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interior design, Sweden Design

Mexico and Sweden– Design

Michele B. Naquaiya

There are 3 concepts here that connect two countries:

  •  How to fill a space
  •  How to wisely leave space unfilled
  •  Form follows function

these modern designs are from REFORMA in Sweden

blue chair-reforma
 

the chair

 

 

reforma bench
the bench
green sofa-reforma
the loveseat

 

family sculpture
the intimate space
carpet
the carpet

 

baby cushion
the baby cushion
ceiling-lite reforma
the light

 

 

 

 

 

these traditional designs are from Modern Mexico

mexican carpet
the carpet
equipal-mex
the equipal leather chair
mex-wall-art
Intimate space as a wall

 

mex-ropa
la ropa, or colorful clothing

In the world of art, design and

interior design, the winds blow across continents and rain illusive mists–like magic to make their connection.

They inspire people to create and fulfill age old traditions of culture, color, and function in designs that adapt generation after generation.

Visit www.reformasthlm.se To see their whole line.

Holidays, people

Day of the Dead watercolor

Michele B. Naquaiya
This is my newest watercolor of the most exciting days to come here in Mexico. It will be happening soon and I can’t wait.
click the picture to purchase prints on paper and textilesDay-of-Dead-family-th

For a painter, I can’t think of a more colorful subject matter than dia de los muertos. Creativity abounds when everyday people take pleasure in the celebration of this most wonderful holiday.  I think their body language shows the love and care they have for each other and the joy of these special days.

Day of the Dead (known as Día de Muertos in Spanish) is celebrated in Mexico between October 31st and November 2nd. On this holiday, Mexicans remember and honor their deceased loved ones. It’s not a gloomy or morbid occasion, rather it is a festive and colorful holiday celebrating the lives of those who have passed on. Mexicans visit cemeteries, decorate the graves and spend time there, in the presence of their deceased friends and family members. They also make elaborately decorated altars  (called ofrendas) in their homes to welcome the spirits.
The belief behind Day of the Dead practices is that spirits return to the world of the living for one day of the year to be with their families. It is said that the spirits of babies and children who have died (called angelitos, “little angels”) arrive on October 31st at midnight, spend an entire day with their families and then leave. Adults come the following day.

Thanks Vikki Rennick for your photo that was the inspiration for this artwork.

Day-of-Dead-family-th
flora and fauna, step by step, how to

A red amaryllis

Michele B. Naquaiya

amarillus-full-webI saw this stunning flower growing out of a very small border garden.  I snapped a quick pic with my phone and I found it interesting–mostly because I was amazed that such a beauty came from a meager space.  It had just rained and there were some raindrops still on the petals.

When I got half way through the work, I realized my values were so much alike, I was headed for trouble.

I was using a few different reds…from Sennellier Red (the main red) to Alizarin Crimson and a little glazing with Opera.  I needed to change something, but I could not figure out what to do.

There was a point where I was very ready to gesso over the whole thing.  Instead, I slept on it.  Two days later, it came to me what I should do.

I glazed the background petals with scarlet red by winsor and newton.  It was so intense and gave me the depth I needed.  Problem solved.

The problems we face are only as difficult as those we are up to solving.  If we can’t figure them out, it’s perfectly ok to continue and keep moving forward.  don’t quit. Take a break.   That’s a good reason to blog.  I may be talking to myself, but I don’t mind. It’s better than watching t.v.

If you  would like a print on paper, metal, canvas or textile, click the image.

 

Love this hanging chair, in the garden…or anywhere  https://www.reformasthlm.se/sv/artiklar/hangfatolj-svart-vit.html

 

people

Guitar Player

Michele B. Naquaiya
guitarist-th

I painted this in July and forgot to include it in the blog  Better late than never.

Meeting friends in downtown Chapala and  walking the malacon after dinner, I spotted this young man in a crowd, meandering his way through the restaurant umbrellas.  I did not see his face but he had a quick step of happiness in his stride.

Of course, I had to paint him. I loved the way he casually slung the guitar over his back and he was definitely walking with a purpose.  I wondered, “was this before or after a gig?”

It’s a treat to see he wore a pink shirt and straw hat.  Of course!  Thank you kind sir for your happy stride.

prints available here

dogs, horses, cats

Jake and Elwood, Calico Twins

Michele B. Naquaiya

jake-friend-th.jpgJake and Elwood are named after the Blues Brothers film.  Their caretakers are my good friends in Washington.   Judy and Larry adopted them when they were babies from a shelter.  Calicos are my favorite cats.  I love their temperament and their handsome looks.  They are usually a little on the hefty side, which feels nice when they sit on your lap.  Judy’s photo of them was amazing and inspired me to try this watercolor.

Lately the more I try to preserve my whites on the paper, the more I get caught up on dancing around the main issue.  I learned a lot with this painting.  I tackled what I thought was the main goal first and sketched it out in pencil.  There are 2 cats who love to look out the window and love to dream.  Anything can happen out there and no matter what, they stay safe inside.

Yes, they are dark against light.  Inside vs. outside. I added a little twist by curling their tails together which create a visual heart.  Cats are popular for a reason.  Maybe they are really as wise as the Egyptians made them out to be.

To purchase prints here’s where to go.