Introducing the extremely talented Decorative Painter Theresa Cheek of Art's The Answer
I hope you will enjoy the following interview and images of her spectacular work.
Theresa says "Art’s the answer...let me interpret what you see in your
head. Using paint, gold leaf. plasters, egg tempera or a
combination of mediums, let me visualize your dreams. I specialize in making
things “old and crumbly” with European influences. Painting for over twenty years with a degree in Art
History, I approach each project with serious research to give authentic
results.
Art’s the answer....let me give you your dreams!
Emphasizing art and decoration in daily life..."
Tell me about when you discovered your desire to
paint.
I
don't know when I was not attracted to art!
I had my
first commission while in my early teens.While earning a BFA in Art History at
the Univ. of Texas, I took many studio classes to keep up the painting and
drawing. I was always attracted to color and creating. Drawing was my first
passion, and painting came later with experience.
Who
has inspired you in this field of decorative painting? Who do you admire from
present or past artists working in this genre?
Artisans that have a passion for lost techniques have influenced
me the most in my career. Contemporaries such as Lucretia Moroni, Jean-Luc
Sable, Carolina d'Ayala Valva, Alison Woolley and George Zaffle have all taught
me in workshops and influence my style and approach to all of my projects.
Pascal Amblard and Pierre Finkelstein are also people that I look to for
influence and direction.
Works by Koo Schadler, Carlo Marchiori , Adrian Card and Miriam
Escofet also make my heart beat fast!
Theresa do you have a specialty within this
field of art? ie: Trompe l’oeil, Arabesque, Fois Bois, Cartouche? (You may want
to define these terms for readers are not familiar or any other areas of
decorative art that you love.)
Deterioration completely fascinates
me! My mantra is making things "old and crusty". I love weaving this into trompe
l'oeil and arabesque using washes of color, abrading of the surface, waxes and
rottenstone. Trompe work is when the subject matter is painted in such a way
that it "fools the eye" into thinking the illusion is real. Arabesque is a
decorative design based in Arabic or Moorish roots.
I
know that you travel
to France and Italy to gain
inspiration…does this get fresh ideas percolating for new projects and works of
art?
Definitely! I spent last year and this one
documenting fresco work in Florence, Venice and Bologna. Sometimes, just a color
combination on a wall or a faded decorative design will inspire an entire
project. I take tons of photos never knowing what will spark a new
project.
Would you tell us about a favorite project or two in your career that stand
out? I know that you have so many of your projects at Art's the Answer website.
Chinoiserie is one
of my weaknesses! I have done a few rooms with different chinoiserie scenes
including pagodas, fruit trees with birds and other Asian elements.
Where would you suggest that new artists go
for instruction/ courses in this field?
There are many conferences that have
classroom teaching for students wanting to improve their skills. Art forums also
offer incredible first hand knowledge in their archive threads. Art schools and
studios offer private smaller classes with artisans as well. Many of these
classes advertise on the art forums.
Lastly, Theresa what kind of advice do you have for
new artisans starting in this business?
You must be in it
for the long haul. This must be your passion, you cannot be in it strictly for
the money! Diversify your talents and try to stay on trend by attending lectures
and conventions. Build files on Pinterest and see what is trending there. Offer
different techniques on several levels of expertise so price points can vary.
Do not be afraid of hard work! In this economy, many jobs are small and require
a lot of labor. Read art forums and get involved in the threads, there are many
good discussions in the archives. Find a good mentor and pattern yourself after
their successes!
Theresa,
thank you so much for this interview. As you know I love your blog Art's the Answer and your Art website Art's the Answer. I could look at your art & designs for
hours!!
Please visit Theresa's blog and art site; you will be thrilled with the Fine Artistry you see!!
I also want to thank Emily from the wonderful blog Splendid Market for a luxurious Spa Soap from The Malibu Ranch, A Pedometer, which I am already using and a tote Bag!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Thanks to all of my readers who support the Arts, Artists, Entrepreneurs and Fellow Bloggers
Your comments mean so very much!
Images and some text courtesy of Art's the Answer
