Hand Painted Toilet Seat Lid, Really! Plus Creative Wall Paintings!

An unusual place for art. Hey it's a nice flat surface...so why not? This painted piece was done for a Decorators Show House many moons ago. I purchased a regular seat to fit the toilet of the upstairs bath in the Show House mansion. After sanding the area I wanted to paint, I laid down a primer coat, then used regular acrylic paints. When I finished my artwork, I coated the top of the painted seat with satin finish poly. If you do not feel comfortable hand painting a trompe-l'oeil piece like this, then I think an old fashion collage of ephemera items would look great as well. Pick a theme of your favorite things or that simply matches your powder room. 
This can be a tasteful addition to the room as well as a nice surprise for your guests. Then again I always thought it would be funny to paint a bee sitting on the interior ring!

The theme of my Show House room was based on the original trilogy 'Griffin and Sabine.' These books that I fell in love with years ago by Nick Bantock were an intriguing  correspondence between two artists. The tale "unfolded" literally by you pulling out and reading Griffin and Sabine's post cards and letters. These items looked as though they were made from hand made papers and then covered in personal art. I highly recommend these unique and mysterious tales that left the reader feeling like a spellbound voyeur in someone else's life. In addition it seems that Nick has added a few more Griffin and Sabine adventures to the series since I completed this room.

To create a room based on the feel of 'Griffin and Sabine' books, 
I chose to cover the walls in a faux finish resembling hand made paper. I then hand painted stamps, postmarks, golden phrases, natural objects and travel motifs on the walls to complete the look. The ceiling was done to emulate the color and style of the books funky end papers with golden glyphs. This bathroom was one of the two rooms that the person who bought the Show Home did not paint over later! It was very gratifying when someone who was on the Show House tour that year came in, picked up the vibe of my theme, and would exclaim, "Oh this reminds me of Griffin and Sabine!"

When I would do A Decorators Show House room I was responsible for all the room prep including filling any holes in the walls. I did the primer coats along with the mural work. I also designed and filled the room with all the decorative items. The sale of this decor would go towards the fundraiser project. I then would have to return to the store any items that were lent out for display in the room and not purchased. Every thing had to be tracked. Designers of each room also work their own room on weekends. All of this time and artwork was a charity volunteer project. It made for good portfolio pieces.

Since I retired from doing professional mural and faux painting I will give you a few of my secrets. I mostly only used Benjamin Moore paint and glazes. I kept a small supply of basic universal tints and a gallon of super white paint at all times, along with other cans and tubes of paint. I purchased good brushes. I was organized, used large drop cloths and blue painters tape. Remember to keep clean up materials handy in case of minor spills and drips. Use reference material. See the stack of books behind me? Read all the books on painting that you can. I was self taught on faux skills, but there are many schools that teach those skills now that you may be able to take advantage of along with video instruction on the internet. Most of all...Never be afraid to paint! It is only paint! You can just paint over the wall if you do not like what you have done.

A little bit about how I did the molding in this Bathroom: In the photo where I am standing and have the molding taped out and under-painted, you can see i used a deep indigo blue. I then over glazed with a lavender gray shade. I used acrylic glaze medium. I then highlighted the raised edges with some gold paint that was probably rubbed on with a cloth. Now here is the really cool part. I went to an exotic wood store and bought a few tiny bottles of iridescent duck decoy glitter powder. If you cannot get that product then pick out a very fine glitter powder at a craft store. I choose a lavender shade and mixed some in with my final coat of poly. When the light hit the molding it had a magical glow! You can see in some of the other photos the finished molding effect. Wow I can't believe what a fabulous job of matching my dress to the room I did back then! That is a vintage dress from the sixties! Love the bubbles in the tub too!

Gary Lippincott's Dream Is Real

As I walked through the 2009 Faerie Con Marketplace I looked over into a booth and saw a print of an illustration I loved and admired.  
A very magical wizard and dragon rendered to perfection.  Actually as I looked about this artists booth I realized it was filled with prints of the real thing!  Detailed fantasy artworks with the look of professional book illustration created by the finest of talent.  No these were not the silly little fad drawings of fairy sameness that I saw in a booth on previous aisle, where the only difference in each figure was the color of the dress. This beautiful and richly detailed collection of artwork was the real deal!  There was no doubt when I saw this artwork that this artist knew his stuff!  I looked for the booth name and saw it was Gary Lippincott.  Looking up at the tall bearded smiling man standing there I asked, "Did you do all this artwork?  Are you Gary?"

With a big grin on his face, he answered, "Why yes I did, and I am." Then of course I told him how I just loved his work.  I was sure he heard that line all day long, but never the less I think an artist deserves to hear how their work makes you happy!  Ben and I chatted with Gary and found him to be a very friendly adorable man with an endearing smile and laugh.  As we talked, I found out that Gary and I share the same alma mater, during the same years, The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).  We figure we probably passed each other on campus during those youthful days of yore! Though we are not saying when that was! Ben and I enjoyed spending time chatting with Gary and even sat together to listen to Brian Froud's talk. Gary is a kindred spirit whose kindness and down to earth good nature are easily felt by those fortunate enough to meet him in person.
 
When looking down upon Gary's display table I saw a book I had recently purchased called, "The Fantasy Illustrator's Technique Book." Yes this was Gary Lippincotts book. Synchronicity!  I love when the Universe does that! (I wish I had brought my copy to be signed. Well there is always the next gathering of fantasy artists this fall at Faerie Con. Gary will be attending once again).

 
An instructional book like this from a master artist is always of interest to me.  I love to see and read how other artists think.  Gary talks about the importance of visualizing, keeping sketch notebooks, and taking a camera with you when you go out to capture reference material. He also explains the many considerations that go into creating a finely rendered illustration, such as planning the design of your illustrated page, the tools, techniques, your characters, facial expressions, dramatic effects, using color and tips for taking your work to the next level. For this book he invited other artists to submit their work to this books fantasy art gallery and he speaks about what makes each piece work. Gary also gives advice to those seeking a successful professional illustrators career path.

When planning his illustrations Gary anticipates many inventive possibilities for every crack and crevice or gnarled tree branch, to add more to the story and atmosphere of his final image.  His work will take you back to the days of holding a large picture book in your hands while you dream of distant lands filled with magical folk. We could all benefit from that release from this so called real world. Aren't the images in this blog post wonderful!?! Most artists use relatives and friends as models for the people in their artwork, and the model for the fairy image below was Gary's daughter.

Gary Lippincotts illustrations are so full of detail that you will not be able to see everything in these small web sized examples of his artwork.  Be sure to check out his artwork at his web site http://www.garylippincott.com/   where you can learn more about Gary, buy prints and limited editions.  

A recent addition to books Gary has illustrated is the marvelous "Come to the Fairies Ball" By Jane Yolen. This book is filled with illustrations that also showcase Gary Lippincotts graphic design strength. The young adult fantasy and children's books illustrated by Gary Lippincott are available on Amazon, and I am sure you could find some of Gary's illustrated books at your local library too. Gary does commissioned work as well as his professional illustration jobs.  Can you imagine having yourself painted in watercolor as a princess in a magical land? Gary could make that happen for you. See the amazing example on his website!

Besides art college, questioning reality, and a love of dreams,  Gary and I share a love of two other fantasy art masters...  The great Alan Lee and Brian Froud.  Their artwork is what inspired Gary to become a fantasy artist....and so with Gary Lippincott the artistic goodness expands! And we are the better for it! Thanks Gary for being yourself, living the dream and making it reality!

UPDATE: Gary says they will be selling and signing the "Come To The Fairies Ball" book at Faerie Con since both he and Jane Yolen will be there this fall.

All art images are copyright Gary A. Lippincott

Brian and Wendy Froud Share Their Vision

I am reminded that truly you can manifest and consciously create your world with your thoughts!  As a "Froudian" I was surfing the World Of Froud website a few years ago and saw information about Faerieworlds which is a festival on the west coast.  I had also read about festivals in England where well known fantasy artists like Brian Froud would gather.  I wished these Faerie and Fantasy events would come to the east coast of the United States. Within a year I would find myself traveling to the first 'Faerie Con' which was held in Philadelphia.  Now... as I would really love to have it, just a few years later, this same gathering in Maryland is even closer to home!

 The Faerie Con events are wondrous because they involve talks and panels of fantasy artists, writers and people from the Mythic Arts business.  Here you learn about aspects of these worlds that come from the creators themselves. Plus there are many vendors to fill your home with fantasy items, and cloak your body with all manner of sparkly and flowing adornments! There is music and art to expand your soul, masquerade balls to fill your senses, and a Wegman's across the street to tempt your belly! 
 

This year while attending RenCon, I once again was blessed to be in the same space as the inspirational masters of the world of Faerie, Brian and Wendy Froud. They are truly gracious and patient hosts to their many appreciative fans.  In fact I felt just what Wendy Froud talks about in their new "Heart of Faerie Oracle" book and deck of cards, (copyright Brian and Wendy Froud 2010). 

When reading about card seven "The Queen Of Hearth and Home" Wendy Froud explains that Brian always stands when he signs books for people because he feels he is inviting them into his home and he wouldn't sit while people were standing in his presence.  Such is the gentle thoughtful soul that is Brian Froud, the most revered name in the world of Fae.  If you get the chance to have your copies of his books or prints signed by Brian in person, you will be delighted to get a wee original Brian Froud drawing along with his signature!  

 
After ten years since the best-selling "Faeries Oracle," Brian has released this new Faerie Oracle Deck filled with marvelous paintings as a collaboration with his wife Wendy Froud. Brian's work has evolved over the years incorporating more depth and textural elements, along with the realism that comes from years of experience creating art.  I found the original deck written by Jessica Macbeth and illustrated with Brian Froud's continuation of 'Good Faeries Bad Faeries' images to be quite spiritual and intuitive.  
I especially love the 'Singers' which are paintings of light and represent the most wondrous knowledge of spirit.  I look forward to getting to know this new Oracle deck as well.  It takes time to work with a deck and learn the many aspects of oneself through the introspection sparked by a reading. This is not fortune telling... this is a way to learn more about yourself and perhaps glimpse at what may be possible if you try to affect your own self and life.
 

In the new deck "The Heart of Faerie Oracle" the first 9 cards are all Faerie Queens!  They are important power representations of the nine aspects of the feminine.  "The Queens of Faerie, hold up the mirror of clarity, allowing us to face up to the delusional light of our polarized certainties." (Quote Copyright Wendy Froud 2010.) The paintings are of course exquisite and each has it's own character and strength.  I am enjoying reading Wendy's thoughtful explanations of each oracle cards meaning. A tough act to follow with Jessica Macbeth's writing. I feel Wendy has done a great job on this deck.

Brian Froud became well known after the publication of the the book 'Faeries' in 1978.  This was a joint venture with the great Alan Lee of 'Lord Of The Rings' fame.  (Oh please come to Faerie Con Alan Lee!) The book became hugely popular (#4 on the New York Times Best Seller List) and I think that showed the world how the love of Fairy Tales and Folklore continues to be a life long enjoyment for so many of us.  We continue to play and dream!  Pixies, trolls, sprites, vampyers, goblins and faeries in their magical world, invite the imagination to take hold and leave the mundane world of silly people behind.  As a lover of Art Nouveau, and things of Beauty, the gossamer wings of faeries are quite soothing images to me.  I have spent much time gazing at Brian and Alan Lee's faerie images over the years.  Those images have inspired countless other artists too.  

 

Brian continued in the world of Faerie and worked on "The Dark Crystal" (must be the name of my shadow side), since Jim Henson was largely inspired by Brian Frouds artwork for the creation of this movie.  Wendy who is a master puppet maker designed the Gelflings and worked a radio controlled unit to control Jens facial expressions.  Another character Wendy Froud had a hand in designing was a little guy you may have heard of named... Yoda.  Can't forget their work in the really cool movie "Labyrinth" with David Bowie either.  So many fun books like "Lady Cottington's Pressed Faeries," "Strange Stains and Mysterious Smells," along with fantastic and iconic fairy prints from books like "Good Faeries/Bad Faeries" have been created in the Dartmoor area of Devon England, where Brian (and Alan Lee) live and work.  The landscape there has inspired worlds of ideas!  You can read more about that area of the world here.  This is yet another example of why it is so important for artists to paint what they know!  Brian must know the little nasties too, because he also loves to share the world of the dark faeries and pesky little goblins that are a huge part of his artwork. Yes...Brian believes in Faeries.
 

When spending time at Faerie Con and RenCon it is always so nice to attend informational talks given by generous souls like the Frouds.  Actually getting to meet people who have been artistically inspirational is made even nicer by the Frouds being genuinely warm and kind to you. So when you are home sitting with the Froud's many books, that are so immersed with creativity, feel the warmth of an old fashion hearth and the comfort to dream with a wide open imagination!

The good news for lovers of Brian and Wendy Froud's movies is that "The Power Of the Dark Crystal" is now in production in Australia and the official word is that it will be in 3D!  Here's to all the Faeries conspiring to make sure this project gets completed!
 
You can learn more about the Froud family at 'World of Froud.com' and while you are there become a Froudian yourself.  

Rock Your Inner Queen-ness!

Make room for more Queens! Yay! A new book, "Queen Of Your Own Life" brings a very creative way to embrace your own inner royalty to all the ladies! Since Painting Queen has been realizing her Queen-ness for most of her life, she is very happy to share this fabulous news with the entire realm! It is time to be happy and at peace with who you really are. Now... really is the time to do it all!

This book with a fanciful attitude for grown up women, has a website full of fun ideas and graphics, that will help you with your transition to being the Queen you really are! You will find information on how to buy the book, a facebook page, and activities to express yourself! Plus check out this cool online royal book ! Take it from this Queen of Hot and Flashy....this is news you can use to make yourself, and your entire life even better!

Rock On Queens!

"Queen Of Your Own Life" is a co-production of Queen Cindy Ratzlaff and Queen Kathy Kinney. Thanks for sharing your light!

Linda Ravenscroft Shines Brightly

Linda Ravenscroft is one of the premiere Fantasy Faerie painters in the entire realm. Her figure and line work is impeccable and very reminiscent of my favorite artist Alphonse Mucha in all its lyrical beauty. The colors and hues in her artwork are rich, and they contain the magic of her chosen medium which is watercolor. There is a world of thought and inspiration in each and every image she creates.

I first met Linda at 'The Spoutwood Farm Fairy Festival' in 2007. I was looking over the items at the new Faerie Magazine booth. As I admired a piece of art I thought I might purchase, a very nice lady who I thought was a volunteer working in the booth began speaking with me. I was surprised to find she was the artist of the piece! That woman was Linda Ravenscroft. She then told me of the story behind the artwork called "The Marked One."

I found that I was in tune with the artwork, because it represented having the courage to be yourself and pursue  your creative side no matter what others may think, because you have been marked by Spirit to be an artist. The Fairy in the print has a tattoo just like Linda so this Fairy represents Linda's journey to believe in herself as a working fantasy artist.

Linda worked for years in an office job. I can relate because in my many art career incarnations, during some difficult economic times, I worked various office jobs in a temp agency. Then again I had to figure out a way to get back to full time creating and I renewed my mural and faux finishing business in the Baltimore Washington area for 12 more years. When I met Linda I had just retired from this very physically demanding artwork and was ready to change artistic direction. In a way Linda is my "Marked One" reminding me that good things come from following your passion. So I too am following a new path and seeing where creation will lead me. The "Marked One" print is now hanging in our studio.

Linda Ravenscroft is an extremely prolific artist and if you are not familiar with her work yet, you will be amazed at her catalog of art. Linda herself is a generous Spirit who gladly encourages all artists and shares her knowledge willingly. She has written a couple of books "How to Draw and Paint Fairies", "How to Draw and Paint Fairyland" and  "Enchanted: The Faerie and Fantasy Art Of Linda Ravenscroft" It is filled with beautiful full color plates of her very detailed Fae paintings. Each is accompanied by an explanation, inspiration, or poetry for each piece. A recent book that she published is called "The Fairy Artist Figure Drawing Bible." Linda has also created the artwork for a Faerie tarot deck, which is a huge undertaking for any artist.

Every time I meet up with Linda at a Fairy event she is kind, gracious and filled with good cheer. Linda and John always take the time to speak with Ben and myself and catch up on the latest project. If you have a chance to meet Linda at a festival do not be shy. Linda Ravenscroft is a very friendly faerie! She will sign your prints and books, and share with you the twinkle in her eyes and a very infectious smile. And who can resist her endearing English accent?
 

At the first 'Faerie Con' (2007) in Philly, Linda was showcased by Llewellyn the publisher of her 'Mystic Faerie Tarot' written by Barbara Moore. The booth was created by showcasing large blowups of Linda's artwork. Certainly this was proof that her art looks fantastic at any size and stands the test of massive enlargement. This booth covered with her art was the most beautiful booth I have ever seen fabricated.

Linda says her inspiration comes from many sources. 
" I rely mostly on my dreams and inner feelings as I have done since I was a child, along with my love of nature, instilled within me from an early age by my parents, and their wonderful tales of myths and legends which they would share with me at bedtime."

 
Linda attends many Faerie Festivals and gatherings in the UK, Europe and may sometimes be found at the 'Spoutwood Farm May Day Faerie Festival' and 'Faerie Con' events in the USA. I am fortunate to live close enough to travel to both these Faerie Festivals. We have been going to Sproutwood for about 10 out of it's 18 years of existence as well as all 3 Faerie Con Gatherings. Now the faeries will welcome our dear Aowyn to the Magical May Day celebration were she can test out her new wings with all the beautiful fae.

You can meet many of your favorite fantasy artists, listen to wonderful music, eat yummy food, enjoy the great outdoor faerie realm, and get sparkling enchanted fairy supplies from the many vendors. In this photo from Spoutwood Farm in Glen Rock Pennsylvania, you can even see master artist Charles Vess in the background as well as Linda, Ben and me.

Here our little Fairy Binx is enjoying looking at one of Linda's colorful paintings  called "Phoenix Rising," at Faerie Con 09. You can attend lectures from the top people in the fantasy art, movie, publishing and music field as well as purchase costume supplies and artwork at Faerie Con. To be held in Hunt Valley Maryland again November 12 -14, 2010. This is a joyful place to express your magical self! You can certainly tell from this photo of us at the Faerie Magazine booth chatting, that Linda Ravenscroft is quite the adorable Imp. 

 
Linda gave a talk at Faerie Con 09 explaining her artwork that was both enchanting and moving. It was an honor to be in the room with such a empathic spirit. All good things to her and her family! Thank you for the inspiration! I highly recommend you go to Linda Ravenscroft's web site where you can purchase prints, originals, jewelry, figurines, tapestries and other gifts adorned with her fantasy artwork. I have a nice collection that is steadily growing. My daughter purchased a locket for me to celebrate Mother's Day with the 'Tears Of Luna' artwork you see below. It is a lovely piece that gets compliments every time I wear it. You know, 'Shine Brightly' is Linda's message to us, but I feel she is shining pretty brightly herself!

I will end with this blog post with a quote from Linda herself: "I find it easier to translate some of my feelings into my work, ironically, the sort of feelings that make you feel powerless to do anything about can be turned into the most enchanting images.  These are usually some of my larger more complicated paintings, each one containing my messages of hope, perhaps a gentle reminder to take care of the world and each other."

Linda Ravenscroft lives in Cheshire England with her husband John, and her daughter Vivien who is the muse for many of Linda's drawings and paintings.