Itzchak Tarkay Artwork and The Piano

Several years ago we bid on this large framed artwork at an art auction fundraiser for the kids' preschool. A beautiful cafe scene. It is so vibrant. For some reason, ' Silent Conversation' seems stuck in my mind as the title for this piece. I am not sure whether this was the original title - I cannot seem to find any evidence of that online. Nevertheless, I see energy and movement even though the women do not seem to be obviously conversing. This could be the result of the bright and bold colors and pattern. Perhaps I can imagine them listening to music that might be playing.

The artist is Itzchak Tarkay (1935-2012), a figurative artist who drew inspiration from French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism like Matisse, for the refinement in his use of colors and the drawing style of Toulouse-Lautrec. Tarkay has done many such cafe scenes.

He was a master at graphic art and with all of his talents, created stunning serigraphs like this one. (A serigraph is a silkscreen print on paper. They are not reproductions of an original). Tarkay created his serigraphs by layering colors one over the other to create texture and transparency.

This special artwork was hung in the dining room for a few years and then in the living room above the couch.  When the grand piano was moved to a more suitable spot in the living room about a year ago, it struck me that this piece would be perfect above it with its cafe scene and its size would balance that of the piano - typically artwork should be about two-thirds the size of that which it hangs above.

The artwork is now centered on that wall. It adds gorgeous color to that corner of the room.

I have come to realize that I enjoy different styles of art. It has to speak to you in some way. I love the colors, the patterns that have been achieved with this particular technique of painting and yes, the size at approximately 4.25 ft x 2.5 ft (framed) is phenomenal. This was a special purchase which will be appreciated and enjoyed for many years to come.

Are you a fan of such a style?

To learn more about Itzchak Tarkay go here.

 

 

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Can You Guess What This Stair Railing Is Made Of?

This railing was created as part of a loft apartment renovation in Chelsea, Manhattan.

 

If you guessed Lego® , you are absolutely right.

Nearly 20,000 Lego® blocks were used to construct this unique and certainly playful architectural element in a child's bedroom.

 

The owners of this apartment are creative professionals and worked with a licensed Lego® artist in determining the obvious pattern of increasing and decreasing run of colors after I-Beam Architecture had designed the stairs, structure and openings in the railing.

Such a fun space!

For more pictures and details go here.

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Books As Decorative Accessories

I love books and am a huge fan of using them in pulling a room together. There are numerous ways to incorporate them and many reasons for doing so. They are a quick fix to add that much-needed pop of color, height for a vignette as well as to lend a layered look to a space. And it is always great when they are more accessible to read.

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Enhancing an already casual room while stacked on the floor.

Modern Living Room design by London Architect Vuong Interior Design

 

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This room uses books as layers of artwork across the walls and is also obviously a library of sorts.

Eclectic Family Room design by Chicago Architect Sullivan, Goulette & Wilson Ltd. Architects

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via Elle Decor Photo Pieter Estersohn

photo Timothy Kolk

Are you a fan? Do you or would you use books in your decor?

On another note, I have been busy with extended family visiting from Canada and Australia. We did a road trip over a few days to Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C. It was fun and hectic at the same time. Scorching temperatures exhausted us while we walked through the cities and took in many museums and historical landmarks but it was enjoyable, nevertheless. This trip was the first of its kind for us.

I did take along my laptop with the intention of posting as well as visiting blogs but internet connection was frustrating in the hotels we stayed at so unfortunately I was unable to accomplish anything. I have some catching up to do.

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

Celebrating A Winning Color Combination

This week a lot of us will see much red, white and blue as we celebrate the 4th of July holiday. Many of us have decorated and will decorate as is traditional to commemorate Independence Day.

Today, I have chosen to share with you some red, white and blue inspiration. Clearly, this classic color scheme works in various permutations and combinations, is popular, and can be incorporated in different design styles throughout the year, indoors and outdoors.

Eclectic Entry design by Austin Interior Designer Frisson via Houzz

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Traditional Kitchen design by Philadelphia Architect Asher Associates Architects via Houzz

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Traditional Dining Room design by Chicago General Contractor Oakley Home Builders via Houzz

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Contemporary Kids design by New York Lazzari USA - a brand of Foppapedretti via Houzz

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Traditional Exterior design by Seattle Home Staging Andrea Braund Home Staging & Design via Houzz

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Are you a fan?

Enjoy your 4th of July celebrations!

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.

In Search Of Frames

With many prints, a couple of posters, canvas pieces and artwork from school and photographs accumulating in the house, I am in need of simple and certainly affordable frames of various sizes to showcase these.

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I have been looking into various options on Amazon, Target and Poster Frame Depot. There are many choices to suit individual needs no matter what your style may be.

Whether creating an asymmetric gallery wall....

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...adding bold statement artwork to brighten up a space....

...displaying an oversized poster on a wall or propped up against it....

 

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...matching frames in a kids' space....

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...or for a sophisticated gallery...

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..or even using shadow box frames to add dimensional artwork to a wall and showcase a treasured collection ...

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..or one of my favorite ideas - incorporating framed fabric pieces of similar colors and/or patterns in varying sizes resulting in a unique grouping...

...there are some great, affordable options for finding the right frame. Last year I had shared these 4 silk scarves which I had framed in pairs in standard poster frames from Target. 

 

The backing is cardboard - not ideal. I might redo these with good quality and affordable custom frames. Poster Frame Depot offers custom sizes as well as a choice of lens covers and backings and the required hardware . Definitely something worth considering.

And I also have this 3' 2" x 5' 2" piece. Shared here.

Although I Iike it this way, in order to preserve it for a very long time I will have to frame it some time soon.

I will keep you posted as I work my way from print to poster, from frame to frame.

Where do you shop for frames?

If you require any help with Interior Decorating please click on the tab at the top of my page marked 'Services' or click here for further details.

I would love for you to leave a comment. Thank you for stopping by; please do check back often.