Artistic Endeavors Archives | Page 42 of 58

Artistic Endeavors

All Things Home

studio transformation | part 3

Today, I wanted to share more detail on the “window walls” of the studio. I was so excited about all of the natural light that comes in from not just one, but two full walls of windows. This room is flooded from sunrise to sunset. Fortunately, though, it’s not direct light until late afternoon, so I don’t have to deal with sunbeams in my face all day. I will have to add some window treatments to diffuse the light, when needed, though. I’m thinking I’ll make some simple linen shades that will just tie up. The old hardware store cabinet is really the focal point of the room. I bought it off of craigslist earlier this year and it’s the one large counter I decided to keep from my last studio space. It was tough to sell some of those beautiful antique counters, but I felt like this one was

August 30, 2017 40 Comments

All Things Home

studio transformation | part 1

Believe it or not, we’re not trying to get the entire house completed in two weeks! We are making a push, though, to get a bunch of big things checked off the to-do list. One of those big things is painting the studio…all of it. The walls, the floor, the ceiling, the trim. Buckets and buckets of paint. And painting like that is better done with help. But first, this is a room that wasn’t insulated or climate controlled. That’s just not going to work when it’s 2 degrees outside. The climate control is coming, but earlier this week, we had it insulated. The floor and ceiling were both easily accessed, but the walls under the window had to be removed, insulated, and replaced. This may have been a more advanced DIY project, but we decided to hire it out, so it was done quickly and professionally. The wall on

August 11, 2017 74 Comments

Artistic Endeavors

Dash & Albert Rug Design Competition | design process

As I shared in my last post about the Dash & Albert Rug Design Competition (click the link to see what it’s all about), I used an antique coverlet as the starting point for the designs. This one, to be more specific… When I was initially asked to join the competition, these designs, which I had already worked on for a different project (I didn’t end up using them for that), seemed perfect. Prior to submission, I clarified with the competition organizers that reworking antique designs was permitted. They not only said yes, but told me the designs in their existing lines that are based on antiques are often the most popular. So, the design process started out with taking choice pictures of sections of the coverlet. They needed to be sections without stains or holes (or with the least amount) and I had to capture enough of the design to create

July 13, 2017 8 Comments

a slice of life

documenting the ordinary

So, I’m basically a stalker now. I’ve shared about Michelle Wooderson’s watercolor class (on Jeanne Oliver’s Creative Network) and how inspirational I find her Instagram feed. She’s one of my “click-overs”. ** In addition to inciting art supply envy (in the best possible way), she has been sharing a watercolor journal project. It’s a 1920’s diary she is working through – reading the entries and adding a sketch or watercolor to each page. The thing that struck me more than the loose and free art added by Michelle, is that these entries are mundane. The diary was just about documenting the ordinary…the everyday things that happen in life. Weather, errands, chores, visits, etc. And I want to see what Cora, the diary author, is doing each day! There is an attraction to the ordinary and the simple and I think it’s easy to forget that as a blogger. I know I

June 28, 2017 43 Comments

All Things Home

the by-product of a beautiful environment

I took an online landscape watercolor journaling class a couple of months ago through the Jeanne Oliver Creative Network. The class was taught by Michelle Wooderson and I was not only inspired by the techniques and studies, but how Michelle paid so much attention to the details of all of her supplies. Every element was thoughtful and personal. I mean, now I *needed* a rubber date stamp for my sketches and watercolors! And as soon as I saw her mixing her paint in little ironstone butter pats… well, there was no denying that she’s a kindred spirit. As I was watching the videos, I found myself more interested in her supplies than the assignment! It’s like her artwork was just a by-product that sprang forth out of the beautiful environment it was created in. Since that class, I’ve been following her on Instagram @mishwooderson . If you already love art supplies, you’re in for

June 7, 2017 23 Comments

a slice of life

Friday art date

I’ve shared about my friend, Katie, who is an amazing artist with formal training. Well, we had an idea to sketch/paint together once a week on Friday afternoons. Life has gotten in the way a few times, because we’re both busy, but each time we have gotten together, it has been so amazing. Last time, we were just sketching an egg. This time, we were sprawled out on the floor, painting landscapes in oil. It’s rushed and disorganized and we make it up as we go along, but it’s two friends spending time together doing something we love. It’s good for the heart. So, I’ve been wanting to get into oils and I have never used them. It made me laugh when we both pulled out our supplies. Her paints are well used and her palette is seasoned… All of mine were brand spanking new in stark contrast. Well, mine will

April 25, 2017 33 Comments

Artistic Endeavors

Romantic Homes Photo Shoot

Last October, I drove down to West Virginia to photograph the home of Melanie, from the blog Sweet Melanie, for Romantic Homes magazine. This was the second time I was hired as a photographer and stylist for a magazine, so I had one shoot under my belt, but I am still very much a rookie. I stopped by Melanie’s house the night before to check out the spaces, so I could get a sense of what rooms we should shoot first as well as what “fresh props”, like flowers, fruit, and food, I should purchase. There would be some challenges. The rooms were small, so I would have to use wide angle lenses and wedge myself into corners. One of the rooms was in the basement, so the natural lighting was minimal and shadowy. There were a lot of pluses, though. First off, Melanie lived up to her blog name and she

April 3, 2017 32 Comments

Artistic Endeavors

furniture updates…

I have spent the better part of this week playing catch-up and getting back into the swing of things after my trip. I had a full day in the studio on Wednesday, though, and it was so great to be in my creative space again. I cranked my music, got some things checked off the to-do list, and worked on some furniture pieces for Lucketts. Remember my pair of Frenchies? Here is how they are looking now… Kriste stripped them while I was away and she painted the frames in MMS Milk Paint Linen. They still need one more light coat, so the finish is a bit more uniform before I distressed. I picked out an antique windowpane toweling fabric for them, though, and I can’t wait to see how they look in their new digs. Another piece in the works is this hutch top and table base. They were two

March 31, 2017 28 Comments

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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