How Twitter Actually Changed my Artistic Goals ~ 2 in the series

If you're new to this blog and the series I'm doing, head over to "How Twitter Actually Changed my Artistic Goals" ~ 1st in the series! Here you can find out why I'm writing about this topic and more about the first artist featured, Aaron Caycedo-Kamura, make sure to follow him on Twitter @AaronCK!

Before I highlight the next artist I would like to thank everyone who has visited my blog and left such lovely comments. I have received so much wonderful feedback, some on a very personal and emotional level, it has quiet simply been overwhelming! In a strictly positive way. What was an attempt to thank my "Twitter Friends" for their support has come back to me tenfold! This simply confirms my belief that the relationships I have developed on Twitter will continue to support and uplift me.

So, on to this week's featured artist....

Paulo J. Mendes

Paulo resides in Matosinhos Portugal, which from his daily sketches looks like a simply lovely place, close to the coast. (Portugal also happens to have a pretty good football team, FC Porto, who won the UEFA Champions League in 2004. They have gone through to the playoffs for this year.)

I began following Paulo after noticing that another "Twitter friend" @lameymacdonald artist Debbie Lamey-MacDonald, was following him. I clicked on the link and was just amazed at the wonderful sketches he completes each day. Each one invites you to walk in and enjoy the scene, they truly take you to another place. I often wish I could walk into the homes that are portrayed or talk to the people depicted in Paulo's wonderful drawings. His watercolors are beautiful as well. This is a medium I have never attempted, but looking at Paulo's mastery almost makes me want to give it a try!

With each post Paulo attempts to describe the scene and encourages us to ask questions concerning the image, what exactly is happening here? I find this one of the best parts of his posts, it causes you to develop a story in your mind, transporting you right to that time and place.

Paulo's welcome on his blog truly describes his goals:

“Postalguarelas” is a mix of two Portuguese words, “Postal” - postcard, and “aguarelas” - watercolors. This title was chosen because I like to work in a small scale.

I like to paint imaginary places inspired by my country's vanishing landscapes, traditional architectures and ways of life.

“Postalguarelas” é uma mistura das palavras “Postal” e “aguarelas”: Escolhi este título porque gosto de trabalhar em tamanhos pequenos.

Gosto de pintar lugares imaginários, inspirados pelas paisagens, arquitecturas e modos de vida tradicionais em vias de desaparecimento no meu País.

Paulo was nice enough to follow me back on Twitter, and has become one of the fellow artists I can depend on hearing from for his support and kindness. I look forward each morning to seeing his daily sketch, the time difference to Portugal works in my favor! Paulo has also inspired me to start sketching on a more regular basis. I am now participating in "The Sketchbook Project" with Art House Co-op, a great program I encourage everyone to visit.

Please stop by Paulo's blog http://www.postalguarelas.blogspot.com/ and follow him on Twitter @postalguarelas. I'm sure you will come to look forward to his daily sketch post and the support he provides for his fellow artists!