Friday, May 24, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Spring Photo Shoot Collage
I've had the chance to do some spring photo shoots recently and I wanted to share a collage of some of the images of the beautiful people who let me take their pictures.
(*the image sizes and quality are significantly reduced in these examples so that they would load faster, my apologies)
(*the image sizes and quality are significantly reduced in these examples so that they would load faster, my apologies)
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Thick, Textured Abstract Painting of Flowers
Calling all painters!
Beginners to experienced artists, if you have never cranked up your favorite music and completely let go with your artwork here is something you've got to try!
It is exhilirating to abandon all "careful attention to detail" to squeeze thick paint directly on the canvas, swirl and slash it loosly around with a palette knife or rough brush to create an abstract image with tons of movement and texture!
Tip: No overmixing or overblending allowed! It may take some practice to learn when to stop. But I encourage you to approach it like a child getting to do something for the very first time - with excitement and abandon and not intimidation. Have FUN!!!
Here is my example. A painting I created for a friend. Her Requirements: match these rich bold accent colors (red/orange, navy/blues, cream) to tie in with living room decor, and make it abstract - loosly resemble flowers.
I was so happy with the finished piece and so happy that she loved it too.
I will paint like this more often.
Once your artwork is complete it may take several days to dry since the paint is so thick.
Finish by painting the edges of the canvas or framing it.
ex: Mine has 1.5" thick edges that I painted black and there is no need for a frame, this gives a more modern feel.
A protective clear sealer can also be painted over the finished work when it is completely dry. Make sure you use something designed for artworks. Liquitex makes some great options matte or gloss.
Beginners to experienced artists, if you have never cranked up your favorite music and completely let go with your artwork here is something you've got to try!
It is exhilirating to abandon all "careful attention to detail" to squeeze thick paint directly on the canvas, swirl and slash it loosly around with a palette knife or rough brush to create an abstract image with tons of movement and texture!
Tip: No overmixing or overblending allowed! It may take some practice to learn when to stop. But I encourage you to approach it like a child getting to do something for the very first time - with excitement and abandon and not intimidation. Have FUN!!!
Here is my example. A painting I created for a friend. Her Requirements: match these rich bold accent colors (red/orange, navy/blues, cream) to tie in with living room decor, and make it abstract - loosly resemble flowers.
I was so happy with the finished piece and so happy that she loved it too.
I will paint like this more often.
Once your artwork is complete it may take several days to dry since the paint is so thick.
Finish by painting the edges of the canvas or framing it.
ex: Mine has 1.5" thick edges that I painted black and there is no need for a frame, this gives a more modern feel.
A protective clear sealer can also be painted over the finished work when it is completely dry. Make sure you use something designed for artworks. Liquitex makes some great options matte or gloss.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Furniture Makeovers
I have re-done furniture pieces several times but recently this aspect of my creative work has exploded!
It started with getting a design job helping create a unique home office for a dear friend. She and her husband purchased a sprawling ranch style home in an older well-established neighborhood and they have been working steadily turning it into a place you would see featured in a magazine!
So when she gave me the chance to put my mark on her home office I jumped at the challenge. It will be a little longer before the finished room reveal but I just have to share these two pieces with you.
The first was in search of an eye-catching "storage option". I looked and looked for weeks, searching and sifting through armoires, buffets, consoles, dressers and more before I found the perfect cabinet. It has a great Art Deco feel with the multiple squares, and clean lines. And I just knew it would look fabulous in turquoise!
After a LOT of sanding, cleaning and three layers of hand painting (including 160 squares!) it was just right for the home office. Looking forward to accessorizing!
Storage taken care of, we move on to the next piece.
She already has a high gloss white desk in the office, incredible soft metallic paint on the walls, and huge windows all around looking out to lush greenery........but there was something special she wanted next.
It was time to search for the perfect seating. A relaxing spot to recline with laptop or tablet in hand and get some late night work done at home (or maybe browse Pinterest a bit).
This piece needed to be all about comfort but also a total "show stopper" so it took some serious searching before I found the treasure I had been seeking. It was a bit rough to begin with but I could see potential.
On the vintage chaise makeover I sanded down the wood and painted it a gloss black before taking it to a local upholstery shop to have them professionally re-cover it in the gorgeous fabric we had purchased on a shopping trip in Dallas. Then I made coordinating pillows with more of the incredible high end upholstery fabrics we picked out. The pillow forms are down filled so they feel very luxurious!
I must say this piece was hard to part with! But her home office will be stunning once all of the finishing touches come together. I think one of our next challenges will be draperies and accessories....oh yes, and a huge colorful abstract photo artwork of her kids!
More furniture makeover posts are already in the works.........
It started with getting a design job helping create a unique home office for a dear friend. She and her husband purchased a sprawling ranch style home in an older well-established neighborhood and they have been working steadily turning it into a place you would see featured in a magazine!
So when she gave me the chance to put my mark on her home office I jumped at the challenge. It will be a little longer before the finished room reveal but I just have to share these two pieces with you.
The first was in search of an eye-catching "storage option". I looked and looked for weeks, searching and sifting through armoires, buffets, consoles, dressers and more before I found the perfect cabinet. It has a great Art Deco feel with the multiple squares, and clean lines. And I just knew it would look fabulous in turquoise!
After a LOT of sanding, cleaning and three layers of hand painting (including 160 squares!) it was just right for the home office. Looking forward to accessorizing!
She already has a high gloss white desk in the office, incredible soft metallic paint on the walls, and huge windows all around looking out to lush greenery........but there was something special she wanted next.
It was time to search for the perfect seating. A relaxing spot to recline with laptop or tablet in hand and get some late night work done at home (or maybe browse Pinterest a bit).
This piece needed to be all about comfort but also a total "show stopper" so it took some serious searching before I found the treasure I had been seeking. It was a bit rough to begin with but I could see potential.
I must say this piece was hard to part with! But her home office will be stunning once all of the finishing touches come together. I think one of our next challenges will be draperies and accessories....oh yes, and a huge colorful abstract photo artwork of her kids!
More furniture makeover posts are already in the works.........
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