Wednesday, May 16, 2012

2012 Artists Series Featuring Theresa Cheek of Art's the Answer

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:

Splendid Sass said...

Love Theresa's work! Amazing.
Congratulations Cathy! Great giveaway!!
Teresa
xoxo

Teresa said...

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

therelishedroost said...

Wonderful work, she is truly a talent!

michele said...

what lovely work!

smiles.

michele

My Notting Hill said...

That ceiling is AMAZING!!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Karena, Her work is amazing! I love the chest in the first photo.

Acquired Objects said...

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~

Acquired Objects said...

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~

Pura Vida said...

truly exquisite

carolyn bradford said...

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

Theresa Cheek said...

Thank you so much for the write up Karena. It is always good to see artists supporting other artists!

Simply LKJ said...

Truly amazing! Thanks for introducing us to another wonderful artist!!

Champagne Macarons said...

Absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing.
xoxo, B

Ann said...

Theresa's works look really beautiful.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

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

Anita at Cedar Hill said...

She's got some real talent.

Vicki Archer said...

Such a lovely and insightful interview with Theresa... xv

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

What fabulous work and such a wonderful interview :)

The Artful Diva said...

Wonderfully inspiring work. I could talk, look, eat and create art all day long!

Mark D. Ruffner said...

Hi, Karena - Thanks for this feature on Theresa Cheek! It's always exciting to see her projects — and a great inspiration, too!

Gina said...

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.

Nuha said...

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!

Leslie said...

Wonderful interview and amazing work! The detail on the chest piece is gorgeous.

Leslie

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

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

Ivy and Elephants said...

Karena, Theresa is simply amazing. What a gift she has. The chest is to die for.

Paula

Fashion-isha said...

I've always been in awe of decorative painters and her work is divine!
Havea a wonderful weekend!
xo
Sharon

Paisley Curtain said...

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

Brillante Interiors said...

Splendid interview. I love everything Theresa does "old and crumbly" to perfection.

home before dark said...

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.

Katherines Corner said...

Beautiful! Thank you for introducing us to Theresa! Thank you for linking to the Thursday Favorite Things Hop. I appreciate your bloggy friendship xo

Mona Thompson Providence Ltd. said...

Love Theresa's approach to art...fabulous. Have a great weekend. Mona

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Thanks, Karen, for the hard work you put into these beautiful series. I enjoyed this interview.

Azpeitia poeta y escritor said...

Very nice....azpeitia

baju muslim murah said...

woww great post good luck

An Urban Cottage said...

Really wonderful work. I particularly love the black chest.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh those doors! I am gasping in delight. What talent!

kathi said...

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

Linda @ it all started with paint said...

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

YONKS said...

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

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

Karena,

Beautiful interview! I love the book!

Have a great day and thank you for sharing, Elizabeth

Reggie Darling said...

What a wonderfully talented artist she is! Thank you for introducing her to us, your fortunate readers. Reggie

gothic victorian dresses said...

These are absolutely amazing!Such an amazing artist!

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