Friday, November 27, 2009

The 12 Days of Artistically Speaking!!!


Image © GrammaLowe grammalowe@yahoo.com

What better way to kick off this year's holiday season than with a
Grand Launch Hallapoloosa!

Announcing "The Twelve Days Of Artistically Speaking" decorative painting style! Beginning at midnight (EST) December fifth and continuing until December 16th at midnight (EST), we will present extraordinary giveaways each day.

The fantastic loot (valued at over $6,000 so far) has been generously donated by talented artists, teachers, vendors and manufacturers. You will not believe the wonderous items they have donated to share with you! The PR program starts tomorrow...it's not too late to donate a prize!!!
To Enter:
You enter by leaving a comment on the daily blog post featuring the giveaway items you want. Please comment only once on any of the posts. You may comment at any time throughout the 12 day Hallapoloosa until the December 16th at the stroke of midnight (EST). You can earn 1 extra entry per day if you place the "Twelve Days of Artistically Speaking" button image on your blog or website (widget available below), or by linking post about the contest on your blog, FaceBook or Twitter. You may add one additional entry on every giveaway by giving the link to the blog post or the date and time of your FaceBook/Twitter update. A random number generator will pick the winner and they will be announced on the 12/20/2009 5:30 PM episode of Artistically Speaking with Rebecca E. Parsons...Talk Show and on the December 21st blog post.



Subscribe today at Artistically Speaking dot com...

Monday, November 23, 2009

Sean Crosby Featured in Artistically Speaking Magazine...


Look at the size of this mural Sean Crosby is painting!


Want to know ALL Sean's Secrets of Success?

Subscribe Today to receive

The Premiere Issue of Artistically Speaking Magazine...


it features Sean telling his story about his lifestyle business...


Sean's story and so much more is part of




For A Limited Time At Artist-How-To.Com Sign Up for Our Free Newsletter and Download a FreeeBook! Pass It On! http://artist-how-to.com/hcwnfreeoffer.html

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Artistically Speaking Talk Show - TONIGHT 6:30 PM EST


Artistically Speaking Talk Show - TONIGHT

Don't miss a minute of the fun and frivolity
that happens on a LIVE talk show.

click link above to go to the show
TONIGHT - SUNDAY 11/22/2009
6:30 PM EST (5:30 Central - 4:30 Mountain - 3:30 Pacific) 30 Minutes

Introducing and welcoming new co-host Lyna Farkas. Join most of the 15 participating artisans in a lively discussion about the Habitat House that Faux Built in New Orleans. The Cre8Tive Sisterhood (formed during the process) talks about the ups and downs of the project, the family they painted for, how they bonded as they worked, the city of New Orleans, their personal creative journeys, and much more...

a slide show of the work in the habitat house...available in book format hardcover for 65...


The CreaTive Sisterhood with the homeowner and her children on the front steps

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Artistically Speaking Talk Show schedule released...

As the countdown to "The 12 Days of Artistically Speaking" Grand Launch Hallapalooza moves forward by leaps and bounds, we are proud as punch to announce the addition of Lyna Farkas as co-host of Artistically Speaking Talk Show!
Lyna is a master craftsman and one of the rare few Americans who holds the prestigious City and Guilds of London certification in decorative painting. In addition to decorative painting she is an author of: The Weekend Crafter: Painted Furniture: New Looks in Faux Finishing, Texturing, Stenciling & More and Creative Wallpaper: Ideas & Projects for Walls, Furniture & Home Accessories. A former "Growing Your Business" radio show host, she lives in Asheville, NC.
The fantastic lineup for Artistically Speaking Talk Show has just been released. Mark your calendars now-Don't miss a minute of the fun and frivolity that happens on a LIVE talk show. The guest list is amazing...

Artistically Speaking with the Habitat House that Faux Built in New Orleans...
11/22/2009
6:30 PM EST
30 Minutes
Introducing and welcoming new co-host Lyna Farkas. Join the 12 participating artisans in a lively discussion about the Habitat House that Faux Built in New Orleans. The Cre8Tive Sisterhood talks about the ups and downs of the project, the family they painted for, how they bonded as they worked, the city of New Orleans, and much more...

[788369]
Artistically Speaking with Yaeko Kurimata & George Zaffle...
11/29/2009
6:30 PM EST
30 Minutes

Join Rebecca as she interviews Yaeko Kurimata from Japan. George Zaffle was with Yaeko, as she talked about her passion for decorative art, her life as an artist and the differences in faux finishing and decorative art in Japan.

[788361]
Artistically Speaking with Gary Lord...
12/6/2009
6:30 PM EST
30 Minutes

Join Rebecca & Lyna for a lively conversation with Gary Lord, master decorative painter. Gary will discuss his new virtual education model and his life as an artist.

[788359]
Artistically Speaking with Sean Crosby...
12/13/2009
6:30 PM EST
30 Minutes

Join Rebecca & Lyna for a lively conversation with Sean Crosby, master painter and muralist. Sean will discuss his over-the-top project that is featured in Artistically Speaking magazine and his brotherhood with Pierre Finklestein, Pascal Amblard, Nicola Vigini, Michel Nadai. Don't miss your chance to hear Sean the man beyond his artistry.

[788376]
Artistically Speaking with Rebecca E. Parsons...
12/20/2009
6:30 PM EST
30 Minutes
Join Rebecca as she answers questions from callers. Join Rebecca for some holiday cheer as she answers viewer questions about living a creative life and lifestyle.

[788373]
Artistically Speaking with Sass Lassley...
1/3/2010
6:30 PM EST
30 Minutes

Join Rebecca & Lyna for a lively conversation with Sass Lassley, decorative painter extraordinaire. Sass discusses her Artist in Residence project that appears in Artistically Speaking magazine this month along with her dreams for the future and her art.

stay tuned for more updates on

"The 12 Days of Artistically Speaking"
Grand Launch Hallapalooza

Contests - Give Aways Galore - Parties

Look for Lords a Leapin' - Drummers Drumming
and 5 'Golden' Things...

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

urban camouflage...

I am always browsing blogs and the Internet for information to share with our readers. Gary Lord sent me an e-mail that spurred this little art adventure that took up nearly half a day. It is fascinating body paintings done by Liu Bolin of Beijing. I find his "body of work" has in interesting message. Click on the photos to enlarge.





The artist, Liu Bolin is a young Beijing based artist who has exhibited primarily in China. Recently, he finished up a show at Eli Klein fine art in New York showcasing a variety of his pieces including some form the above series ‘camouflage’. The collection is an exploration of human nature and animal instincts which features Chinese citizens painted to blend into their surroundings. The subjects are covered head to toe in paint, camouflaging themselves in front of the Chinese flag, a billboard or downtown Beijing. Last three photos greatly remind of Invisible Cloak, we already covered.

Liu Bolin of China paints people into, or out of, photographs.

‘Camouflage’ is an exploration of human nature and animal instincts which features Chinese citizens painted to blend into their surroundings. The subjects are covered head to toe in paint, camouflaging themselves in front of the Chinese flag, a billboard or downtown Beijing.

Read about this series of work at Galerie Bertin-Toublanc.
some of the above info from www.thedonutproject.com

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Michelangelo's fresco painting technique...

A great demo for an intro to buon fresco painting,,,including terminology and his palette of only 7 colors...a drawing reveals his stance during the painting process...it is not lying on his back...enjoy...and please leave a comment to let us know what you think of the blog...



Thanks Theresa Cheek and her Art's The Answer! blog for posting this...you will enjoy her blog posts...

In an upcoming issue of Artistically Speaking magazine we will discover the following:

FRESCO MATERIALS & SUPPLIES, TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
STUDIO SETUP

FRESCO CARTOON
COLOR STUDIES
FRESCO PLASTER COATS
  • Scratch Coat
  • Rough Coat
  • Brown/Float Coat (arriccio)
  • Intonaco
  • Pompeii Intonaco
  • Giornata
FRESCO PANELS
  • Preparation & Tools
  • Plaster & Plastering
  • Plaster Coats
SINOPIA
COLORS & PAINT
BRUSHES
PAINTING THE BUON FRESCO
  • Cartoon Transfer (pouncing) & Imprimatura
  • Pompeian Imprimatura & Air Brushing
  • Verdaccio (underpainting)
  • Building the Color
  • Polishing & Blending
  • Golden Hour
  • The End of the Day
  • Giornata Trimming
RETOUCHING

To find out more about buon fresco visit The Fresco School and Fresco Techniques.

Friday, November 13, 2009

New Books on Decorative Painting..

Have you always dreamed of publishing a book of your artwork? Well you can approach a publishing house, do it yourself, or use Blurb.

You just download Blurb BookSmart® a free, easy to use bookmaking software for Mac and PC. Add your content and publish. Here are some wondertful examples:

Elegant Ceilings by Elegant Finishes Conquering the Fifth Wall by Gina Wolfrum


Lynne Rutter~ Murals & Decorative Painting By Lynne Rutter

Thursday, November 12, 2009

REP Media Announces Online Magazine and Talk Show Launch...

This Press Release was issued today!!!

REP Media to launch Artistically Speaking an online magazine/talk show in November/December 2009.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release–November 12, 2009 – REP Media announced today its plan to launch an Artistically Speaking Magazine and Talk Show in November and December 2009.

The vision of Artistically Speaking (www.artisticallyspeaking.com) is to provide the decorative arts community with a platform to explore new ideas, techniques and creative options while embracing the life and lifestyle of the creative entrepreneur. The mission is simply: Artisan helping artisan. Craftsman helping craftsman. Forging a bond that will perpetuate the artform while bridging artistry, craftsmanship, lifestyle and business.

Artistically Speaking tagline reads, “Giving voice to a new generation of decorative artisans.” This will be accomplished with a unique mix of magazine, radio talk show and website created to be the leading online resource of contemporary decorative art and artisans.

Publisher Rebecca E. Parsons describes the unique platform designed to be a sensory creative experience, “Artistically Speaking has created an exciting new way to deliver our vision to the subscribers. First you have our blog…our daily voice. Updated 4-5 times each week with the latest news, photos, commentary and information for today's decorative artisan. Next you have the magazine…our visual voice. You are invited into the homes and studios of extraordinary artists within the articles written by and about them. We want the reader to know the personality and style of our featured artisans.” She exclaims with much excitement, “But the truly unique aspect of our plan is our Radio Talk Show...our actual voice. Readers will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak with those artists, as they become part of the interactive radio talk show. Thus the name delivers as promised–Artistically Speaking!”

The mainstay of Artistically Speaking is the Blog (www.artisticallyspeakingblog.blogspot.com). Updated daily with the latest news, photos, commentary and information for today's decorative artisan, the blog will explore our magazine content and features artisans in depth. It will show reference photos for decorative artisans, faux finishers and muralists, artists and craftspeople. Snippets from other Internet sites that feature decorative painting will be presented. It is the go-to place for ideas and inspiration.

The soul of Artistically Speaking magazine is foremost an educational vehicle that captures the unique lifestyle business of decorative artisans and craftsmen. The magazine will feature editorial from successful creative entrepreneurs and decorative artisans emphasizing their creative lives and lifestyles. It is directed at decorative artists, artisans/craftsmen and affiliated partners (i.e. Interior Design, Architects, galleries, etc.) at all levels of creative business throughout the world. The magazine is planned to run on a bi-monthly basis, with regular weekly updates to give advertisers maximum exposure and give the magazine team time to plan ahead and secure high quality features.

Artistically Speaking Radio (www.blogtalkradio.com/artisticallyspeaking) is blend of lively conversation, cutting edge creative ideas and encouraging support with healthy doses of inspiration. It is an opportunity to speak with and hear the creative journeys of other artists, craftsmen and creative souls who are doing what they love and designing a lifestyle business that embraces their vision, goals and dreams. Each episode includes: artisan interview, business tips, product reviews, creative living ideas and much more. Listen and be inspired to live a creative life! The Radio Talk Show will be every other Saturday initially.

The speculation of the online magazine launch has created much interest and buzz within the decorative painting world. Many artisans and businesses are pre-booking features within the online magazine and spots on the radio show.

The ‘holding your breath’ planning stage is now complete as REP Publishing announces the magazine is ready to go live in late November with a 12 Days of Launch Party. There will be daily prizes, fabulous giveaways and exciting happenings.

The only question seems to be what and, perhaps more importantly, who will be appearing within the pages. Some of the high-profile artisans have been leaked, but we are afraid you will just have to watch the blog for more hints about the upcoming cover stories.

We are currently looking for a sponsor for the front cover of our first edition. To express your interest please contact us by email at Rebecca@artisticallyspeaking.com. We continue to search for inspirational stories and/or success stories about the lives and lifestyle business of creative people. If you have a story and wish to be featured contact us immediately.

UPDATE: this Press Release was made on 11/13/09

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Art And The Handicraftsman...

A few years ago I issued A Call for Return of Craftsmanship (look for the article in an upcoming issue of Artistically Speaking magazine). Those artisans who work not merely with their hands, but with their hearts and heads too, exemplify my idea.

One such artisan is Connie Cotita and her husband Randy of Monroe, LA who designed and painted this Gypsy Wagon dog house for the benefit auction of the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Only a craftsman who works with her head, hands and heart could have created this masterpiece. The story, and detailed photos, of the finishes used to create this piece will appear in the premier issue of Artistically Speaking magazine.


Design and finishes copyright of Connie Cotita 2009. All rights reserved.

Oscar Wilde wrote about the same thing in the early 20th century.
Reprinted from Essays and Lectures by Oscar Wilde, London: Methuen and Co., 1908.

PEOPLE often talk as if there was an opposition between what is beautiful and what is useful. There is no opposition to beauty except ugliness: all things are either beautiful or ugly, and utility will be always on the side of the beautiful thing, because beautiful decoration is always on the side of the beautiful thing, because beautiful decoration is always an expression of the use you put a thing to and the value placed on it. No workman will beautifully decorate bad work, nor can you possibly get good handicraftsmen or workmen without having beautiful designs. You should be quite sure of that. If you have poor and worthless designs in any craft or trade you will get poor and worthless workmen only, but the minute you have noble and beautiful designs, then you get men of power and intellect and feeling to work for you. By having good designs you have workmen who work not merely with their hands but with their hearts and heads too; otherwise you will get merely the fool or the loafer to worn for you.

That the beauty of life is a thing of no moment, I suppose few people would venture to assert. And yet most civilised people act as if it were of none, and in so doing are wronging both themselves and those that are to come after them. For that beauty which is meant by art is no mere accident of human life which people can take or leave, but a positive necessity of life if we are to live as nature meant us to, that is to say unless we are content to be less than men.

continue reading the essay

LinkWithin