Recently I’ve had the distinct pleasure of running into one Norval Arbogast, whom I found (or maybe he found me) 
at Greeting Card Universe. Browsing through his shops (which are stocked with designs from he and his wife, Marie) I was struck by the balance, both in colour and design of the work. His designs range from bright and fun, to soft and mellow; from wild and free to pretty pastel florals. The art and design style is interesting and varied, and just plain fun to look at.
Since that first visit I’ve discovered that Norval is a retired greeting card designer, which is why his artwork is so beautifully balanced and so well designed – this artwork usually hits the mark.
Among many of the designs in the “luv apples” shops I find the Valentine series with hearts to be very eye catching, and appealing to almost anyone. They make a bright and welcome display in the shopfront. Scrolling through the cards I am drawn to such cards as the dark rose Thank You card (shown above), and these lovely soft birthday flowers on yellow background. One other thing you’ll notice about his cards – they come in a variety of languages too. 
Surfing over to his Zazzle shop I discover a t-shirt design that I also really like, as well as a bright and fun poster that anyone with a younger spirit would enjoy (that doesn’t mean you have to “be” young, just young at heart!)
In the artist’s own words:
Norval Arbogast, Marie Bright Arbogast – we’re just a retired couple living in rural central Missouri right on the Kansas border. I’m a former long time Hallmark Artist and freelancer and Marie is mainly a house wife who loves to paint our rural country side. Maries pet peeve, being told what handsome grandsons you have, they’re our sons, we married late. LOL. My pet peeve, none, I’m perfect. Our greatest joy and blessing, I’m still here to help raise our sons. I was diagnosed with terminial fourth stage colorectal and liver cancer eleven years ago. We enjoy life and beauty and hope it shows in our artwork.
Don’t let that artist statement fool you: Norval and Marie are more than “just a retired couple”, as the artwork they produce can easily attest to this.
(ps: I couldn’t resist this one!)
Please, visit the shops and drink in the fun!
(all images ©Norval and/or Marie Arbogast)
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1 response so far ↓
Norval Arbogast // January 18, 2009 at 12:30 am |
Gracey, I didn’t know whether this space is for comments above or for your Site. I’m using it for site or I should say sites. I have been clicking on all your different links. I especially like ‘Visionaries’ but all are terrific. I’m getting a good reintroduction to whats happening on the art scene now, I have been out of the loop for so long. Thank You:)