Filed In: inspiration
berlin | germany
I was fascinated with Berlin the minute we stepped off the train. Something about the energy and the history, the gorgeous architecture, the street art covering the walls and the people filling the streets resonated within me. It was better than I had hoped – bustling and vibrant with a raw edge and dark past. Out of all the cities we visited on our trip, Berlin was my favorite. I was pleasantly surprised with how good the food was too and the shopping, I was in awe. So many beautiful things, big and small – I could have brought home an entire extra suitcase full of treasures! Other things we came across include but are not limited to – the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie, countless grafittied walls, an outdoor art gallery and the prettiest old cathedral. The history of this country actually overwhelmed at times. I left feeling like I learned more than I ever did in any history class.
photo credit kate zitzer
wells street art festival recap
A big thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who came by Wells Street Art Festival and to all of you who made a purchase at my booth. As usual, I was completely blown away by the response. Your enthusiasm for my art means the world to me, and I truly appreciate your support! If you’re reading this after seeing my booth at the fest, hello I’m so happy you’re here! Please feel free to order from my Esty shop, and I am available for custom paintings or local pick up so just email me.
Leading up to the fest I felt really good and less stressed out than I usually do. I did over 40 transactions throughout the weekend. Be Sharp paintings sold out and almost half of my paintings were purchased. I am also happy to report that my favorite and most recent painting Whole World sold. The other items that were a big hit were the Home prints and the 12×24 city paintings – I had Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Washington DC. Thanks again to everyone who stopped by and for all the kind words about my art! Throughout the weekend I was battling a pretty serious viral infection so I especially want to thank all my friends and family who pitched in to help!
I spent most of last week catching up on emails and online orders. This week I plan to start working on a few custom orders and slowly building back up my inventory of paintings for the next fair – September 13th and 14th I’m participating in the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts. It’s an excellent arts fair celebrating its 10th year and a great showcase of all the local Chicago artists. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more updates!
photo credit kate zitzer
bon voyage
Bon voyage, dear friends! We leave tonight for Munich so I won’t see you back here for about two weeks. In the meantime I’ll be popping up here and there on Instagram to share my discoveries in these beautiful cities abroad. If you have any suggestions of must see spots, please do send them my way.
for your home | fresh ideas for wall treatments
Whether it’s a bathroom, living room or a bedroom, I’m always looking for ways to spice up our space, and a unique wall treatment can be a great way to do just that. I’m really drawn to the geometric painted walls, but more realistically I’m thinking a simple black and white pattern like the polka dots or the triangles might be a better, more timeless option. So do you too have a white wall that needs a little something? Take inspiration from these fresh ideas for wall treatments –
Half-painted walls are a good way to experiment with adding color to a room without committing to painting the entire wall. It gives you a splash of color while still leaving some white space to play with, and it’s certainly less dramatic than four hot pink walls.
How about an accent wall completely covered in reclaimed wood? Salvaged, stained, weathered or distressed, wood planking on a wall can add a rustic look to any space. This is a great project for anyone who wants to add warmth and texture to a room and can embrace the natural imperfections of the wood.
Transform white walls into a small art gallery with a mural. Fill up the whole wall or accent a piece of furniture like they did with this headboard. I’m particularly drawn to linework murals like these because they are simple and classic and aren’t shaded or colored in.
Bold accent walls are very popular these days. It’s the easiest way to turn a boring wall into a feature wall, but let’s think outside the box a little. Use different colors to create unexpected borders, accent doorways or windowsills, invent new lines or shapes and don’t stop at the ceiling or the floor, keep going!
Jazz up a small bathroom or a wall in a bedroom with a pattern. If you have a bold colored room, patterns can help to break it up a bit, and if you have a neutral palette it can add some interest. They can be fun and funky, cool and classic or modern and minimalist. I especially like polka dots, which seem to be popping up everywhere and are one of my favorite current design trends.
Geometric walls are abstract, energetic and can bring a variety of colors into a space. I love the idea of creating a unique and customized wall paint pattern. You can get this look with wallpaper but painting it yourself would be less expensive and much more fun!
I’ve always been drawn to spaces that feature maps. I think it adds a fun and whimsical touch especially in a kid’s room or playroom and creates a great focal point in an office or dining room. Consider picking out a map that has meaning like your favorite vacation spot, your hometown or family origin location and then it will always have a place in your home.
There are some amazing options out there. I’m curious, what have you done or what would you choose?
studio update | preparing for art fair season
This time of year is so busy. I am in full production mode preparing for art fair season – Wells Street Art Fest is less than two months away. I want to have at least 50 original paintings. I am over half way there with almost 40 paintings. I am sketching, drawing and painting like crazy. I’ve been really happy with the decisions I’ve been making lately and just overall feel better and less stressed out than I usually do this time of year. The hardest part is storing all my work before the fairs (especially this year with our temporary living situation) and my stuff is scattered everywhere – different piles for different paintings and projects. Over the weekend I finished a new Home painting. I made a few changes and I really like how it turned out. It’s fun to reinvent your ideas. I’ve been planning how I want my booth set up this year and I think its going to look better than ever. I can’t wait to see what new thing Marc makes for me this year – I’m so lucky I have a talented wood worker at home.
photo credit kate zitzer