Marilyn Minter shot this detailed interpretation of M.A.C's Reflects Glitter and Pigment.

Whenever our artist friends drop by, no piece of art goes unexamined, from a favorite quirky painting to a modern wire piece. Even functional art, such as our glazed ceramic cat bowls, don’t escape their notice. Artists seem to see the world differently, creatively processing the shapes, colors and textures of their surroundings. So it made sense that M.A.C (aka Make-Up Art Cosmetics) tapped the visions of three artists — illustrator Maira Kalman, painter Richard Phillips and photographer Marilyn Minter — and asked them to create works inspired by the company’s fall ’09 collection.

Each artist was commissioned to create a piece inspired by a certain palette. (The results can be seen on the M.A.C website, along with video interviews with the artists, through mid-October.) Kalman started sketching with the bright, vibrant array of Technakohl Liners ($14.50) in lime, turquoise and coral when embarking on the creation of the playful “Young Woman at Yellow Table.” (We told you about Kalman’s work last month, when we visited the Isaac Mizrahi-curated show on view through Sept. 12 at New York City’s Julie Saul Gallery.) M.A.C’s complementary eye shadows ($14.50) come in such colors as yellow Crest the Wave, blue-pink Purple Shower and yellow-pink Maira’s Mood.

One of Phillips’ distinctive portraits, “Bondensee,” got a makeover, inspired by lipsticks ($14) from light yellow Front Lit to dark plum Full Body. The image taken by photographer Minter represents M.A.C’s Glitter ($19.50), Pigment ($19.50) and Clear Gloss ($18). Her trademark element of glamour with a messy, human element, is evident in her closeup of a glittery eyelid. For exclusive interviews with the artists, check out M.A.C on Facebook — and join the VIVmag group as well!

We love seeing M.A.C’s fall palettes through the eyes of three talented artists. Do you think there’s a link between artistry and cosmetics?

Tags: artist, Computer graphics, Computing, Cosmetics, Crafts, Electromagnetic radiation, Facebook Inc, Glitter, Isaac Mizrahi-curated, Julie Saul Gallery, Kalman, Minter, New York City, Palette, photographer, USD, Yellow