Kings, Queens and Courtiers…

Vessel for the Heart of Anne of Brittany, with Its Crown, Probably Loire Valley or Paris, January 9–March 19, 1514. Musée Dobrée, Nantes, D. 886-1-1.

I recently saw an interesting exhibit at Art Institute of Chicago. The exhibit, entitled Kings, Queens and Courtiers showcased many Illuminated Manuscripts from the 15th Century, beautiful tapestries, sculptures and more. The illuminated manuscripts were of particular interest to me. I have been intrigued by the books and images I have seen on the internet of these manuscripts for a while, so I was anxious to see the “real thing.” I was blown away by their intricate detail and fine craftsmanship.

An example of an illuminated manuscript like the ones on exhibit at the Art Institute

The miniature books were my favorite. An illuminated manuscript is a manuscript in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated initials, borders and beautifully detailed miniature illustrations painted in vivid colors and often accompanied by gold, or sometimes silver, leaf accents. Hence the term, “illuminated”. The letters themselves were works of art.

ornate lettering was a constant in illuminated manuscripts.

The books were all painted on vellum, a fine grade of goat, calf, or sheep skin and had decorated leather bindings and covers. Some had beautiful and intricate handmade cases that were designed to hang on the owner’s belts.

This book was a book of love poems that was encased in a beautiful leather case that hung around the waist of the recipient. So romantic!

A beautiful example of the detail found on the covers of these manuscripts.

These remarkably well preserved books, most of which were known as “hours” were typically used as prayer books.
The pages or “leaves” are surprisingly abundant and have been actively pursued by collectors for centuries. Even today, the leaves are extremely popular for decorating. They remain lovely works of art and are one of the most affordable artifacts that collectors can find from the pre-Renaissance era.

The influence of these books carried on even after their production ceased. The works of the Pre-Raphaelites in the second half of the 1850’s are a direct result of inspiration from these books. When looking at the work of Dante Gabriel Rosetti, one can see the influence that the vivid colors and medieval subjects of the manuscripts had on him. On a more complex level, he also copied their use of a crowded picture plane and spatial relationships along with the luminous colors found in the illustrations of the books.

The vivid colors and rich details in this painting by Dante Gabriel Rosetti are reminiscent of the illustrations in the Illuminated Manuscripts of the Renaissance era.

William Morris is one of the most widely recognizable artists in the history of decorative arts and was himself a collector of Illuminated Manuscripts. His work was greatly influenced by the calligraphy and illustration contained in the books. So much so, that he created his own modern day versions. His work is still popular and his influences can be seen in many forms in the world of decorative arts from wallpaper and textiles to furniture and home accessories.

William Morris wallpaper

The Illuminated Manuscripts of the Renaissance are a wonderful example of the importance of art in the daily life of a renaissance aristocrat. Their beauty and influence lives on in the decorative art of the 21st century. They are a testament to the innate need and desire of human beings to decorate and beautify the world around us. When we look back at the rich history of all types of decorative painting, these amazing manuscripts are not to be missed.

Salon 2011 (continued…)

Well, Salon 2011 has come and gone and I am still smiling a week later. I had such a good time painting, laughing and dancing with all of my friends. For those of you who are unfamiliar with salon, you can check out their website at www.salonforever.se. We are a group of decorative painters from all over the world who get together once a year to display and demonstrate our specialties. Salon is “a gathering of dedicated decorative painters from around the world coming together to exhibit their work and discuss old and new techniques, products, and information in the field. The Salon, which began in 1992 in Belgium with a small gathering of professionals, reconvened in 1996 and has been coming together in growing numbers every year since.

The Salon is now recognized as the most important and significant gathering of decorative painters in the world.

Participants of The Salon include teachers from schools as well as those who are independent commercial craftspeople. The Salon is a way for some of the most unique traditions within the field of decorative arts to be shared amongst one another and ultimately, passed onto participants’ students.

The opportunity enhances and extends the level of communication between serious and committed craftsmen.

The Salon is also a way for visitors and the outside public to experience the high quality of work present and meet the real masters of this craft. Ongoing demonstrations and an exhibit hall allow visitors and participants to view works specifically created for The Salon.”

I look forward to next year’s salon in Hamburg, Germany!

My exhibition panel

Anita Medina's spectacular trompe l'oeil panel

Sheri Hunt displayed her Chinoiserie painting expertise in this lovely panel.

Dru Blair's amazing airbrush artistry...this is a PAINTING!!

The Group Mural turned out beautifully under the direction of Patrick Kirwin from the United States.

I was happy to add a bird to the mural...

Salon 2011

It’s almost here!! April 6-10,2011 is the official date for this year’s annual Salon exhibition. If you are unfamiliar with Salon, please check out their site at http://www.salonforever.se/ It is an annual meeting of Decorative Artisans from all over the world. I am fortunate to be exhibiting for the second time and can’t wait to see what the other Salon members will be exhibiting and painting. Here’s a sneak peek at what I’ll be demonstrating…

I'll be demonstrating a trompe l'oeil fountain mural panel at this year's Salon exhibition in Atlanta

Check this out. Wyland…a very talented and inspirational artist.

You’ve seen his work. He’s on calendars, posters, and walls all over the world. He uses his art to make himself a very wealthy man, but he also uses it to promote the conservation and recognition of endangered marine life. He is extremely talented; he gives, he gets. And the beat goes on…

Read his story and view his work at http://www.wylandfoundation.org/community-events-whaling-walls.shtml

Artisphere Online

I am honored and excited to be the featured artist in the premier issue of the new digital version of IDAL’S magazine Artisphere, “Artisphere Online.” www.artisphereonline.com. Please check it out for lots of interesting news about the Decorative Painting Industry, along with how-to’s, links, decorating hints, etc. Congratulations to my friend Pat Ganino at Creative Evolution for doing such a terrific job creating this exciting new online magazine!

Feathering your nest…

bird detail at Harvey House Bed and Breakfast in Oak Park, IL.

Birds are all the rage in decorating! From birdcage lamps at Urban Outfitters, to vintage style bird prints on pillows at Pottery Barn to bird necklaces and earrings, these decorative feathered friends seem to be at the height of design fashion.

.www.anthropologie.com features this lovely mirror that would look great in a vintage or modern styled bathroom or bedroom.

this bird mirror would look great in any style bathroom or bedroom

Harvey House bed and breakfast recently updated their Chalet Suite to feature birds on a textured plaster faux finish. The treatment added a lot of character to this already lovely room which also boasts a gorgeous field stone fireplace.

I really love using the images of birds in my artwork and murals,

Pompeiian inspired mural in Northbrook, IL

Bohemian Waxwings

so I am particularly pleased to see birds used in decorative items everywhere. You can see some of my bird artwork and prints, as well as many other bird related items, at etsy.com. Birds are whimsical, decorative, and classic. They have been used in decorative finishes for thousands of years. They can be found on many of the crumbling and patinated walls in Pompeii,

Pompeiian Garden Fresco detail

on timeless and sophisticated handpainted wallpapers from all over the world,

handpainted chinoisserie wallpaper featuring birds

as well as on new and contemporary furnishings and wall coverings.

modern bird wallpaper

So check out what’s new and add a bird or two to your decor this spring!

Get Plastered!

The plastered finish on the walls provides a rich background for the Garden mural in this kitchen

There are so many cool plaster products on the market these days! From plasters that look like limestone, marble, granite, and concrete to cool metallics

This entryway was transformed to look like it was all limestone.

Metallic Snakeskin powder room

Check out these wonderful candles!

I have a new favorite thing! Nest candles, particularly their grapefruit scented candle, is wonderful! Even my husband (who typically hates scented candles) likes it. Check it out http://www.candleluxury.com/nest-grapefruit-candle.html

Nest Grapefruit candles smell fresh without being overpowering

My Review of Ampersand Hardbord 2″ Deep Cradled Panels

Originally submitted at Jerry’s Artarama Art Supplies

For maximum support and frame all in one!If you want to prepare your own panel, start with unprimed Hardbord and apply your own oil or acrylic primers! Hardbord is the finest pressed wood panel available anywhere. Made in the U.S. from quality hardwoods, this panel resists warping and moi…

Ampersand Hardbord 2″ Deep Cradled Panels

 

Good quality and versatility

By Bonnie from Chicago, IL on 11/6/2010

 

 

4out of 5

Pros: Best

Cons: Good

Best Uses: Work

Describe Yourself: Professional

I really love these boards for their durability, quality, and versatility. The gessoed surface allows for many applications and they hold up when a regular canvas would be too flexible or delicate. I would definitely recommend them. I also really like the 2″ depth because your finished piece does not need a frame and looks clean and modern.

(legalese)

Design Inspiration

beautiful bedroom idea from House Beautul.com

When searching for design inspiration, my first place to look is the internet. There are so many sites, such as housebeautiful.com and HGTV.com, that are chock full of ideas. Books and magazines are usually my next stop. Amazon.com has many, many decorating books from which to choose. I also often visit my local library.
Decorating magazines are a terrific source for images that you can tear out and put in a folder. Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, Luxe Home, and Traditional Home are some of my favorites.

this Elle Decor issue had a beautiful mural idea on the front cover.

Once you find some pictures of rooms you like, begin a file and add things such as pieces of fabric

some websites give great advice on mixing fabrics, textures and colors

, paint swatches etc. and you will be armed with everything you need to start decorating your room. Keep your folder handy when you consult with your decorator or painter and certainly take it with you when you head to the furniture store. Pretty soon your room will start to become a reality. Decorating can be fun and rewarding if you go about it the right way. Stay organized and focused and don’t be afraid to consult a professional if necessary. They can help take your vision to new levels if you really are up for something spectacular (or even if you just need a second opinion).