• Art,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    See the beauty in the everyday—and how to capture it with paint

    With Paint Every Little Thing, you can learn to paint your favorite everyday items using watercolor, gouache, ink, pastel, and more.

    From food and kitchen tools to clothing, gardening supplies, home decor, cosmetics, and more, this book will show you how to see the beauty in the everydayand how to capture it with paint as well!

    Start by learning about the supplies you will need with the help of the tools and materials section; then peruse the painting and mixed-media techniques, which include layering, blending, glazing, and more. You’ll also learn how to mix colors.

    Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to dive into the creative prompts and step-by-step painting projects. Covering fun, appealing subjects, these include:

    • food (your favorite foods, ingredients, restaurant items, and more)
    • kitchen tools (what you cook with!)
    • clothing
    • random things from around the house
    • outside items (gardening tools, plants, and so on)
    • and much more!

    Throughout the book, find beautiful, original artwork. The creative prompts will inspire you to create art of your own with more open-ended suggestions, while the step-by-step projects feature complete instructions for painting in professional artist Kristine Lombardi’s trademark loose, beautiful style.

    The Inspired Artist series invites art hobbyists and casual art enthusiasts to have fun learning basic art concepts, relaxing into the creative process to make art in a playful, contemporary style. Following closely after the successful first book in the series—Draw Every Little ThingPaint Every Little Thing is the ideal resource for artists of all skill levels looking for a creative outlet in their everyday lives.

    Also available from the series: Block Print for Beginners and Watercolor Painting at Home.

    Kristine A. Lombardi is a professional illustrator who began her career in advertising and promotions before leaving the corporate world to focus on design and illustration. The author and illustrator behind Nature Painting in Watercolor and Paint Every Little Thing (both from Walter Foster Publishing), as well as several children’s books, Kristine has also worked with a variety of well-known clients and teaches art classes at Montclair Art Museum. She lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with her cat, Boo. Learn more at kristinelombardi.com.

  • Art,  Gift Guide,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    New Children’s Book Tells Story of Self-Identity, Acceptance & Animal Rescue

    Robert Vincent’s real-life tale of son’s black cat saved by a homeless woman

    Author Robert Vincent has written and illustrated “From the Pocket of an Overcoat” (Friendly Falls Press; Archway Publishing from Simon & Schuster), a children’s book inspired by the real-life story of a black cat named Max who was rescued by a homeless woman in Dallas.

    “From the Pocket of an Overcoat” tells the story of an affable cat, Max Buckles, through his adventure of finding a new home and family – and being loved for who he is. He goes from the cozy overcoat pocket of Sally in the city, to the country with Farmer Buckles and his other animals, including his four dogs – Sam, Tots, Scotty, and Junior Buckles. Along the way, Max discovers a true sense of belonging within his new family. As told through the journey of Max the cat, this is a story about self-identity, acceptance, animal rescue and adoption. The inspiration for the story comes from Vincent’s son Matthew, who adopted Max in 2010.

    “I was inspired by the amazing story of the real Max the cat,” notes Vincent. “Almost everyone struggles with self-identity and being loved for their authentic selves. This book embraces those concepts and lets kids – and adults – find solace in the courage of this wonderful black cat.”

    “From the Pocket of an Overcoat” retails for $17.99 and is sold on BN online and Amazon begins from November 22, 2021; it is currently available at Valencia Sport Saddlery and Glenroy’s Equestrian Gifts in Los Angeles. A portion of each book sale will be donated to organizations that promote animal rescue and adoption – The Humane SocietyBest Friends, and Alley Cat Allies.

    About Robert Vincent

    Robert Vincent is a children’s book author and illustrator, as well as the author of a number of other literary works. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Kathy. Robert and Kathy’s son Matthew is a violinist with Oakland Symphony and Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera. In December 2010, Matthew adopted a lovable black cat named Max. And the rest, as they say, is history.

  • Art,  Gift Guide,  WorldWide

    East meets West as Dodelande and Cheng launch luxury book, Chinese Art: The Impossible Collection

    International collector, John Dodelande has joined forces with prolific name in the global art scene, Adrian Cheng to create the ultimate volume in Chinese art.

    Chinese Art: The Impossible Collection is a beautifully curated, 194-page monograph looking at present-day Chinese art and society – a dedication to nearly half a century of the country’s greatest masterpieces.

    Building his collection for over ten years, Dodelande has worked with many of China’s most noteworthy artists. The publication of the book is highly personal. He says: ‘This is not an encyclopaedia of contemporary Chinese art. It is a personal anthology of works that we love and admire.”

    As a crucial part of his method, Dodelande travels to meet artists who become part of his collection, with the belief that art is a universal language, possible of building meaningful connections between East and West. Dodelande continues: “‘To be in their studios, observe their body language, and feel their internal force – that helps me make sense of the art.”

    The choice of works in the book allows for an exploration of artists’ key role as observers, participants and commentators. That singular function of art is further interpreted with scholarly introductions and captions written by art historians Philip Tinari, Alexandra Munroe and Karen Smith.

    Partner in the curation of Chinese Art: The Impossible Collection, Adrian Cheng is one of the most influential people in the art world with positions held at some of the leading galleries, institutions and museums across the globe. He confesses that the book was a labour of love, which was not always simple to compile. He says: “It was a near impossible task to winnow the selection down to just a hundred. The discussions were long, deep, and sometimes heated – and people may be surprised by some of the choices we have made.”

    The oversized volume is part of publisher, Assouline’s Ultimate Collection and gives homage to the art of luxury bookmaking. It is hand-bound using traditional techniques, with several of the plates hand-tipped on art-quality paper and housed in a luxury clamshell, to respectively exhibit the works of art in the best, most elevated form.

    The price tag reflects the enormous care and craftsmanship that has gone into this fabulous book: it retails for $895 (€820, £695).

    For more information or to order a copy of Chinese Art: The Impossible Collection, visit: https://www.assouline.com/products/chinese-art-the-impossible-collection

    About the authors

    John Dodelande is a European entrepreneur and art collector who has been growing his collection since his early twenties and owns works by many of China’s most significant living artists. He is convinced that art, as a universal language, is one means to forge a new Silk Road, a meaningful web of connection between East and West. Website: https://www.johndodelande.com

    Adrian Cheng is a prolific and dedicated collector of contemporary Chinese art, and a powerful force on the global art scene. In 2020, the journal ArtReview ranked him twelfth in its list of the 100 most influential people in the art world. That influence is due in part to his K11 Art Foundation, a non-profit organisation that promotes emerging artists internationally. Cheng also holds positions with some of the world’s leading art institutions, among them the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Met in New York, and the Royal Academy in London.

    Praise for Chinese Art: The Impossible Collection

    ‘Adrian Cheng’s exciting new publication Chinese Art: The Impossible Collection is urgent. It is wonderful to see this polyphonic volume of creativity from those who for many years have championed and supported the voices of a new generation of artists in China, ensuring their work reaches both local and global audiences.’

    Hans Ulbrich Obrist, director of the Serpentine Galleries

    ‘This book encapsulates the continuity between pre1970s Chinese art and the contemporary art circle. This is something not widely understood. But John Dodelande, on his many journeys through China over the years, has grasped the inner connection between these two phases: he clearly apprehends the unfolding of modern Chinese art. So this book shares a new perspective from Dodelande’s own cultural standpoint, and also contributes to an understanding of the inner consciousness of Chinese culture as a whole.’

    Wang Guangle, leading Chinese artist

  • Art,  Las Vegas

    1,750 ft “Walkable Art” Installation by Artist, Tyler Ramsey – Wynn Las Vegas

    Los Angeles-based Artist, TYLER RAMSEY is currently premiering his latest art work, a 1,750 foot long walkable mural at the Wynn in Las Vegas! Each section of the half mile artwork captures a different creative and exemplifies Tyler’s style but also embraces the vibrance and thrill that is unique to Las Vegas.

    Tyler really dove into being an Artist about 15-years ago when he took the leap to leave the entertainment business as a producer and paint full-time. He sold out his very first art show, and since, has been coined the “most interesting man in [art]”. He has created works for celebrities that include the likes of Clint Eastwood, Gary Sinise, Bill Clinton, and many others. His work is also featured at the Santa Barbara Art Museum and can also be found throughout LA on billboards as well as his famed- Ferrari cars at Art Basel.

    To continue his history of unique art pieces, he is now premiering his new “walkable” art installation at the Wynn in Las Vegas. The project was uniquely conceptualized and has quickly become a ‘must-see’ for visitors and locals alike. His next step…Art Basel.

    TYLER RAMSEY

    “Life should be lived in color”

    Electric, enigmatic, and energetic are just a few words to describe LA-based artist Tyler Ramsey.

    Best known for his bright abstract paintings, interactive performance art and unique installations, Ramsey doesn’t just tread the water. He makes a splash. Once dubbed “the most interesting man in the [art] world,” by Argonaut Magazine, Ramsey started his art career with a sell-out show over 15 years ago.

    He creates bold visual narratives in his art using a technique he developed that focuses on painting without a paint brush. Layers of pure oil and acrylic paint are splashed onto canvases, both traditional and unconventional, by hand. This technique, now taught at a number of California art classes, shows the dynamic depth of Ramsey’s personality. Chaotic and bright. Striking and determined.

    Not one to stick to a single genre of art, Ramsey has taken his technique beyond a simple canvas. As the resident artist for TOMS Shoes, Ramsey launched his own design line with the brand and hand painted nearly 100,000 collectable shoes. His work can be found on billboards around L.A., on Ferrari cars at Art Basel and many more uniquely wonderful places.

    He travels extensively and has showcased his art in a number of corners around the world; from Liberia to Malaysia and Peru to Norway.

    Ramsey is currently the artist in residence at Control Collective in Mar Vista, CA where he lives with his wife Jacqueline and two children, River and Violet.

    Notable owners of Ramsey artwork include Bill Clinton, Ban Ki Moon, Santa Barbara Art Museum, ORU, Clint Eastwood, Gary Senise, Peter Farrell, Kevin Farley, Blake Mycoskie, amongst others.

    For more information, please visit: https://www.ramseyart.com/, Instagram: @RamseyArt

  • Art,  Fashion,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego

    DIPHDA – An Iconic Jewelry Collection That Will Have You Matching Your Furry Best Friend

    Bring your pup to the office & make sure you’re both showing up in style! Or strutting the catwalk at the dog park stacked in DIPHDA jewelry. DIPHDA offers a special gift for not only the animal lover in your life, but fashion-forward friends too. Their trendy interchangeable jewelry collection stands on it’s own for humans, but can also be worn to match your pet. It’s a women-owned, consciously-inclusive brand that is turning heads this season with sustainable designs and high-style offerings. These cross-species accessories are a must-have for the upcoming holidays. What better way to accessorize than with an iconic collection that will have you matching your furry best friend? Gender-neutral jewelry is so easy to give and incredible to receive.

    DIPHDA illuminates the cosmic connection between animals, humans, and the earth.They believe animals shine in equal power to people, and their designs reflect that. DIPHDA’s modern, clean, courageous designs stand for boundary-less empowerment and beauty.

    They align with the heart of pure motive; what DIPHDA birth into this world is for the benefit of all beings. DIPHDA supports our community through local manufacturing and giving back to charity. They are about making sustainable design luxurious and beautiful, while respecting animals and the earth.

    TRIANGLE MINI OVAL GOLD NECKLACE

    The DIPHDA Signature Crystal Slider Necklace. DIPHDA pairs the slider and chain and you choose the stone. Mix & match sliders from DIPHDA Crystal Slider Jewelry collections.

    WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT

    • Designed & handcrafted in Los Angeles
    • Match your pet
    • 18k gold plated brass chain
    • Slider is solid brass with a tarnish resistant lacquer finish
    • Ethically sourced hand-cut natural gemstones and natural formation crystals
    • No two gems are alike; the organic variances make each piece unique
    • Stones are set in highly durable resin
    • DIPHDA donate 10% of each sale to the charity of your choice upon checkout

    CLOUD COLLAR SLIDER SET

    Adorn your pet’s neck with DIPHDA curated Collar-Crystal Slider set. Chosen for it’s aesthetic and healing properties, DIPHDA combined their Cloud cork with Amethyst. Together it reveals the winter peace of cumulous clouds over fresh powder snow, and the serene clarity of glistening glassy icicles. 

    WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT

    • Designed & handcrafted in Los Angeles
    • Match your pet
    • Solid brass & solid brass nickel plated with a tarnish resistant lacquer finish
    • Ethically sourced hand-cut natural gemstones and natural formation crystals
    • No two gems are alike; the organic variances make each piece unique
    • Stones are set in highly durable resin
    • Cork has natural antibacterial qualities
    • Easy to clean
    • DIPHDA donate 10% of each sale to the charity of your choice upon checkout

    About DIPHDA:

    DIPHDA is an independent brand based in Los Angeles focused on creating high-end hand-made goods. They work with local artisanal factories in Los Angeles who treat their employees with respect and leave as small a carbon footprint as possible. Their team designs, assembles, and packages the final product in DIPHDA Studio.

    DIPHDA connects people and pets in high style with its interchangeable and collectible Crystal Slider Jewelry. Add DIPHDA Sliders to the cork collars and match your pet with your own DIPHDA Crystal Slider Jewelry. The Signature Crystal Slider Charms are the shining centerpiece of the collection. From turquoise, onyx, amethyst, lapis, and pyrite- each stone is carefully and thoughtfully chosen with intention. All materials, including stones, are ethically sourced, sustainable, and vegan-friendly.

    DIPHDA give back 10% of each sale to hand picked charities. They support causes that promote equality, work to end injustices, and serve to heal. In sharing abundance and empowering communities, they aspire to create a more harmonious world. Hand-in-hand, we all grow strong.