February 24, 2011

Inspiration And Simplicity


"Click on photo to detail art"
Created by Dore Callaway (Me)
I never know what's next, I tend to wrap myself around the smallest details of creating, and wait for the outcome to surprise me. The best part of creating a piece really has no boundaries for me, I will use almost anything of interest. Things of old, used, and less valued speak to me, pieces flaking with plenty of distressing battling to find its soul is a favorite find of mine. I love collecting old house moldings, and always find something to do with it, here is one of the many frames I have created from reclaimed wood. By adding just the right amount of aged white paint to them, and distressing it to my likeness it leads me to my next love.

The candlestick from Anthropologie that inspired this piece.

I took a piece of 12" x 12" paneling and used the ruff side so it would mimic a canvas grain to it, then painting a piece that would capture a less than perfect scale to it something that evokes a feeling of French flea market artful romance. This is where Anthropologie comes in, I had purchased two vintage candlesticks both being different, and unique. After a year I had tired of them, and decided maybe I would like them better painted into a piece of art for my shop where I have sold many in similar likeness to this one. Finished size 22" x 22"



When this piece was completed my daughter Hannah was so taken with it she made a request that she would like to buy it from me, please don't let this one go, she pleaded. I rarely design around my own work in our home, and this piece was sold to my daughter for a kiss and a hug. Now hanging over her chest of drawers, this piece places attention to the unnoticed pieces with added simplicity to her French countryside bedroom.




French countryside bedrooms should always be characterized by simplicity. Simple might mean less then important, yet a French country bedroom is anything but less then. Don't mistake less then with uncomfortable, French countryside should mean simply warm, simply pretty, simplicity in comfort-and wonderful, regardless whether the room is large or small.

"Click on photo" details paint technique
This small side table chest went from dark tiger oak to me painting and distressing it with natural aged feel. It is a French white with a hint of gray,(Dutch Boy paint) eggshell finish, paint color "Spectacular" DB356-1

Inspiring simplicity and grace that carries your heart.
"What ever you paint, paint with all your heart."

60 comments:

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Love your painting! And that bed is absolutely gorgeous:)
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Divine Theatre said...

You have inspired me once again! I love this!
~Andie

Seawashed said...

Oh Dore I am sorry I have not been able to get back to your email where I first saw this lovely lovely painting. From your hands flows beauty. I am so glad your daughter did not want you to sell it...and is now in her room where it looks like it has always belonged. Such loveliness...the soft gentleness of your artwork is what I am fond of. ox Kerrie

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vintage Gal said...

Love your painting ~ I don't blame your daughter for wanting is so. The bedroom is just fabulous ~ so serene, french and cozy.
Love it ;-)

Anonymous said...

Oh Dore,
It is truly spectacular, and I would have begged to have it as well! I would love to have you paint me something like this. Do you ever do this for people? Also, I would love to feature your home and art on "The Vintage Inspired Home". Let me know if you'd be interested. You can check it out, the first feature went up today. www.thevintageinspiredhome.blogspot.com
I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Sincerely,
Melinda
Alabaster Rose Designs

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

It is beautiful.
It is beautiful here.
Where to begin...your paintings, painted furniture all are so inspiring...love your blog!
There is white washed furniture....then there is AGED furniture - you have mastered this art!!
Lovely!

Karla & Karrie

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh Dore,
This is so beautiful!!! WOW! And so wonderful that your daughter got to keep it...You know, art from mom is the best!!! One day, I think our girls will look back and think, "My mom created this!" and beam with pride.
It is a legacy of your talent and gentleness.
Love,
Cindy

Faded Charm said...

You are such a talented lady. I love this painting and it fits perfectly in your daughter's gorgeous room. Fantastic bed frame!

Enjoy your weekend.

Kathleen

Anonymous said...

The bed and the paintings are nothing short of gorgeous! I love the dresser :) Xoxoxo

Anne Marie said...

I like both the dresser and the painting....what talent you have!!

Pamela said...

Smart daughter!! Your work is more than beautiful!!
Lovely bedroom too!

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Simply Beautiful just like you my friend! I was wondering what you were up to.Awww how sweet a hug & kiss how could you say No!
If you can believe it I just found a 100+ year old iron bed frame like Miss Hannah's at an estate sale just down the road last week for 150.00.I was so excited! I can't wait for warm weather to paint it for my lil one.My two youngest have the vintage bug for sure.Nothing new they say recycle, reuse all the way.Wish you were here though I would rather pay you to paint it for me and work your magic.
I wish my middle's one room was as clean as Hannah's so I could get a good photo of her's we got for free on the curbside 4 years ago.
Miss Hannah's room is strikingly impressive I must say.
Happy Friday! ~Cheers Kim

DaisyExpress said...

I love the painting. I can make the frames but I certainly cannot paint like you. So pretty.

Anji Johnston said...

What a wonderful gesture on your daughters part. She must really adore you which I'm sure is a wonderful feeling. But how do you put a price on something created from the heart? You simply don't - as it is priceless.
Wishing you a wonderful, love filled weekend Dore.

Wally B said...

If I slept in a room like that, I'd never want to leave. Exquisite as always.

Anonymous said...

The painting, and bed are just gorgeous!!

Kathy

joanna said...

Dore:

Your creation is more than simple but certainly inspiring, soft and elegant in a quiet way -one can almost smell the sweet scented wood and roses, lingering from past summer memories. Inspiring in way that makes the heart rejoice every time you look at the painting.

But is isn't in your Etsy shop?

joanny

sweetpea said...

beautiful dore.

hugs,

shelley

awal.ny said...

What a wonderful painting and how sweet of your daughter. The dresser is also a great one. I hope you had a great weekend.

Unknown said...

harika

Anonymous said...

I'm always inspired when I visit you, dahling! LOVE the painting. Scrumptious! And I just told my man we needed a new headboard. And there it was on your blog!!

xo
Gwynnie

re:Inspire said...

Lovely piece! It works perfectly in your daughter's bedroom! Keep creating!
Lisa

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Sweet Dore, your painting is so lovely, the white flowers really capture my heart. just beautiful!! Thank you for sharing this with VIF!
xoxo,
Debra

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Ma belle,

How did I miss this glorious post....I keep my eye DAILY on whether or not your post!!! Oh how I love your work and your home. You should see how my home is shaping up and what is giving me MORE pleasure than anything else, is decorating with MORE and MORE faded and distressed whites. Having to compromise a bit on furniture choices like sofas and chairs, the chocolate brown we chose months ago is actually working nicely with the help of GRAY VELVET pillows and several gray/white painted tables. My old dining room is actually one of the most impressive rooms of all, for my pine harvest table underneath the crystal chandelier will be getting new chairs soon, hopefully of a French sort in white distressed wood and burlap seating. But what gives me the most joy is a little table I found in the trash and painted gray. It is so peaceful and lovely, and with only a simple gold framed picture above it an a simple crystal vase on top, it speaks "DORÉ" in my home. Thank you for visiting me, as always, YOU INSPIRE ME. Anita

michelle said...

Dore the painting is just beautiful and I am so happy that it remains in your home and knowing how much it will be loved by your daughter! Your work is beautiful and comes from your heart and soul, every detail shows that. I love the chest, the colors are so calming and the aged feeling is so warming and welcoming. Beautiful post and so inspiring!
Have a wonderful week!

Anonymous said...

Oh Dore... I think this is one of my favorite pieces of artwork from you! I love the very subtle color... so soft and muted. I can see why your daughter was so taken by it. It was the perfect compliment to her beautiful bedroom!
Have a lovely week, my friend... thanks for the wonderful inspiration!
xo,
Jo

Shanae Branham said...

I just stopped by today and truly appreciate the way you bring elegance to your work. By the way, I have a contest giveaway on my blog you might find fun. Take a look. triumphandtears.blogspot.com

Romeo said...

mEoWWWWW! Ah, it is of no surprise that Hannah wanted that painting. I am surprised she doesn't want to keep it all!

I've been away for much too long and so I've brought creme for YOU! If I could pour it for you I would, but since I cannot purrhaps it would be okay to just sit by you and appreciate your kindness and friendship?

Purrs!

Romeo

Vintage Home said...

Great Job on the frame!..Your art work is so charming!
I really like your daughters beautiful bedroom!

clustres said...

I love, love, love your painting!

The Tin Rabbit said...

The painting is so beautiful as is this gorgeous room! I love your blog so much Dore~I always leave so inspired..Have a wonderful week~ Ann

Cielo Azul Jewelry said...

Just when I think I've seen it all you ALWAYS make me gasp! I just love them and you really inspire me=0)

XOXO,
Carol

La Petite Gallery said...

What a gorgeous young lady.
I love the name Hannah, I had an Aunt Hanna.
the art work is so lovely and soft.

yvonne

Blue Ridge Altered Art said...

Your painting is beautiful. You are so very talented. I love iron bed too and am drooling over it here!!! ~~Sherry~~

Heaven's Walk said...

The colors in your painting are just wonderful, Dore. :) And that bed....???? Heavenly!!!! I'd sell my first child for that one! lol!

xoxo laurie

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

I just bought a book today about French Countryside design/decor. It's awesome, so is you blog/work!! Hope all is well :) XO, Kelly

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Love your new header! So glad your daughter kept this one...it is just so peaceful and beautiful! I just adore the bed frame as well!

Laura Venosa Verbena said...

Hi painting mamma... I love this piece....it looks like the sister to the amazing pieice I have of yours. Thanks for always stopping by my friend. Miss you. xoLaura

Suz said...

I love blog surfing. I came across your blog and
can't believe how talented you are. Beautiful
work.www.cruisinoversixty.com

Stephanie said...

Lovely painting - so smart to paint on paneling!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Doré, I LOVE this!!! No wonder your daughter asked you if she could have it!
:)
Yes, our tiny house is 375 square feet big! But it is an open floorplan with a cathedral ceiling and lots of windows, so it feels much larger than it is. I also decorate in French countryside style - I have a big farm table w/ wheatback chairs, a French baker's rack, a French armoire, and lots of garden accents. I love what you wrote: "Don't mistake less then with uncomfortable..." I couldn't have said it better!
Hugs,
Zuzu

Privet and Holly said...

Dore, I just adore
you and your work.
We have an iron bed
and as you say, it
is simple, but also
simply comfortable!
I can see what your
daughter didn't want
you to let this painting
go ~ it's wonderful!
xx Suzanne

Kym said...

Dore your painting is divine as is your daughters bed frame. I love the paint finishes you apply to all of your pieces and also have a love of old mouldings. X

Renee Granier said...

www.UnderSpanishMoss.com

Absolutely Adorned Beautifully! Can't wait to see more!

Marina Nikulina said...

Мне очень нравится,винаж)))

La Brocanteuse said...

Hello Dore,
You amaze me every time!!You are such a talented artist and we feel privileged that you share it with us. The gift of your painting to your daughter, was a gift in return- that she loved it so much..I can see why...
much love
Colx ~ Afrique du Sud

Destiny said...

SO beautiful! You've been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award. Visit www.rufflednest.blogspot.com for details! : )

MaroDe said...

There is a heart and soul in everything you do-so beautiful!

Marie Söderberg said...

Im so glad I found your blog, you are so creativ and talanted :) im of course one of your followers have a lovely day /marie

Laura said...

Wow, dore, your work I just adore, its so beautiful and your heart is in every piece, you can just tell!!! I was wondering if you would mind if I used some of your images in a post; with all links to you etc, in my new blog.
Its called White State, and is about all things white, distressed, french, romantic, but mostly white!!!! Let me know if that would be okay with you!
hugs and hearts, Laura xx

Alicia said...

Hola felicidades por tu blog. Me gustan tus trabajos y por eso te he nombrado como receptora del premio Arte y Pico. Pasate por mi blog
http://alicia-entrepinturas.blogspot.com/

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Beautiful Dore,
How are you doing? I've been creating like crazy...lol I hope you'll come over and join my giveaway....and I want to wish you a beautiful, peaceful Sunday...AND, I'm glad you're far from the beach!! Wishing you a happy sunshine day.
XO

Verde Farm said...

I absolutely love your painting-it’s wonderful She has a good eye obviously, I wouldn’t let it go either. Her bedroom is beautiful--so dreamy :)

Amy Chalmers said...

Dore how lovely that painting is. YOu are inspiration pure and simple.

bikim said...

lovely!
happy week,
Rosa

Suz said...

I've nominated you with the "Stylish Blog Award"
Drop by my blog to take a look.

Simple Home said...

I hope all is well Dore. I finally made it over to the shop with my girls. I loved your booth!!!
We were looking for a vintage dress, but I'll go back when I can visit longer :-)
Blessings,
Marcia

Ashley Lauren said...

The antiquing of this furniture just speaks to me...I love pieces that tell a story and I feel the depth and meaning behind each flake of paint! I can't wait to see more :)

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