New York City- Turn of the century

How- to create a checkerd design on your wall

This post will give you step to step directions on how to create a checked pattern on your wall. Its so easy to create and you don't need any fancy design skills.. You will need a blank wall and a few simple supplies. When you are finished you will have a beautiful design that will add character to any room.

Step One

-Before you begin pick out the surface you want to use.
-Make sure its clean and you fill in any holes with putty.
-After you fill the holes sand them down so the surface is even with the rest of the wall.
-Pick out 2 colors that you want to use. Have fun and be adventurous. Depending on the size of the wall will determine how much paint you need.





Hardware store shopping list:
1. Buy a large painters sponge  (you can cut into smaller squares depending on your preference)
2. Paint .0z
3.  Painters tray
4. Roller and paint brushes
5. Blue painters tape
6. Mixing stick


- The next steps will be easier than you think. You dont need a ruler or any fancy tools. Just a square sponge and a flat surface.

Step 1- Paint your wall one color and choose a different color for your checkerd pattern.

Step -2 Get a pan and pour your checker paint in the paint pan. Grab your sponge and dip it in the pan. Make sure you get an even amount of paint across the surface.

Step 3-Begin in the top left corner with your first square.

Step 4- Connect the corners precisely. For example connect the bottom right corner with the top left corner of your new square.

Step 5- Continue to do this across your entire wall until you have a checkerd design complete.

HELPFUL TIPS:

-Make sure you push down evenly so the square has paint on all corners.

-Match the corners up closest to the tip as possible to get the most out of your square.

- Its ok if you have to go back over the squares to make sure there filled in with as much color as possible.

My trip to Wynwwod

There is a strong sense of pride and culture in Wynwood despite its adversaries.

Today I took a a sporadic trip down to Miami. When ever I'm in need of some interesting sights and scenes Miami is never one to disappoint. My first stop was down to South beach then over to the Wynwood District. After about a 20 minute ride over the McArthur causeway you arrive in Wynwood. This place is not for the faint of heart, even in the daytime you have to keep a watchful eye of whats happening around you. I was paranoid to even get out of the car. The things you do for art. I had been here a few times before. This time was different, I was by myself and I felt vulnerable and somewhat out of place.What I saw was really sad and depressing. The art work is amazing yes but its hard to ignore all the homeless and sick people on the streets. I tried to just focus on the art. But as you drive through to admire the art you cannot ignore the human suffering taking place. I couldn't help but wonder what terrible events took place in theses peoples lives that led them to sleep on top of a cardboard box in front of a wall of graffiti. Was it drugs, alcohol, abuse, the economy? There is something very eerie about the Wynwood district. Its a mix of broken down warehouses, extreme poverty and million dollar art galleries. Being there in the day time everything is exposed. The colors and artwork is so vibrant and impressive its hard to believe this place exists. I find it ironic how every first Friday of the month this area totally transforms for the Wynwood art walk. The less fortunate disappear into the shadows. Instead funky hipsters and rich art collectors pack the sidewalks with their Gucci boots and fancy dresses. Food trucks line up and down the streets and DJs spin records on the sidewalks. The galleries open their doors and the liquor flows freely. Its a far cry from the hopelessness of the people that live within this community. Hopefully the attention being shed on this area will also bring to light some of the serious social issues taking place. If walls could talk im sure theses walls would scream. How could something so beautiful be so scary? Maybe its just that makes it so special. Being out of the comfort of museum walls you get the full affect of life and art and the people that live here.  Its beauty and pain in its rawest form.  Wynwood opens your mind and your heart. Its living breathing art which is so hard to find.

In the door way a man sleeps peacefully oblivious to the world around him.

Art and nature co-exist

Notice the lonesome shoe at the bottom right corner.

ART in obscure places

Life is full of beautiful things. Art is everywhere you look if your willing. Architecture, graffiti, and and sculptures are all art. In the hustle and bustle of city life its important to stop and admire the beauty in the most abstract things.Sometimes its weird, scary and crazy but thats what makes it so intresting.  Living in south Florida its easy to get swept up in this fast paced lifestyle. But all around you on every street corner there is some form of artistic expression. It may not be in the classical sense like a painting hanging on the wall. There is art everywhere from restored art Deco Buildings to graffiti on the side of a train car.  All you have to do is open your minds and take it all in.

Downtown Hollywood

ARTS PARK is a mix of   modern architecture in a sprawling urban landscape. The park combines layering of materials such as concrete and metal and glass.Different shadows colors and lines create a whimsical feel throughout the park.  The designers were able to integrate natural aspects like bamboo and palm trees into hard materials. There are many interesting things to see and do in Arts Park.There is a beautiful fountain on the west side of the park. The water rises and falls in unison with multi-colored lights in the water putting on a dazzling show. As you walk through the park you will hear music playing seemingly from the trees which adds to the ambiance of the park.

  glassblowing There are lots of cool activities to do that are open to the public. On weekends you can catch LIVE glass blowing demonstrations. Watch artists create beautiful pieces and jewelery and sculptures right before your eyes. The demonstrations are free and take place every Thursday Friday and Saturday, 7pm to late. Hers a link if you want more information. http://www.gbohf.com  


 

 

harrison street

A new addition to downtown is the murals painted across the front of the Ramada Hotel on Harrison street. Kudos to them for letting local artists express themselves so freely on such a big canvas.Then if you walk down a little further past 20th ave. there's a huge portrait of a woman in the alley way across from Lulus on Harrison restraunt. Luckily I get to drive by it everyday on my way home.

CoolPlace2Drink
PRL is a funky, cool artist hangout.Dont worry about having to fit in here. Every month they feature a new artist and their artwork is on display on the walls. The artwork is always thought provoking and outside of the box. ive bought two pieces from this place. The art is very reasonable priced which is awesome. You can try one of the 100 different kinds of beers they have from all over the world. With names like Delirium, Zywiec, Framboise and Skull Splitter your sure to find something you like. Every first Friday of the month theres an Art Show with great local artists. But everyday of the week you can admire the art and have a good beer. My 2 favorite things in life. PRL is located at 1904 Hollywood Blvd ( Across from Whiskey Tango) Best times to go is on the weekend when they usually have live bands.  Hours: Mon-Sun 5 pm - 2 am