Find Out Fridays - Tonja Sell

I love working in a way that allows me to make creative decisions as I go.

I usually have a direction in mind when I begin a piece, but rarely do I have many details or specifics worked out: I may fall in love and respond to the gesture of a pose;  a pattern on some fabric may catch my attention, or perhaps I'm stuck with a feeling of an environment.  I allow myself freedom to explore, and the piece grows from there. I usually start either with an abstract under-painting, or with a loose gestural sketch of a subject. From there,I  add elements as I go. Each added element effects how I respond to the piece; it's a very liberating and fun way to work. It can become anything you want it to be. Experimentation is such a great way to grow creatively. Trying new things and combinations of materials sparks ideas, and leads you to new ways of looking at things and making unexpected discoveries!

I am a wife, mom of four, artist, international art teacher and explorer! I paint, draw, sculpt, do textiles and more.
I LOVE experimenting and making new creative discoveries and sharing them with others!
You are invited to grow with me on my journey on Patreon
Tonja and her husband & business partner Matthew live in rural Northern WI where they built their home/studio near Lake Superior with their four creative kids!

Tonja has been represented by galleries across the country and her work is in multiple private collections internationally.

Tonja is a Jane Davenport Design Team member for American Crafts and Michaels Stores.  

She has been featured in Incite 3 (2015) and Incite 4 (2016) Best of Mixed Media published by Northlight Books.  

Some of her public work includes murals for the Carnegie Foundation, the Minnesota Discovery Center and public sculpture for the City of Duluth. Her work has been featured in the Women Painting Women Show 2016.

She and Matthew also lead International Art Tours where studentsexplore and paint with Tonja.

Please check out my NEW page and online course on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/tonjasell

http://www.doartworx.com

Tonja Sell on instagram

facebook- Tonja Sell - Artist Page

Comments

[bonitarose]

I loved this one!

[JeanFB]

Gorgeous artwork and fantastic video! I love that Tonja used her "goodie box" almost exclusively, and was very clear in identifying what additional materials she used and how she used each item. Beautifully done - my favorite Find Out Friday by far. Thanks so much Tonja!

[Anni]

Very impressive. I enjoyed watching Sonja pull something out of nothing.

[Patty]

Thanks Tonya! This was really a beautiful painting. I enjoyed it very much!

[Heather]

Really Loved this one!!

[Holly {ha! designs}]

Wow! Fascinating to watch... Really beautiful!

[renee logan]

thanks for sharing your beautiful art..

[Daniela Rogall]

Gorgeous artwork and fantastic video. It was great to see what Tonja done with the materials. I love the piece of art, thanks for sharing.

[Giovanna Scott]

Brilliant work Tonja!! Love how she only used the elements from the box which is testament to her unique abilities as an artist and creative!