A New Perspective

It's the Inside That Counts 

12 x 12 oil on canvas

© 2010 Amy Hillenbrand

It's funny how things can change depending on your perspective. Before Thanksgiving, I was stressing about painting.  I was stressing because I was pushing to get a certain amount of paintings done for a show that is opening this week.  The paintings are now hung for the show, the turkey's been cooked, the family has come, the family has gone and now I can't wait to get painting again. Maybe next time I'll just skip the stressing part and enjoy the painting.

Format x FYSH Sneaker Wall Paper

Their is another website out there spreading lies to the public saying these special wall papers were made for them, but these are way too good for these crooks to make but the official owner/designer of all the wallpapers is Format and FYSH. Now to the original topic: Their is five made and they are the Nike Dunk SB De La Soul High and Tiffany, the Air Jordan Mars and Olive in a army color way and the Air Max 90 Infrared. Check them out, they are all very nice and once again Props to Format and FYSH.

Converse Skateboarding – CONS CTS

Everybody wants in on the skate shoe scene, and the higly anticipated Converse Skateboarding line will begin to hit stores in January. As you would expect, the Converse Skateboarding – CONS CTS aka, Chuck Taylor Skate, is one of the first releases.

People have been skating in the Chuck Taylor for years, the original Chucks are lacking compared to the tech that is packed into today’s skate shoes, but these updated CTS versions definitely put them on par with the rest of the competition, if not above. The CONS CTS gets a little more cushioning, a little more padding in the tongue, and a thicker insole from the new skate version.

You can bet I’ll be rockin’ a pair of these as soon as I can get my hands on a pair. Especially with only a $55 price tag.

More pics after the jump thanks to Complex.

Converse Skateboarding – CONS CTS

Converse Skateboarding – CONS CTS

Converse Skateboarding – CONS CTS

United Arrows x Converse Chuck Taylor

After the recent Vans collaboration, United Arrows now got together with Converse on the Chuck Taylor Hi. It comes in two colorways, black and white. At first we were not really sure what is so special about these and we have to admit you have to read the description in order to figure out most of the details. United Arrows brought back the original form of the sneaker that it had in the 70′s. Not only that, but they also used the original canvas material and heel patches from that time period. Another nice details is the double stitching on the side of the sneaker.

Stussy World Tour x Cause shoes

Just out yesterday in Stussy Chapters across Japan, these World tour canvas boots by Cause. Subtle all-over World Tour cities tag print covering the upper, rubber World Tour badge on the heel, plus the iconic World Tour tee graphic on the ankle. All correct. Selling for about $160 USD inc tax.

Reebok Freestyle 25th & Converse (Product) Red Fall Preview

The people from Caliroots recently hit up the tradeshow in Copenhagen. Their they also visited the Reebok and the Converse booths. Reebok was showing the line-up for the 25th anniversary of the Freestyle High. Aside from the artist styles that we already showed you, they will also release the sneaker in many uni color-ways. Their are lots of strong color-ways in the line-up, which will certainly make the sneaker stand out.

Converse also always surprises us with their (Product) Red line. Above also a little preview of what you can expect from them, aside from various collaboration in that line, that will come on top.

Converse Hip Hop Series

The Converse Hip Hop series will consists of three different packs: Hip Hop 1 a.ka. New York, Hip Hop 2 a.ka. Los Angeles, Hip Hop 3 a.ka. Chicago. In each pack there is a Converse CT AS HI, one special CT Hip Hop HI & one Weapon HI. Each model has a mixture of graffiti prints, laser etches, and stitches which works with each sneaker very nice. Available now at Overkillshop.

Converse x Junya Watanabe

For Spring Converse got together with Junya Watanabe. The designer made 6 versions of the low Chuck Taylor with all sorts of different patterns and materials in use. This quote describes perfectly the collaboration strategy of Junya Watanabe:

“One of the main concepts behind my men’s collection is to collaborate with brands that have one way or another, perfected something, The Chuck Taylor is certainly an example of this.”

The sneakers will drop early March at Barney’s, Colette, Comme des Garcons, Saks Fifth Avenue and other high end boutiques

Converse Shoes

People, who are in love with Converse sneakers, often make this somewhat trendy statement that these sneakers are really a lot more different than the other available sneakers from rivals like Puma and Adidas. Chuck Taylor sneakers were, undoubtedly, the number one sneakers from Converse as they were unique and elegant in almost each and every aspect.

Here is the list of some top sneakers picks from Converse Sneakers available these days.

Converse Rock ‘N Roll -Music Collection

This is, indeed, a nice collection of Converse sneakers for those who are a great fan of well-known rock bands. In this Music Collection designs celebrated the Black Sabbath, The Who, Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and The Doors have been included. Black Sabbath and the Grateful Dead versions are available at stores now, while The Who, Ozzy and Pink Floyd will be available in January, February and March 09 respectively.

Chuck Taylor All Star Hi’s

These nice Converse sneakers feature an upper of perforated patent leather that gives a real nice and unique look to these cool sneakers. They will be available in red, black and white colors. It looks nice in every color, but a red pair is somewhat matchless.

Chuck Taylor Big Day Out

Converse has linked up with Big Day Out (The greatest outdoor music festival in Australia) to produce this nice Chuck Taylor Low edition. A Big Day Out logo has been accented at the white upper of these shoes. These nice sneakers are being released only for Australian retailers.

Chuck Taylor Leather Pack

Many of us have been seeing Chuck Taylor classic in canvas, and now you would find a totally different look with these Chuck Taylor Leather Pack. The colorway of these sneakers is quite simple but still somewhat special. These kicks are available in high as well as in low versions.

Mickey Vampire All Stars Converse

An off-white Converse All Stars pair has been turned into a real fun twist with Mickey Mouse innocent smiling image showing vampire pointy teeth. HelloDesign has done a good job by signifying some mischief rather than fun in Mickey’s eyes. It is quite evident that HelloDesign hasn’t wasted space with superfluous bright colors and abstract designs.

Converse HD Wallpaper

Canvas Envy

Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Boot

18 x 14 oil on canvas

© 2010 Amy Hillenbrand

I saw these lovelies at a local store and thought in that moment I just have to take a picture of these.fun boots. Then I went home and painted them and just as I had anticipated, they were incredibly fun to paint. As you know, I love to paint shoes and I love to paint critters. It was like having those two fun subjects in one. But then something unexpected happened. I had canvas envy. Yes, I was and am deeply envious of what is now on my canvas. I want these boots. Santa, do you read blogs? Maybe one of his elves reads blogs...

Have a Happy and Fuzzy Wuzzy Warm Thanksgiving.

Come see Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Boot  at the Prickly Pear Gallery, Austin, TX

Reception Dec. 2nd

on display until Dec. 23rd

Converse Drop Step – White/Navy

New images of the Converse Drop Step are out. This White/Navy colorway compliments the previous White/Black/Red and Black/White styles we originally previewed earlier in the month. The shoe features a throwback look coupled with a full length EVA midsole and Converse Balls Technology at the heel. Retail is $65. Continue reading for more detailed images of the White/Navy Converse Drop Step.

Converse Jack Purcell – Johnny Collection

Here is a look at the Converse Jack Purcell Johnny Collection. The canvas sneaker comes in two color schemes: Beige/Cream (Mid and Low) and Brown/Cream (Low). Available now. Retail is $85 for the Mid and $80 for the Low. Continue reading for more images of the Converse Jack Purcell Johnny Collection.

Converse Jack Purcell – Brogue Leather Pack

The Converse Jack Purcell Brogue Leather Pack features a new take on the classic shoe originally made by B.F. Goodrich. This pack includes three color schemes – Brown, Navy, and Maroon – all with a white midsole/toebox. Each shoe is constructed of a soft full grain leather upper with rounded laces that match the shoe’s color. Available now. Continue reading for more images of the Converse Jack Purcell Brogue Leather Pack.

Converse 1st String – Unreleased

Shown here are two colorways of the unreleased Converse 1st String. It is a classically styled silhouette made with premium leathers. The colorways are navy blue and light grey, and both sit on a clean white sole. Continue reading for more images of the Unreleased Converse 1st String in both colorways.

Converse Classic Trainer – 35th Anniversary Edition

These are new images of the Converse Classic Trainer “35th Anniversary” edition. This silhouette from 1975 features a low-cut, suede profile with a leather lining, Star Chevron logo, and minimal midsole. Colorways include Green, Red, Navy, and Black. Available now at Converse concept stores and select retailers across Southeast Asia. More info to come as it develops. Continue reading for more images of the Converse Classic Trainer colorways.

CONS Trapasso – Spring 2011 Preview

Here we have a look at the Trapasso shoe lineup from Converse’s “CONS” skateboarding division. Thus far there is one hightop and one low version of the sneaker. The high comes in all purple suede, with a white leather Chevron on the side. The lows are composed of grey suede and mesh, with a white leather Chevron logo and yellow accenting. Continue reading for more images of the CONS Trapasso Spring 2011 releases.

Converse OS Academy Hi – 2 Colorways

Here is a look at the Converse OS Academy Hi. This classic basketball inspired high-top has a leather upper with textile striping and star on the side of the sneaker and on the heel tab. The shoe comes in White/Red and Black/White. Available now. Continue reading for more images of the Converse OS Academy Hi colorways.

Converse (PRODUCT)RED Chuck Taylor x Damien Hirst

British artist Damien Hirst, one of the noted Young British Artists, has collaborated with Converse on a new rendition of the classic Chuck Taylor All-Star. The Converse (PRODUCT)RED Chuck Taylor x Damien Hirst features an upper inspired by Hirst’s “All You Need is Love, Love, Love” silkscreen, which features multi-tonal butterflies on a red background. Only 400 pairs will be produced. Continue reading for more images of the Converse (PRODUCT)RED Chuck Taylor x Damien Hirst.

Converse Jack Purcell Low – Johnny Collection (New Images)

These are the latest images of the Converse Jack Purcell Low ”Johnny” Collection. Shown here in 3 colorways - Natural, Olive/Egret, and Brown Leather – the Purcell Low “Johnny” edition is an upscale casual silhouette featuring canvas (Natural, Olive/Egret) or leather (Brown) uppers and a cupped rubber toe box. Available online now at Converse. Retail is $80 for the canvas styles, $85 for the leather. Continue reading for more images of the Converse Jack Purcell Low “Johnny” Collection.

Window Shopping

Say Ahhh © 2010 Amy Hillenbrand

12 x 12 oil on canvas

Now that I've been painting shoes, wherever I go I see shoes, they catch my attention all the time.  I saw these little beauties in a store window on Newbury Street in Boston.  My husband and I  went to  New England this fall to see the leaves and somehow I found myself shopping, go figure.Wonderful, wonderful shopping, I digress... There they were staring at me with their tongues hanging out like they were all saying ahhh for the doctor. I just had to paint them. You understand don't you?

Oldies but Goodies

 

   Always in Vogue © 2010 Amy Hillenbrand

16 x 20 oil on canvas

I love watching the old black and white movies from the 30's and 40's. There is nothing better to do on a rainy day than curl up with a blankie, turn on the movie channel and take in an oldie. I love the glamorous  clothes and shoes and the happy endings. These shoes remind me of those days and  these wonderful shoes are actually mine this time.  I feel like a million bucks when I wear them, but it's just not everyday I'm sporting 5" heels. (Yeah, no, I don't wear them to paint in) They remind me of the old glamor days of Hollywood, so to get just a little more use out of them I thought they could pose with this wonderful book of portraits by the famous photographer Horst Paul Albert Bohrmann. I hope Horst would approve.

Belated Birthday Wishes Happy Birthday Comments

Belated Birthday Wishes Happy Birthday Comments,Unique Happy Belated Birthday Graphics & Comments. Great to use if you forgot someones Birthday. Or your late to say Happy Birthday on Myspace, Perfspot.Belated Birthday Comments and Belated Birthday Graphics for MySpace, Friendster, Xanga, Tagged, Blogger, Fubar, Hi5, Orkut, Piczo Facebook Bebo.Happy Belated BirthdayLinks to this Picture (Html

A Week in Review

You Looking at Me?

6 x 6 oil on board

This is the second  painting I did in my Karen Jurick's painting workshop. She emphasized to paint what you like the most about your photograph. Well this little dog certainly caught my attention and I sooo didn't want to paint the owners face. 

Over Where?

8 x 5 oil on board

#3   People! Oh boy! Very scary for me. Here's my theory. Do what the teacher does, there is a reason she is a successful selling artist.  I didn't pay money to do in class what I normally do at home. She paints on board, I painted on board; she paints small, I'll painted small; she paints people, I'll give people the ole' college try.

Yes!

8x 6 oil on board

#4, this one I tried a figure and a face, very very scary.  I love the way Karen captures the body expressions in her paintings, here's my attempt at that.  She also paints on a black toned board, I do like the way the black peaks through the green grass. I do intend to go back to my normal subject matter, but hopefully I can successfully integrate some of what I learned.

Nike Football Revolution

Nike Football Revolution

Endeavor for excellence. Fit and comfort against punishing compressive forces. Tensile. Aerodynamic. Permeability. NIKE makes the mark to ensure the ultimate football athlete achieve ultimate performance. In the course of redesign and reinvention, Nike Football Shoes evolves into the essential companion to each game delivering speed, agility and precision with cleats created to match the player's position and field type as well.

Nike Football Shoes come in different heights to accommodate the player's needs. Linemen prefer the ankle extension provided by high tops as they benefit from the extra support it gives especially for numerous lateral movements which puts too much pressure on the ankles during the course of the game. Skill players such as defensive backs, running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks, on the other hand go for the mid-cut shoe as it offers more support and allows maneuverability at the same time. However, for quick cuts on the field, some players opt for the low cuts since its lightweight thus providing extra maneuverability.

Nike Football Shoes' uppers are made of either leather or synthetic materials or a combination of both. Leathers offer greater durability, comfort and breathability but are more expensive than synthetics, which are lighter than leather. Latest innovations in technology gives each player a Phyon midsole with a conform sockliner that is lighter and shapes to each foot for secure, responsive cushioning, an outsole made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or the new 7-stud Vapor for a lighter, faster control system and a Zero space technology for a weightless feel and a customized fit

Football Shoes - The Popular Brands

Football is one of the most amazing games which are loved by the entire world. There are countless fans of this brilliant sport who love to watch or play it. There are even those who live for football. Their days start and end with talk or something or the other related to this game. Football fans try to imitate their heroes and wear their shirts, name tags, budgets, collect their pictures or wear the same shoes as they do. Particularity those who play this game on any level ought to know the kind of shoes which are fit for this game.

There are scores of different kinds of football shoes which are used by different players. Many popular brands manufacture soccer shoes. They are especially designed keeping in view the requirement of this game. Puma, Lotto, Nike, Adidas and Reebok include the top five names which are involved in the manufacturing of football shoes. These are special kind of shoes and if you have to get into this game you must know how to select one for yourself. For this reason it is very important to have the basic knowledge of all the kinds of football shoes, different brands and what they are offering.

The Shoes You Wear

The Shoes You Wear

WHAT style shoe should I wear? Is this my correct size? How can I tell if the shoes are really well made? These questions and many more must be answered each time a pair of shoes is selected and bought.

It is important to answer these questions wisely, for the purchase of a new pair of shoes can have a profound effect on a person's overall health and happiness. Ill-fitting footwear can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort, even leading to headaches, backaches and leg cramps. To a large degree, painful foot ailments such as corns, nail troubles, toe deformities and flat feet can be avoided by a careful selection of footwear.

You'all Look Back Now, Hear?

Reflection

10 x 8, oil on board

This was one of my class studies, it was a piece Karen has in the Morris & Whiteside Galleries on Hilton Head Island. She said she learned a lot from this piece, so the first day of class we all gave it a whirl.

I'm  fresh back from a painting workshop with my painting idol, Karen Jurick.  If you haven't seen her paintings, when you are finished reading, click back on her name and check them out.  They are all such little jewels. Each one oozing with incredible personality.  Just like Karen, hmm... interesting how that works, isn't it? 

Looking back at the week, I learned so much, but I have to say the biggest lesson was: don't worry about rules, let go and free yourself of what "they" say you should do or not do. She paints from pictures she takes ("they" say this is wrong, ha!) and demonstrated over and over again that you can take a mediocre snapshot and turn it into something fabulous. Be creative with your color and if you don't like something in the picture-change it! Yeah, I know, duh, but sometimes one has to hear something over and over again until one actually really hears it and takes it in.

As you probably already know, one of the great benefits about going to workshops is all the great people you meet.  This Yankee from Wisconsin was in a room with southern bells and their amazing accents. I've never heard so many you'alls in one week-what a riot! See us all oogling at our teacher while she demonstrates her techniques.