May 11, 2010

It Was A Sign... To Paint





"Your wings already exist. All you have to do is fly."
"Painting on the things I love"... After watching one sweet guy come to the glass door for a peek in, my daughter Hannah went for her shelled sunflower seeds to give him a treat, calling all his friends she began to feed her birds, and I began to paint. As a bohemian artist with a wistful style and a passion for art with meaning, I paint memories on walls and on interesting scarps of wood, furniture pieces, and just about anything that moves me.

My many years of painting signs and "Trompe L'oeil" on the walls of many model homes as well as the homes of clients who seek out my work so they too can express their style in their own homes. All of this and a number of garden walls, cafes and reatil business have had a lasting effect on me. I love when I have been requested to transform their ordinary walls to walls filled with my art. Be it faux finishes, plaster techniques and hand painted art, it is always new and exciting for me to see the finished project.





I create art in my mind because it is so much a part of me. Painting runs a close first to my passion in interior design work. Painting - is a tool in telling my story, expressing the things in my imagination and realizing what I see with my heart and eyes.

I also will seek out designs that inspire me, I look to sources that move me finding things in our homes and gardens, also inspiring photographs all in which to create a particular setting and story to a wall mural or a delightful simple sign. Painting peaceful nature onto a piece of wood allows others to share in a piece of nature's messages painted and brought to life.




If the garden is not filled with life I will build a birdhouse for them, and I will paint a sign for it. A meaningful sign can remind us daily of the joy we find in it.
Inspiring you to paint words with meaning, hmm!! now what will I paint on this one.

62 comments:

About Southern Belle said...

Love the signs, especially the sanctuary one. Really nice.

~Christine

Jackie said...

Love them all, "gypsy cottage" is awesome!

Beach House Living said...

Sanctuary is my favorite I like how the word itself goes with the little bird.

We were given some thinner and small pieces of barn wood, complete with years of dirt. I had hopes of making racks and stenciling....Some have uneven edges. Would you be interested in a few pieces if I can find a suitable box?

Rosemary said...

I guess I'm not the only one painting on old wood. I love making signs. Yours are beautiful!
I'm always inspired by your lovely blog.
Have a great day!
Rosemary

Obee Designs said...

Hi Dore,
I am loving your signs. I think wood word signs are so neat. Yours are the tops!!
By the way, you know how I just love your blog so when I got an award, naturally I thought of passing it on to you!! When you get a chance come check it out!
I hope you are having a good day!
~Gail

Anonymous said...

Hi Dore,
I love your signs, they are just beautiful! I really love the Gypsy Cottage sign, I would love to have that one for my home. Your art is quite lovely! Great job.
Have a great day.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Anonymous said...

You've done it again! Absolutely gorgeous as always! I love your creations!

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

oh, I think I pushed the wrong button and my comment went to cyberspace

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Hi Dore,
my second try. Love your signs - truly beautiful.
What will you paint on the last - something french? Have a wonderful evening my friend.
Hugs
Marie

Anonymous said...

Oh Dore, they're all so stunning and exquisite!! Painting is a story, and one you tell so well, dahling...

xXoO
Gwynnie

Seawashed said...

I like the delicateness of your birds. I like to paint in a similar fashion. Your Sanctuary sign is my favorite too. Lovely. You have a beautiful spirit.

Farm Girl said...

Dore, your birds are simply breathtaking. I love your signs too. It is so nice to read about your art. I have always loved art, one day in a art class the teacher looked at what I drew, shook his head walked away and said, never in my life have I seen a person with no artistic ability whosoever. My children are all artists. It makes me happy that you do what you love, it shows.
So glad you found me.

Marlene said...

Your signs are simple elegance! the white washed old wood and the one branch with a bird..so beautiful! How wonderful to be able to create a wall for your clients..create a mood and a feeling just with paint and your hand and heart!
to leave that behind..a part of you for all to see ..what a wonderful gift you have.
Maybe the last sign could be...."Find your wings"
We all have to find them sooner or later! have a wonderful day Dore!

Luiza said...

Your painting boards and furniture are beautiful.
I love the small bird on one of the boards.
Gorgeous!

Have a wonderful day, my friend!
Hugs/
Luiza

Angela said...

Your signs are so beautiful. The birds are just wonderful!!

Kym said...

Your signs are just beautiful..love the sanctuary sign...You are very talented..Take care Kym X

Razmataz said...

Your signs are so great becasue they remain simple, not overly embellished. They let the message come through without frills and fuss.

mama c said...

Love your technique-The signs are beautiful!

Raspberries and Rose Petals said...

OH MY GOSH! LOVE the simple beauty in these signs! The birds are adorable! I think my favorite is the "Sanctuary" sign, but I'd have a hard time picking if it came right down to it! BEAUTIFUL!

Have a great day!
Warmly,
Lori

Ticking and Toile said...

Those signs are absolutely beautiful Dore'!!
You do have an amazing talent my friend.....

xo,
Shellagh

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Dore, I know others have said it, but your signs with the birds are truly amazing. Do you sell these? I'm just in awe of your talent. They evoke such a tranquil feel. LOVE them!
xo,
Debra

GYPSYWOMAN said...

or perhaps "let your wings fly you" for the little sign - although on the door know, i'm also drawn to another "sanctuary" - or "tread softly" - love love your stuff/work - my brother, a fantastic artist, also painted a lot on "found" objects, particularly old wooden planks - and almost anything else, including rocks - one of my favorite pieces he gave me before his death was a beautiful large flat rock on which he had painted in bright red and yellow "namaste'" - i have used it as a paperweight and just an objet d'art - anyway, love your soft tranquil pieces of white - magnificent, lady!!! i've been in the mood to paint lately, too - have one large canvas left so i think i'll start with that one - it's so difficult for me to get home with the size stretched/framed canvasses i like cause they won't fit in my car - one at a time will just barely fit in my daughter's big jeep and the only shop that carries them is 20 miles away - anyway, just wanted to drop by and say hello and thanks so much for coming by my place - do come again soon!!! let's do lunch!!! ;)

GYPSYWOMAN said...

oops, should have been door KNOB above - sorry!

Faded Charm said...

Thanks for stopping by and I'm so glad you did so I got a chance to admire your blog. You are very talented and I can see we have lots in common.

Hope you are enjoying your day.

Kathleen

La Dolfina said...

Hi, I just found your blog via Beach House Living and came over for a look see. I like it here and will be back soon :)
Come over and say Hi sometime.
xo

La Dolfina said...

Hi again,
I just had to come back to tell you how much I appreciated your comment. It's funny but I showed my son, also a HS Senior the picture of your daughter (she's so gorgeous!). He's going to UCLA in the Fall. Where's your daughter going?
Come back to the Bay Area soon and we'll hang out! It looks like I'll be visiting LA a lot over the next 4 years!!!
xo

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Hey Gypsy Friend~That is my fav Gypsy Cottage, Gypsy Nest, Gypsy on the run! LOL I have a lot of Gypsy in myself not to sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.I have a hard time staying grounded, a caravan would do me just fine.Though, I wouldn't endure much of a Gypsy life just the free spirit of it! I have been crazy busy buying, buying selling furniture and odds and ends.Doing a redo of my master this weekend.I am very excited! Talk soon~Cheers Kim

TAPESTRIESOFNATURE said...

YOUR WORK IS AWSOME! THE BIRDS ON THE SIGNS ARE THE SWEETEST. I WISH I COULD PAINT,BUT ALAS, I CAN'T, SO I WILL ENJOY LOOKING AT YOURS.

lisaroy said...

I just found your blog via La Dolfina - LOVE your painted signs! The birds are adorable! : )

Vår sekelskiftes-dröm said...

What a nice blog you have. I like it here and will return. Have a nice day greetings Anette

Miss Gingham said...

Something about your style makes me smile. Just so lovely!

Queen Bee said...

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog....so glad to visit you on yours. LOVE the signs and how talented you are. Painting is a gift and you definately have it! They are all quite lovely...I think my favorite is the one that says sanctuary. And by the way...I loved that you use the word "girlie" I use that all the time with my gal pals! I'm looking forward to visiting you again!

myletterstoemily said...

such lovely painted signs. i especially loved
the sweet bird sanctuary.

Mary Ann said...

wish i have your talents...beautiful signs! have a great weekend..vebena cottage

Linda Marie said...

Beautiful !! As are you and your daughter. And I LOVE the new painting in your Antique Station sanctuary . Linda Marie
www.sunflowerlane.biz

Linda Marie said...

Dore , I don't see your link to your Itsy from here ?? Help me out : D xoxoxo

Vår sekelskiftes-dröm said...

Thank you for your comment. I just love the bird houses. Must persuade my husband to make these bird houses. You have managed to get a nice shade on the signs and furniture that are in the picture. May I ask what color you use and how you paint so beautifully.
Hugs Anette

CoopDeVilla said...

Oh, these are just what I need. It's kinda funny because I was just outside in my yard listening to the birds and my friend, Mr. Robin came hopping by. No kidding, the same robin every day! Now, I have the wood and can gat the words down, but painting the little birdy... how I wish I could paint like you. They are absolutely wonderful.

Prior said...

Wonderful! Lezlee

Rose Garden Romantic said...

Lovely signs!

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

LOVE them...the little bird is just the right touch,your good!!!!! All the best,Chrissy

sandra said...

Love, love, love your signs...I am a birdlover too and just the feeling each sign gives me is amazing...do you sell?

The Green Pea said...

Your blog is amazing, your daughter is beautiful also. Thank you for sharing your talent. sandi

Jenni said...

Oh my goodness! I love your signs~ they are so sweet and whimsical!

I hope you are doing well, and that you have a beautiful day! :)

Jennifer said...

I love the all but especially the bird sanctuary one - can they hang outdoors? Jennifer jennsthreegraces

Dan said...

I love all of your birdhouses and signs! You do a really nice job on them. I enjoyed visiting your blog too! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

~Dan~

Shell said...

Great Blog! Thanks for stopping by and following my blog! Love the signs and look forward to seeing what you are up to!

Hugs,
Shell

sf said...

What lovely birds you have painted!!! Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a wonderful comment.

Anne Lorys said...

GORGEOUS!
And like so many others, I simply adore the sanctuary sign. So lovely!

I hope you have a wonderful Sunday!
Anne

The Feathered Nest said...

Oh Dore, they are ALL just GORGEOUS!!! And the birds you paint are so beautiful to me....thank you so much for visiting me and for your sweet comment ~ you are very talented sweetie!! Have a relaxing Sunday, hugs and love, Dawn

Deb said...

I love your signs Dore! Will you be taking custom orders? They are awesome!

Jackie said...

Thank you for your beautiful comment on my photography blog - your blog is amazing! I LOVE these lovely signs - birds are my favorite and these are so sweet and peaceful. I the "Nest" one is calling me!!

Jackie
http://wrensnest.typepad.com

Lara said...

Thanks for the blog comment! :) I just came over to check out yours & LOVE what I see! Love the whitewash wood. I'll be back to read more soon.
:) Lara

Cielo Azul Jewelry said...

WOW! It's so nice to meet cha=0) Everything looks GORGEOUS!!!

Thank you so much for stopping by and your wonderful comment, it made my day.

I think we may live near each other!

Have a great week,
xoxo,
Carol

Pamela said...

Hi Dore!
Thanks so much for visiting my blog! Your blog is lovely and very creative.
I'm a happy follower!
You have a very beautiful daughter !

Pamela from French Buttons xo

Unknown said...

Your signs are amazing and your passion certainly shines through. A great Mother & Daughter team...
Bravo! Be back for more soon...

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Doré,
You've do such beautiful work, if I was closer I would love to visit your shop. Thank you so much for coming by to visit, I'm a new follower too!
Good week to you,
Mimi

Tina said...

Hi Dore:) I am so sorry I thought I had already left a comment on your gorgeous post. Your signs are amazing, you are so talented! I cannot paint or draw at all, so I just love your beautiful signs, you clever lady. I hope you are having a wonderful week ~ Tina xx

Deepali Kalia Interior Design Blog Filling Spaces said...

You have an amazing Blog i am so following you!Btw i have a giveaway...my very first giveaway pls participate it will mean much to me~Love Deepali
http://www.fillinspaces.blogspot.com

Free Art Printables said...

I love your gorgeous signs.. the sanctuary one is near and dear to me :) You have a gorgeous blog! :) Jen

Barbara Jean said...

I'm loving it all!

barbara jean

Zane Wooder said...

I love the drawing of the bird on the sign. That is a amazing sketch of a bird.

-Zane