Wild, Young, and Free

Artist Series: Jeremy Geddes

2012-02-27T13:11:00.001-08:00

Absolutely stunning paintings by the artist Jeremy Geddes. This guy is such a phenomenal painter with great ideas. I would love to see this work in person. Hope you enjoy! XO

Instagramming

2012-02-14T10:00:00.001-08:00

Some instagrams as of lately! Snapshots of some fun things I've been involved in (more to come soon!).
Follow me on instagram: elliebenuska

Come as You Are

2012-02-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of assisting Kim who photographed this shoot! Alexandra Spencer of 4th and Bleeker is a doll with a such a sweet heart, and the ladies of Sylestalker are so incredibly talented. We went to this great skatepark in the middle of no where, and the boys were ALL over us. They talked game but got shy when we asked them to be in the shoot so we bribed them with popsicles to pose for a bit and do some tricks. The styling was SO on point..I die for all of the metallics studs and leather. XO

Charlotte Free for Wildfox

2012-02-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

My lovely ladies at Wildfox have done it again (as they always seem to do). I was so incredibly excited when I learned that we were shooting with Charlotte because I'm slightly obsessed with her..and because the collection was so perfectly coordinated with her pink hair. The studio looked like Barbie's Hawaii vacation before packing it away- so much pink everywhere. Mark Hunter of the Cobra Snake did such an amazing job with the photos as always. So lovely xoxo

Designed

2012-02-13T11:38:00.000-08:00

So I've been inspired by graphic design lately, thinking about possibly redesigning my logo and website. Thought I'd share a few inspirations with you! Found this awesome site called Designspiration.net which is a huge database of cool logos and designs. I love the art of simplicity, though it's not in my nature to create.

Also, check out Our Paper Shop which designs and sells the amazing cards shown in the last three images! They have an awesome eye for design.

Instagram Sketches

2012-02-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you..but I am 100% addicted to Instagram. Here are some recent sketches that I quickly photographed with my phone. The first is a painting in progress- can't wait to share the finished product! Hope you enjoy.

Follow me on Instagram: elliebenuska

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Bâtiment by Leandro Erlich

2012-01-31T10:00:00.001-08:00

Oh how I would love to play on this thing. The latest piece by Leandro Erlich is titled Bâtiment and is in a show called 'in_perceptions' in Paris. Using mirrors and a facade of a house, an illusion is created when the viewer lays on the house. TRIPPY!

here

Show Me Your Mumu Spring 2012

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

Behold the latest collection by the lovely ladies of Show Me Your Mumu- a Malibu based line. A Mumu girl is all about being wild, carefree, and spontaneous (and always being the most fashionable one in the room of course). Put a flower in your hair, some bangles in your arm, and some Mumu pants- and before you know it you'll feel as if you could conquer the world.

visit Show Me Your Mumu here

College Fashionista

2012-01-19T10:00:00.001-08:00

My outfit was featured on the website College Fashionista! Check it out here. It's an awesome college street-style type blog. XO

Michael Pitt in Prada Men's Spring 2012

2012-01-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

Michael Pitt (from Boardwalk Empire) in Prada's 2012 Spring campaign. Dear God, I think I'm in love. Both with these clothes and the man in them. I've been addicted to Boardwalk Empire lately, and stumbled upon this amazing campaign. He is such a talented actor, and apparently musician. If you haven't seen Gus Van Sant's Last Days (based on Kurt Cobain's last few days alive) it is a must see. Michael plays an amazing Kurt. Hope you enjoy! XO

SOPA & PIPA

2012-01-18T21:26:00.000-08:00

The United States Congress is proposing two bills, SOPA and PIPA that could possibly censor the internet. With this act, the whole experience of using the internet and social media would be changed and restricted. If you are interested in making sure this cannot happen, please PLEASE visit this site and sign the petition. Help raise awareness of the bills.

If you have 2 seconds to spare, please sign the petition.

California Girls- Free People January

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Free People has done it once again. They really captured the California vibe while shooting at one of my favorite places-- Venice beach. As always I'm dying for all of the clothes. Jessica Hart is the cutest! I love her little smile. XO

Up Next- Karlie Kloss takes on NY with Free People

Rose Colored Glasses

2012-01-11T10:00:00.001-08:00

I thought I'd share my most recent self portrait, which is part of my latest series. When making this self portrait, I was thinking a lot about censorship in the current generation. It was important that this piece should speak to current times, which manifested itself in a sort of street art influenced style- somewhat different than my usual drawing technique. I'm super happy with the end result, and I hope that it makes a strong statement.

(2011, black and white print with gouache, pencil, and acrylic- mounted on a wood panel)

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Artist Series: Pakayla Biehn

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Stunning paintings by artist Pakayla Rae Biehn. The source of inspiration comes from double exposed photographs which Biehn then photo realistically reproduces. Such an interesting take on the technique. I love double exposures in photography and I think I love them even more in paintings!!! I'm such a girl- I can never get enough of flowers (like the first few images). XO

via Honestly WTF

Color Blocking with Mark Rothko

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day back at school, and I am enrolled in two modern Art History courses. We discussed Mark Rothko briefly, when it occurred to me that when considering the trendiest trend around- Color Blocking- Rothko is genius to be learned from. He is such a master of color pairing. Hope you enjoy! XO

images via Honestly WTF & Tumblr

San Francisco NYE

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000-08:00

I had a lovely New Years in San Francisco and thought I'd share some pictures! We had some wild rooftop get-togethers, amazing food, graffiti hunting, and best friends. Sending all my love- XO

Black and Gold

2012-01-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling the all black look lately. I paired a strong shouldered blouse with a simple dress, sheer tights, a clutch, and my staple Doc Martens. Piled on some gold cuffs, a gold necklace, (and my golden hair! ) to break up all the black. XO

Travel Essentials

2011-12-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

About to embark on another lovely trip to San Francisco for New Years! Laid out what I'm packing.

--The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson, silver cuff, rose gold collar, Moleskine sketchbook, American Apparel sheer chiffon white blouse, metallic silver Madewell clutch, cat-eye sunnies, red MAC lipstick, Chloe perfume, iPad, iPhone, Holga cam, Jeffrey Cambell Litas, and leather Jacket--

Hope you all have lovely New Years plans. Sending all my love! XO

Preview of My Latest Series

2011-12-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

A little preview of a great series I just finished. These are transparent images cut out and pasted on 8x8" square painted wood panels. This whole series was a very enjoyable one to work on. I was very inspired by street art and was using some similar techniques. Love to hear your thoughts!!! All my love. XO

Click here to like my Art on Facebook!

Model Crush: Charlotte Free

2011-12-27T10:00:00.001-08:00

I am absolutely in love with Charlotte Free's look. She is such a breath of fresh air in the modeling world with her lovely pink hair. I love that she has her own personal style and look, and doesn't let anyone change that. She is doing exciting things. Hope you enjoy! XO

Vintage Fur

2011-12-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

My lovely vintage fur coat. It was such a find from a store in San Francisco- and only $40! I love those timeless pieces. The lace dress is also an amazing find from Wasteland vintage in West Hollywood. I feel so glamorous in this coat. Hope you enjoy! XO

Inspiration Friday 12.23.11

2011-12-23T11:16:00.000-08:00

Santa, I've been good!!! (A girl can dream).

Well, it is almost Christmas and I am so excited!! I thought I would post a little inspiration- some photos I've found on TUMBLR recently. I am so enjoying the break and having nothing to do. Hope you are too!

XO

The Neon Bag

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

I am dying over these Neon Cambridge Satchels. They are the perfect punch to any outfit and super affordable. I think I want the Neon Pink...right??? HELP!

Find them here on shopbop! XO

(Photos via Tumblr)

LA Graffiti

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share a few shots that I took for my photo class. Whenever I need inspiration, I always head to the Warehouse district in downtown LA. It's full of artist lofts, there is graffiti everywhere, and freedom of expression is all around. I snapped a few photos of some things I found interesting down there. Someday if I'm feeling bold I want to wheat paste some images on some walls down there. We'll see- knowing myself I would probably get arrested! Hope you enjoy. XO

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Trendspotting: Minimalist Hardware

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

I've always been such a fan of statement jewelry, and I just love this Wonder Woman gold cuff look. The best way to spice up any outfit. These images are from Oracle Fox, and I actually just bought the same double cuffs from Asos- HERE.

These Gold Ponytail bands are from the most recent Dries van Noten show, and I think they are an amazingly chic way to pull together a ponytail. I looked all over the internet and couldn't find anything like it! DIY anyone??

Collar tips are a super old fashioned Western tradition, and I love that they've popped up in fashion. I believe they were first spotted at Balenciaga. Zara recently did the blouse featured above- find it HERE. Asos had the gold tips featured on the jean shirt, but they are SOLD OUT goddamnit.

Lastly but not least, my FAVORITE- the gold ankle cuff. These absolutely AMAZING sandals are by Lanvin, and I am lusting over them (though I will never afford them). My solution, I plan to wear the gold cuffs mentioned above from Asos around my ankles! (Like the top right image) This way you can pair them with heels or with sandals. I think this idea is SO classy and so interesting. Lovelovelove.

Hope you enjoyed these ideas. Great ways to pull together and put that finishing touch on a look. XO

Ellie Benuska Art on Facebook

2011-12-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hello my dear followers. I wanted to take a moment to just make sure you knew about my Facebook Art page. It's a super easy way to post photos of my work and to spread the word faster about new stuff. If you'd like to get updates, it would mean the world to me if you liked my page :) Just click the "like" button below! XO

Awake My Soul

2011-12-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some fabulously creepy preliminary photos that I shot for my final photography project. They were taken in the basement of the oldest building on USC's campus. I wanted them to have a sort of asylum/creepy feel and definitely think they succeeded. They remind me of the film Girl Interrupted, and of twins in scary movies like the Shining. Anyways, thought I'd share! XO

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Velvet Bells

2011-12-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

My fabulous red velvet bells from Free People. Gotta be in a feisty mood to pull these off. Went to a lovely brunch with Sarah to Joan's on Third. Such amazing food and deserts, and so beautifully decorated for Christmas! The BEST place for people watching.

Some Joan's on Third Christmas treats and decorations.

Anyways, hope you all are having a lovely time preparing for the holiday, I know I am! It's coming up so fast! Merry Christmas! XO

Christmas List 2011

2011-12-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Here's whats on my lovely wish list this year for Christmas! It's my absolute favorite time of year, but sometimes I think I like giving gifts more than receiving. I love thinking of creative present ideas. Anyways, here's my list! (Can you tell I like Free People)

1.) Volcano Candle- Anthropologie

2.) Lady Gaga by Terry Richardson

3.) Soho Crop- Aztec by Show Me Your Mumu

4.) New York in the 70's by Alan Tannenbaum

5.) FP Textured Knit Extreme Flare

6.) FP Open Back Tunic

7.) FP Magic Thermal Kaftan

8.) Sound of Silver- LCD Soundsystem- Vinyl Record

9.) FP Tape Yarn Beach Sweater

10.) Kimchi Blue Suede Platform Heel

Whats on your list?? hope you're getting in the Holiday spirit!

We Were Riding the Crest of a High and Beautiful Wave

2011-12-12T09:31:00.000-08:00

The latest series! These were great images to make because they were so process oriented. I did a mix of screen printing, drawing, and painting for each. I was trying to make modern sort of street art inspired works, which I pushed even further in the next series I'll show. Look out for some of these images in my NEW SHOP coming soon *hint hint*

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The Latest Artwork!

2011-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

This is how crazy my life has been. FINALS UGH. Creating some great stuff but god damn I am tired. I'm so anxious to share every last detail, that I decided to cram a sneak peak of a lot of different works into one post. (I'm officially addicted to Instagram. It is so fun. I'm an iphone camera geek now, never thought I'd see the day.) ANYWAYS, more to come on each individual piece. ENJOY! XO

Click here to like my Art on Facebook!

Inspiration Fridays

2011-12-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

Inspiration Fridays!!! I don't know about you guys but it's been a hell of a long week. Nothing better than some Tumblr day dreaming to get my head away from places it needs to be.

On a different note, due to final projects I have SO much new artwork to share, so be looking out!!!!

TUMBLR

Back to Basics

2011-12-08T11:00:00.001-08:00

Perfect outfit for a cozy California winters day. I wear each of these pieces to death, and though they're all old and mostly vintage each has such sentimental value. I love the fact that I'm wearing the same old swap meet flannel and Doc Martens since 8th grade. Guess in some ways I haven't changed much. Should probably throw these tattered shorts away but I REFUSE! If Kurt Cobain could pull it off....

XO

Chuck Close Photography

2011-12-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Chuck Close is an artist that I deeply admire. I have always been drawn to his aesthetic and style of portraiture, and truly think he is a modern day art world genius. Later I will have to rant about his life and his amazing paintings, but for now I thought I'd show you his stunning photography. Usually he uses these as reference for paintings, but they have been shown separately and obviously hold their own weight as pieces themselves. XO

Model Crush: Lindsey Wixson

2011-12-03T22:50:00.000-08:00

Another completely bizarre face to awe at. Lindsey Wixson has the most interesting face structure- she looks like a porcelain doll. I think her mouth and gap teeth are so oddly intriguing and beautiful. She rocks that red lipstick. I know my friend Sarah gets absolutely creeped out by her and her mouth/teeth..but I love it. She's killin' it in the new Versace adds (top).

Ell

images via tumblr

"Silver Paint Is My Marble"

2011-12-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Finally I have the chance to share my first sculpture of this year! This particular piece was a response to a prompt regarding the relationship between sculpture and special effect. I immediately thought back to my experience over the summer at MoMA where I viewed some sculptures by the artist Cy Twombly. They were wood pieces made out of assortments of found objects and shapes hastily and partially painted white. Attached was a quote of the artist saying "white paint is my marble." This quote stuck with me and immediately came to mind when considering sculpture in relation to special effect. I love the idea of materials haphazardly pretending to be something they're not. Also on my mind was Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty show also in New York at the Met. I saw a metal jaw piece there that I found so beautiful, and decided to replicate the idea of it by making plaster molds. In conversation about the finished piece it was discussed the difference between prop and sculpture. I thought that I'd push this discussion further by dramatically lighting and photographing the piece- truly making them props and exploring this different world of understanding a three dimensional object.

Regardless of all these thoughts and discussions, I just love how the piece and the photographs turned out visually. I hope you enjoy!

XO Ellie

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Progression: Double Self Portrait 2011

2011-11-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share some progression shots of the Self Portrait I recently posted! This was an interesting one to work on, because I had a very short time to complete it- 2 days, and it's large size- 6 feet by 6 feet. I built my own canvas frame out of wood that I had lying around, and bought a few yards of canvas at the art store. All in all the canvas cost me around $10 to make, while at the store a canvas of this size would cost around $120. That was quite satisfying to say the least. I did a black and white underpainting, and then finished in color as you can see from the photos. It was such a fun piece to work on it and I love how it came out!

Ellie

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Artist Series: Paulina Surys

2011-11-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

I found these stunning photographs via Miss Moss and can't get enough of them! I would love to try this technique in my own photos- it is a paint on color developer, so that you can choose which areas are colored and which are black and white. The photographer is Paulina Surys. The tones are just so beautiful! Makes me want to go run through a field of flower. Hope you enjoy :)

XO
Ellie

Interior Design Daydreaming

2011-11-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

It is my absolute favorite thing to daydream about living in a new city- imagining what my apartment would look like and the dream life I would live in it. I love the simple architecture and design in these interiors, the white with pops of color, and the open and airy floor plan. If I had it my way, I'd be living with my best friends in New York City or San Francisco working as an artist, with one of these airy apartments to come home to. A girl can dream! What would your dream apartment look like??

Ell

images via Tumblr

Interview with Supakitch & Koralie

2011-11-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

Earlier I posted two videos of Supakitch and Koralie working on their fabulous collaborative street-art inspired pieces. Here is an interview with this fascinating French duo. Love them! So inspiring. Moving to France ASAP

XO
Ell

Model Crush: Daphne Groenveld

2011-11-26T10:00:00.000-08:00

I swear, Daphne has to be the weirdest slash most beautiful face I have ever seen!!! I think she is just stunning, I can't get enough of her. She has such amazingly exaggerated features.

Check out the quick sketch I did of her here!

XO ELL

Thanksgiving Treats

2011-11-24T12:16:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting

J Crew's Ginger Cocktail

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Flaky Crescent Rolls

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Green Beans with Cranberries and Walnuts

Skinny Scalloped Potato Gratin

Cinnamon Mini-Cheesecakes with Pumpkin Pie Frosting

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Skinny Pumpkin Pie

Is anyone else's mouth watering? Found this amazing site called foodgawker.com with photos of elegantly presented delicious foods from different blogs WITH recipes included. So if you felt so obligated, you could make each of these treats for yourself toady on beautiful Thanksgiving day. Click on each photo to see the original post! I pulled out my favorites, I'm not much of a cook but I LOVE baking and making drinks.

Besides food, I know that on this Thanksgiving day I have a whole damn lot to be thankful for. I'm thankful for each day of my incredible I am blessed in living, and for the wonderful people around me.

Happy Thanksgiving! Sending all my love!

XO, Ellie

Free People Decades- Carefree 70's

2011-11-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

So, I've posted all the Free People eras, and by far this one describes me the most. These images are so freaking beautiful!! I wish so badly that I actually lived in this era. Doin' a little pre-Christmas shopping and lusting after ALL of the new clothes they have. DYING!

XO,

Ell

Free People Decades- 50's Beat

Free People Decades- Roaring 20's

Anna Gaskell: Alice in Wonderland

2011-11-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

*AMAZING IMAGE OVERLOAD* This series by Anna Gaskell is so incredibly inspiring. It's the artist's own play on the Alice and Wonderland story, and makes a series of simply stunning photographs. I love how her work is beautiful in a distinctly feminine sort of way, yet definitely goes past being just a beautiful picture. I see her work dealing with a loss of innocence, questions of sexuality, youth, beauty, and obviously narrative. Guy..this work just blows my mind. So gorgeous.

What are your thoughts?? I'd love to hear!!!

XO,

Ellie

San Francisco Dreaming

2011-11-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

I had a lovely weekend getaway to San Francisco. I was so stressed out (thus the negligence of posting) and spontaneously bought a plane ticket 2 days before the weekend, and it was the best decision ever. It was cold and delightfully rainy so we equally explored, gallivanted, and stayed cozy. San Francisco is such a loving place, and I just love it right back. Instagrammin' alllll day long

XO
Ell

Artist Series: Anna Gaskell (pt. 2)

2011-11-21T22:18:00.001-08:00

Here are some more photographs I found inspiring by the Artist Anna Gaskell. I feel as though her work makes an indescribable comment regarding what it's like being a girl or a woman- a comment that can only be understood by actually being a female. I look at these images and feel, "I know what that's like," or "I know what that is." Yet I could never begin to put words to it. It just is.

Who knows if that even made sense. Sending all my love
XO Ell

Inspiration Behind the Art: Double Self Portrait 2011

2011-11-21T21:24:00.000-08:00

Here are some images that I used as inspiration when creating my Double Self Portrait. The first three were from a photoshoot using some double exposures that kind of sparked the idea for me. I was also looking at Jenny Saville a TON while painting this. I created this piece SO fast, almost within 2 nights or so. I like to torture myself with procrastination and working on such a large scale, so I often end up sacrifice several nights sleep trying to make a deadline! Oh college..Anyways, hope you enjoy!!

Here's my post on my Double Self Portrait

Artist Series: Koralie and Supakitch

2011-11-12T10:00:00.000-08:00

Holy shit, I'm begging you to watch at least one of these amazing videos. It's so inspiring to see how these artists work. These are collaborative pieces by the French artists Koralie and Supakitch (view their websites here and here). I usually don't find myself particularly drawn to this type of artwork, but I love seeing them working, their free flowing motion, and their illustrative techniques. FREAKING AMAZING. I want to paint and draw like this now haha

XO
Ell

via Honestly WTF

11.11.11 11:11:11

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

WHAT'S YOUR WISH?

I know I have a few...

Artist Series: Malcolm Liepke

2011-11-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Don't these paintings just drip with sexuality? I go crazy for them. I think the way he paints is so unbelievably beautiful, so loose and carefree. Sort of similar to Jenny Saville- he piles the paint on to almost sculpt the painting. Beautiful flesh tones and reds, but at the same time, some really intense sickly greens and blues. Such an interesting juxtaposition. These would all be so amazing to see in person, I'm sure the gloss and the strokes only get better. Sexuality and women is something that I've been thinking about in a recent piece, so these are very relevant to me. Do you think they're objectifying? Do you see anything past a painting of a beautiful woman? I'd be so interested to hear. All my love,

Ell

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Double Self Portrait 2011

2011-11-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

So, finally you can see my HUGE double self portrait! It's an oil painting on a 6' by 6' canvas, which I built myself. I wanted this to be a disorienting and psychological scene. A representation of myself, and a representation of relationships. I feel a great divide inside myself often, which I also see mirrored in others and in my relationships with others. A push and pull between life & death, emotions, protectiveness & disinterest. Regardless of my explanations, words will always fail me- which is why I make artwork. So see for yourself what you want in this painting, I hope you enjoy it! More art to come soon!!!

Ellie

If you enjoy my artwork, "Like" my page on Facebook to get regular updates!

Fear and Loathing

2011-11-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

"San Francisco in the middle sixties was a very special time and place to be a part of. Maybe it meant something. Maybe not, in the long run, but no explanation, no mix of words or music or memories can touch that sense of knowing that you were there and alive in that corner of time and the world. Whatever it meant. There was madness in any direction, at any hour. If not across the Bay, then up the Golden Gate or down 101 to Los Altos or La Honda. You could strike sparks anywhere. There was a fantastic universal sense that whatever we were doing was right, that we were winning. And that, I think, was the handle - that sense of inevitable victory over the forces of Old and Evil. Not in any mean or military sense; we didn't need that. Our energy would simply prevail. There was no point in fighting - on our side or theirs. We had all the momentum; we were riding the crest of a high and beautiful wave. So now, less than five years later, you can go up on a steep hill in Las Vegas and look West, and with the right kind of eyes you can almost see the high-water mark - the place where the wave finally broke and rolled back."

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Hunter S. Thompson

Artist Series: Sonja Vordermaier

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

Breathtaking Sculptures by the artist Sonja Vordermaier. I would love to see these in person. Hope you enjoy!! More to come soon, sorry I've been m.i.a. :)

XO
Elle

View her website here

Hello November

2011-11-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

This week's Tumblr inspiration! I've been increasingly addicted to Tumblr lately...it's kind of a problem. I'm so happy that it's finally November. I am so much happier when the weather is cold and the holidays are approaching- it's my favorite time of year. Time to bring out the fur coats (I die) and the hot coffee every morning. Also daydreaming about boys with slicked hair, boots, and glasses on motorcycles (shameless!). Hope these images inspire you as they do for me!

Ell

Here's a little music inspiration to go with. I can't get enough of this song:

View my TUMBLR HERE

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Free People Decades- 50's Beat

2011-11-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful shoot from Free People's Decades shoot, this time from the 50's. I love how this decade has become so glamorized even in the past year or so, mostly because of the show Mad Men. There was something that was so lovely about the American dream back then, even if it was a complete shell or idealization. Regardless, I love how Free People has contextualized this era.

Read my last post on the Free People Decades- The Roaring 20's

XO
Ellie

Rather Lovely Thing

2011-11-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

rather lovely thing trailer from Billy Rood on Vimeo.

I beg you to get lost in this amazingly beautiful video. I've never seen so many quality powerful images strung together. Billy Rood is a fashion photographer and filmmaker. I swear I could get lost watching this video over and over again, it is so beautiful.

Found by miss Kaitlin-- view her tumblr HERE

via Coute Que Coute

Beginning

2011-10-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a close up of the face of my newest piece. It has a sketchy and super unfinished feel to it right now, which I really enjoy. Just to give you a basic framing, it's going to be a life-sized nude figure drawing so this is just a small part of it. I'm looking forward to working on it some more. More updates to come soon :)

XO
Elle

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Artist Series: Gottfried Helnwein

2011-10-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

Gottfried Helnwein is SUCH an amazing artist. I hope you enjoy his work as much as I do. I will never forget seeing his paintings, and realizing that they actually are PAINTINGS and not photos. I love the themes that he explores throughout his work, using large scale paintings of children to explore ideas of violence and innocence in the world. Simply stunning- I hope you find them as inspiring as I do.
find the rest of his work HERE

on a different note, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I know this post has nothing to do with the holiday, but all my festive costume pictures are on film..so they will just have to wait! Sending all my love,
XO

Ell

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Standing On The Shore: Tumblr Inspiration

2011-10-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

This week's tumblr inspiration!! Not much to write about now, it's been quite a busy weekend. LOVE Halloween!!! Hope everyones having as much fun as I am. More to come later :) Sending all my love! Hope you enjoy these little daydreams.
XO
Ell

visit my tumblr HERE

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Progression: Self Portrait 2011

2011-10-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share more about my process when creating my pieces! So when I'm creating I'm constantly getting close then backing up, going back and forth. After staring at something for so long it gets hard to know if what you're really seeing is what you want it to look like. To solve this I take pictures with my iPhone to view it through a different lens (looking at it in a mirror or upside down is always super helpful and follows the same principle). When put together, these pictures make for a cool progression, almost like an animation.

Working on a new piece tonight and can't wait to share! Busy busy..can't wait for halloween. Got some rad costumes planned.

XO
Ell

Read my other posts about this piece:

Inspiration Behind the Art: Self Portrait 2011

Self Portrait 2011

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Free People Decades- The Roaring 20's

2011-10-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Free People are actualllllly geniuses. I swear to God I will be the first one to buy this book. I think dressing through the decades is such an interesting concept, and who better to style each decade than Free People! This era and look reminds me so much of my best friend Sarah. Lace, slips, wine,

blured photos, classic feminine silhouettes with a little tomboy edge, this is her in a nutshell, and all the while just so fabulous. FREE PEOPLE I LOVE YOU.

Just wait for the 50s and 70s....I'm in love.

Xo Ell

A Closer Look: Street Style Bags and Shoes

2011-10-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Some collages of my favorite street style photos of bags and shoes. If you can't tell, I'm a LITTLE obsessed. Accessories are my weakness. Up next- Jewelry collages. GET EXCITED.

Hope everyone's week is going well. Sending all my love,

Ellie

images via TUMBLR

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Treasure Island Music Festival: Part 2

2011-10-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Finally my film from Treasure Island came out!! I am in love with all these photos, they make me so happy. TAKE ME BACK TO SAN FRANCISCO, it's all I daydream about. This was a weekend filled with so much joy and music, and I think this came out in my photos. There's a quality that comes with film that can't really be described which I think is missing from digital. Something more organic. Regardless. I live for music and art- and that was what this weekend was about.

See my earlier post with more pictures from the weekend HERE

Happy monday everyone! Sending all my love

Ellie

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Mix Tape Moday: Miss Moss

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

So I'm sure that some of you have seen the two guest posts by Miss Moss on Honestly WTF, and have come to discover how absolutely AMAZING her blog is! She is so unbelievably creative. For my recent road trip up to San Francisco I downloaded almost all of her mixtapes and by God, they are just so great that I had to share!

They're super easy to download- Just click on the album cover here which will take you to the track listing on Miss Moss' blog. From there just click the download button and ENJOY!

XO Ell

PS- Might have to try a little mix-taping out for myself! Sounds like such a fun idea. Who's in? :)

Sunday Lookbook

2011-10-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough this week to rummage through some Wildfox samples at work. Grabbed this t-shirt, and love it so much just because it's so comfy. It's from the Spring 2012 collection, cowboy western themed- photoshoot coming soon! My friends were making fun of me because it was about 85 degrees in LA and I was wearing fur. I need cold weather!!! Hope everyone is having a lovely and relaxing Sunday. I know I am!!
XOEll

Daydreamer

2011-10-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a lovely weekend of relaxation, art, and friends. Thought I'd share the latest TUMBLR inspiration with you all! I was thinking about it today and I think something that is extremely prevalent in our generation and culture is the sheer amount of images, influence, music, etc... It can get so overwhelming sometimes, especially for me because I find so many things inspiring but its impossible to hold on to every moment, picture, song, and image. Regardless- I am trying to make sense of it all through this blog and through my tumblr. I hope everyone has had a lovely weekend, anything especially fun?

Sending all my love
XO

Ell

visit my tumblr here

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George Harrison

2011-10-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

So besides the fact of this image being one of my favorite portraits EVER, George Harrison is a mighty man to look up to. I recently watched the two part documentary by Martin Scorsese on HBO that follows his life, and I swear to you it is basically life changing. The first part is what you know or think you know about the Beatles- their rise to fame and amazing career, specifically what George brought to the group. You hear so much about John and Paul but I know personally I'd hardly heard much about George. But what really struck a chord with me (no pun intended!) was Part two- the more in depth look into his spiritual life and how he invested his time post-Beatles.

Though obviously he was human and had flaws, it seemed as though George was the type of person who made the vast amounts of people around him feel genuinely loved (and not just the 60's cliche idea of peace and love). He was entirely dedicated to his spirituality and God- which he chose to practice through meditation, being in nature, and studying under Ravi Shankar (an UNREAL sitar player- pandora radio that shit!). As soon as you watch the documentary you'll understand what I'm saying, but he stood apart to me as not only an artistically gifted soul, but one who truly loved and strove to live a truthful and meaningful life despite living in the material world- characteristics that are VERY worthy of admiration and something that I strive for in my own life.

Thank you for those of you who read through my ranting and raving, I hope I somewhat got my point across. ALL my love,
XO Ell

I love listening to this song in conjunction to this particular portrait. Enjoy!

Artist Series: Charmaine Olivia

2011-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have a love-hate relationship with Charmaine- I go back and forth between absolutely adoring and admiring her work and being painfully and utterly jealous. I'll be the first to admit that she freaking rocks. I could stare at her work for hours, I swear to God. Though I don't want to call these paintings trendy- because I absolutely despise that word, there is something that is just so wonderfully fashion forward and modern about these. Keep em' comin Charmaine.

Ell

Feature on Flingly

2011-10-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

My photo was lucky enough to be featured in the new up and coming online fashion magazine Flingly! They are in the beginning stages of development but I absolutely love what they have so far :) Here is the article on Autumn Ponchos.
XO Ell

Treasure Island Music Festival: Part 1

2011-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

So as always, me and my lovely sisters had an UNREAL time in San Francisco..if I described our amazing experiences I doubt you'd believe them. First off..Treasure Island Music Festival

but it doesn't stop there, some how we managed to get backstage passes. Free drinks, amazing friends, observing Ben Gibbard of Death Cab cruise around, about 20 feet away from Explosions in the Sky performing overlooking the San Francisco skyline and thousands of people. Not to mention about 20 other absolutely amazing bands that we saw perform, all of which gave me chills and the amazing sensation of calm that only comes about while listening to live music.

If you could be backstage for any current band who would you see?

I'd have to be cliche and say Radiohead- just because I think they're such geniuses.

Sending all my love..

PS- More photos from this trip to come! this is only Part 1

XO ELLE

Photos by this lovely darling miss Sarah Sweeney. CHECK OUT HER TUMBLR

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Rooftop Ballet

2011-10-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

This video gave me such chills. I've been so fascinated with ballet my whole life, and Opening Ceremony did such a perfect job of combining the absolutely beautiful and classical practice of ballet with the modern, city, artistic feel of New York City. After watching this I had a crystal clear flashback of the summer roaming the streets of NY alone- venturing around Opening Ceremony and observing some beautiful young ballet dancers on the street. I believe it was the same company who performed in this video. STUNNING!If only I could move my body like that.Peace and Love
-Ell

MEOW

2011-10-19T00:19:00.000-07:00

beautiful image from the newest Stylestalker lookbook.

Life flows on within you or without you

2011-10-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

Photos from this weekend. (I'm actually drawing a few of these photos!) I love my beautiful friends, I couldn't think of a better way to spend the day than exploring the mountains in long flowey dresses- photos to come soon. Even though I snapped these photos pretty quickly, I love the feel of them. All my favorite things :) Pretty sure I was born in the wrong era. Been obsessing over the Beatles lately esp. George Harrison- thus the title!

Ell

PS- "like" my art on facebook! I recently created it for easy updates:
www.facebook.com/EllieBenuskaArt/

SHOE lust

2011-10-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Wishlist Boots by Jeffery Campbell

Jemma Boots by Dolce Vita

Shazzam Platforms by Steve Madden

Fabianna Metallic Sandal by Alexander Wang

So for those of you who don't know I go crazy, psycho, neurotic, obsessive- MAD for shoes!! Ridiculous I know, but it's my guilty pleasure. I just bought the Jeffrey Campbell boots in the first photo, and I'm so so excited. I wear boots almost every single day and I love the badass biker feel to these knee highs. Can't wait to rock em'. Got to use these metallic Alexander Wang's in a photoshoot and I'll tell you- they're to DIE for.

XO Ell

images via Polyvore

She's Like a Rainbow

2011-10-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

The other day I got to sleep in late because of a cancelled class, and it had to have been the perfect morning. I spent the morning cuddled up in my bed playing this song over and over again staring out my foggy window watching the rain- (cliche I know) but it was just such a lovely moment. Plus it never rains in LA so I get especially happy when it does. Rolling Stones will never get old for me, especially after reading Life by Keith Richards. READ IT. it's unparalleled.

Tumblr Inspiration!!

2011-10-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

I like skeletons- can't you tell?

freaking obsessed with Daphne

This week's tumblr inspiration- I am OFFICIALLY addicted. I don't know why but tumblr is just so fun. It's instant gratification I guess, seems like a thing of the current generation. I love it.

Just saw the best movie!! Ides of March with Ryan Gosling. I thought it was so interesting- it kept me on the edge of my seat. I would definitely recommend seeing it- as if George Clooney and Ryan Gosling in a movie together wasn't enough of a motivation. Now for a lovely weekend of art and photography. I have a shoot planned for Sunday which I can't wait for. Should result in some interesting photos- key words: maxi dresses and mountains.

XO Elle

Check out my TUMBLR where all of these lovely images came from.

ALSO- PLEASE "LIKE" MY ART PAGE ON FACEBOOK!!! Get updates about what I'm doing :)

Figure Drawing!

2011-10-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share one of my favorite figure drawing pieces I've done. This is just a rough, quick sketch I did of a live model- which I miss doing! Figure drawing from models is such a rush, and such good practice. Sending all my love,

XO Ell

Artist Series: Nick Lepard

2011-10-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

I recently came upon this artist, Nick Lepard. He reminds me a lot of my favorite artist, Jenny Saville in his beautiful use of texture and color. In this age of digitalization, it is so refreshing to see such vibrant art celebrating painting- which is what Nick Lepard states is one of his main influences behind creating these portraits.

View his work here

Free People October

2011-10-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

FREE PEOPLE WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME. Love each and every one of these looks. Free People more than any other company encompasses my style so completely and seems to always inspire me. Their styling is always so unbelievably amazing. This October catalog makes me want cold weather so badly! And to buy tights in every color imaginable. I'm so excited, I just bought the velvet bell bottoms in the second pictures to wear to Treasure Island Music Festival- pictures to come :)

Sketch: Daphne Groeneveld

2011-10-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

Sooo I have a confession to make. I have a weird obsession with this model's face- her name is Daphne Groeneveld and she was ALL over runway shows this season. Her facial structure is so intriguing to me- she has a perfect baby doll/pout face. SO this is one of a few sketches I've been working on of her. So lovely.

XO ell

Fairfax & Melrose

2011-10-04T18:38:00.000-07:00

A lovely cloudy Sunday afternoon (my favorite) spent at the Fairfax Trading Post at Melrose looking for some lovely vintage treasures..(aka fur and jewelry- what more in life could you need??) Followed by a delicious brunch at Toast, daydreaming about where 10 years from now might find us.

Wearing:

Aztec Poncho by ASOS

Tape Yarn Knit by Free People

Boots by Steve Madden

Clutch by Free People

Photos by Sarah Sweeney

Serendipitously Unscripted

Summer in the City- New York, New York

2011-10-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

So these photos are LONG overdue, but I thought I'd post them still :) Before school started I got to take a trip to NY for a week to visit my friend staying in the NYU dorms. My best friends and I got to take the city by storm. New York is seriously one of my favorite places just because everyone is on the go- it's so motivating to me. Highlights included the Alexander McQueen exhibit, taking photos around the city, lovely cafes and amazing food, ART everywhere, nightclubs, meeting hilarious strangers, and vintage shopping at "What Comes Around" Vintage (aka vintage HEAVEN). Please please please take me back! I love NY.

Van Gogh at Rodarte Spring 2012

2011-10-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

Rodarte was right to draw his inspiration for his Spring 2012 Runway show from Van Gogh- seeing as he is the ultimate master of color and texture in art history. These dresses work so amazingly well together and the colors and prints are a little slice of what it's like to view Van Gogh's work. I swear, whenever I see a Van Gogh piece in a museum the security guards always have to tell me to step back because I like to get so close to them- sorry I'm not sorry! His work is utterly amazing, so thank you Rodarte for reminding us.
View the whole show here.