In The Details

Sorry to leave all you on such a sad note for so many days. I will be away from home for several days, and spent the last two on the road. Until I get back with more inspiration, here is a tiny detail that I love. I don't know if this is a decal or paint, but doesn't make the room? God is in the details they say.

What Is There To Say?

I'm still in shock over this.

Michael Jackson was a major icon in my life. I was 7yrs old when Thriller
was released. It was such a phenomenon that my view of pop music was forever
affected by him. His influence over so many aspects of music are still visible. From the art
of video making, choreography, fashion, etc. Without him modern music would not be what it is today.
I will always remember wearing my red "leather" jacket with the studded shoulders to my elementary school.
Also, in Middle school I took to taping the ends of my fingers like Michael did in his Bad album days.
Ha! I had forgotten that until I saw this video. No wonder kids used to call me weird! I just admired him so.
Of course, I can't pretend that I don't remember all the terrible allegations that followed him around the last
years of his life. I pray for those innocent children and wish that those things weren't true...but who's to say.
Now I just hope that they can find peace. I guess that's why this news is so shocking to me. I'm forced to deal
with my mixed emotions over a fallen idol.

One Lovely Blog

I would like to thank Sparrow of Simon on the Side for giving me a "One Lovely Blog" award. I'm honored:)
After receiving this, I am supposed to pass it on to 15 newly discovered blogs. It took me a while to compile this list, but I do like sharing these sites with all of you. Be sure to link over if you haven't seen them. I'm sure you will enjoy these blogs as much as I do.
So here is my list:

1. The Brick House (Love this room from her house, featured on Design Sponge)
(*Fellow Houston bloggers)
2. *Harbenger Duo
3. *Under A Paper Moon
4. *Late Check-In
5. The Design Boards
6. Knack
7. Little Brown Pen
8. A Room Somewhere
9. Design Fabulous
10. Bluebird Photography
11. Indian Summer Vintage
12. My Adventure is Your Advantage
13. Style Swoon
14. A Life More Fabulous
15. Design Studio

The Cottage Life

Yes? No? I never know how I feel about cottages. I love their character but many feel too restrictive. Small choppy floor plans. This house on the other hand, I do love. It was obviously remodeled and opened up. Now it has a great loft feel! It also helps that at over 1700 sqft. It isn't tiny.
OH, I WANT A NEW HOUSE SOOOO BAD!!!!!

(Found via The Houstonist)

The Next Annie Liebovitz?

I say this as a joke of course:) Last week at the David Byrne concert, he announced that the audience could take as many photos as they liked. Luckily, I had smuggled in my point ant shoot camera. Yes, I was planning on taking photos dishonestly....its funny, I didn't really feel bad about it until I wrote this, oops.
It turns out the joke was on me because I could have taken my better camera and gotten better pics.
This was the first time I attempted this type of photo, and I found out that is not as easy as it looks. The varying lights, dancing, working around the audience! It was kind of crazy for this amateur photographer.

When I got home, I was somewhat disappointed. Only 2 or 3 photos were sort of clear. So I decided to make lemonade from my lemons. Since many of the photos were so blurry, I took them to another level of blur! It was a very liberating process. Since I didn't have to worry about "ruining" the picture, I was free to do whatever I wanted. Very cool.

So I'm not holding my breathe for Rolling Stone to hire me any time soon, but this was a new and challenging process for me. I think at the next concert, I will know a little more what I'm up against and have a better approach. In the meantime, these off-beat photos are my tribute to one of my creative heroes:)

Currently Obsessed With...

Voila, in Los Angeles!! After reading the article about them over at 1st dibs, I can't get them out of my head. It seems like a rather haunting and intense place.

That's it! I need to have black walls somewhere!

I will admit that living with all the items in this store would be over the top, but adding one or two...talk about an amazing touch. I found these photos at 1st dibs, but there are more at Viola's site.

Personal Questions

I can never decide how I feel about personal questions. On one hand I wonder why it is that not many people ask personal questions (boo hoo) and on the other I feel somewhat uncomfortable when they do. Crazy, I know. Well, I took a leap and answered some for the lovely Nikk at a very fun blog called Onions+Garlic. Let's be honest, I did enjoy
talking about myself. Ha, ha!
Check it out here. (P.S. Don't you just love this banner?)
Thanks Nikk!

Mixed Media Painting Techniques, Frottage and Grattage

                                                                 Frottage 1 - 24" x 36" Mixed Media Painting: Pastel, Acrylic, Gesso on Glassine

For this summer's program of continuing education (last summer I studied Architecture in Italy), I have embarked on a course in 'Mixed Media Painting Techniques' at Emily Carr University of Art. The course teaches the process of image-making on built surfaces and works with a range of materials such as gesso, plaster, paint, ink, charcoal, and various papers. I am learning to explore 'expression and emotion' through layering, drawing, brushwork, Frottage and Grattage following in the footsteps of the greats in mixed media painting like: Max Ernst, Mark Rothko, and Paul Klee. I particularly like my teacher, Diana Kubicek's style of teaching. She teaches us to explore the various techniques fearlessly and says repeatedly there are "no mistakes"in painting. As a matter of fact "mistakes can be the building block of a great masterpiece". I like that! I have always been interested in drawing and sketching since my days in Design School, but find that I never have the time to take a brush to paper and do larger abstract paintings and works of art. So this course is a perfect opportunity to allow myself the freedom to explore different mixed media painting techniques. The last class we spent exploring the technique of Frottage (from French frotter, "to rub") a surrealist and "automatic" method of creative production. Frottage was developed by Max Ernst.

Frottage 2 - 18" x 24" Mixed Media Painting: Ink, Acrylic & Pastel on Paper

In frottage painting the artist takes a pencil or other drawing tool and makes a "rubbing" over a textured surface. The frottage drawing can be left as is or used as the basis for further refinement (which we are supposed to do for homework with the pieces we created in this class). While this technique is superficially similar to brass rubbing and other forms of rubbing intended to reproduce an existing subject, frottage painting differs in being aleatoric and occurring by chance. Frottage was developed by Max Ernst in 1925. Ernst was inspired by an ancient wooden floor where the grain of the planks had been accentuated by many years of scrubbing. The patterns of the graining suggested strange images to him. He captured these by laying sheets of paper on the floor and then rubbing over them with a soft pencil. In my Frottage Paintings 1, 2 and 4 the textured surface that I used to make the Frottage rubbing was a bamboo mat, string, and screen. In Frottage Painting 3, I did the rubbing over a Gessoed canvas that was prepared with the free form focus on the bark of a tree. As I was doing Frottage Painting 3, rubbing on the Gessoed canvas, it slowly evolved to resemble a Japanese mountain landscape with a waterfall collecting into a pool at the base of the mountain. Our teacher guided us in exploring this technique in creating our Frottage paintings which is based on Surrealist automatism*. *Automatism is a surrealist technique in painting, practiced without conscious aesthetic or moral self-censorship. Automatism has taken on many forms: the automatic painting and drawing initially (and still to this day) practiced by surrealists can be compared to similar, or perhaps parallel phenomena, such as the non-idiomatic improvisation of free jazz.

 

 

Frottage Painting 3 - 18" x 24" Pastel on tracing paper

Frottage Painting 4 - 12" x 18" Mixed Media Painting: Acrylic & Gesso on paper

In the first class we explored the technique of mixed media painting starting with a base of Gesso

 

Study 1 - 11" x 14" Mixed Media Painting Technique: Gesso, Acrylic and Watercolor on Card Stock

Gesso is an art supply used as surface preparation or primer for painting and sculpting. Gesso is believed to have been developed in Italy, since the word gesso is Italian for 'chalk'. Preparation varies according to intended use, but usually consists of mixing glue with plaster, chalk, or gypsum. (Gesso is the perfect base for starting a mixed media painting.)

Gesso resembles paint, but is thinner and dries hard. Gesso is applied with a brush and must dry before the surface can be painted. This technique of applying Gesso was first created for use in painting, in order to give the surface the right properties to receive paint. In Gothic and Renaissance panel painting, the technique of applying gesso over a panel of wood was used in order to give the paint something to adhere to. It created a slightly rough surface and prevented the paint from seeping into the wood. We were taught to apply the Gesso to our surface of our mixed media painting with a palette knife using broad strokes to building up the surface. Then various tools are used to create the textures. In Study 1 I used a metal clay sculpting tool with a comb like ridge to scrape across the wet Gesso. I then used the edge of my pallet knife to scrape in the diagonal ridges, then finished off with blotting areas with a sponge. I let the piece dry and then applied watercolor and acrylic in layers to the painting, while at the same time using a roller to take off the excess wet color on the surface so that the paint pigment settled into the crevices of the Gesso. I used the side of my palette knife to scrape off the raised portions of the diagonal lines to reveal the white Gesso below - a technique called Grattage*. Also the Gesso doesn't extend to the edge of the paper and gives it an interesting border. *Grattage is a surrealist technique in mixed media painting in which (usually dry) paint is scraped off the canvas. It was employed by Max Ernst and Joan Miró

Detail of Mixed Media Painting Technique: Study 1 above.

Study 2 - 10" x 10" Mixed Media Painting Technique: Masking Tape, Gesso and Watercolor on Glass

Study 3 - 7" x 10" Mixed Media Painting Technique: Gesso and Watercolor on Paper

 

Have you had any experience with Mixed Media Painting, Frottage or Grattage or other Mixed Media techniques?
Please let me know by leaving a Comment.

 

Another post you might be interested in: Abstract Art - Go Big or Go Home

Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
© Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog, 2009

Mas Amor

(Translation: More Love)
I know many of you loved this incredible work space as much as I did. Dezeen posted a more extensive article with additional photos and an interview with the architect...just one problem. The interview is in Spanish, so you might need a translator. Its got great photos though!

The Best Garden Pathways

This is the time of the year, summer, glorious summer to spend time outdoors. Renew, refresh, get inspired. Visit your favorite garden or park, or dream about making your garden a little more special. I love gardens with pathways that invite exploration. Gardens that make you want to meander, to spend time and to contemplate the finer things of life. I love all the different colors of green in gardens. You don't necessarily have to have color in flowers to make a garden pop. Try different textures, shapes, and colors of greens. A well placed statue or urn gives the eye a place to focus and center on. A water feature can add a cooling element, and a splashing fountain can be a calming and soothing to the soul. Well designed gardens with meandering pathways with well placed plantings and focal points are truly works of art using nature as the canvas.

Garden Pathways

Lavender Garden Pathway
Smell the lavender as you walk down the gravel path to the fountain with lily pads awaiting you.
I imagine that this pool is filled with Koi and that there is a bench or comfortable seating on
the other side to sit and contemplate.

 
Garden Pathway
What a feat of design this elliptical planting between the slate pavers is.
A well placed statue draws you to the end of this pathway.

Garden Pathway
Still there are moments when the shadows fall And the low sea of flowers, wave on wave,
spreads to the pathway from the rosy wall Saying in coloured silence,
"Take our all; You gave to us, and back to you we gave. Vita Sackville-West

This beautiful arbor (above)is supported by a brick wall. It reminds me of the gardens that English poet and novelist, Vita Sackville-West created at Sissinghurst Castle Garden. In April 1930 Vita Sackville-West and her son, Nigel, were looking for an old house where she could make a new garden. Vita fell in love with Sissinghurst Castle and bought it, along with 400 acres of farmland. She spent the next 30 years planting and designing the layout of the garden using the walls & buildings already in place. She was also the first to plant an "all-white garden" because she wanted the color of the flowers and foliage to act as an illuminating factor to prolong the daylight hours and hence to be able to extend the time she could spend in the garden. I spent a delightful summer, several years ago, reading her book: Garden. The gardens at Sissinghurst that Vita so lovingly created, are now part of the National trust and are open for public viewing.

Garden Pathway Villa San Michele, Capri
The house was small, the rooms were few but there were loggias, terraces, and pergolas all around it to watch the sun,
the sea and the clouds -- the soul needs more space than the body.

Reading this poem just makes me sigh and relax. It is so true that "the soul needs more space than the body" and how wonderful to recharge by spending time strolling under this pergola and hearing the soft crunch of the pea gravel under your feet - A thing of beauty is a joy forever! Excerpt by Axel Munthe from La Strada della Dolce Vita

 
Garden Pathway

Garden Pathway Photograph David Duncan Livingston

Garden Pathway

 
Garden Pathway
The best garden pathways can be the simplest, like this cut grass pathway above.

Garden Courtyard Pathway

Pea Gravel Pathway Bulgari Hotel Milan  
I love the use of old brick for garden pathways. Old brick has a character and charm that is hard to duplicate with new materials.

Garden Pathway
Garden on Turtle Creek, Dallas TX, (above and below) was designed by renowned Landscape Architects, Michael van Valkenburgh.
The backbone of the garden is a continuous path of varied walking surfaces and garden pathways that flow from the house down the slope.
The meandering stainless steel planks are hollow underfoot altering the pace of the walk through the garden.
A brilliant juxtaposition of materials!

Garden Pathway

Garden Pathway Versailles
And who is not in love with the beautiful gardens at Versailles.
The French really take their strolling in garden pathways seriously!
Some of my most memorable and refreshing times have been spent in gardens
walking their beautiful pathways while taking in the sights and smells around me.

What makes a perfect garden pathway for you?
Please leave a comment and let me know.

Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
© Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog, 2009

Its A Casamidy World

Lately I keep thinking about traveling. I'm not sure why I'm so preoccupied with vacationing this early in the summer, maybe because we are already topping 100 degrees! I think its going to be a long summer. My current goal is to travel to San Miguel de Allende, not that I think it will feel very cool; but I know it would be beautiful. Many of you may be familiar with the design company Casamidy, located in San Miguel. Their interiors and furniture are so striking and amazing. Well, I just found they own several properties both in Mexico and France that are available to rent. Anyone interested in sharing a place?

I can feel history and warmth jumping out from these photos! The architecture and furnishings are so beautiful. I love traveling to places that spark my creativity. I think my imagination could really soar here.

Monday Morning Randomness

Here are a couple of things that are on my mind this morning. First, I'm so excited about this concert, I can't sit still!!!
Second, have you ever thought what your Ikea name would be if you were a piece of furniture? Well, wonder no more! Go here and find out. Apparently, I would also be a very minimal platform bed, hmmm?
I'll be back later today:)

Go With The Flow

So I've got a kid who obviously likes to express himself. I figured
why not just go with it! Far be it for me to discourage a kid's desire to be creative.
I selected a few of my favorite school projects of Liam's and framed them myself.
I just went to an art supply and bought some simple frames with nice mats.
I also hung them at his eye level so he can see his own work.
I tell him how much I like them all the time:)

Walk Into A Favorite Movie

(I love how the window treatments capture the eerie glow in the movie's hotel window and yes I realize that there are more orange chairs)
All Alkemie readers may have seen her mention the Vertigo Hotel last week, but for those who didn't; I had to revisit it. This cool hotel is in San Francisco and inspired by, what else...Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. This is one of my favorite movies, ever! I am a Hitchcock fanatic and Vertigo is by far my favorite movie of his. So you can imagine my excitement to see photos of this hotel. How soon can I get there, I wonder?

When it comes to set design, Vertigo always tops the list as my favorite. It combines great Mid century style with classic San Francisco architecture. I especially love Scottie's (Jimmy Stewart) apartment. Love every detail. I have to admit that I am also intrigued by a hotel getting its inspiration from such a dark and mysterious movie. It doesn't exactly have a happy ending. I had to include a clip, but if you haven't seen Vertigo don't watch past 7 minutes. But I insist that you see this classic AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Sorry, my passionate movie buff is taking over.