Artist Nathaniel Galka

When I first viewed paintings by Nathaniel Galka, I was very impressed by his ability to combine an ethereal Asian sensibility with nature and florals. He then brings a surprise, whether a nest, a bird, and even a moose that looks like he belongs right where he is standing amongst the trees.

Enjoy these paintings and the interview I had with Nathaniel recently. It opened my eyes to yet another artist's aesthetic, views and inspiration for his works of art!

1) Nathaniel, when did you first realize that you wanted to create, to paint?

I really never had a choice. I stared painted at age 3-4. I came from a family of artists. My grandfather was a photographer and my mother a sculptor. I never saw myself doing anything else. They were very encouraging and saw that it was the only thing I liked doing, and saw that I was always honing my talent and craft.

2)  What inspires you? Nature, travels, your own thoughts.....

The randomness of nature, the elegance and play of architecture on couture fashion. Using paint to convey an idea; the influence of Japanese wood-blocks is implicit. Bringing together time periods, mark making, waves and clouds.

I start with a kind of destruction on the canvas and then start bringing in the beauty. A journey then develops that my collectors want to travel along with me.

3) Do you have a mentor or who are some artists past/ present you admire?


A professor, James Valerio at Northwestern University,  in Evanston, Illinois, where I had a Full Scholarship and Fellowship. Also Dennis Drummond at the Columbus College of Art and Design, where I had a top scholarship.


The artist that I feel is the true master is John Singer Sargent. He is awe inspiring. His brush strokes are perfection, a hand done with so few strokes of paint, yet literally placed perfectly, effortlessly. One feels an insignificance in front of one of his paintings.

4)  I see that you are formally trained even though you started painting at such a young age.

Yes, and I was also the youngest artist accepted at age 13, into The Tennessee Watercolor Society and in high school to The Marie Sharp Art Foundation.

5)  Nathaniel, what do you enjoy doing to relax in your spare time?

I go into my studio and paint, paint paint. I am a night person, so can be found in the studio many nights at 3 AM. It is what I love and it is a kind of escapism.

6) Would you give some words of wisdom to the aspiring artist of any age?

Breathe and relax. Listen only to those people you really admire, and listen more than you talk. If you like what you are putting your heart and soul into, others will like it too. Your talent makes it art, be a fine artist, be what you feel and breathe.

7) Nathaniel do you have upcoming gallery events scheduled in the next year?

I have a Solo Show at the Muse Gallery, in Columbus, Ohio August, 2015. Details to follow soon.

Another Sole Show will be held at Curlytale Fine Art, Chicago, Illinois, November, 2015. More details to follow.

 

Nathaniel Galka

Nathaniel thank you so much for this wonderful and enlightening interview!


Nathaniel's art is available at both Muse Galleries in Columbus, Ohio and Hilton Head, South Carolina. http://gallery.publishpath.com

His works of art are at The Gitana Rosa Gallery in New York City. http://gitanarosa.com 

He is also represented by Curly Tale Fine Art. http://curlytalefineart.com/section/336847_Nathaniel_Galka.html 

Nathaniel's Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/Nathaniel.Galka.Artist

His works of art range in price from $2200. to 27,000. for his very large scale paintings. 

Thank you to my Family, Friends, and Followers who support The Arts!

Please leave a comment as your thoughts make my day! 

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xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

Harrison Howard's Chinoiserie Art for Caspari

One of my favorite artists of all time, Harrison Howard, now has one of his Chinoiserie themed paintings featured on a new line of paper goods from Caspari. "Garden Folly" is a perfect choice for the plates, napkins, place cards and more which are offered in this new summer selection.The perfectly executed, yet oh so whimsical details will take your breath away.

Harrison is renowned for his intricate works of art which include The Flower Lady,  Shells,  and the Chinoiseries Series. His murals and wall panels are well known in Southern California (he lives in the Point Loma area of San Diego) as well as throughout the world as his client list is stellar.

Please enjoy some of his works of art featured here and then visit his website, www.harrisonhoward.com to peruse and learn more about this exptemely talented artist. Even one of his paintings or lithographs will be stunning in any room of your home, although in pairs they make a very dramatic statement.

The Architect

Rendezvous at Night

According to Harrison, on his paintings, " They are the product of numerous other influences as well, including many of the things surrounding me in everyday life, and extending to a passion for many areas of the decorative arts, such as the fanciful Chinoiserie designs of the 18th century Frenchman, Jean Pillement. In particular, I would acknowledge the countless other artists through the ages, too numerous too mention here, whose work has electrified my imagination. My pictures are aimed at the fundamental pleasure that almost all of us take in imaginative and quirky ideas."

Yellow Tree Snails and Red Coral

The Seahorse

Assortment of boxed Note Cards

The Blue and White Pavillion

Harrison's  new Garden Folly line can be purchased directly from Caspari online or found at your better gift shops which carry Caspari paper goods. His works of art and contact information for Harrison Howard are located at his site www.harrisonhoward.com and also at Tiger Flower Studio  

Thank you to my Friends and Followers who support The Arts

Please leave a comment as they truly make my day!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

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MJH Design Arts IS HAVING A HUGE LIGHTING SALE

MJH DesignArts DESIGNED WHIPPET LAMPS--just look at the incredible detail!

Gorgeous Lighting.......lamps, sconces, chandeliers--ANTIQUE BRASS CANDLESTICKS........Mary loves just about all lighting elements. Her favorites are antiques brass candlesticks from the 17th through modern 20th c examples. Mary started collecting antique brass candlesticks while living in Spain and has sold more than one collection.

Most of her lighting pieces are listed on  1stdibs.com under the store site "THE COLLECTION" (WEST HOLLYWOOD)

SO she is  PUTTING ALL OF her LIGHTING ELEMENTS ON SALE--they are all from 35 to 50 PERCENT OFF ORIGINAL PRICING!

Here are some examples from her website mjhdesignarts.com--for additional information and pricing, go to the website and click on "LIGHTING"--she will  be posting prices tonite and tomorrow. Please email her--or you can contact her directly from the webpage--if she has neglected to post the sale pricing, please let her know. Some of the lamps are her very own designs, others are simply what she loves

Here goes.......

PAIR of JAMES MONT STYLE SOLID BRASS PAGODA LAMPS--LOVE THE DOLPHIN FINIALS

A PAIR of OPALINE CERULEAN BLUE LAMPS DATING TO 1950s

MJH DesignArts (Mary herself!) designed large CHINOISERIE SCONCES----these were in the Graystone Manor room designed by renowned international designer Michelle Nussbaumer

Gorgeous Rock Crystal Drops

Stunning Details

PAIR OF MJH DESIGN ARTS DESIGNED ROCK CRYSTAL & ANTIQUE ITALIAN FAUX PAINTED FRAGMENT--WITH VINTAGE FORTUNY SHADES.

PAIR of PERIOD LOUIS XV BRASS CANDLESTICKS (favorites) c. 1760

PAIR PERIOD  FRENCH REGENCE STICKS, c.1725

OPALINE MURANO LAMP

FANTASTIC ITALIAN WHEAT SCONCES OR ELECTRIFIED CANDELABRA 

Reach Mary at mjhdesignarts@gmail.com   
http://mjhdesignarts.blogspot.com/ 
The Collection on 1stDibs

Sale runes through Sunday June 8th!

This is an amazing opportunity to acquire very unique lighting that you will not find anywhere else!



Thank you to my Followers,  Friends and Family who support The Arts

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

2012 Artists Series Featuring San Diego Artist Harrison Howard

I would like to introduce you to the artist Harrison Howard.

His works of fine art are so exquisite;executed with such detail and precision. I know you will love his paintings every bit as much as I do! Please enjoy this interview with Mr Howard.

The Astronomer

In the Studio

 Harrison, when were you first drawn to the world of art and painting. What inspired you at that time?

My father made his living as an artist and my mother painted off and on for pleasure.  They encouraged that interest, and I can’t remember a point in time when I did not think in terms of spending my life painting.

The Flower Lady

  Did you take art classes in  school or are you a self taught artist?

I spent a total of seven years in art programs at the college level although I only hold an undergraduate BS in industrial design.

The Green Folly

I have seen some of your Father’s Works (murals) in La Jolla at The La Valencia Hotel. (my late husband actually proposed to me in the wonderful Whaling Bar there)

What kind of influence did he have on your decision to begin painting and drawing? 

I am a very different kind of artist than my father, but he taught me a large part of the methods I use in watercolor, and more significantly I think his and my mother’s interest in art and the decorative arts fueled many of my own life long interests.

Parasol

Bibliophile

I love all of your Chinoiserie paintings, your Flower Ladies, and the Sea Shells especially appeal to me from my own years in San Diego near the beach. What led you in these directions?  

There was a book in my father’s studio that contained Jean Pillement’s chinoiserie designs that caught my lasting attention when I was about twelve and I was hooked from that moment forward. The French 19^th century illustrator, Grandville, was another artist that interested me very early on, especially for his work “Les Fleurs Animees”. The subjects I’ve focused on are partly an extension of my interest in certain artists that have focused on imagined imagery and my preoccupation with different aspects of decorative art and illustration. I started a shell collection as a child.

Shells with Sea Grass on Gouache on early 19th century. hand penned document

 Do you have a mentor or who are some artists that you admire

 or emulate? 

There are countless artists that I admire, and I’m indebted to many of them both living and dead for their continuing inspiration. When I was young I thought that if I could only learn to paint like so and so that my ambitions as an artist would be resolved. There were quite a few different artists along the way. Finally I realized that I was pursuing a formula for failure, and that I’d need to find a way to interpret the world around me through my own way of looking at it. Some artists emulate others but almost invariably disappear in their shadows, and I think artists serve their own best interests if they persevere until they are able to produce work that reflects their own take on the world. To me that is the essence of originality.

Rendezvous at Night

That is a very poignant statement and one that could inspire many beginning artists to search for  their own style early on in their careers.

Where do you find inspiration? Does an idea percolate in your mind, come from nature, places you have been, or photography?

Inspiration comes to me from all of the things you mention and many others. I have hundreds of sketches that I will probably not live long enough to paint, but as I grow older the chain of ideas that passes through my mind increases, and a benefit of being a visual artist as opposed to an athlete or singer is the potential to actually reach higher levels with the progression of age, unless you’re afflicted with a major health issue.

The Architects

Harrison, where are your works being shown or how can people contact you for information on your works of art. Your website www.HarrisonHoward.com  has many of your gorgeous works. Any special upcoming projects you can tell us about? 

On the Internet I depend mainly on my own website to generate business although I am represented through a number of businesses that in some cases post my work online. The prices are the same everywhere, so in the interest of not competing with myself I don’t list the places that represent me on my website, but I may change that approach. I have a lot of new work that has not yet been translated into prints or posted on my website, but both time and cost have delayed me from keeping my website up to date, and at this point it needs a good deal of revision. I’m doing paintings currently for an upcoming fall exhibit in La Jolla and to add to the inventory at a business in Palm Beach and other businesses that sell my work.

Yellow Tree Snails with Red Coral on early 19th c. hand penned document

 Finally what words of wisdom would you impart to the aspiring artist of any age?

I’d feel a bit ridiculous trying to tell younger artists a formula for success, because things will always play out differently for every individual, but two tenets that I cling to for my own use after learning them rather late in life  are:

1)      Business and marketing are completely separate from artistic integrity and talent, but those areas require a lot of attention for most artists that want a stable existence. Even the best art schools tend to do poorly in preparing art students to cope, and some basic business, computer, and accounting courses might be a good idea, even at a city college.

2)      The sooner you realize the need to avoid emulating anyone else’s work and to ask yourself over and over again how you really see the things around you in your own unique way, the more likely you will evolve into an original artist. The world may not come to your doorstep or thank you for it, but you will find gratification in realizing that you have a valid way of seeing the world that is as individual as your own DNA.

The Seahorse

Thank you so much Harrison.  It has been a pleasure to have this conversation for The 2012 Artists Series .

Dear readers I sincerely hope you have enjoyed seeing these amazing works of art! I feel like they can virtually fit in any style of decor in any room! Visit Harrison's Website  and be sure to leave a comment below! 

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena 

Images Courtesy of Harrison Howard

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