Fearless Friday, Originals from Inspirations
I recently got an email from another artist, Tori Hagaman,
who asked me if she could sell a painting she did from one of my paintings…
My painting was done from a photo shared by my friend
A flower filled watering can
“Sure,” I said,
and went on to comment that as artists,
we all are inspired by each other,
and that everyone has their own interpretation and style
Here is a quote from Austin Kleon’s book, “Steal like an Artist”
“Nothing is original, so embrace influence, school yourself through the work of others, remix and reimagine to discover your own path.”
Jenna Meon
Tori was kind enough to send me a photo of her painting
and gave me permission to share it with you
Tori Hagaman
Same subject, totally different paintings!
As you can see the end results are quite different…
Several years ago,
another artist friend of mine, Jody @life in between
suggested we each paint the same subject and compare results…
We chose a photo of roses and we both painted it
Jodi McKinney, left Jenna Meon, right
The above paintings are a little more similar,
because they are both done with watercolor,
however they are still totally different…
the drawing below is from the same photograph,
but rendered in colored pencil and ink,
and it too looks quite different than the others
Jenna Meon
Currently my passion has been chefs and animals
and I decided to combine the two for a series of kooky animal chefs,
I collect photos of illustrations I like
and combine elements from many other artists
to come up with an original character and scene
I combined the Maitre d’ with a chicken
to create this chicken with a coffee pot
I started with a very rough pencil sketch
Once I like the composition,
I go over it with ink, perfecting as I go
Then I gave him polka dots with a Zig Color Dot pen [source below]
and began adding colors with markers
“More Coffee?” 7 x 10 inches, mixed media on mixed media paper
Have fun and Be Fearless!
You can see my other kooky chefs on Instagram here
You can see the tutorial for the flower filled watering can here
You can see the tutorial for the watercolor roses here
Zig color Dot pens here and here
“Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon here
As an Amazon Associate I may receive a small compensation from any items purchased from the links in this post at no additional cost to you
Please visit Tori Hagaman on her website Victoria Hagaman Gallery here
Tori donates 25% of her sales to Hydrating Humanity to build water wells
Her work is currently in several galleries in North Carolina:
House of Plants, 507 Harvey Street, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Downtown Arts District Association (DADA), 604-A N. Trade Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Arts Place of Stokes, 502 Main Street, Danbury, N.C.
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Sundays on Silverado Love Your Creativity Over the Moon
Between Naps on the Porch, Celebrate Your Story,
All About Home/ Common Ground Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Tasty Tuesday Oh My Heartsie Girl Turn About Tuesday
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Jenna, how surprised I am to see my watering can with the spring flowers. It is so interesting to see how two artists paint from the same picture and have different interpretations. Tori’s painting is beautiful and of course, you know I love yours.
I love your kooky animal chefs, I think they are fun and full of whimsy. Happy Valentine’s Weekend and thank you for the shout out ♥️
Thank you Pam, I was surprised and flattered when Tori contacted me and showed me her painting, I love the blues in hers. I am having fun “cooking” up the kooky chefs!
I love seeing the different interpretations and really love your kooky animal chefs too!
Thank you Martha, it’s fun to get a little crazy!
I think this is wonderful, Jenna. I love the comparisons between artists. I agree that one of the best ways to start is to work from something existing. It takes the fear away from the blank page, the first mark. “It works for Jenna, maybe it will work for me.” As you paint, you’re learning technique, how the medium works for you. And there will be differences because style is different, even if we don’t realize it! And color. And look at these! You are generous to permit that but I also think you are right to allow that. And as for your chickens, I am in love! They are such fun and so whimsical. I am hoping to develop a more whimsical style to make some fun paintings for the kids but it is so alien to me! So I may be taking more than a few hints and ideas from you! Happy weekend and Valentine’s Day too!
Thank you Jeanie! It is so interesting to compare artist’s styles and interpretations…we all inspire each other. I hope you have fun on your whimsical journey!
What a great post—inspiration is personal and yet a sum of everything you have ever seen or done! Love your examples, and the chicken butler is totally adorable! Hugs, Sandi
Thanks so much Sandra, you never know what’s going to inspire!
Even though I am not an artist I love to try new things. I have copied several of your pictures and have enjoyed myself immensely learning to actually see shapes not just the overall picture. My art is credible and I’m proud to share with my family. Thank you so much for sharing openly and freely
Oh good, I am so happy to hear you are trying things, have fun and enjoy!
I love to read about your inspiration, process, and see how things come into being. It was certainly interesting to see how differently you both interpreted the flowers in the watering can. I love the chef!
Thank you Pattie, I am having a lot of fun with creating kooky chefs!
Enjoyed seeing the differences and yet each are special. Loved your chicken serving coffee! I have a set of darling 10″ ceramic penguins who are also serving, one a bottle of wine and the other is carrying a covered platter. Your chicken reminds me of them. They are currently out on my sofa table. It’s fun to look on a light side. Hehe.
Your penguins sound adorable, and what a fun winter decoration! Maybe I’ll add a penguin chef to my doodles…
Oh I love your whimsical art so much, Jenna!! I would love a print of this in my kitchen. I have a beautiful metal rooster on my kitchen counter. It’s so awesome when we inspire one another. 💚
thank you Patty Anne, do you think I should put these in my Society 6 Shop?
Yes, I think they would be a big hit! 😍❤️
It’s so interesting to see the different versions of the same still life. Your animal/cooking artwork is so fun and had me smiling!
Thanks so much Linda!
I have that book! My art teacher told us about it in class years ago. I like your anthropomorphic animas: they are so cute! Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks Ricki, anthromorphic is quite the description!
Jenna, it’s fascinating to see how two people can look at something, then make it into their very own. I’m always inspired by your posts.
Thanks you for sharing them at Friday with Friends link party 🙂
Thanks so much Rachelle!
Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn