April 27, 2011

An Artist Paints Artful Imperfections


"Click on photo's enlarge detail"
I have a love affair with paint, by now most of you know that. This modest French farmhouse drop leaf table is another thrift shop find, it gave no indication of what lies beyond its dark stained finish, until I refinished it with artful imperfection inspired by European rusticity. I refinished it in a whiter shade of pale, giving it a quiet and calm feel to it, ready to add to any serene setting. This informal table lends itself for many uses in unexpected places, letting this piece tell you where it wants to be.



I added uneven shades of white and soft French gray giving it a patina that you would find on an age-old European flea market find. "This piece is understated. it's not trying to be boastful, just awe-inspiring."


This slightly oversize piece adds subtle drama to any intimate space of calm where functional, and decorative seek harmony with its soulfully given patina and relaxed elegance without being too imposing. What I didn't know is how perfect its use is being a side table to read at, a sofa table, as well as an easy fitted accent piece to any room.

I want to draw attention to the little sweet lavender scented bird pillow leaning up against the framed print. It was gifted to me from my sweet Oregon state friend Kim, along with a few other wonderful goodies, it has added nature to my vignette theme of birds and there places of shelter. Please go say hello to Kim she is a doll to get to know if you don't already know her, thank you dear friend see you soon!! You can visit Kim at... http://whitewhispers2u.blogspot.com
Inspiring artful imperfections in a great thrift shop find.

52 comments:

Karena said...

Dore how beautiful.... I love the gorgeous French patina it now has!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Suz said...

I love the lamp. Did you make that? That is one beautiful lamp.

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh Dore, It's all just perfection!!! Such exquisite treasures--your blog is always, always totally dreamy!

XO
Cindy

La Brocanteuse said...

Dore, you never fail to inspire me with your extraordinary talent, which I am convinced is a reflection of your lovely nature..once again thank you for sharing. much love Colette ~ Africue du Sud

Unknown said...

So beautiful these images are so soft & dreamy. Very pretty lamp

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

DORÉ!!!! Oh how I have missed you! But look at what you are up to! When your work is examined a lot CLOSER, we can see every detail of PERFECTION THERE...isn't it fun to take an ordinary piece and paint it? I am on the hunt for ONE LAST BIT of furniture for my dining room: a side board. I want to give it the gray treatment SO BADLY!!!! I just have to be patient and wait for the right and AFFORDABLE piece!

HAPPY DAY DEAR ONE, Anita

Sherry Hicks said...

Your pictures are very beautiful! Love your styling.
Sherry

Paint Me White said...

Dore you are so clever I love it. Sandy xx

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Dore ~
Your table came out so pretty!
I love how you combine the grey and white
in your work ~

xoxo
Lori

La Petite Gallery said...

Just love that white wash look.

yvonne

Deborah said...

Dore... it is just lovely
and the bird pillow so pretty.
I love the look that you give to your furniture..it is striking, yet in such a gentle way.

Deborah xoxox

Seawashed said...

It is so beautiful Dore. Are you keeping it? I hope so. I love it when the leafs are out and you can see the roundness of its figure. Lovely lovely.

Burlap Luxe said...

Merci pour votre visite de sable, c'est un honneur de recevoir un compliment de votre part.

bisous à vous!
~ Doré
See you soon with all your white beauty!!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh beautiful friend, thank you for coming over and allowing me to enjoy your sweet words. It was a splendid birthday and an awesome Easter....I have to always remember the POWER of Easter each day of my life, when things get overwhelming. Thank you for always providing a calm....much love to you precious one, Anita

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Not only do I love to look at the beauty you are sharing but love to read how you created it from your heart and soul!

Thank you!

Pamela said...

OH Dore i love this colour!!! It is perfect!
"Whiter shade of pale" a Moody Blues ballad...
lovely!

Pamela xo

Unknown said...

My visits here are always such a treat. Beautiful table, vignette, and little bird pillow. As always, I love your artistic imperfections.

High Street Cottage said...

It's been a beautiful day, started out wonderfully, my Husband brought me breakfast, work was good. A cool breeze in the air, flowers all abloom, and ...Dore made a post :)
Love the table, love the vignette, diggin' the scene, and smiling from ear to ear.
Hope you'll stop by for my giveaway, everyone is welcome, xxx tami

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Hello Sweet One~Your so sweet to mention that sweet lil pillow I sent you.It looks darling sittin right there.
I have had about three of those lil drop leaf tables in my life oh how I love them.I would have loved them even more with your amazing paint job. Bravo! Love it when you write in French too.
Will Talk Soon~Cheers Kim xox

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Doré,
It looks beautiful - but then everything you show here is always très elegant!
Bon week-end,
Mimi

Anonymous said...

So Beautiful Dore', you never cease to amaze me!!!
I love everything that your creative hands touch, you are truly talented!
I hope your doing well and wishing you a lovely weekend.
Sincerely,
Melinda

Christel said...

Dear Dore, I'm not sure why it is called understated elegance, as your table screams look at me! Another beautiful understated piece..I really need to start snatching up some thrift store finds, and turn them into beauty for my own home..I simply LOVE everything you create, and would never leave home if I could make it look even remotely close to what you do! xoxo Christel

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Dore,
Thank you SO much for coming to visit!!! It's always such JOY to hear from you!!!

XO
Cindy

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh how I love your world dearest...I am reminded to go into my basement closet to go look for a galvanized steel flower bucket; I will put it in my dining room. Love and sweetness ooze out of your imagination and I thank you for your greatest gift to me: YOUR FRIENDSHIP. Yes, that wedding was spectacular. It planted seeds of ideas in me that we all may give the ROYAL TREATMENT TO EVERYONE THAT COMES OUR WAY...God bless you dear one,Anita

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Hi Dore,
it is simply beuatiful!!! Love it.
Have a lovely Sunday.
Hugs,
Marie

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi dear Dore, what a wonderful table this is, really simple but understatedly beautiful! Love all the elements you have displayed. I immediately went to the sweet bird painting in the white frame. such a beautiful setting! Thanks so much for linking up with VIF, xoxo Debra

Cielo Azul Jewelry said...

It's just gorgeous. Really....just lovely. Everything is perfectly placed and now I want one=0)

Hope you are doing well and it's not too hot out yet. It's going to be HOT today here! The winds are mad right now=0)

Have a lovely day....

xoxo,
Carol

Katherines Corner said...

This is beautiful. I enjoyed my visit to your lovely blog. Hugs!

blossoms vintage chic said...

Hi Dore, love the beautiful patina you created...so soft and lovely! I'm also in love with the small chest on the table...did you create the finish on it as well? Thank you for sharing your beautiful treasures!
Wishing you a wonderful week!
xo,
Debbie

VINTAGE HOME lifestyle said...

Hi Dori,
The table turned out just beautiful. Love all those perfect imperfections.
Thank you for stopping by for a visit.
ox~Cathleen

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Hi Dore,

Well, I'm loving your newest find and transformation! I thought of you as I have spent the last 3 days painting my foyer all white. My fingers are paint free right now and I thought I'd come visit :) I turned my sister in law on to your blog. She reads it religiously now (has never commented) but just wanted to know you have more fans than you know! XO, Kelly

Romeo said...

Most beautiful! The only think that would make it more purrfect? A bowl of creme or milk of course ;)

Have a wonderful weekend filled with purrs and smiles...

Romeo

LizlovesVintage said...

Hi Dore,
Thank you for stopping by and leaving me a sweet msg. Do you know I have the same table! Not distressed, but still a beauty. I'm glad I stopped by..
xxx Liz

Seaside Style said...

Dori, Thank you for following muy blog! I love your work !

Jenni said...

Oh, the table is beautiful! I love how you create a whole new look for the pieces you paint, and this table is no exception. I love how it looks so elegantly old~ it is perfect! :)

I hope you have had a great week, and that your weekend is a beautiful one, my friend! :)

Hugs,
Jenni

The Paper Mulberry - Glenda Steel said...

I have just discovered your oh so pretty blog! Divine! I am your newest follower!!!

GYPSYWOMAN said...

just magnificent - your world of white here! thanks so much for having us over!!! ;)

michelle said...

Dearest Dore, what a beautiful table and you have revived it and made it your own. I love the calming color and your treasures are just gorgeous. I always enjoy my visits. :)
Have a wonderful weekend

Terrell said...

I just looove that table! I swoon over the worn white washed look...so it's a beauty! I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!!!
Hugs to you sweet friend,
Terrell

La Dolfina said...

Hello my sweet friend!
Please forgive my lack of visits to your beautiful place of wonder and beauty. It feels great to be here and to read your lovely sentiments. I love the way you describe your creations. I've missed you...
How is the ever so lovely Hannah? Please give her my love. I hope on my next visit down south I'll finally be able to meet the two of you in person...or better yet, how about coming here for a visit?
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by La D and leave me a comment.
You have such a generous heart :)
Much love,
Terri

Allison said...

Your table is gorgeous, Dore. What a sweet bird pillow from your sweet friend. Your home looks lovely and very calm and peaceful.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dore!!!! THANK YOU FOR VISITING ME YESTERDAY! I had problems logging into blogger and so I was unable to respond to your comment; your words always sooth my soul!!! SO BUSY HERE....hope you are well dearest! Anita

Cindy Adkins said...

I just popped over to say "hi!"

GYPSYWOMAN said...

my dear lady - your place here is always such a place of beauty and light - a sanctuary - and always a joy to visit - thanks so much for your kind words at my place - and i hope this finds you enveloped in love and light - jenean

re:Inspire said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
re:Inspire said...

You do such a wonderful job transforming furniture! How creative to also come up with the idea to make bird cages! So sweet! The bird pillow is such a pretty accent to your decor. Love your shelter signs...so comforting.
Lisa

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Ahhhh....my sweet, sweet Doré....

How wonderful to see you and have a visit from you precious! I know you must be so busy with all your lovely painting! I too have barely the time to stay AWAKE!!!! School is ALMOST out...three weeks left and then I am HOME for summer. Please come to visit us on May 28 for a tour of Paris from the view of at least 50 bloggers who are participating now!

MILLE BISES, Anita

Fete et Fleur said...

I adore what you have done with the table, and really love the small cabinet behind it in your photos. I recently purchased a small French nightstand. It's garishly painted. I'm working on stripping the paint off of it. It's a great labor of love. I think I will finish it like your lovely pieces. They do feel calm and serene.

Nancy

designchic said...

This looks amazing!!

Kate said...

Dore
Exquiste just like you!!! Its amazing what a transformation does for the soul. Have a wonderful week!

xoxo
Kate

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Love the gorgeous patina and color! Absolutely beautiful! :)

Seawashed said...

It worked! Thank you Dore for your help. You are always coming to my rescue girl!!! I would love to have a room like the one on my blog post. I've never had a room big enough to do that. I always wanted to live in a studio and that is exactly how I would have decorated. Very eclectic, boho, romance. I hope you get your dream room one day. Wishing you loveliness for the weekend. I can't remember..have you seen Water For Elephants? It is so good...go see it!!! oxox