautiful face as the inspiration for my next piece.

Details...

Images I Love:
forlorn, victimized, sad, serious, melancholy
red hair
freckles
two front teeth slightly showing
bruises
just your face, maybe your hand too

Ideally:
No pictures of you smiling
No pets
Large color images only please
email me at courtneycerruti@gmail.com

If I do paint your image, likely chance it wont look exactly like you and you may look a bit rough around the edges... FYI

Hope you'll submit something :)
If you need some guidance as to what I like to paint check out recent paintings, and my painting ref board!

Drop In Painting at Autobody

2011-08-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

.........................................................................................

Collections

2011-08-16T14:53:00.001-07:00

Collected many pieces of this driftwood at the River while camping... it inspired me to arrange a few of my treasures from the sea...

Walking the Lake

2011-08-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

Went for a walk around the lake this morning for the first time in a long time... took some pics along the way...

Weekend Pics

2011-08-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

Spent the weekend camping on the Yuba River... it was my first camping trip ever! The water was gorgeous, Matt made a little horror movie and designed a custom graphic for the weekend that we gocco printed on tees and well anything we could get our hands on. This is my favorite image from this weekend, but there are more here...

Drop In Painting at Autobody

2011-08-03T23:19:00.001-07:00

Drop In Painting at Autobody

2011-07-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

pics from this week's painting...

Weekend Shots

2011-07-23T23:55:00.000-07:00

Drop In Painting

2011-07-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

Everyday Images

2011-07-10T23:47:00.001-07:00

pictures from today

day 224 - four portraits

2011-07-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Day 224... posted on Four for the Day!

Day 1

2011-07-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

I'm a guest blogger on Four for the Day all this week! Check out my posts on this awesome site!!!!

today

2011-06-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

Do you have those days where you are overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time? Its starts with a morning where you intend on getting up early, but when your alarm goes off you just lie in bed for an hour staring at the ceiling, not able to move. You're not sleepy necessarily, you just can't will your body to move from its spot amongst the sheets. You might cast about, looking at the messy pile of clothes heaped in a chair or an unfinished project, another reason not to face the day. You finally do get up when lying there for any longer seems too pathetic, and you stumble to the shower. After the motions of getting dressed and ready, you head out, face the day and think, "its going to get better." But whatever kept you in bed that first hour is still holding onto your thoughts as you start your car and drive away...
All day you slowly check things off your list as you do them without passion, without energy. You are overwhelmed by all the remaining things that need to be done, by how supremely busy your life is, and yet you are tired of it all. The things that sound fun, the things that are fun, the things that are familiar and even the ones that aren't , they all sound terrible and you wish you could just escape...

its one of those days

Recent Work

2011-06-20T11:05:00.001-07:00

most recent painting... for a particular boy who likes zombies and French pickles...

Stone's Throw

2011-06-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's finally finished!!!! a collaborative project with Garret Eaton.

yellow

2011-06-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

I've been taking a lot of self portraits recently.... this is a pic from a bathroom that was all bright yellow. It matched the yellow of my business card (on the back of my iphone)... is it weird that I walked into this bathroom and just to take a picture????

far far away

2011-06-06T21:03:00.001-07:00

Image Transfers at SFCB

2011-06-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

There are few spots left in my upcoming Image Transfers workshop at San Francisco Center for the Book...

Monday, June 13

6:30 - 9:30pm

Learn image transfer techniques for paper arts, collage, fiber arts and more. You will learn the best methods for combining, transferring and layering found and created imagery and text in your work. Courtney will demonstrate solvent and acrylic methods as well as how to create transparent layers. Learn a myriad of techniques using inexpensive materials and go home with a wealth of knowledge and a packet of samples made in class. Great for beginners as well as seasoned artists who would like to add more dimension and depth to their work.

over and over

2011-06-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

its a day where you feel like your life is a scene in a sofia coppola movie, or perhaps just that the soundtrack to any of her films is appropriate for your mood... like this one...

Unexpected

2011-06-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

I got really lucky yesterday... and it took a really bad thing (that could have been much worse) to happen for me to realize it. Yesterday's events made me think about things in my life, where I'm at and why I'm here, and really what am I doing? Having said that, I haven't made any conclusions, but...

... I wish I felt as lucky today.

morning coffee

2011-05-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

frequenting the local coffee shop near work... a quick pic with the iphone, but I love this woman, so classic...

Ceremony

2011-05-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

10% chance of rain and it poured as the bride walked down the aisle... staff hurriedly distributed too few umbrellas as guests shielded themselves with handbags and stray coats. She stood out, the only one in pastel amongst the navy and black, white umbrellas hovered like jellyfish over a sea of soaking wet witnesses.

Lights!!!!

2011-05-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

Built 25 light fixtures for Atelier Joya for a wedding this past weekend! Check out more pics on the AJ Facebook page!!!!

Drop In Painting at Autobody

2011-05-19T23:38:00.000-07:00

worked on this painting last night at Autobody in Alameda... drop in every Wednesday!!!!

Good Advice

2011-05-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

everyday.

Sale at Addison Endpapers

2011-05-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite shops, Addison Endpapers, is having a studio sale this weekend! I highly recommend going if you can make it. This family owned business seeks out the most remarkable treasures and they only have a studio sale every so often!

Unfinished

2011-05-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

Was at a friend's last night. He just moved into his (awesome) place and hasn't hung all his paintings yet. This one was sitting, untouched in the very long hallway. Made me think about all the unfinished things I have to do...

Weekend Pics

2011-05-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

Spent the weekend driving down to San Luis Obispo... On the way, we stumbled upon this abandoned house off of 101.

We stayed at the ever fabulous Madonna Inn. Welcome to room 210, Paris Violets...

The sky was spectacular on the drive home...

Collections

2011-05-10T23:20:00.000-07:00

I collect many things... recently I've had an eye out for various forms of type. This is a recent addition to an ongoing collection... check out images of awesome collections here.

At The Elmwood Cafe

2011-05-09T22:49:00.000-07:00

I've spent quite a few mornings at my favorite cafe recently... The Elmwood never ceases to impress! The everything here is all made in house, down to the morning pastries, seasonal soups, delicious jams and even fruit and herb syrups the Elmwood uses in their homemade sodas (might I recommend a fizzy Blackberry lemonade)!!!! My new favorite is the house-made almond butter thickly spread on toasted sourdough and slathered in strawberry jam. Its about the best comfort food, elevated just a touch by the fresh ingredients and toasty take! Another favorite is their lychee iced tea, slightly sweet and floral and 100% delicious! If you're in the neighborhood check them out... you'll love their old time feel paired with down-home delicious food!!!

des Bôites de Marc Giai-Miniet

2011-04-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

des bôites (boxes) of Marc Giai-Miniet are AMAZING!!!!!! Check out the last pic to get an idea of scale!

Earth Day at San Francisco Center for the Book

2011-04-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Center for the Book held a free Earth Day Event this past Saturday and I made a squid print!!!!! Inspired by Japanese fish printing, these research specimens (not alive) were inked up with waterbased ink then contact printed

Best Surprise Package Ever!!!

2011-04-22T23:09:00.000-07:00

I received the best surprise package in the mail today!!! The most adorable apron ever, made by my friend Shannon (who stil has no blog or etsy despite my nagging)!!!!!

Midnight Painting

2011-04-22T01:57:00.000-07:00

another session of midnight painting... made as a direct result of being asked "making any progress?"
well....
its still in progress...

Richard Learoyd

2011-04-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

...so I am in love with the work of Richard Learoyd. A friend game me a print and I just happened to have purchased this lovely vintage frame at a local church sale... a perfect combo!

I've had this of Jasmijn on my phone since I saw it a couple years ago at the Fraenkel Gallery.

An image that I think is now at SFMoma...

tombeés du camion

2011-04-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

My friend Sarah sent me a link to this amazing website!

Midnight Painting

2011-04-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

playing around with wax, acrylic and oil based lacquer (the hair)... still in progress

Frank Rothe

2011-04-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

love these images from Frank Rothe found on first-stop

Rabbit Portrait

2011-04-12T18:50:00.001-07:00

I love this image... found here

Vintage Plumes

2011-04-09T22:42:00.000-07:00

bought a box of vintage feathers... this is just one of them... all so lovely...

Alphabattle on Lettercult

2011-04-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

Alphabattle on Lettercult...

more midnight sketching

2011-04-05T23:48:00.000-07:00

more midnight sketching...

Baking & a Sketch in 3 Parts

2011-04-04T23:01:00.000-07:00

started a watercolor yesterday morning... still in progress...

...also made some rosemary pound cake with a lemon rosemary simple syrup soak...

Olaf Hajek

2011-03-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

So inspired by the work of Olaf Hajek who's illustrations I've loved and admired for a while. I spotted him on first-stop this morning and was so happy to see his work again!

Alphabets & Numbers

2011-03-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

I want, I want, I want... loving these new stamp sets by Cavallini.

Pulp Fashion at The Legion

2011-03-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

So everyone has been talking about the Pulp Fashion show at the Legion, and I'm a bit behind, but I finally got a chance to see it on this rainy Sunday. The show was spectacular! You have until June to see it, but don't wait because I guarantee you'll want to visit it at least twice!

I was especially impressed with the jewelry, lace details and the all white wigs were gorgeous!

Sara Lando

2011-03-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

love these mixed media pieces by Sara Lando. Found them on First-Stop!

Recent Finds

2011-03-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

Among Alameda, SCRAP and Center for Creative Reuse, I've stumbled upon quite a few treasures...

Check out the ads from these vintages mags on my flickr page.

I love this oil painting... slowly growing my collection

Ribbons, velvet, and antique whites..

A girl can never have too many vintage tea cups.

athough these are new, I love the simple blue and white.

Altered Books Workshop at S&G

2011-03-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

Only 2 spots left! Reserve your spot!

Criminal Inspiration

2011-03-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

photos from Justice & Police Museum collection via T Garrett Eaton

I love these photos. Not only the expressions of the accused, but also the shots themselves, the pairing of the close up forlorn expression with an empty chair, the stained cement floor, the rather formal attire that is disheveled and torn...beautiful. More images here!

Anyone Care for a Little Fake TTV?

2011-03-08T23:26:00.001-08:00

Playing around with some images I took awhile back...trying to capture that "Through the View Finder" look aka TTV...

New Pics on the Website

2011-03-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

New pics on the website!

2011-03-06T00:21:00.000-08:00

Chère Nathalie,
When was the last time I saw you? It's been many years now.
I think of you so often, of your kind words, your quiet manner, of your beautiful images.
I spent so many afternoons clumsily speaking with you in that foreign tongue only to find out that you spoke English. You said you wanted me to practice...
it was the last time I saw you....
Nathalie, je pense toujours à toi... mon ange... tu me manques...

All my love,
as always
Courtney

Animal Anomalies at Paxton Gate

2011-03-05T23:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out for the opening of Animal Anomalies! If you are in the Mission, check out the show. It will be up at Paxton Gate through March!

Amose

2011-03-05T22:08:00.000-08:00

This is awesome! Check out more of Amose's work on flickr....

Makes Me Feel...

2011-02-24T20:07:00.000-08:00

William Hundley... things he does in his garage

Makes me feel like I should be doing more in my garage!

Rainy Day

2011-02-18T17:45:00.000-08:00

Im dying over this miniature book!

2011-02-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite artists, Elsa Mora aka Elsita just finished this amazing miniature book. Its available in her etsy shop along with other incredible works of art. Check out her blog where she has separate sections for all her wondrous creations... paper cuts, miniature books, handmade dolls and more!

Thought for the Day

2011-02-15T15:51:00.001-08:00

A Valentine for You

2011-02-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Sailor Valentines at Saffron & Genevieve

2011-02-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

The Sailor Seashell Valentine Workshop at Saffron & Genevieve was amazing! Check out all the work on the facebook album!

2011-02-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

So I was inspired last night and started this one at 2am. Just put the finishing touches on...

Midnight Crafting

2011-02-12T01:28:00.000-08:00

Rag doll made of vintage linens... possibly a workshop in the making!

Today

2011-02-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

a walk through the flatlands....

Google Doodle

2011-02-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

Google has featured some awesome doodles recently. Todays Edison inspired doodle is is no exception.

Check out google's doodle archive to see their doodles from around the world!

2011-02-10T12:54:00.001-08:00

shots from yesterday

2011-02-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

2011-02-07T21:59:00.000-08:00

toast's new video, coastlands
watch it because its pretty

2011-02-06T10:13:00.000-08:00

Year of the Rabbit from Frater on Vimeo.

because it's the new year

The Move, Paper Animation from Mandy Smith on Vimeo.

because it's pretty

m.r. horhager
because I know a boy who likes squirrels
all via Cartoon Brew

2011-02-06T00:30:00.000-08:00

Steve Powers, a love letter for you