July 19, 2011

Dusted With Gray


"click on photo's enlarge details"

Artist Dore Callaway (Me)

Found, not lost forever. A beautiful old garden shed shelf painted in old brown paint and riddled with nails to hang much needed garden tools from found its way into my studio where I create. Charming this piece was a given, then painting a surface that looks layered-as if only time could prefect.
The "finish" was to feel as if it were weathered like a neglected piece of garden furniture with distressing that thins to a dirty film settling into the cracks showing imperfections adding age. Blending its now shades of milky whites dusted with weatherbeaten grays, allowing it to merge with the soft shades of the French landscapes.

A salvaged shelf doing its job for 40 plus years while saving it from a tear down, this piece of garden history became mine letting it once again become something.




Perfectly sized 36" long by 9" deep 7" in height, heavy solid heirloom wood.
Finished and distressed ready to illustrate French garden roses and the love for gray.

Evoking "Frenchness"

Honoring the salvaged shelf for its aged beauty, adding a gracious gentleness to its new use. "I don't often show the less then desirable, because I see desire in all."
~ Dore


"With Brush In Hand"

41 comments:

Suz said...

The roses you painted on the little shelf are lovely. Your pieces are beautiful!

blossoms vintage chic said...

Love~love~Love the story behind this beautiful vintage shelf you've created...I'm also in love with the photo of your brushes (inspiring)
and that tray is to-die-over! Frenchness indeed!
Have a beautiful week...
xoxo
Debbie

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Hi Dore,
I absolutely love what you did with your shelf!!
Just beautiful.TFS.Have a wondeerful week.
Hugs,
Marie

Deborah said...

Beautiful as always Dore xo

Deborah xoxo

helen tilston said...

I love the dreamy moody feel to this piece
Excellent colour combination
Helen xx

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

Lovely shelf and dreamy photos! x Sharon

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Dore,
This little shelf has been transformed into sheer loveliness.

hugs
Sissie

Amy Chalmers said...

Very pretty Dore! So delicate and lovely.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Precious friend,

You work reflects the beauty in your soul...but I guess that is what an artist does...but you do it so well that what you create is not a meer reflection, but a clear image of what you love, what WE LOVE! SO BEAUTIFUL MY FRIEND...and I hope you got my reply about your question to me about my favorite number....SEVEN!!

LOVE TO YOU on this fine but very hot day! Anita

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Dore ~ Your shelf is just beautiful! I just love everything that you create ~

xoxo
Lori

Unknown said...

...well, it's a resounding fact ~ we all a-DORE you!!!
you truely touch pieces of our souls that are looked beneath the ordinary, and plant your seeds of quiet beauty...

~ i surrender ~
oh so willingly!!

xo, Rosemary

p.s. i am swooning over the "mermaid crown" gifted to kerrie...beautiful

Tamra said...

Dore, you know I love your work but that last picture with the tiles and brushes.......I could frame that!!

Seawashed said...

One of my favorite pieces you've created thus far! Is this what you were working on all weekend? I don't know how you are able to even part with it. I think you could name all of your pieces Sanctuary. ox Kerrie

ps...seeing the little glimpses of your home..ahh, it is a beautiful sanctuary.

Unknown said...

Wow! Just found your blog and I am in love!! I've been wanting to do something gray and you have inspired me! There are so many shades of gray - how do you choose?! Never thought about painting gray roses - great idea- your blog is a total escape - love it!!

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Oh so fabulous! I am lovin mine and this one too.I need to send you a pic before I do a post.Life has been so crazzy around here not much time to catch up these days.Wish you well always~Cheers Kim xox

Karen said...

So soft and beautiful, love it.

About Southern Belle said...

Very nice shelf. So soft, almost peaceful. Love the Scrabble pieces in the last photo!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

You gave this little shelf beautiful character. I'm a big fan of roses.

Blondie's Journal said...

Very sweet, Dore. You are a true artist!

XO,
Jane

Anonymous said...

Lovely!!! Xoxoxo

Heaven's Walk said...

I'm so glad that your eyes and mind can see what your soul reaches for, Dore! You are such a talented artist, and your happiness and love in your craft shines in each project! ♥ Beautiful!

xoox laurie

Amanda@RelovedRubbish said...

Your shelf is gorgeous! I love the gray and white weathered painting and the beautiful roses.

xoxo
Amanda

Erica said...

I absolutely love what you did with your shelf!!
Just beautiful.

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Laura Venosa Verbena said...

hello darling Dore...
I love all you say & do..love your beautiful touches & your roses too.. it's all beacuse the love you have comes shinning through.
xoox Laura

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Sooooooooo pretty,love your style!!! Thank you so much for you sweet note,means alot!! x0

French Kissed said...

a beautiful rescue...the way you breathe new life into a piece like this is no doubt a reflection of the beauty that is within you...and that last shot...your camera was your paintbrush...pure art!

Jermaine

Rozen van papier said...

Oh I love that roses you painted! Like brocante as well,

Regards Janny

Kimia Kline said...

so soft and beautiful. love the gray.

michelle said...

So beautiful Dore. Each piece is given new life in your hands without erasing it's current memories. :)
xo

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I love how you paint passionately!! This is just beautiful!
Happy Weekend to you!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

P.S.
I finally ordered the #3 zinc sign from your beautiful shop...can't wait to get it!

Anonymous said...

Oooooooooo, great shelf & even better now that you've added your special touch to it, Dore!
Have a wonderful weekend, my friend,
Ms. Potter (aka Zuzu) :)

Dewberry Fine Art said...

Dore, I have totally enjoyed my visit to your world. Thanks for your visit to my blog and your comments too. From one Dori to another Dore...continue creating.

Cindy Adkins said...

LOVE this, Dore!!! It's gorgeous!!!
XO
Cindy

time worn interiors said...

Your pieces are always lovely! And I love, love, love the gray colors you use!
tot

Pamela said...

Lovely Dore!
I would say your passion definetly shows through in your art!!

Pamela xo

Jilly said...

Your blog is among the most important sites on this industry. Nearly every write-up which you create is gold. Your writing style is eloquent, revitalizing,and fairly interesting.
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chateau de fleurs said...

Hi Dore,Thanks for stopping by to visit me on my blog...Your blog is beautiful! and I especially love the art you are creating! Christie

Atelier de Campagne said...

Hey Dore, we do come to So. Cal. so think about that cage. I love your work. Trade? LOL

Have a great weekend dear!

Trino

Anonymous said...

Enchanting mice - I love them!

Roséemimie said...

Votre blog est vraiment agréable. Que de belles patines vous réalisez ! Cette étagère avec les roses est magnifique. Je reviendrai vous visiter plus souvent. Je vous ai découvert par hasard avec un de vos commentaires sur Belle Blanc.
Je suis du sud de la France un petit village tout près de Perpignan. entre la mer Méditéranée et les Pyrénées tout près de la Costa Brava.
Amitiés bonne soirée à vous.
Mimie