Thursday, May 31, 2012

By the Sea, By the Sea and a Winner!

This time of year, many of us living in the Midwest start to think of vacations, long weekends, getaways! Where do most of us want to go? To the sea, to the sea,anywhere there  is a cool evening breeze and water. Water to swim in,to go cruising, sailing, fishing or just to have a refreshing drink, sit and relax, gaze out upon the cool waters. A soothing escape from the heat and humidity; even though I adore having four seasons to enjoy.



St. Barts



The Maldives from Slim Paley


Recently I have decided to jump into Pinterest. It has taken me awhile because I am ALREADY on the computer way too many hours. You may see a decrease in commenting as when I read your blog  post I feel I MUST pin some fabulous images IMMEDIATELY!

From Sally Lee by the Sea..... The Australian Coast


Follow me on Pinterest and you will see some of the loves of my life, my interests, my passions! Also the origins of these beautiful images!

We all need time to rejuvenate and revive our creativity by giving our bodies and souls a place to unwind.




Everything you need will fit in these Totes!










Santorini in the Evening  .....My Favorite Island in the World


Now to announce the winner of the Segreto Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors By Leslie Sinclair





Also, Much Thanks to Cristin of Simplified Bee for choosing me to win a $50 Gift Certificate to Wayfair.

Watch for some great Artist Interviews and exciting New Giveaways soon  to come!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

I love to see your comments and thank you all for being great blog friends and supporters of The Arts!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Artist Series 2012 Segreto Finishes and Book Giveaway

Introducing Leslie Sinclair the founder of Segreto Finishes





Leslie lives by the philosophy that upon entering a room, your eyes should not draw a distinction to one element or finish but should see the surroundings as a whole. By developing a palette that complements a home’s architecture and design, surroundings are given a new perspective.

Gilded Sideboard

Leslie, Tell us about how and when it all began… Segreto Finishes.

 I use to run a computer company and after my third was born I really wanted to leave corporate America.  I have always loved to paint and have a passion for home interiors. I just started playing around in my hallway and it grew from there.  My family jokes that I have so many layers in that hall of paint that it has shrunk by 3 feet.

Plaster Finish Foyer






As your business evolved I noticed you went into other areas, for example Art, Decorative Painted Furniture, was that a natural evolution?  

 I think I must get bored easily because I love delving into different areas.  It has been so much fun for me to learn teach and implement so many different things. 



Wall Painting



Gorgeous Cabinet Finish with Contrasting Back of Shelves

 Do you have specialty artists on staff for one area of design or finish? How did you acquire these very talented artisans?

I have a 25 full time employees.  I tend to hire good people who are quick learners with a great work ethic and a good attitude.  I teach and train them from there.  I do have a few key people who have come to me more knowledgeable in certain areas that I was. It has been so fun learning from them as well.

Golden Gilt Leaf Finish

 Segreto has grown exponentially, to what do you attribute that?

I think great customer service is key, being on time and on schedule, and truly appreciating the opportunity to make someone’s home more special.


Decorative Ceiling Motif  with with a fabulous Lantern
Your book is one of the most popular among designers, the Images are exquisite! When did writing the book become a reality? 

Thank you!!  It took me about 3 years to photograph and about a year to do the writing and graphic design. 



Are there others in the field that you admire or have been mentors?

I admire much especially the old plasters and  cabinet finishes done centuries before. Love to learn how these techniques have been handed down.  There are so many people in the industry with so much talent. 


Powder Room Wall Art

 Leslie thank you so much for this enlightening Interview and Feature of Segreto Finishes!

 Thank you so much for interviewing me. The book can be purchased on amazon or my website Segreto Finishes.



Segreto Finishes has been featured in many of our favorite Shelter Magazines! Just look at this cover!


Enter to win the incredible book Segreto...Secrets to  Finishing Beautiful Interiors.  Value of  $85 . This Giveaway is open To USA Residents only.

1)  Visit  Segreto Finishes ,come back to tell us what you like!  Sign up for email newsletters on Leslie's Blog, or follow Leslie Sinclair Segreto Finishes on Pinterest. or on Facebook

 2) For extra entry Be a Follower of Art by Karena via GFC or Linky in my right side column

3)  For a third entry Do a shout out on your own blog about Segreto Finishes and this Fabulous Book Giveaway!!

The Winner will be chosen on Wednesday May 30th at Midnight EST!

Thank you for leaving a note  It means so much!

Thank you for being her and for your support of Arts and Design!

xoxo
Karena


Art by Karena 


Disclosure: Leslie is sending me one of her books, Segreto,  Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors! 

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

2012 Artists Series Featuring Theresa Cheek of Art's the Answer

Introducing the extremely talented Decorative Painter Theresa Cheek of Art's The Answer




I hope you will enjoy the following interview and images of her spectacular work. 
Theresa says  "Art’s the answer...let me interpret what you see in your head.   Using paint, gold leaf. plasters, egg tempera or a combination of mediums, let me visualize your dreams. I specialize in making things “old and crumbly” with European influences. Painting for over twenty years with a degree in Art History, I approach each project with serious research to give authentic results.

Art’s the answer....let me give you your dreams!
Emphasizing art and decoration in daily life..."




Tell me about when you discovered your desire to paint.

I don't know when I was not attracted to art!

I had my first commission while in my early teens.While earning a BFA in Art History at the Univ. of Texas, I took many studio classes to keep up the painting and drawing. I was always attracted to color and creating. Drawing was my first passion, and painting came later with experience.


  Who has inspired you in this field of decorative painting? Who do you admire from present or past artists working in this genre?

 Artisans that have a passion for lost techniques have influenced me the most in my career.  Contemporaries such as Lucretia Moroni, Jean-Luc Sable, Carolina d'Ayala Valva, Alison Woolley and George Zaffle have all taught me in workshops and influence my style and approach to all of my projects. Pascal Amblard and Pierre Finkelstein are also people that I look to for influence and direction. 

Works by Koo Schadler, Carlo Marchiori , Adrian Card and Miriam Escofet also make my heart beat fast!



 Theresa do you have a specialty within this field of art? ie: Trompe l’oeil, Arabesque, Fois Bois, Cartouche? (You may want to define these terms for readers are not familiar or any other areas of decorative art that you love.)

Deterioration completely fascinates me! My mantra is making things "old and crusty". I love weaving this into trompe l'oeil and arabesque using washes of color, abrading of the surface, waxes and rottenstone. Trompe work is when the subject matter is painted in such a way that it "fools the eye" into thinking the illusion is real. Arabesque is a decorative design based in Arabic or Moorish roots.


  I know that you travel to France and Italy to gain inspiration…does this get fresh ideas percolating for new projects and works of art?


 Definitely! I spent last year and this one documenting fresco work in Florence, Venice and Bologna. Sometimes, just a color combination on a wall or a faded decorative design will inspire an entire project. I take tons of photos never knowing what will spark a new project.


 Would you tell us about a favorite project or two in your career that stand out? I know that you have so many of your projects at Art's the Answer website.

 Chinoiserie is one of my weaknesses! I have done a few rooms with different chinoiserie scenes including pagodas, fruit trees with birds and other Asian elements.



 Where would you suggest that new artists go for instruction/ courses in this field?


There are many conferences that have classroom teaching for students wanting to improve their skills. Art forums also offer incredible first hand knowledge in their archive threads. Art schools and studios offer private smaller classes with artisans as well. Many of these classes advertise on the art forums.



 Lastly, Theresa what kind of advice do you have for new artisans starting in this business?


You must be in it for the long haul.  This must be your passion, you cannot be in it strictly for the money! Diversify your talents and try to stay on trend by attending lectures and conventions. Build files on Pinterest and see what is trending there.  Offer different techniques  on several levels of expertise so price points can vary. Do not be afraid of hard work! In this economy, many jobs are small and require a lot of labor. Read art forums and get involved in the threads, there are many good discussions in the archives. Find a good mentor and pattern yourself after their successes!




Theresa, thank you so much for this interview. As you know I love your  blog Art's the Answer and your Art website Art's the Answer. I could look at your art & designs for hours!!

 Please visit Theresa's blog and art site; you will be thrilled with the Fine Artistry  you see!!



The winner of the Crystal Scented Candle Urn from Tina and her Enchanted Home Shop is  Cathy Wall from the Fabulous Room RX

I also want to thank Emily from the wonderful blog Splendid Market for a luxurious Spa Soap from The Malibu Ranch, A Pedometer, which I am already using and a tote Bag!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena 

Thanks to all of my readers who support the Arts, Artists, Entrepreneurs and Fellow Bloggers 

Your comments mean so very much!

Images and some text courtesy of Art's the Answer

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