watercolor

Hospital Hospitality of NYC during COVID 19 /  by Abbie Zuidema

New York - Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Original WOP for sale, all proceeds go to Hospital Hospitality go fund me.

“NYP/Weill Cornell Hospital”Original WOPWatercolor on Fabriano 6.5” x 5”

“NYP/Weill Cornell Hospital”

Original WOP

Watercolor on Fabriano 6.5” x 5”

My dear friend @ninocirabisi has gone to bat for the dedicated folks who are making NYC healthy again at NYP / Weill Cornell Critical Care & The Brooklyn Hospital Center.

“A good cup of coffee, a healthy lunch, and a clean mask.   We're working with local restaurants, as well as food & beverage establishments all over the country to provide hospitals with snacks and healthy meals. Presently we are focusing on NYP / Weill Cornell Critical Care & The Brooklyn Hospital Center. It's our job, to show them how much we appreciate them. It's what New Yorkers do. They have our backs so we have theirs. “

25K goal – If you can, please donate whatever you can. If you'd like to help, we'd love to hear from you. If you need something, ask.  @ninocirabisi @nyphospital @wckitchen https://www.gofundme.com/f/hospital-hospitality-of-new-york

Extreme Kids & Crew Gala Commission /  by Abbie Zuidema

Donate to dance! 
When you give to Extreme Kids & Crew you get invited to the Felix Award Gala!  Extreme Kids & Crew is a welcoming community center where children with disABILITIES, their friends, and their families, socialize, create and play. Together families share resources, stories, tears, and laughter while children play and take part in inclusive arts programming that is open to all members of the family.
http://www.extremekidsandcrew.org/

May 19th ~ Give to the campaign & GO to the Gala!

Extreme Kids and & Crew enlisted me to design and paint the invitation & banner for the Felix Award Gala.  It was a pleasure to collaborate with them.  I can't wait for the Gala!!
 
AZ

They Draw and Travel-100 maps & a brand new book! /  by Abbie Zuidema

"In 2011, the brother-and-sister design duo of Nate Padavick and Salli Swindell founded the website They Draw & Travel (www.theydrawandtravel.com). Today, it is the internet’s largest collection of illustrated maps created by artists from around the world.

This book contains 100 illustrated maps of places in the United States that were drawn by the fine artists, professional illustrators and amateur doodlers who make up the very creative community on They Draw & Travel. The illustrated maps in this book provide inspiration on many levels.

From a purely artistic standpoint, the variety of illustration styles is amazing. From the cool linework of James Gulliver Hancock and the painterly style of Abbie Zuidema to the sharp graphics of Nate Padavick and the cuteness of Aunyarat Watanabe, the illustrations in this book are a great reference for exceptional style and talent.

As a travelogue, these maps provide a fresh way to look at and learn about a particular place: through the eyes of an artist. Do you know where to go for a really great bike ride in Vermont? Did you know there are 36 places to eat cashew chicken in the town of Springfield, Missouri? Or, how about all the great things to do with kids in Los Angeles? This book takes armchair travel to a whole new artistic level!"

(thank you Nate Padavick, I couldn't have said it better myself!)

Get your copy on Amazon.com!  Perfect for a holiday gift!

Neil Young-Flash back Friday /  by Abbie Zuidema

Back in 2005, I was asked by Williamsburg Diner regular Justin Lowe to contribute a painting to a group show at Printed Matter in Manhattan. The inspiration was Neil Young's patterned liner notes from the album "On the Beach". I took the pattern of the liner notes, and overlaid a portrait of cream being poured into the baked eggs. The "baked eggs" were a play on words and reference to the time the albums was made, 1974. It was the 70's and lots of people were getting "baked". Eggs are just plain wholesome & part of the fabric of our diet, as is the cream being poured into the dish. So it created a visual juxtapose of that moment of time in history. And I listened to a lot of Neal Young which is always good.  I still love this painting.

"Baked Eggs", 12x12", Watercolor, English Breakfast Tea, Gesso, India Ink on Fabriano Paper, 2005


Westjet - a Canadian commission honoring a brother. /  by Abbie Zuidema

My friend Joelle Hann asked me to paint a very special commission.  It was a thank you map for Westjet Airlines. They flew her for 16 months unlimited from New York City to Canada.  So that she could be with her brother and his family while he underwent chemo. It would also commemorate that special window of time they shared.

 “Yesterday Bill, my brother, would have turned 40. This morning I landed in Vancouver to spend a week with his wife, and kids Sammie, 7, and Alex, 8.

This time I bring with me my "thank you" gift for WestJet, the company Bill flew for, who very generously--incredibly, really--flew me from New York to Victoria as often as I needed while Bill was sick. That's 16 months of flights. They never said no. In fact, they said there is no limit.

They are directly responsible for all the extra time I got with Bill. Because of them I got to know Bill again as an adult. I got to know his wife and kids. West Jet was key in bringing my brother and me together again before he passed. It is a gift I can't repay. 

But, I offer this token: an original watercolor painting by the talented Brooklyn artist Abbie Zuidema. A map showing the flight routes I took for those 16 months, one of Bill's favorite quotes, a note of thanks, and the things we loved in both places: the Olympic mountains in the west, the Williamsburg bridge in the east. To WestJet, thank you. (And thank you, Abbie J. Zuidema for the love you put into this project.) I've brought the painting to show my family, and then it's going on to WestJet offices in Calgary.”

-Joelle Hann

This map chronicled a life journey.  We all must face seemingly impossible challenges in our lives, and the passing of a loved one is something we all must experience.  This map was a testament to the grace of leaning into the challenges that life gives us. It’s about survival and abundance, even in the darkest moments.  As I was making this commission, I too was struggling with a loss I didn’t think I could bear. It was incredible to take part in documenting something so affirming.  Thank you Joelle for asking me to be a part of this.

A.

Isness~a cinematic graphic novel /  by Abbie Zuidema

Stavit Allweis, asked me to contribute illustrations for her graphic novel, Isness.

It’s a bold, uninhibited graphic novel about a post-apocalyptic family, integrating live action photos with detail-drenched miniature environments.

She has dedicated years of her life to chronically working this project. It’s HUGE. I paid a visit to her studio & saw the diorama in real life. The details are astounding! She makes miniature sets, then photographically shoots them, then adds the actors into each scene-there are so many facets to each of environments.  It was inspiring.

The watercolors that follow are to be placed within the novel, as illustrations.  They were a treat to make.  Thank you Stavit!

You can learn more about this epic project at: www.facebook.com/sallweis and www.countercomics.com

Martha's Vineyard Watercolor Map /  by Abbie Zuidema

Martha’s Vineyard was a special commissioned surprise gift. My favorite kind of work! With visions of the island dancing in my head, I was inspired to create my own rendition. 

The towns of Aquinnah, Chilmark, West Tisbury, Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs & Edgartown are all noted.  There is also a peppering of lighthouses, sailboats, a nod to the Wampanoag Native Americans who originally fished the island, summer strawberries & the historic 1889 Flying Horses Carousel.  

This map is a special treat to all of those who hold Martha’s Vineyard near & dear to their hearts.  Someday I’ll make it out there-till then I can dream.

Prints are available in my Etsy Shop for $35 Clams.

Going back to Cali, to Cali, to Cali.... /  by Abbie Zuidema

Eastcoast to Westcoast.  Two of my most favorite people are moving to/back to Cali with their daughter. I was asked to make an invite to commemorate this big moment. John is the proud owner of a Westfalia 1985 van. It needed to be in the painting.  A Volkswagon van, along with some psychedelic tie-dye effects was just what I was envisioning. A painting was born.

email cali or bust 2014.jpg

Pop-up @Platform in Highland Park CA! /  by Abbie Zuidema

California dreaming...

I will have work in L.A. by then end of the week!  Woo hoo! Nautical Knots & Mehndi henna hearts are en route for a pop-up in Highland Park, CA at Platform!

Platform is “a multi-purpose concept space, offering an art gallery, retail environment and studio...specializing in home staging, home styling, workshops, pop-up shops & prop rentals, platforming everything we love, create and are inspired by!”

My old friend Samuel Moyer curated my work for this summers pop-up.  Talented in his own right, he makes one-of-a-kind furniture by hand from sustainable materials, have a look for yourself ~ samuelmoyerfurniture.com

Vibrant watercolor mehndi henna prints have been specially printed & simply framed. New original works on paper have been inked & framed of nautical knots.  Inkblot sailor knots are also available as unframed works on paper at Platform. I am so pleased to be able to take part in this pop-up. 

If you are in L.A. most certainly stop in & take a look. Work is due to arrive this week.

Happy Summer!

allmybest,

AJZ

Abbie J. Zuidema

abbiejzuidema.com

Don't be a Pansy! Happy Mother's Day! /  by Abbie Zuidema

For Mother's Day this year I made a series of Pansy ink blot paintings.

In France, the pansy is a flower that symbolizes remembrance, of loving memories.  What better way to express just how much you love your momma than with an original floral watercolor.

Vibrant watercolor pansies exude the essence of spring.  Limited edition of 10, on 300gm white satin Somerset paper, 5x7.5".

Each piece is unique, completed using blotted line technique.  This process is composed of 4 stages. There is the original drawing, a trace of that drawing & then an ink transfer onto Somerset paper. Watercolor is then hand applied to each piece.  It is labor of love.

 All the pansies sold out, but I am happy to make a custom order upon request through my Etsy shop.  You can also email me directly.

Kohl's Summer Brights Servingware /  by Abbie Zuidema

Introducing KOHL'S "Summer Brights"~

From painting to servingware....

This post begins with an image of the painting that the "Summer Brights" collection is based on.  That work is then translated into plates & bowls & mugs.

I am so pleased to be able to share this newest addition to the porcelain collection.

KOHL'S Summer Brights Dinnerware

Food Network™ KOHL'S Summer Brights 4-pc. Plate Setting

Kohl's Department Store & Food Network Collaboration!!! /  by Abbie Zuidema

At last!  I can finally show & tell! 

In 2013 I collaborated with Kohl’s Department Store & Food Network to paint some custom watercolors. Those carrots, eggplants, tomatoes & artichokes have been transformed into Servingware.

~Click HERE to have a look online~

Kohl’s is selling online & in stores, plates, bowls & platters embellished with my paintings and handwriting!  I am thrilled to be able to let this long kept secret out. Exciting!

Lingerie Watercolors Prints on Etsy! /  by Abbie Zuidema

Presenting six select lingerie prints from my watercolor collection, Knickers & Things, available in my Etsy shop. Prints will be available for $35 apiece.

Inspired by the desire to make something beautiful & decadent, this collection is a celebration of materials.  They investigate the intricacies of each garments construction stitch by stitch, simultaneously celebrating the unique personality of each piece.   Traditionally admired by one & then discreetly tucked away in a drawer, in the form a painting, all can admire its beauty.

Framed prints are also available at Bibber & Bell Wine & Spirits in Williamsburg, BK.  Swing by! See some art & sample some delicious wine.

Wishing everyone the best.

Happy Gobble day!

A.

Rakija! Will Rawls’ The Planet Eaters! 4 days left for Kickstarter! Only $500 to go! /  by Abbie Zuidema

Will Rawls, dancer/choreographer extraordinaire, has turned five years of work, research and travel in the Balkans into an incredible multi-disciplinary performance.  My one of a kind Rakija watercolor was created as a Kickstarter prize for Will Rawls’ performance “The Planet Eaters”.  Check out his Kickstarter & contribute! Only 4 days left & $500 to go!

I’ve focused on the traditional drink in the Balkans called Rakija "rah-kee-ah" a fire brandy made from plums, pears, apricots & other fruits. It is widely considered by many to be the national drink. Rakija is part of many special occasions, including baptisms, marriages, joining of the army, and visiting of friends.  It was terribly fun to make a messy, juicy painting full of color.  I am also tickled to be able to contribute to Wills incredible vision.

Check out his Kickstarter! Help him reach his goal! The money raised will go towards an interdisciplinary work re-configuring Balkan folklore as an intimate performance for dancer, Will Rawls, and musician, Chris Kuklis.  It will pay for costumes, materials, lighting design and for building a dance floor for the show. The theater has a concrete floor and there's lots of jumping in folk dance-Will needs to keep his knees…

New Prints up @Bibber & Bell Wine and Spirits! /  by Abbie Zuidema

Yehaw! Happy September! New prints are up at Bibber & Bell Wine and Spirit!  What a treat to be able to hang more work! A big thank you to Damien & Robyn for extending my artistic stay.

Art should be accessible to everyone, to be lived with & shared.  With that philosophy in mind, I have made some of my favorite watercolor paintings into prints.  Pieces from my collections of watercolor Maps, and Knickers & things, are available framed or individual. Unframed prints are $35 & framed prints are $70, priced for those of us with budget in mind.

If you haven’t had the chance to check out the Bibber & Bell you should.  Stop in & say hello. Peruse their fabulous wine selection. There are some delicious things to be sipped & had.

P.s. All the wine labels denoting region are made by yours truly.

P.p.s. Prints are available in my Etsy shop-just added New Mexico to the mix!

they draw & they Travel-Alaska Map /  by Abbie Zuidema

Exciting!!!  My Alaska map is front & center on "they draw & travel" website! Awesomeness.  TDAT showcases maps illustrated by artists from around the world.

I love what Nate & Salli are doing on "they draw & travel" & I am SO pleased to be able to be able to contribute. If you havent seen the website have a look. They also have a website, they draw & cook.

Australia Map-ode to ochre & Aboriginal Art /  by Abbie Zuidema

Australia just seems to be on the brain, popping up everywhere!  Ochre is mined in Australia & used by Aboriginals in ceremonies and their art. I've been reading from the book, Color, a Natural History of the Palate,  by Victoria Finlay. Her chapter on ochre was enlightening. Ochre-iron oxide-was the first color paint. It has been used on every inhabited continent since painting began. Australia has the longest continuous painting tradition in the world.  I was inspired & made sure to use ochre as the primary hue of this piece.  As a result of this map I have a much greater respect for the color, its origins & the people that have interwoven it into their culture.  So cool.