The Madrid-based photographer Juan Aballe describes the streets of Fruitvale and San Antonio in Oakland, California, as lonely. During an artist residency at Kala Arts Institute in Berkeley, he got…

Part Two of the finishes I learned at Amy Howard at Home workshop is Venetian Plaster. See my previous post on decorative finishes. What image comes to mind when you think of Venetian Plaster? Is it this? Or the one below? No, not Tuscany! Venice!! From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Marmorino stucco. Marmorino Veneziano is a plaster or stucco decoration used on walls. It was used as far back as Roman times, but was made popular once more during the Renaissance 500 years ago in Venice. It is made from crushed marble and lime putty, which can be tinted to give a wide range of colours. This can then be applied to make many textures, from polished marble to natural stone effects. Widely used in Italy, its appeal has spread through North America especially, but now worldwide. Because of the hours of workmanship, the pricing places it in the high-end market. However, many examples can be seen in public buildings, bars, restaurants, etc. Its waterproofing and antibacterial qualities as well as visual effects have also made it very desirable for luxury bathrooms and other wet areas. Not confined to interior use, it can be seen on the exterior of many buildings to great effect. Yes, you read correctly........for the luxury market, "high end". No longer, and should you opt to do so, these skills are within your reach with The Amy Howard at Home collection of Venetian Plasters and a touch of practice. As in all her products, this is made for the DIY'ers, the inexperienced, those willing to roll up a sleeve. Let's investigate further. With a composition of marble and limestone dust, water re-activates it. Beware of the products readily found in Home Improvement centers, they are synthetic, acrylic, which will eventually begin to degrade. This is the real Renaissance formula. We learned the techniques of which we will teach in the shop. Left in a rough stage by not burnishing the finish, it maintains a heavily textured look. In this example gold gild was inserted here and there Burnishing (repeatedly rubbing with a trowel until it glows) brings forth an intense shine for walls and ceilings In a bathroom this product can replace tile, yes it is impervious to moisture, think Vencie. Which includes exterior walls, over brick, over outdated fireplace surrounds indoors or out..... Other applications include creating your own contemporary art with Venetian plaster blended with a tint and spread on a wood frame with a Pavon styled trowel. I can say with confidence that I can recreate the art displayed above. And this artist wannabe is thrilled! And this.......art or wallpaper. A 24 x 24 square of burlap has tinted layers of Venetian Plaster troweled in vertical and horizontal motions. Here and there pigment powders are added to intensify the colors. Amy's intent is to float this piece in an acrylic frame. Like the effect? Create this on long strips of burlap or on rice paper as wall paper. And lastly, as table and counter tops, replicating the look of marble, or any pattern you chose. As this product reverts to stone, the care and use is the same as marble. I wish I could put life on "hold" and play. Come play with us! Classes forming shortly, email me for inclusion; [email protected] 75 degrees in Illinois today! Debra

“Picasso’s Women: Fernande to Jacqueline” is one of several uptown gallery shows on view featuring works donated by billionaire collectors.

Great golden glow on the sand. Tarifa, Spain.