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!!
The winner of the Crystal Scented Candle Urn from Tina and her Enchanted Home Shop is Cathy Wall from the Fabulous Room RX
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
43 comments:
Love Theresa's work! Amazing.
Congratulations Cathy! Great giveaway!!
Teresa
xoxo
Thank you for bringing Theresa's Works and Wisdom.
When my son started University this year one of his Art Teacher - and after being inquired by some students what place Art had in a Contry fustigated by Crisis - he answered in the same fashion as Theresa; he said: Art is not a burden, it's the answer, an escape.
So it was wonderful to read about it here.
Thank you,
Teresa
Wonderful work, she is truly a talent!
what lovely work!
smiles.
michele
That ceiling is AMAZING!!
Karena, Her work is amazing! I love the chest in the first photo.
What amazing work and I love the florr she's sitting on in the first image. Nice interview it's always fun getting to know these talented people.
XX
Debra~
What amazing work and I love the florr she's sitting on in the first image. Nice interview it's always fun getting to know these talented people.
XX
Debra~
truly exquisite
This was truly wonderful! I'm so glad to find out about Theresa's wonderful work and her blog as well! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Carolyn
Thank you so much for the write up Karena. It is always good to see artists supporting other artists!
Truly amazing! Thanks for introducing us to another wonderful artist!!
Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing.
xoxo, B
Theresa's works look really beautiful.
Oh to have been one of the artists to grace your hall of fame here! And look at this one! What GORGEOUS WORK! It is so nice to know that there are still ARTISANS who put time into creating such lovely details, like in days of old!
Dear one, thank you for everything! I still have not heard from the winner of the wand! I guess this wand was NOT meant to be!
Anita
She's got some real talent.
Such a lovely and insightful interview with Theresa... xv
What fabulous work and such a wonderful interview :)
Wonderfully inspiring work. I could talk, look, eat and create art all day long!
Hi, Karena - Thanks for this feature on Theresa Cheek! It's always exciting to see her projects — and a great inspiration, too!
Hi Karena, I have followed Theresa's work for several years. She is truly a very fine and talented artist. Theresa is also a very charming person. She is very supportive of other artists, a sign of kindness that makes her even more special.
i've always been a huge admirer of art, but horrible at it myself..i wish i had studied some form of art history -there's so much to it!
Wonderful interview and amazing work! The detail on the chest piece is gorgeous.
Leslie
Hello Karena, I have so enjoyed scrolling through many of your posts and seeing the creativity and talent featured here. Beautiful!
Nice stopping by!
Kindly, Lorraine
Karena, Theresa is simply amazing. What a gift she has. The chest is to die for.
Paula
I've always been in awe of decorative painters and her work is divine!
Havea a wonderful weekend!
xo
Sharon
Theresa is a great artist. Decorative painting is not as simple as it seems. As an artist myself I know what a painstaking process it is to do decorative painting.
Thanks for introducing her.
Best wishes
Splendid interview. I love everything Theresa does "old and crumbly" to perfection.
Was delighted to see you featuring Theresa and her blog. Can't remember where I "found" her, but have been gobsmacked by her talent and her grace. Theresa's art is laden with history, meaning and talent. That's a divine trinity for me.
Beautiful! Thank you for introducing us to Theresa! Thank you for linking to the Thursday Favorite Things Hop. I appreciate your bloggy friendship xo
Love Theresa's approach to art...fabulous. Have a great weekend. Mona
Thanks, Karen, for the hard work you put into these beautiful series. I enjoyed this interview.
Very nice....azpeitia
woww great post good luck
Really wonderful work. I particularly love the black chest.
Oh those doors! I am gasping in delight. What talent!
Hi there
That's an excellent interview and great advise for young artists. I've enjoyed reading "Art's the Answer" for quite a while, I'm always interested in the process and technique.
Kathi
Karena,
I wanted to stop by and extend a huge thank you for your very kind comments on my guest post at Cassie's on Friday!
So sweet and thoughtful and complimentary ...
:)
Linda
Oh Karena,
Her work is magnificent. Off to visit her blog now! Thanks for bringing her to our attention. Hope you had a wonderful weekend.
Much love
Di
X
Karena,
Beautiful interview! I love the book!
Have a great day and thank you for sharing, Elizabeth
What a wonderfully talented artist she is! Thank you for introducing her to us, your fortunate readers. Reggie
These are absolutely amazing!Such an amazing artist!
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