Margarita Antillion

Margarita was born on the Baja Coast in Mexico. Her interest in art began at a very young age. Throughout her formal education, she knew that art was what she truly wanted to pursue. Her passion gained momentum over the years. She spent extensive time traveling the world upon completion of her formal education. Her artwork expanded in variety, topic and medium as she learned more about the world and what it had to offer her. Margarita felt compelled to give back in some way. Art was her way of repaying society and the world for all it had given to her. “My art now is a tribute to the human figure and movement, I call it, A Dance for Life.”

Oleg Zhivetin's Paintings and Giclees

below "Serenade" Hand-embellished limited edition giclees printed on paper or canvas. 36"h x 48"w.

Oleg Zhivetin was born on March 8, 1964 in Tashkent, Capitol of the Soviet Republic of Uzbekistan, to a family of Russian painters. He started to paint at a very early age under the supervision of his father's severe and demanding eye. When he was nine years old he began an art program where he learned to work with watercolors. While still young, his family resettled in Moscow, where Oleg began his studies at age fifteen at the Moscow Academy of Art. At the academy he continued to learn how to paint and draw as well as study traditional subjects such as history, of which Oleg is extremely fond. He earned his Fine Art degree with honors, in 1982. Oleg decided to apply to the Surikov Art Institute, which is known by many to be the Soviet Union’s most prestigious school of art. Unfortunately, Oleg was not accepted to the school on his first try and this prompted him to go back to Uzbekistan to earn a degree in art education. He was accepted to the Surikov Art Institute after applying for a second time. Only those talented enough to gain admission to the Surikov were able to study under esteemed Soviet artists such as Yuri Karilov. Oleg eventually obtained the coveted Master of Fine Arts degree in 1990.

After graduation, Oleg grew beyond his academic focus of Dutch, Flemish, Renaissance old masters, and Soviet social-realism to develop a much more individualistic and contemporary style. Oleg decided to hire one of his neighbors to sell his art on the street in order that he could earn some money to live. The artwork began to sell after a few months, and eventually, his neighbor asked him if he wanted to go to America. Oleg was given a phone number to call to arrange for this opportunity. It turns out that the telephone number belonged to a man who was looking for exceptional artists to sponsor. Needless to say, the sponsor liked what he saw in Oleg’s work. This sponsorship allowed Oleg to work in the United States under a three-month visa. He arrived in California and took some of his paintings to a Russian art dealer.

below "Three Graces" Hand-embellished limited edition giclees printed on paper or canvas. 61"h x 32"w.

Within just a few months, he had been invited to his first one-man museum exhibition at the Mission San Juan Capistrano Museum in California, where he received positive reviews from the press and television. In 1991 Zhivetin experimentally created the first in a series of seven limited editions on canvas that he called, "Origigraphs.” Since then, Zhivetin has worked on extraordinarily complex paintings with the universal theme of love in his recognizable fractured color style. Numerous layers of paint achieve the richness and vitality of colors in his artwork. The sensuous lines and intricate patterns of the paintings are enhanced with the application of gold, silver or copper leaf. Oleg has perfected his fragmented imagery technique and his work elicits remarkably positive responses from his collectors. Oleg has made his home in both California and Russia over the years.

below "The Spirit Within Me" Hand-embellished limited edition giclees printed on paper or canvas. 32"h x 38.5"w.

Russian icon painting is a basic and profound point-of-reference in Oleg Zhivetin's work. The viewer will find religious imagery golden halos, Madonnas, angels, and saints. Other typical icons include hearts, musical instruments, books, celestial beings, and flowers, symbols of beauty, delicacy, and spiritual development. One of the most beautiful aspects of 'Oleg's painting is his skillful rendering of faces, hands and feet. Oleg's characters often communicate through the use of hand gestures rather than eye contact. Gestures are imbued with subtle meaning; a deep sense of shared experience is created through this control of body language.

Paintings of Marc Chapaud

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Biography

(Translated via Babelfish from French and edited by ArtFinders.)

Marc CHAPAUD was born in Paris in 1941. He studied at the Ecole Nationale Superieure de Beaux Artes of Paris in 1958-59 Architecture section and 1960-61 Peinture section, which he left in 1962 after having completed several studio courses.

Solo exhibitions:

- 1958 first exhibition - Gallery of Colisée, Paris

- 1960: Gallery of the Harmony, Paris 1961 Gallery of Colisée, Paris

- 1963: Gallery d' Art, Castrate

- 1963: Hotel Alexandra, Touquet

- 1966 to 1969: 4 annual exhibits, W & J. SLOANE, Beverly-Hills (California, U.S.A.)

- 1969 Gallery Montparnasse 47, Paris

- 1973: International Fuji Art Gallery, Tokyo (Japan)

- 1994: Gallery Léadouze Paris 1996: Hénot gallery the Small rock 1998: Hénot gallery, Enghien-the-Baths 2003: Hénot gallery, Enghien-the-Baths

- From 1970 to 1988 he was an exclusive artist of Galerie Laurens, avenue Matignon in Paris, a themed exhibition, was carried out each year:

- 1973: Venice

- 1974: Bruges

- 1975: Paris

- 1976: Corsica

- 1977: The Sologne

- 1978 Amsterdam

- 1979: Brittany

- 1980: Villages of Provence

- 1981 Landscapes

- 1982: Japan

-1983: The Road Jacques-Heart

- 1984: Flowers and Gardens

- 1985 Streets of Paris with l' time of Victor-Hugo

- 1986: Rome and landscapes d' Italy

- 1987: Delft.

He has participated in many group exhibitions in various galleries in France and abroad: Paris, Brussels, San Francisco, Tokyo, Osaka, Los Angeles, Atlanta, in Louisiana, Ivory Coast, Enghien Bains, and with the principal Parisian salons. In addition to the Léadouze galleries of Cannes and Paris and Hénot d' Enghien les Bains where his works are presented permanently, Chapaud is also exhibited in Metz, Luxembourg, Brussels and Chicago.

What surprises when one discovers the works of Chapaud, is their simultaneous power, sensitivity and their technical virtuosity. Marc Chapaud became one of the leaders of the French realism school, thanks to his exceptional pictorial technique related to very beautiful “glacis” (French term meaning “smoothness” or “glossiness.”) The juxtaposition of architecture with water as one finds in Bruges, Prague, Saint Pétersburg, and especially Venice, evokes certain atmospheric memories within us that magnifies the dramatic effect and immanent emotions. The subtle colors, flood of silver-plated light, and his signature colors such as the translucent blues engage the eye and demand admiration. Chapaud conveys in his landscapes a calm power with the sensitivity of a romantic poet. He captivates us because his art engages us to divine the sublime and transcendent from an otherwise mundane and realistically portrayed scene. Marc Chapaud involves us in his vision of the world filled with softness and serenity.

Technical Virtuosity and the Profound Landscape. The love of architecture conveyed in his work is seen in the multitude of variations of light of the sun on stone. Witness of his time like the masters of the past, this Canaletto of the 20^th and 21st centuries is a favorite of collectors. --Arts Magazine Monte Carlo 2000

Landscapes of light. It is undoubtedly initially the light which holds the attention of those who discover a work by Chapaud. A very particular luminosity made perceptible by a perfect pictorial technique.

Born in Paris in 1941 and educated at the l’Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts, Marc Chapaud is regarded as one of the leaders of the French Figurative School. Tireless traveller, he is unceasingly discovering new landscapes (Venice, Rome, Paris, Loire chateau…) But the sights that he chooses and immortalises on the canvas are never limited to a simple representation of reality. They are rather a significant and romantic interpretation. Facades, arches and other monuments collect the silver plated light and the subtle colors of his palette.

-L’Evènement des Arts de Bruxelles 2000

Instead of promoting only his homeland of France, this great painter made every land his fatherland. He is constantly studying nature and humanity, which he will only represent through our Creations--through the castles, the monuments, the streets and the canals. In times when society is immersed in tragedy, a song of love could be also a cry of despair projected upon viewing the beauties of the past. Civilization always obliges art to follow its decline. Only the best artists can escape from it not only under the terms of their genius, but also because their force and their gift enable them to dominate the world which surrounds them, and thus to rise above the unrest. Marc Chapaud testifies to the passage of time leaving a legacy to our children of peaceful landscapes.

-Arts Monte Carlo Magazine

Marc Chapaud, Poetic Technician. The reality of the things is never really real when it is about painting… If the work of Marc Chapaud, can be described as realism, he expresses all qualities of it, without being ensnared in the traps with which it can bind him. What surprises, when one discovers his landscapes of Tuscany or Venice, is the extreme precision with which he portrays the places that he paints, while preserving the smoothness and the softness which they conceal. To describe you do not want to “say” everything. The artist is someone who chooses, his subject, his composition, his light, his colors. It is in that by which an artist is recognized. However, something poetic always emerges through these formal contrivances to reveal his style. Chapaud can free himself with ease, with all of his emotions and set free his sensitivity. Thanks to his technique, Marc’s impulses are merely tempered and controlled never stifled. He is its master. To have the possibility of forgetting the constraints of an art allows him to devote himself entirely to its power of evocation, and to have free reign with his enthusiasms and his whims. It is the ability of having a sure footing, without thinking of it, in order to devote himself to transpose the poetry contained in each nuance, each light, each detail. Our contemplation of the work of the painter can then find all its pleasure there, without having recourse to an analytical or intellectual observation. Only the best can do that with such pure grace. The work of Marc Chapaud is a living testimony. Internationally recognized, he is obviously placed as one of the leaders of the French realism school. His landscapes will be cherished by art enthusiasts and collectors alike for centuries, a timeless pictorial heritage, because his vision is timeless.

-Patrice de la Perriere, Editor in Chief of l’Univers des Arts, October 2004, at the time of the Gallery Hénot d' Enghien les Bains Exhibition.

Roy Fairchild-Woodard

Below: "So Far Away" 22"h x 18" w, serigraph edition size 465

BIOGRAPHY-Roy Fairchild-Woodard was born in 1953 in Surrey, England.
He lives and works most of the year in his country home. This peaceful environment is fundamental to his well being and stability as an artist, although he travels throughout Europe to obtain new sources of insiration. He is particularly influenced by the painters of the Renaissance and he visits Italy in particular to study frescos, tapestries, and paintings and to see for himself the techniques with which they were executed.

His admiration for Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt can be seen in occasional references of line and decoration but he has extended their techniques to produce something altogether bolder and contemporary.

After leaving school at sixteen to train as a technical illustrator, he then took a degree in graphic design. Having completed his education he set up his own studio. He soon found it was difficult to make a living from his own work and supported himself and his family for several years by producing under the name Woodard, illustrations for record sleeves, advertisements and books, as well as decorative serigraphs and lithographs. He achieved considerable popularity with his suites of pastel colored figurative prints. Experimenting with different techniques he developed entirely new methods of achieving effects in serigraphy to obtain qualities of light and color that are now in general use.

He eventually gained sufficient financial security to be able to give up his commercial illustrations and return full time to his own painting and printmaking which he does under his family name, Fairchild.

As a printmaker he has found most favor with serigraphy where the rich, opaque colors of his work is furthered by the medium, although with his figure drawings he still prefers to translate into etchings.

ARTFINDERS' COMMENTARY-Fairchild prints have been longstanding favorites of our residential clients. They are sumptuously layered and poetic works that provide an ever changing feast for the eye. They complement contemporary, transitional, and traditional decors. They have the ability to convey elements of elegance, whimsy, and contemplation--often within the same piece. Fairchild's timeless range of subjects, virtuosity with his medium (serigraphy) and themes make his work an ideal choice for collectors.

Middle Image: "Santa Maria della Salute" 24"h x 35"w serigraph on paper. Edition of 465.

Bottom Image: "Between the Lines" 30"h x 23"w serigraph on paper. Edition of 465.

Mendoza Revisits Mucha

In addition to her religious-themed works, Diana Mendoza also creates exquisite paintings with secular themes. Pictured here is an homage to Alfons Mucha featuring Mendoza's signature gold embossing technique.

With the three-part frame it measured out to be approximately 16"w x 28"h and a very charming little gem.

The finely crafted frame was constructed by Masterpiece Framing.

Haziza Sculptures

By the time Shlomi Haziza was fifteen years old, he was already an established artist. While other children were skipping sea stones, he was painting them, a hobby which launched his first venture, Rock Art. It wasn't long before his whimsically painted Rocks were attracting international attention.

Acrylic is the most sophisticated material Haziza has mastered to date. It is an unforgiving, but naturally exciting and expressive medium, with light-refracting properties that give it a unique dynamic. Haziza has spent years finding new ways to use color, metal powders and sculpting techniques to bring out the inner fire of acrylic and breathe life and emotion into every piece he makes.

Today, Haziza’s artistic vision is the basis for every design created by HStudio and his unique perspective and energy drives the company to grow and innovate, forming new concepts and ideas in the worlds of art, business, and design.

Display and Care of Fine Tapestries

Unlike a framed print, tapestries are woven individually on a loom and part of their individuality is that there may be irregularities in the weave, hanging undulations, and they may not be square.

Most tapestries are sold lined on the reverse with rod pockets. There are a few of ways to hang tapestries with rod pockets.

1. Cut a length of round wooden dowel slightly longer than the rod pocket. Insert small cup-hooks into each end and simply place them over small picture hook nails. This is quick, easy and inexpensive.

2. Purchase a metal rod with finials (decorative ends) from a local drapery or interiors store. Use the provided brackets for the tapestry to hang 'off' the wall or hang the rod over two nails hammered down at a 45 degree angle for flush mounting. Add a pair of cords with tassels to either side if desired to 'tie in' the tapestry to the existing décor. If your tapestry has hanging loops you will want to use this method, with the ornate or decorative rod hanging above the tapestry.

3. If your tapestry is not lined it may be framed similar to framing a fine painting or manuscript. This is done by either stretching the tapestry over stretcher or an acid-free foam core or board, or by sewing the tapestry down to a fabric mat.

Tapestry Repair.

A professional should clean a tapestry that is very old and valuable. Some tapestries can usually be washed at home. Use suds made from mild soap flakes and warm water. Dry carefully and use a steam iron for pressing.

Old antique tapestries often have flaws and holes. The most successful mending is to replace worn warps and to reweave the weft threads. An easier method is to attach a patch to the back and darn the hole. A serious drawback to this is that the patch is likely to shrink or pull if the tapestry is washed.

Moths and mildew and strong sunlight are tapestries' three worst enemies. A moist atmosphere can cause deterioration of fibers and is responsible for fading of colors. Strong light can have a disastrous effect on tapestries. Textiles are subject to fading over time if placed in direct sunlight. You may wish to take precautions to minimize fading

Paintings & Giclees of Matt Puchalski

(left)"A New DayII" variably-sized giclee ltd. edition of 95.

(below)"A New Day I" variably-sized giclee limited edition of 95.

MATT PUCHALSKI — Artist Bio

Matthew (Matt) Puchalski’s enthusiasm for art began at an early age when his mother taught him how to paint and draw. Puchalski earned his first formal recognition at the age of eleven when he won first place in an art contest for his drawing of Chicago Bull’s basketball great, Michael Jordan, set against Chicago’s skyline.

Matt Puchalski’s passion and commitment to art continued as he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from the American Academy of Art located in Chicago. Through his creativity, he distinguished himself and was chosen as the class of 2003 valedictorian.

Puchalski has created a series of Chicago skyline original paintings and prints including landmarks such as the Sears Tower, Chicago Water Tower and the Art Institute. Puchalski’s style has been described as “modern impressionism” for his use of quick, calculated brushstrokes and intense colors.

Puchalski explains the process and technique behind the creation of his art:
“I begin by taking photographs of Chicago’s breathtaking skyline and architecture that later serve as reference material for my pastel paintings. Using sandpaper as my substrate, I lay down thick strokes of pastel creating dynamic, vibrant compositions inspired from my photographs. From the original paintings, Giclée prints are created at Masterpiece Framing utilizing state-of-the-art printing equipment.”

See more of Matt's art at www.mattsart.com.

Japanese Wedding Kimonos

A Japanese tradition of 1500 years, the making and wearing of kimono has prevailed even through WWII, when Kyoto was spared from bombing. Originally coming from China, the kimono was then reinterpreted by the Japanese people. The kimono was a garment worn by the leisure class, not the working class – the working
class required garments with a greater degree of movement, and therefore wore baggy pants (hakama).

Today, most people in Japan are not wearing kimono anymore, with more women entering the workforce and 90% of brides choosing Westernized wedding garments. One of the only times we would see a woman wearing a kimono today is for a tea ceremony, which is a very traditional Japanese practice.

Each kimono is unique, due to the use of hand dyed silk (only Japanese silk is strong enough to support the
dying, bleaching and re-dying of the fibers without falling apart), hand weaving, and hand painting and/or embroidery of the garment. Symbolism common throughout kimono includes the use of cranes (long life, fidelity); ducks (mating for life – used on the uchikake); chrysanthemum (blossoming in the fall, it represents longevity, superior character); and bamboo (its ability to bend without breaking represents endurance and strength.)

The kimonos available from ArtFinders are vintage, one-of-a-kind, hand-made kimonos. Some were created by highly esteemed Japanese kimono designers. They feature layer upon layer of exquisite embroidery, applique, and elegant symbolism.

These are very large textile artworks that are magnificent to display on stairway landings, architectural ledges, second-storey walls, bedrooms, and living rooms. They are best displayed with special free-standing or wall-mounted frames. Please call or e-mail ArtFinders if you would like to learn more regarding our lovely vintage kimonos.

Vase by Julie Marton

This vase is hand embellished with seed beads on clear glass using a highly-detailed mosaic technique. Several of these high-impact, large-scale vessels have been custom designed to suit specific interiors.

Seen here:
"Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer" also from the Klimt series. 24" tall.
This vase is sold; however, a similar vessel can be made to order.