Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Inside The Studio Of Lisa Ludwig A Whimsical, Vibrant Artist And Designer At The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT

Lisa Ludwig Brings An Exciting Collection Of Artwork To The Farmington Valleys Arts Center  

There is nothing like charging up the creative juices by having a new artist lease space next  door to your art studio. Several artists were eyeing Studio 8B on the second floor of The Farmington Valley Arts Center. But it is Avon, CT  artist Lisa Ludwig who is has just moved into this great studio which was the home to Bob Noreika for decades.

Studios become available at The Farmington Valley Arts Center in spurts and Lisa arrived just at the right time as Bob's old studio was now available clean and freshly painted.  The studio had great vibes and  was ready for new energy and ideas. Lisa brought exactly what every art center hopes for, enthusiasm, exciting work and a studio and collection of work which will attract lots of visitors.

 Lisa Ludwig: Interior Redesign Industry Specialist

Lisa, a certified Interior Home Staging Specialist, graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in Surface Pattern Design. She has spent many years in the home design industry and excels at creating attractive and affordable environments using found  objects,  antiques, collectibles and vibrant color combinations. Her design business goes under the name Double L Decor. She is also an accomplished painter and textile artist.

 Mixing Vintage Furnishings And Storage With Contemporary Style In An Art Studio 

Lisa Ludwig's studio is a piece of artwork in of itself. She has successfully mixed vintage furnishings with contemporary styles to create a warm yet current setting for her whimsical and colorful paintings, collages and assemblages. Lisa enjoys painting abstracts especially florals as well as seascapes, landscapes and fantasy designs. When visiting her art studio you wil also find lots of still life props such as gorgeous fresh flower arrangements and colorful glass which accent her artwork.

Creative Ways To Store Art Supplies Decorate Your Art Studio Using Vintage Objects

Like many artists, Lisa, has come up with her own way to store paints, brushes ande art supplies.
An old wooden bar credenza  serves as a great storage unit  for supplies, books and magazines. Vintage industrial wooden drawers are used to keep paint tubes in. A glass high top patio table serves as her work table.  Ceiling to floor light weight decorative screens are used to establish different work centers creating room dividers.

An inviting sitting area in her front gallery space serves as a comfortable reception area for guests who visit her studio.

Visiting Lisa Ludwig's  Art Studio During Candle Opening Event, November 16th. 2012 

Be sure to visit Lisa's studio during the annual Candle Light 2012 opening event, Friday, November 16th from 6-9 pm at The Farmington Valley Arts Center. The Center will also be open the following day, Saturday, November 17th.  Lisa Ludwig is in studio 8b on the second floor of The Center which is home to two galleries, a gift shop, art classes and  twenty artist studios.

 Candle Light Season 2012 At The Farmington Valley Arts Center

The Candle Light season is when the FVAC extends open house days inviting members of the community to visit artists in their studios, take part in special event and  workshops, shop for the holidays and visit the two galleries on site. To learn more about The Farmington Valley Arts Center  and a  calendar of events visit   http://www.artistsfvac.org/


For more information about Lisa Ludwig visit: http://www.artistsfvac.org/lisa-ludwig


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists
Posted by C. Dianne Zweig at 11:46 AM 1 comments
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Do You SMELL Antiques And Collectibles Before You Buy Them?

Sniffing Out Good Buys On Antiques And Collectible
How many of my readers SMELL the antiques and collectibles they find before purchasing? Last week I found a Mid Century vinyl foot stool with a wonderful Atomic Era abstract pattern. This dream stool had a covered storage bin. So I lifted off the top of the stool and a very  powerful wet basement type smell knocked me over.

 Try A Little Sunshine  

The store owner offered to place the stool in the bright sunshine and we agreed I would return and perhaps find the stool still for sale.

Some Tough Smells Don't Leave So Easily

I returned two weeks later and the stool was still there and so was the smell.  I am in love with this stool and I am determined to figure out how to get rid of the smell  (before I buy it). Another buyer might scoop the stool up and never think to pick up the lid or may not be as fussy.  I'm learning the hard way. Too many rushed purchases over the years. I'm smarter now (LOL).


 Snick Your Nose Inside

I'm sensitive to smells so I tend to pick up items and see if they pass the smell test. If something has a really offensive smell (musty or moldy) it doesn't come home with me.

Now there are smells and then there are SMELLS. I can deal with a little bit of a dusty smell. But let's say an old  knitted blanket has a granny camphor ball smell....I pass before I pass out. That is not a smell I want following me.

A shop near me does a wonderful job repurposing furniture. But even when they give their old  dressers a make over...often the  camphor smell in the drawers remains.

 The Top Smelly Collectibles

Vintage clothing needs to be sniffed as well as old furniture, upholstered pieces,  textiles,  linens, carpets, old paper goods, photographs, artwork, dolls, vintage suitcases, vintage trunks, old purses and any object that was stored without light, proper temperature control and  fresh air. Be suspicious of objects that were boxed up for a long time in attics, garages or basements.


Getting Rid Of Smells When Buying Antiques And Collectibles 

 There is a lot of advice out there on getting rid of smells.  Every dealer I know has their trick of the trade. Here are some links that you might review on this topic. Be sure to leave a comment if you too have some ideas or feedback on getting rid of smells.

Musty and Moldy Furniture Smells http://www.worthpoint.com/blog-entry/stinky-stuff-rid-furniture-smells or http://www.ehow.com/get-musty-smells-out/

Photographs http://www.countryliving.com/antiques/expert-advice/diminishing-smell-old-photographs

Books
http://suite101.com/article/how-to-remove-the-musty-odor-from-old-books-a146779

Dressers
http://do-it-yourself.tribe.net/thread/50626ea9-08e2-4016-bc76-602cb4b4f4c5

Trunks
http://www.ehow.com/how_8003016_odor-out-old-trunks.html

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists
Posted by C. Dianne Zweig at 8:01 PM 6 comments
Labels: , , ,

Melissa Meredith, Master Printmaker Shares Monotype Tips At Farmington Valley Arts Center Demonstration


Printmaking With Disposable Plastic Chopping Mats At The Farmington Valley Arts Center, Avon, CT


I arrived to my studio at The Farmington Valley Arts Center  (FVAC) and there were so many parked cars in the lot that I wondered what was going on ?

Meet Melissa Meredith


The draw ( no pun intended) was that Melissa Meredith, our FVAC painter and printmaker (at our center for 30 years)   was giving a free demonstration on monoprints in her studio on the second level.  The beauty of this demonstration was that it was informative for both beginners as well as artists who may have had some printmaking experiences before.
We all like to learn new ideas from  seasoned artists and Melissa did indeed deliver on sharing her secrets.


Using Common Art And 
Household Supplies To Print With

Melissa, a veteran printmaker demonstrated how to use plastic disposable grocery cutting boards (chopping mats) as plates for printing with watercolor,  gouache,  watercolor crayons and soap.

Meredith explained that while some printmakers use inks specially designed for the press, she was showing the group how to  make Monoprints with ordinary materials such as common  artist paint  including acrylics, oil and watercolor . Additionally watercolor crayons work quite well too.




Melissa showed us how to apply both paint and crayons to her plates.

Printing With Plastic Chopping Mats

Meredith explained to the audience that she has discovered the power of using ordinary dish detergent (she was using Ivory) to mix into your paint as you apply to your "plate" to help lift the paint later.  While many people use  Plexiglass (plastic) as plates with one side roughened with sand paper, Meredith has delighted in using clear cheap thin disposable plastic cutting boards or chopping mats as they are often called, which she finds at a discount store such as Job Lot. She works on the rough side of the plastic sheet.

Pulling The Print


After Meredith  applied some simple applications of paint on her plastic "plate" she used one of her presses to lift the paint off the  "plate" onto previously  dampened and blotted paper.  For those without a press (most of us), you can use a rolling pin or burnish with an old wooden spoon. After the image is "pressed" you gently "pull the print" from the plate and delight in the results.



The group of observers were inspired .....Meredith , a soft spoken artist with  a dynamic grasp of design and composition, created her magic in front of the gathered crowd. It was so exciting to see so many people spending a lovely Saturday  at the Farmington Valley Arts Center.

Visiting The Monotype Show At The Farmington Valley Arts Center October 12th -November 3, 21012


The FVAC campus  in a park like setting (right of route 44 in Avon, CT), is currently surrounded  by brillant colored Fall trees and flora. It is indeed  a glorious time  to visit the Center and our two new shows,  "Interpretations and Inspirations"  juried show in the main Fisher Gallery and  our print show, "The Monotype in Autumn" in the smaller Esther Drezner gallery.  There was a  buzz at FVAC yesterday, both upstairs  and downstairs as many of the print workshop participants were also able to meet some of  the 20 studio artists at FVAC  as well as visit the two gallery shows and gift shop.


There is so much  happening at FVAC be sure to visit  their wonderful website for calendar information.

Here is the link:
http://www.artsfvac.org/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists
Posted by C. Dianne Zweig at 10:52 AM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , ,

Sizing Up Antiques And Collectibles When Buying Online


 

Advice When Buying Antiques And Collectibles Online

This post is for newbies who are just starting to buy antiques and collectibles online. I'm guessing the rest of you figured out what I am about to discuss about reading the description on items that you fall in love with online. For beginners, my advise is not to click on the bid or the buy button until you read the small print. What you want to know is just  how big is the item you are after?   Things online appear much larger than they really are.

What Are The Measurements Of What You Are Buying Online?

O.K., this advice  might sound silly, but how many of us have gone ga ga over a sweet children's book because the cover picture was so engaging. The price might of been four dollars and we thought we were snagging a real  bargain and so we went ahead with our purchase. Now the delightful book arrives in the mail, and we open the envelope or box and discover that we just bought what amounts to a pamphlet.


Always Read The Description Carefully

The same thing can happen with buying bowls, vases, artwork etc. The image that shows up online looks large clear and grand but the item is actually much smaller than you imagined. Always   carefully read the description of the item.  Perhaps the vase you discovered is actually a miniature!


Be A Detective When You Buy Online

In addition to size, be sure you check for condition, age, smells etc.
If something is priced too low, go back and re-read the description. Is there a crack? Is there rusting? Is the item tiny?  Slow down when you buy over the internet. Be a detective.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists
Posted by C. Dianne Zweig at 9:22 AM 0 comments
Labels: , , ,

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Antique Blogs

Blogs For Collectors Of Antiques And Collectibles 

 I Antique Online.com  Super Antique Blog  

I was poking around the internet using the search term "antique blogs . Lo and behold I came across some popular blogs which always seem to make it to the "10 best lists" of this or that. But than I realized that the super duper blog of all these blogs is I Antique Online.com.

Antique Website With Blogs

While some may consider I Antique Online.com  a website or social network for people who buy, sell, collect  antiques, collectibles and art, I think we are  also the grand dame of blogs on all topics related to antiques and collectibles.

I Antique Online com the brain child of my co-founder Scott Liscomb was in it's infancy when I came along  as co-founder and editor. I added over two hundred group forums on every imaginable topic  about antiques and collectibles.


  
I Antique Online.com Featured Groups 
Antiques And Collectibles














Featured Groups


Collector Groups

China-Pottery-Ceramics

Kitchen - Dining  
Furniture

Home, Style, Decor
Decades

Ethnic-Global

Linens & Textiles




Sewing-Buttons

Doll Related

Toy Related Groups

Hobbies-Sports
 Movie-Records
Camera-Photography

Kitsch-Pop Culture

Paper, Ephemera, Postcards, Books Advertising

Party, Holiday, Celebration

Soda Fountain & Soda Pop

Not Just For Guy Stuff
 Medical-Pharmacy

Vintage Clothing

Art-Craft Related

Business And Social Media Related Groups

Educational
 
On The Lighter Side

State/Regional
C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists
Posted by C. Dianne Zweig at 5:19 PM 1 comments
Labels: , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

ShareThis