Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Happiest of Holidays to You and Yours



May  You, Your Family, and Loved Ones  be Blessed by the Love, Spirit and Joys of this Holiday Season and may you Experience All of the Best that our Life offers in The New Year Ahead!

Thanks to the human heart by which we live,
Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, and fears,
To me the meanest flower that blows can give
Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.

Wordsworth


The Winner of the $75 Gift Certificate from Novica is Anita from Castles Crowns and Cottages
Congratulations Anita!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena





Image Via Castles Crowns & Cottages

Monday, December 10, 2012

Introducing Paul Dorrell, Gallery Owner, Art Dealer and Author




Paul Dorrell is the Author of the updated and revised book, Living the Artist's Life.

He has been the owner of The renowned Leopold Gallery in Kansas City since 1991, a Fine Art Dealer  and Artist's Representative.

I hope you enjoy our conversation below and images from some of the artist's he represents.

His book truly can apply not only to Artists, also Writers, to Designers, Architects, really any Entrepreneur who realizes that one must follow their dreams. and what it takes to do just that!  Living the Artist's Life is bold, part memoir, and even humorous at times.


Event at the Leopold Gallery





1)      Paul, I understand that you opened The Leopold Gallery to support your true avocation of being a writer. Were you surprised that indeed you became a renowned Gallery Owner, Art Dealer and Author?  

Very surprised, as that was certainly not the plan--but such is life for most of us.


Allen Chow

 2)     You have represented major artists; painters, sculptors, fine glass blowers. Do you develop an innate sense that an aspiring artist will become successful? What do you look for?  

From some I look for outrageousness, others a firm rooting in great artistic traditions, others a profound sense of abstraction or craft.  Of course I can’t always tell who will succeed, but my staff and I usually have a fairly good sense about it. 


Kansas University Medical Center

 3)     How do you help artists turn their left brains on to be able to deal with the business side of being an artist?  

We just guide them, step by step, in ways that don’t intrude on their creativity but that do enhance their career.  I mean if I can do it, as a writer, anybody can.



Presentation and Book Signing

4)     In your book, “Living the Artist’s Life”, you very candidly describe the highs and lows, the extreme struggles and the huge successes that you, yourself have experienced. Why is this so relevant to the working artist?  

Because the vast majority of artists often feel, at various times, that they’re failing—as do most people.  I feel it’s important that they realize how common that experience is, as that can be reassuring.





5)     Which are some of the Art Installations you are most proud of?  

All the big works—blown glass, paintings, sculptures—at H&R Block, University of Kansas Hospital, Saint Luke’s Hospital, and the Overland Park Convention Center.  Also the National D-Day Memorial.

Portion of H & R Block Installation



6)     You describe corporations today as being like The Medici’s of the Renaissance Art Period. Can you tell us more about that? How does this affect communities?  

Corporations have resources for buying art that far outstrip what most individuals can spend at this time in history.  This means they can have a huge impact on the culture of their region if they’ll work with regional artists—and not try to dictate the art.  That is somewhat similar to what the Medici family did in Italy.


Derrick Breidenthal
 
7)      Paul you have had many travels, far and wide. What compelled you to come back to Kansas City to work and raise your family? 

 This place has always been home to me, and I was acutely aware when we opened, in 1991, that it felt culturally inferior to the larger cities on the two coasts, as though people here were not as talented.  I wanted to help put an end to that, as it was impeding the cultural and artistic growth of the region.  My clients, both corporate and private, have helped us in that mission.


Matt Kirby

8)     Finally what words of wisdom would you impart to the artist of any age or genre?   

Never give up, never give up, never give up.

Thank you so much Paul for taking the time with us!


Paul's New Book, Living the Artist's Life

I hope you have enjoyed this interview with Paul. He has made a huge impression on the landscape, the recognition of art and its importance in our world!

You can visit Paul's Leopold Gallery website at LeopoldGallery.com 

This is an International Giveaway, so please, all can Enter

1) Enter for an opportunity to win a signed copy of Living The Artist's Life by visiting The Leopold Gallery site and tell us an artist who inspires you! There are many not shown here!

2) Extra entries by Liking Leopold Gallery on Facebook, Tweeting or Posting on your own site!

You may also order a copy or copies (great Gift for an Artist Friend or yourself)

The winner will be chosen on December 16th at Midnight EST!


Thanks to all of my Friends,Family, and Followers!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena




Saturday, December 8, 2012

The Winner From the House of Edward!

We have a Winner for the book by Pamela Terry, "From the House of Edward"



This is the time of the year when books are on many Gift Lists!
If you are not the winner; You can Purchase this book, "From the House of Edward"here!

Other Classic Favorites

The Stunning Movie has also just released!
A Personal Favorite!
So take the time to cherish the Holidays and perhaps end your day with an hour or so of reading. It will take you to another world.







When I was a Young Girl my dear belated cousin, Sharon gave me my first books to read. This led to a lifelong joy of reading!

The Arts includes so many genres, Dance, Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, design, and more. Writing, & Putting Pen to Paper is as great as any!

Now the Winner of the Book by Pamela Terry is Andrea of The French Basketeer!



Congratulations to Andrea.

Look for my next Artist Feature and Giveaway in the next few days!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena


Thank you to my friends, family and bloggers who have supported the arts and have been here for me...I am indeed on the road to recovery!
Blessings to All!

Blog Archive