Artist Series 2012 Segreto Finishes and Book Giveaway

Introducing Leslie Sinclair the founder of Segreto Finishes

Leslie lives by the philosophy that upon entering a room, your eyes should not draw a distinction to one element or finish but should see the surroundings as a whole. By developing a palette that complements a home’s architecture and design, surroundings are given a new perspective.

Gilded Sideboard

Leslie, Tell us about how and when it all began… Segreto Finishes.

 I use to run a computer company and after my third was born I really wanted to leave corporate America.  I have always loved to paint and have a passion for home interiors. I just started playing around in my hallway and it grew from there.  My family jokes that I have so many layers in that hall of paint that it has shrunk by 3 feet.

Plaster Finish Foyer

As your business evolved I noticed you went into other areas, for example Art, Decorative Painted Furniture, was that a natural evolution?  

 I think I must get bored easily because I love delving into different areas.  It has been so much fun for me to learn teach and implement so many different things. 

Wall Painting

Gorgeous Cabinet Finish with Contrasting Back of Shelves

 Do you have specialty artists on staff for one area of design or finish? How did you acquire these very talented artisans?

I have a 25 full time employees.  I tend to hire good people who are quick learners with a great work ethic and a good attitude.  I teach and train them from there.  I do have a few key people who have come to me more knowledgeable in certain areas that I was. It has been so fun learning from them as well.

Golden Gilt Leaf Finish

 Segreto has grown exponentially, to what do you attribute that?

I think great customer service is key, being on time and on schedule, and truly appreciating the opportunity to make someone’s home more special.

Decorative Ceiling Motif  with with a fabulous Lantern

Your book is one of the most popular among designers, the Images are exquisite! When did writing the book become a reality? 

Thank you!!  It took me about 3 years to photograph and about a year to do the writing and graphic design. 

Are there others in the field that you admire or have been mentors?

I admire much especially the old plasters and  cabinet finishes done centuries before. Love to learn how these techniques have been handed down.  There are so many people in the industry with so much talent. 

Powder Room Wall Art

 Leslie thank you so much for this enlightening Interview and Feature of Segreto Finishes!

 Thank you so much for interviewing me. The book can be purchased on amazon or my website Segreto Finishes.

Segreto Finishes has been featured in many of our favorite Shelter Magazines! Just look at this cover!

Enter to win the incredible book Segreto...Secrets to  Finishing Beautiful Interiors.  Value of  $85 . This Giveaway is open To USA Residents only.

1)  Visit  Segreto Finishes ,come back to tell us what you like!  Sign up for email newsletters on Leslie's Blog, or follow Leslie Sinclair Segreto Finishes on Pinterest. or on Facebook

 2) For extra entry Be a Follower of Art by Karena via GFC or Linky in my right side column

3)  For a third entry Do a shout out on your own blog about Segreto Finishes and this Fabulous Book Giveaway!!

The Winner will be chosen on Wednesday May 30th at Midnight EST!

Thank you for leaving a note  It means so much!

Thank you for being her and for your support of Arts and Design!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena 


Disclosure: Leslie is sending me one of her books, Segreto,  Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors! 

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

Bella B Decor for Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Winners Announced!

Introducing Lynn the owner of Bella B Decor

Our  area Supplier of Annie Sloan Paint

Lynn Of Bella B Decor with Annie Sloan and Rose Wilde at The Annie Sloan 2012 Tour in New Orleans!

Annie is such an inventive and creative woman. I understand just being around her  is an exhilarating experience!

Bella B Decor Shop in Paola KS

When i was ready to create some projects after seeing all of the gorgeous pieces completed by my fellow bloggers, I did a search and found Bella B Decor! I drove out to Lynn's shop and Purchased some ASCP's. Here are some questions and answers with Lynn!

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint has become so popular in the design world. How did you come to hear of it and carry it in your shop Bella B Decor?

Louis Blue Chair with French Script

  Bella B Décor has evolved from my custom frame shop that I opened 8 years ago.  I was searching for paint that could be used on my custom frames to achieve truly custom finishes (especially after the economy went to pooh) and that is when I discovered Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  

Country Grey Chair with Olive and Stencil

Have you always been creative in your decorative painting and what some of your favorite techniques?

I had been using other products that were extremely labor intensive and costly.  After a few projects using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint I was hooked!  

I love how easy and versatile it is to use AND the fact that you don’t have to sand, strip or prime! I also enjoy taking old worn out pieces and making them “new” again.  

The butterfly kisses window is one I painted then sandblasted the words, etc onto the glass.

Butterfly Kisses Window

 What truly inspires you as a creative entrepreneur and ?what advice can you give to the aspiring artist or emerging entrepreneur?

 During my workshops my favorite thing is watching people who thought they had no creativity realize they really can do VERY creative things.  There really is an artist inside all of us!  

I know that you have inspired me tremendously! See my pieces below painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

My Drop Leaf Desk with a combination of Emile, Old Violet, Louis Blue with A Smoked Oyster Metallic Stripe I absolutely adore this desk and it was so fun to paint!

Round Swan Table in Old White with Renaissance Gold Liquid Leaf and Garden Stool in Scandinavian Pink

Lynne you are a true entrepreneur! I can tell you I am so thrilled that you and Bella B Decor are right outside of the  Kansas City area. Thank you so much for sharing with us! Visit Lynn's website or call her at 913-294-4499  to sign up for workshops or to order Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Supplies

              Bella B Décor has many exciting things on the horizon for 2012! 

We would love to hear your comments!!

Announcing the Winners of The Cross Bottle Giveaway Courtesy of Artie from Color Outside the Lines.  and Cross Bottle Guy! They are Pam of Over 50 Feeling 40 and Alison of The Polohouse!
 Contact me with your mailing info and I will forward to Artie!  Congratulations!

You will both receive $50 Certificates to use towards a Fabulous Cross Bottle in Artie's Shop!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena