One of the first decorative painting books I ever bought was The Complete Book of Paintby London interior designer and finisher David Carter. This was 1997.  I literally carried the book wherever I went and showed everyone who would listen about decorative painting. (Yes. I was obsessed even back then.)  In fact, back in 2007, I picked the book as one of my top recommendations here on Fauxology.

Well, you can imagine my extreme pleasure when I found out he converted his home into a small guest house called 40 Winks.  It is a four-story Queen Anne townhouse built in 1717 and redesigned by Mr. Carter himself.  He started by renting out two of his rooms for fashion shoots and then thought to extend that to overnight guests. Voila!  Instant sensation.  Of course, he calls the interiors “whimsically glamorous” so that can’t hurt. Here are a few pics…

Although there is no room service, there is a continental breakfast, a garden to lounge in and you can use their fully-equipped kitchen.  You can see the two rooms available here.  Since the Hubs and I usually spend our days out and about and just like coming back to a nice hotel to relax, I can definitely see us heading there when we do visit London.  Perhaps I’ll even have a chance to meet him as Mr. Carter does still reside in the home.  One can dream… 

Carrie Chavez over at Snuggery Style and Irene Turner of Irene at Home invited me to be a part of a Twitter movement called #JapanLife. It was put together by Parasol Communications and it encouraged bloggers and tweeters to share a unique aspect of Japanese life and/or culture — and at the same time, encourage donations to the Red Cross to help Japan through their recent tragedies.  I’ve decided to write a bit about the decorative arts history of Japan, an eco-friendly Japanese product line and an incredible world-class artist who lives in Tokyo.  Let’s begin, shall we?

The Japanese have a unique decorative history.  Some of the most important eras occurred within the 400 years between the 15th and 19th centuries.  15th century Japan was filled with strife and samurais roaming the land — yet the decorative objects always exuded a serene quality. Japanese ornament is based on a feeling for the harmony of nature and for human beings, placed carefully in compositions. At the Shogun court, the presentation of architecture and decoration in synergy was of extreme importance.  The shoguns were expected to showcase good taste in every aspect — from furnishings to painting to architecture.  The renaissance in the decorative arts history of Japan occurred during the Momoyama era, where gilding, lacquer finishes, sculptures textiles and the creation of pigmented artworks flourished. Up until modern times, the Japanese wrote with brushes as opposed to pens. This helped create an easy familiarity with brush techniques which led to an instinctive feel for painting.

One of Japan’s best decorative artists is Yaeko Kurimata of Faux Arts Design.  I first learned of her work by reading a beautiful post in the Ornamentalist blog.  She says that “we don’t have a great history of decorative paint like the Western countries” but she tries to stabilize and further the Japanese decorative arts in the modern times.  With her permission, I am posting some of her studio’s incredible artworks.

I was also inspired to speak to Florida artisan Teresa Farland, who has a deep knowledge about the beautiful Shizen product line inspired by and imported from Japan.  “Shizen” is a Japanese term meaning “natural beauty” and it also reflects its eco-friendly qualities.  It has four main lines:

• Shizen Kai – Made of crushed seashell, coral, natural soil, sand, and stone.  It provide a natural pearl-like glittering texture finish with resistance to mold and mildew. Primarily used in hospitals and schools in Japan.
• Koruku -Comes from the bark of the cork oak tree and recycled straw from the rice stalk of the Japanese Cypress tree.  Because of the cork’s tiny air spaces,it has thermal insulation and heat retention qualities for energy savings.
• Kyoto - The most traditional of finishes found in earthquake prone Japan and named after the Japanese capitol city that survived fires, earthquakes, and the firebombing of WWII; is one of the best preserved cities in Japan.  Its primary function is to bridge minor cracks and maintain its flexibility.
• Pataan – Pataan means “pattern” which is a critical element in Japanese design.  The Japan approach to design has historically been linear and asymmetrical, deeply emphasizing texture and elements.  It is a perfect texturing medium for creating subtle to bold textures, is extremely durable, flexible and controls humidity.

Here are some sample photographs using the Shizen product line:

Yaeko Kurimata of Faux Arts Design posted the vision for her studio on her website. “Since ancient times, interior design has been used to make our lives more comfortable.  The architecture of the world heritage sites bear witness to the beauty that was created by human hands. I believe that nothing is superior to human skills and mankind’s artistic and creative imagination.  Today, more than ever before, people need a nurturing and healing environment.  Our role is to provide the positive energy of nurturing spaces through images and colors…in improving modern life.”  I think these words can also resonate for the incredible tenacity and strength of the Japanese people.  Much love is sent to them today and every day.

To donate to the Red Cross to help Japan, please click here.

Research: ArtNet, Wikipedia and Scholastic
Thank You: Teresa Farland and Yaeko Kurimata for your incredible help and research within a very tight timeframe. You are much appreciated!

Wow! What a whirlwind month it’s been for us and the Artistic Painting Contest.  We started with a request, then came the votes and today we crown the five Winners, including the Grand Prize.  A big Thank You! to Artistic Painting Studios for sponsoring and providing the wonderful prizes.

Without further ado, we announce the Grand Prize Winner.  They have won $150 worth of Artistic Painting Studio stencils…

Anna and Scott Sadler of Arizona’s Surface Refinements

Congratulations!

Anna and Scott created an astonishing faux mosaic masterpiece with a beautiful and pleasing color scheme.  Their work fully embodied the “Artistic” theme of the contest.

Anna & Scott Sadler

A big Congratulations! also goes out to our two runners-up, Carmen Benoit of Arizona’s Carmen Illustrates and Sass Lassley of Nebraska’s Fe-Fi-Faux Studios!  Carmen and Sass were in the Top Three and each will receive a stencil prize valued at $25.

Two random prizes of a free BYOB class at Artistic Painting Studio were also on tap to be given — one for “Liking” the Artistic Painting Studio Facebook Fan Page and one for entering the Artistic Contest.  These winners are:

Contest Entrant: Kass Wilson of Georgia’s Wallstreat Studio

Artistic Painting Studios Fan: Sharon Crouch Bahr

BUT, WAIT — THERE’S MORE!

Jennifer Ferguson, owner of Artistic Painting Studios, was so impressed with all the submitted entries that she is giving each and every artist who entered the contest a $20 credit towards any stencil purchase.  $20 free just for entering!  Thank you, Jennifer — what a beautiful surprise!  Please note that all Winners will be contacted individually with instructions on claiming their prizes.

We hope you’ve enjoyed the Artistic Contest!  Fauxology will be holding more contests so everyone can enter their beautiful works and have the opportunity to win great prizes.  Thank you once again to our sponsor — and congratulations again to all the artists and winners!

About Our Sponsor

Artistic Painting Studio is the largest distributor of Faux Effects products in the West Coast. The studio, located in Fresno, CA, has their current workshop schedule on their website which reflects new workshops, samples and pricing for classes. The new classes are shorter and feature lower pricing to help accommodate both your pocketbook and schedule. A great new class BYOB: Wine & Art is a fun canvas painting class that you can relax, paint and enjoy a beverage. There is also online shopping available to purchase stencils, products and tools. Please find the studio on Twitter and on Facebook. Jennifer Ferguson is the Owner and Creative Director and she is always working and traveling to discover new techniques and finishes to help artisans continually improve their portfolio. She can be found on Facebook along with her other company, The Stencilled Garden.

Have you heard of Salon?  Here is how Salon was described in my post last year:

Salon is a yearly gathering of extraordinary decorative painters and artisans — the best of our industry — and the purpose is to further the artistic field, exhibit their artistry, watch and discuss new techniques and materials in addition to providing camaraderie among international members. The members, who are invited to join via submitted works, represent how truly joyful and masterful the decorative arts can be.

I think that about sums it up.  To express what I mean by the best of our industry, I’m going to sprinkle just a few photographs along the post from their gathering last year — you can see many more in the 2010 gallery on the Salon website or the Salon 2010 Facebook page.  The Salon website has information and images from past gatherings as well.

Setting up the Exhibition space. Please keep in mind that these artworks are flat -- any dimension you see is created purely by hand. It's the very meaning of incredible trompe l'oeil.

Salon gathers together to enjoy each other’s company and share their artistry with each other and the public.  They are always held in gorgeous places — Italy, Denmark, The Netherlands, France — and this year it is in the United States from April 6 – 10.  In Atlanta, Georgia.  A one-hour flight for me from Orlando, FL.  I was all ready to do The Happy Dance and attend – then I remembered my sister gets married next week and I am slammed with bridal to-dos as the Maid of Honor.  I almost thought about it (you know what I’m saying, dear Readers) but I do value my sisterhood — and my life — and so I will attend a beautiful wedding but will have to miss seeing the incredible Salon work.  I see that next year it is in Tokyo and hosted by the wonderful Yaeko Kurimata. That does sound nice…

This year, the annual gathering is being hosted by Kim Dokka of Art Effects, Inc. and she kindly gave me a preview of what’s to come next week.  “It’s going to be great fun!  We have an opening and closing dinner, a wine reception, a secret project and two community murals.  One [mural] is called “The Secret Life of Flowers” and it will be 7 ft high by 30 ft long and will be donated to a local cause.  The other one is still a bit of a secret that will be revealed on the first day — one of many secrets planned that will be released over the week.”  Take a peek at their Itinerary and their venue, Atlantic Station.

Incredible woodgraining on the left and I had to include the painting of the quetzal (right). It is the national bird of my Mother’s country, Guatemala. I’ve always thought it the most beautiful bird.

You can see how much work goes into creating a realistic marble with faux paneling.

I believe the artist above is Andre Martinez.

If you are a decorative painter, a designer and/or are interested in the Arts, please do consider attending the incredible Salon. This year, for the first time, they are offering an Insider’s Secrets program wherein ticket holders will have exclusive all-day access (!!!) to Salon for two days along with special events, lectures and demonstrations. World class artisans such as Pierre Finkelstein, Cynthia Borman, Dean Sickler and Jan Berghuis will give talks on subjects as varied as French Ornamentation, Color & Form and Historic Restoration.  The cost is $185 and they only have just a few tickets left.  The deadline to purchase these is Tuesday, April 5th and you can acquire them through the Salon website (scroll down on the link for the info).  Of course, public tickets will also be available in two-hour increments (cost $10) and you will be able to see the jaw-dropping Exhibition Space from Salon participants, lectures and the ongoing mural projects.  Public tickets can be purchased the day of the event.

By the way, if you did want to know more about how Salon unfolds, how they invite artists to participate and so on, Leslie Vigini tells us more about it.  Are you planning on going to Salon?  Do tell.

Venetian Plaster – one of the most versatile techniques in our industry.  It can be an elegant background via a single color or it can be embedded or embossed with patterns, detailed with metallics and/or encompass various colors to create a visual masterpiece.

Venetian Plasters fall into two different categories: lime-based and synthetic.  Lime-based tend to have a more “ethereal” look since they dry to a more luminescent stone state.  Lime-based plasters are also mold resistant and are the traditional Italian choice.  Synthetic plasters tend to have a “denser” look but are able to take deep colors better and are easier to use and match.  It is best to make sample boards for your clients to determine which look they prefer.

A few years ago, I traveled to Italy with Safra Plasters to learn more about this technique.

My sister, Suzanne, joined me. Here she is next to an interior hotel application (left) and exterior application in Venice (right).  There was also a very creative plaster finish in another hotel.

Our company has done a few commissions since then…

White Venetian Plaster in a Bath. Our client wanted the plaster to reflect the surroundings.

This Venetian Plaster has three different colors within three layers with wax. We also gold leafed the ceiling and painted all the wood, trim and moldings a glossy black.

For this commission, we applied several Venetian Plaster colors in a waterfall cascade effect.

I’ve also seen other recent images that I’ve enjoyed…

A lime green Venetian Plaster in one of Elton John’s homes, recently profiled in Architectural Digest. LOVE the color.

This looks to have an embossed design on the Venetian Plaster and then troweled over with a metallic wax. That would be my guess. (Source Unknown)

(update) Above Source: Regency Redux

A more “chunky” yet traditional look as featured in Phoenix Home and Garden magazine.

If you’d like to see more of our work and info on Venetian Plaster, please do check out our Venetian Plaster Demystified post over on the lovely Home Workshop blog.  I’ve tried quite a few product lines and have been satisfied with the results of most of them.  When we plastered the Orlando International Airport, the specified plaster was from Behr and it gave us a nice, matte result. (It did help that we had the technique down, though — it is a thicker plaster.)  The  most recent product line we have played with is Stucco Italiano — they also have a very cool blog and we’ve profiled them before. We love the way their plaster trowels and can’t wait to try it in a commission.  Tell me — is Venetian Plaster one of your favorite techniques?  What product lines do you favor?  I always like to hear more about this beautiful finish from fellow artisans!

Brace yourself – this is a bit of a long one.  During the holidays, the Hubs and I went to Chicago.  One of the reasons I wanted to visit was to see all the gorgeous architecture. I had heard about the boat and walking tours tours given by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and was ready to go.  Small problem not immediately apparent to me: the Chicago River freezes over (and ergo, no boat tours) and it is way too cold to enjoy a leisurely walk (ergo, no walking tours).  Bus tour it was — and ours was taken on a dreary, foggy, rainy and cold day. Deterred?

Of course not.

During the tour, we were able to get out and visit the interiors of most buildings and the information was incredibly rich and detailed.  First up, The Rookery.  It is located in the financial district and the architects were D.H. Burnham and John Root.  The Rookery would be one of the architectural masterpieces that came about from the ashes of the Great Fire.  It was incredibly ornate, though later architect Frank Lloyd Wright would cover some of that up since the elaborate decorative work had gone out of fashion.

The Rookery Exterior

Gilding on embedded patterns on white marble…click on any pic to enlarge.

We then headed to 190 South LaSalle.  Completed in 1986, it is a post-modern building featuring gold leafing, giant light fixtures and sculptures.

Gold Leafed Ceilings

We also passed The Four Seasons by Chagall, the Magnificent Mile and Millenium Park.  Love the mix of eras and styles. Included are pics of the Pritzker Pavillion, the Cloud Gate sculpture (a stainless steel “bean” reflecting the city) and architecture along the mile. More info? Click here.

Cloud Gate (a/k/a "The Bean") by Anish Kapoor

The Jay Pritzker Pavillion as designed by Frank Gehry

The view from the 94th floor of the John Hancock Observatory.  Those are wee little cars, no?

Then, we arrived at Robie House.  I do have to say that I was previously not a Frank Lloyd Wright fan but I now have a great appreciation for his work.  We were not allowed to take interior photos but here is a pic of the exterior.

Robie House Exterior

The unassuming structure, completed in 1910, is considered one of the 10 most important buildings of the 20th century. It’s incredible how groundbreaking it was and how many of today’s residential elements — including an open floor plan — owe their thanks to Robie House.  Wright made the foyer uninviting which made guests want to move on. This was deliberate because once you went into the rest of the home, it was open, inviting and a marked contrast to the entrance.  Built in the Prairie Style, it is now owned by the University of Chicago.  It is currently undergoing an 11.5 million dollar restoration. To read more of its history, click here.

As an aside, if you are interested in Frank Lloyd Wright stencils, they are available for purchase through ShopWright or Prairie Arts.

Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Stencils

Other buildings in the university campus — and yes, there is a definite mix of styles going on…

After viewing different neighborhoods, we ended at the Illinois Institute of Technology.  Here, we learned about architect Mies van der Rohe.  His work is very modern and here is his Crown Hall.  Today, we are not surprised to see buildings with so much glass but back then, this was an innovative, mind-blowing idea.  He was the Director of Architecture at IIT and many influential modernist architects were trained there.

Crown Hall by Mies van der Rohe

A few interesting views along the way.  The first set has painted ironwork – full pic on left and close-up on right…

Our last view of the city during the tour…

Chicago

I have to say the Hubs was a trouper. Although design and architecture are not his cup of tea, he was enthusiastic and enjoyed the tour.  Gotta love a great traveling companion!  I do look forward to going back and seeing more since I’m sure I missed a tremendous amount of architecture and history — and Chicago is an incredible city.  BTW, the Bean, Pritzker Pavillion and John Hancock Observatory pics were taking while we were doing our own walk but you can never go wrong with taking a Chicago Architecture Foundation tour — don’t miss doing so while there. Each tour description outlines all the stops — in fact, a local decided to take all 85 architectural tours and she blogged about it!  There is also a Chicago Model City, scaled 1 inch = 50 feet.  All links are super interesting.  ‘Til tomorrow, dearest Readers!

A few years ago, I spied these pics in the (now defunct) House and Garden magazine…

You can see why I was smitten: the work is fantastical and extraordinary. I found out the artistry was by Paulin Paris and after seeing more of his work, he has since become one of my very favorite artists ever. Paris (he indicated to call him Paris) was raised in France and, according to a recent article in the L.A. Times, he “attended the École des Beaux-Arts in the French capital and trained in faux painting at the Van Der Kelen-Logelain Institute in Brussels. He is a descendant of the early 20th century French portraitist Carolus-Duran, whose work hangs in the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.” Taking all this into account and the fact that I’m a very big fan, you can imagine my happiness at his agreeing to be profiled for our Portrait of an Artist series. Pinch me.

His company, Paulin Paris Art & Design, is dedicated to the creation of art — whether it be fine art, paintings, prints as well as murals paintings for private residences or public spaces.  The company is based in Los Angeles and the studio, named “Artlook”, is a production site, laboratory and gathering place where other artists can show their work and share ideas and research.  He also has another company site for his fine art and one for unique artistry called the New Marquetry.

The New Marquetry

Paris uses a large variety of techniques to create his artworks.  We were able to e-chat with him on these techniques and his thoughts on the future of art, technology and some of his inspirations.  Let’s dig in, shall we?

Q: Paris, how did you begin this career path?
A: I realized quickly after my studies at the Beaux Arts that I will have to sustain myself as an artist and the murals where the perfect answer. I was lucky enough to start working on a big project for Dino De Laurentiis in New York. I was about 26 at the time and until now I have collaborated with many great architects and designers including Adam Tihany, Robert Couturier, Jacques Grange and Jean Michel Wilmotte, trying each time to refresh the way we look.

The last projects include two “Artscapes” for the Mansion at the MGM Vegas. They are paintings on canvas that covers one wall of the room. Without having to paint the all room it creates a new space.  It can be easily removed and reused in another location.

Working on the Artscapes

Artscapes - Mansion at MGM Grand

Artscapes - Mansion at MGM Grand

Q: What subject do you most appreciate in art?
A: I have started recently working on portraits and I found it fascinating, it’s a very mysterious process and still a discovery for me.

Q: Where do you see our industry heading in the future?
A: My feeling is that technology is reshaping the all art industry. The possibility of creating art through computer assisted technology combined with incredible printing techniques (2D and 3D) opens new dimensions. Even if the hand will keep a part in the process, I see technology as becoming even more predominant.

Q: What inventions make your work easier?
A: My creative process goes into different directions, from the drawing to the scanner, the camera, the computer, the projector – all incredible tools. And I’m impatient to try the 3D copier.

Q: Professionally, who are some of your inspirations?
A: David Hicks, Fornasetti, Tony Duquette, Emilio Terry and David Hockney to mention only a few.

Q: Are there any books that you would recommend for us to read or music to listen to while working?
A: I like very much David Hockney’s books, like That’s The Way I See It or Secret Knowledge.  As to music, right now I listening to a great singer Elizaveta, it’s a mix of classical music with lyrics.

Paulin Paris at Bakery Bouchon

A recent project was eight large-size paintings for the new Bakery Bouchon opened by chef Thomas Keller at the Rockefeller Center in New York.  Paris called it “an honor and a pleasure to work on that project”.  He explains, “The inspiration is very surrealist with a combination of images and words.  The pictures are 8 1/2 ‘ x 8 1/2′ and they were painted in the studio and installed on site inside a frame molding”.  Below are two close-ups.

Please click to enlarge.

Q: Do you have a personal artisan philosophy?
A: My philosophy is called “Artwareness” the combination of art & awareness. I think that art is a process of self transformation, either for the artist or for the viewer. Through art we can transform the way we think and open our self to new dimensions. I’m currently working on a website to present and develop those ideas. I’m also preparing now a lecture about the subject that I hope to present soon to college students in LA.

~ ~ ~

Isn’t his artistry incredible?  I’d also very much enjoy taking his Artwareness class.  Please do take a further look into his company website (be sure to check out the galleries and press area), fine art website and New Marquetry site.  If you’d like to see his Venice cottage in CA, here is a photo gallery.  I just adore his work and hope to see many more of his installations in the future.  Much appreciation to Paulin Paris for sharing his thoughts and artistry with us — I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did putting it together for your, dear Readers.  Have a wonderful weekend!