Remembering a Great Artist

Welcome Friends to a remembrance over tea. As you might have heard, the beloved and talented artist Thomas Kinkade passed away on GOOD FRIDAY at home of natural causes at the age of 54. It is a huge loss to the artistic community.For me, I was greatly inspired by his beautiful work and style. I love the warm glowing cottages and Light Houses he painted making simple strokes bring life to the canvas.Today, only 4 days later after his death, I am joining tea time to share my teapot and cups with "Home is Where the Heart Is" painting.

I have shared this set before, but it is lovely to view again as I read through several books I also have from Thomas Kinkade. Yes, he also wrote many books about his works sharing the many paintings he designed on canvas, plates and other surfaces that are true collector treasures.

He also wrote a series of novel stories of which I have read all. These spirit filled stories take place on the east coast in a small town called Cape Light.

Another favorite of mine is a wonderful cookbook that shares favorite recipes from Mr. Kinkade created in the book around his beautiful paintings and seasons throughout the year.

One of my favorite pieces is this gorgeous candle holder in cottage ivory with a painting of another lighthouse. Around the rim of the ceramic is cutout feet to reflect God walking with us as we go through our journeys. I love this piece.

This large tea or coffee mug was a gift from my dear hubby. I have enjoyed it many years.

One Christmas, our son made this gorgeous puzzle created from a canvas work of Thomas Kinkaid. He completed the piece, had it framed, and it looks like the large real canvas which would have cost thousands. This was a way to have a beautiful treasure hang over our family room fireplace and it is very special and means so much coming from our son.

Thank you for stopping by for a cup of tea with me as I remember this wonderful artist renowned for his works in our modern time. Thomas Kinkade was once asked why he places light in all his designs on canvas. He answered by saying how he grew up in a single parent home and each day after school, came home to a dark and empty house. When he begin his painting career, he was determined to make the glow of warmth and light come from all the cottages through the windows, lighthouses and scenes he would create to reflect the love and warmth of home and someone there to greet you.I heard another artist say once, that inspiration is for amatures, that as an artist we should just show up and get to work. Well, I am off to my studio to show up and get to work. I am sure that Thomas Kinkade showed up for work everyday and will continue to encourage the warmth of home and heart through his creations for years to come.He will be greatly missed.But I know he is at home now with the Lord. Today I join the talented blogger, Sandi of Rose Chintz Cottage as she hosts tea time. Please stop by and visit her and the many others who also participate.

Blessings, Celestina Marie

HOME TOUR AT LORRI'S~~ PART 3

Welcome once again to Lorri's home tour part 3. As our tour comes to an end, we will visit the first floor rooms and go outside on the patio.
Let's start in the kitchen. Take note of the beautiful cabinets. These were dark wood in their old life. Lorri painted them all white, distressed and antiqued the surface to uncover the perfect French Country look and style. The island is painted black and all the counters are a lamanite granite, once again installed by Lorri's talented hubby.




These next pics are looking out from the kitchen to the formal living area, wet bar also painted to match the kitchen. Also, along one wall between the kitchen and dining room showcases Lorri's hand painted roosters painted on cabinet doors.




The Living area is gorgeous and accented with greyhound collectibles and Oh Look, here is Ellie. Hi Ellie, we will only be a minute passing through. Go back to sleep sweetie. Isn't she a cutie and so very sweet too. Miss Beazy loves her.



The Fireplace is another wonderful redesign by Lorri. The tile around the fireplace was originally black. Lorri gave it a make over by painting a faux finish to look like travertine tiles. It turned out great and lightened up the area nicely.


Next to the kitchen is a wonderful half bathroom where Lorri also finished the cabinets like the kithen. The walls are textured, wood floors, gorgeous granite sink and again all done by Lorri and her hubby.


Moving on to the Dining Room you will see gorgeous furniture accented with pretty heather lavender. The chandelier is gorgeous over the table. Lorri has a beautiful collection of tea cups and the hutch graces beautiful dishes and vintage items.






This next area is the Family room off the entry and across from the dining room. The big screen TV cabinet was also a redesign by Lorri. She painted it black, distressed and added frosted glass paper to the doors. It turned out fantastic and the area is a cozy place to relax. Accented with Western treasures and Lorri's horse collection.



Let's peek into the darling laundry room. Lorri accents this area with bunnies and garden style accessories. It is so cute. Who wouldn't enjoy doing laundry in here?


This ends the tour of the first floor, but before we go, let's go outside and view the patio, pool and recent furniture cushions redo. It is fantastic. We were at Ross, when we found some great tableclothes for indoor and outdoor use. Lorri and I thought it the perfect color fabric and design for her patio wicker. So for very little money, the redesign began and it is amazing. Who would know, these were tableclothes. I have shown the before and after pics, although the after pics were sent in an email and once again I could not enlarge them. I hope you can see how gorgeous it turned out. The color is perfect and gave her patio a great pop of color.
Look at that gorgeous Morning Glory from the porch post vine. Such a pretty color.









Our home tour at Lorri's has come to an end. I want to thank you for coming and a special thank you to Lorri for letting us view her lovely home. It has been so much fun to bring these pics to you and share the talents of my dear friend. Now that you know Lorri, I will share before and after redesigns that she does in the future.
If you missed part one and two, scroll down and view the rest of Lorri's home. See you soon Lorri. We are due for a shopping and lunch day.
Till next time, I'll be in the studio. Blessings, Celestina Marie

SOMETHING BLUE ~~ SOMETHING NEW

After the holidays, along with other redos, I decided to add cobalt blue in different forms to my Tuscan style kithen. Blue willow dishes have been in my family forever and I brought them out for use and display. Opened cupboards by taking a few doors off to showcase. Taking doors away really open the space and actually make a room look larger. Here are the results of adding blue to shades of rust and sage with an anchor of black.





















WHAT'S NEW FROM THE STUDIO
Here are a few items I have been working on.
"Tusan Poppy Field Neighbors" I painted this design on the oval wall tray a few years ago and now brought it to the large canvas.


Finished Jelly Jars coming to my Etsy Shoppe along with a request for black with pink roses.


Lastly I have brought back an old favorite hand painted on "International Cafe Coffe cans. I have designed with these for years. They are so fun and can be designed in so many ways. For this one, I painted the can and embellished the snap on lid with fabric and flowers adding trim. So many uses for these little sweeties, from using for gift giving to storage of creating supplies. Perfect for tea bags or sugar packets even displayed on the dressing table or vanity

Hope you have a great week and till next time Blessings be yours!
Celestina Marie