Diane Kappa

beautiful Beaucaire

2010-07-19T12:18:00.008+02:00

Ah Beaucaire, where do I begin. A wonderful gem on the edge of Provence. (Literally the edge). It is a quaint town full of artists, good food, fabulous wine and friendly people - I love the French! My creative spirit (and my stomach) was well fed and inspired! The trip was too short but I was invited back and you can bet I will take my host up on the invitation.

I have a so much to share with you. Today I am unpacking, doing laundry and repacking. Tomorrow I am off to Estonia. So, for now enjoy these photos of Beaucaire and neighboring town Tarascone. I hope to have internet while in Estonia so I will be posting more soon.

I have had a thing for doors and windows for a very long time.

I had few strange looks when I took a picture of this door.

I love the distressed colors.

beautiful Beaucaire

my two new friends: the sausage guy

the cheese guy

I want a house with purple shutters

this weeks paintings

2010-07-07T13:10:00.004+02:00

Lately when I get creatively stuck, I pull out the paints and start "sketching" with a brush. My only intention is to use a different tool to "sketch" some ideas. There is no pressure to make a masterpiece. For me, changing from a pencil to a paintbrush helps me relax, clear my mind and not erase! Ideas start flowing...some good, some not so good.

Below are this weeks paintings. As I finish them up on the computer I will post before and after shots.

My gut says the one below is going to turn

out very nice once I add a bit of color.

A big break is coming to me...tomorrow! I head for Beaucaire, France. My dear friend Toni has invited me to come visit her. I am very much looking forward to relaxing and hanging out with my friend, drinking some rosé and trying some yummy french cheeses. I anticipate some new inspiration as well! I will be bringing my sketch book (and camera) and will post my photos and sketches when I return. So, see you back here on July 19! A bientôt!

finished project: personalized stationery

2010-07-07T02:00:00.000+02:00

It has been a busy week trying to wrap up projects before I head to France on Friday...more about that later. One of the projects that I just completed was personalized stationery. The request was two cards; a thank you card with Curt and Erika on the front and a small gift card. The "Erika" was the first card I submitted. It was a bit too feminine for the couple but a great personal card for Erika.

I really like both designs as I feel they are truly representational of my style. One of the best things about this project was the freedom given to me to design something special for them. Erika gave me some inspiration, told me what she liked and gave me great feedback on the first round of drafts. I worked with the printer to get the colors just how I wanted them. The printer did a great job and the colors came out brighter and better that I thought they would.

all about australia

2010-07-05T12:07:00.006+02:00

Australian's have great appreciation for color and pattern. (Actually, one of my favorite magazines for inspiration is Australia's Vogue Living.)

A few months ago I got to meet one of my clients from Australia. She was visiting her niece who was living here in Budapest. We meet for coffee and had a lovely time getting to one another. You can imagine how excited I was when I received an email with photos of her pillows in their new home. They look like they were specially made for her living room. They work perfectly!

Thanks Cathy for the photos!

In other Australian news, my Etsy shop now ships my magnets to Australia! Ironically, I have had a number of requests over the past few months to ship to Australia. After doing a bit of research I discovered the shipping prices are not too bad. So, if you are interested in magnets, check out my store. Also, I will be adding a lot more inventory soon so check back often!

I have a busy week ahead of me as I leave for Southern France on Friday! Lots of inspiration coming soon! Also, I have some other great posts scheduled for this week so hope to see you tomorrow!

attention designers and color enthusiasts!

2010-07-01T21:39:00.000+02:00

I started writing this to tell you about the "Let's Color Project" and then my colorful world started spinning and well....I ended up at Pantone's website and reading their newsletter called "Tones". Color everywhere! And I want you to be as excited as I am!

(My friend Josephine will laugh at this post since when we first became friends the only color I owned was black and I am writing to tell you to be excited about color. hehehe)

So, I got lost in blog land last night and I don't know how I finally arrived at the site but here it is. The coolest project I have scene in a long time! Let's Color Project. Instead of explaining what it is...watch the video and click on the site. I can think of a few places in Budapest that could use a little color...give me a paintbrush I am ready to help!!

Let's Color Project

What did you think??? What color would you paint your town?

Now onto Pantone. Did you know that they have a FREE color newsletter called TONES! Yes I said FREE! AND did you know you can download their Fall 2010 color palette directly into Adobe Illustrator! YES I said !!FREE!! and from Pantone!

While reading through TONES I came across a link to their fashion color report for Fall 2010. What a great resource.

And one last cool an article on The 25 Best Color Apps for iPhone. I just downloaded the free one from you guessed it, Pantone.

I am super excited about all the color - especially the "Let's Color Project". Color is so important! It really does make a difference. In the neighborhood where I live in Budapest, there are tons of large prefab concrete apartment buildings. I hate to say it but they are very ugly. Recently they have started painting them - lime green, red, blue. It is amazing how much better they look! I will take some photos and post soon. There is a lime green one down the street from me that makes me smile whenever I pass it. A coat of paint does a world of difference!

a contrast of old & new

2010-07-01T01:00:00.000+02:00

A few more pictures from the walk I talked about yesterday. Funny these buildings are on the same street. One looks brand new and the other looks like...well, see for yourself.

What I love about the photo below are the flowers in the window. Most buildings like this are very charming on the inside. I would love to see the inside!

old & beautiful books

2010-06-27T12:58:00.007+02:00

Steven and I were house and cat sitting for friends last week. It is always fun to house sit as it puts us in a part of town that we usually don't wonder around in. We go to this area but usually with a purpose, not to just wonder and window shop. Well, Sunday we wondered and wondered and came across an old book shop. Unfortunately, it was closed but I got some good photos through the window.

A unique thing about Hungary is that you will see Hungarian folk motifs on everything! From book spines to meat packaging! I love it!

work in progress: 3 panel wallhanging

2010-06-25T13:37:00.009+02:00

Months ago (many months ago) friends of mine bought one of my silk wall hangings. They brought it home and hung it up and realized it looked very tiny on their big wall. So, they commissioned me to paint a three panel piece. They have been patiently waiting and will be surprised to read that I have finally begun the process.

the original piece they bought and the inspiration behind the 3 panels

Working with 3 panels is a challenge. I want each panel to look good by itself but I need for all three to look cohesive when they are next to each other. It was really hard to get started this time. They like the original piece they bought but they want something a little different.

The beginning. Sketching out the ideas on paper.

Each panel sketch is about 11" x 17" (A3 size).
The panels will be much larger when it is painted.sketch of middle panel
I scan my sketch into the computer so I can play with color and composition more easily.
The painting will look more hand done than the image below.
(It looks really flat because of the computer.)

There is still lots of work to do but I am pleased with the direction I am moving in. Any thoughts? I could use some feedback. Do you think there are too many leaves?

After the design is approved I will enlarge it to actual size and then print it out. This will get placed behind the silk and used as a guide when I put the resist on. So, stay tuned for more...

*********
Years ago I worked on a three panel piece for friends Hillary and Krishna. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed seeing the smiles when we finally hung it. We worked together on colors so it would complement what they already had in the room.

At the time I was hanging silk from metal rods.
Currently I am stretching the silk on wooden frames.

Night of Museums

2010-06-21T10:21:00.005+02:00

Saturday was "Night of Museums". This is an annual event held around the summer solstice during which museums in Hungary keep their doors open until late night and offer special programs. We headed over to two of my favorites places to check out what was happening.

First, we went to my friends gallery, Eventuell, where they were having an exhibition about Marimekko. The colors and patterns of Marimekko looked great in her gallery! They had a singer and a wonderful pianist perform. (The pianist also happens to be her 12 year old daughter - a master pianist in the making!)

I actually showed up a day early to get a few good photos of the exhibit before the crowds showed up. Glad I did or I would have no photos.

A new Marimekko fabric called "fox" to be released this fall.

I love this print! The colors and painterly feel make it a bit different for their collection. I am use to the more graphic 3 color prints.

Next we headed over to the Iparművésyeti Múzeum. They had so much going on! Along with their permanent exhibits, there was artists selling their handmade items, a room reserved for watching Bollywood movies, and live music. The below pictures were taken at around 11 pm. The place was hopping! (I ended up buying a beautiful silk painted top from the artist! I will post photos soon.)

Mitsoura - a Hungarian band with a very unique sound. Check them out on last fm here. They sounded great on Saturday!

To wrap up the evening we headed over to one of out new favorite bars, Jelen. It reminds us of Seattle with its relaxed atmosphere and arty feeling.

If you are in Budapest next year for this event. I would really recommend going. You pay one price (1200 ft - about $5.25) and this gets you into all the museums for the day. You get special exhibits and events, music and craft fairs. A great deal and an exciting and inspiring evening!

design project: Europe2You

2010-06-17T11:30:00.015+02:00

I am so excited to be able to share with you one of the projects I have been working on. I have been working with Stacy Borocz from Europe2You on designing a collection of Suzani inspired plates. She will be launching these new designs next month at the The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. I can not wait to hear the feedback from her clients!

The pizza plate on an antique trivet.

I have a true appreciation for what Stacy does. She works with potters on the countryside, using traditional methods and molds, tweaking the designs to be more modern for her contemporary customer. Her strong creative vision mixes old and new so well it is hard to tell one from the other.

The below photo is my plate design mixed with some of Stacy's antiques.
I think they look great together. What do you think?

The below plate is a sample the potter made.
He took my designs but only did the line work. I think it works.

Below are some other pieces that Stacy sells. The idea behind the "Suzani" plates is that they can be mixed and matched with her existing collection. Think of them as great accent pieces!
To see more of what Stacy offers and to see photos of the factory, visit her website at www.europe2you.com. You can also become a fan on Europe2You's facebook page. Click here to become a fan.

PS. Stacy is going to let me tag along on one of her next factory visits. I will be sure to take photos of the process and post them here!

new website is LIVE!

2010-06-16T07:48:00.007+02:00

Finally, after 2 years of procrastinating, months of planning and weeks of tweaking, my new website is up!

A little background on the process...it is hosted in the USA, it was designed in Hungary and developed in Estonia! Rene (my amazingly patient web developer) and I never meet face to face to talk about the site. Everything was done via email and Skype. This is a true testament to the fact that you do not need to be located in the same town, state or even country to work on a project successfully.

Thank you Rene for all your help and patience!

Click here or on the image below to get to my new site!

Expat Careers in Budapest: Diane Kappa

2010-06-14T16:37:00.004+02:00

Check out my interview with Expat Echo!

my summer studio

2010-06-08T16:21:00.009+02:00

The weather has turned from rain and cold to sun and warmth. I am so grateful! Tuesday I could not bring myself to sit indoors in front of my computer....so, I moved it outdoors. In the morning it was coffee, laptop and emails and a blog and then the afternoon was paints, magazines and roses in bloom. Our flat is small but it is perfect! Who can pass up a private rose garden?

our garden and my summer studio in full bloom

being inspired by leaves and roses

looking up...hmmm could this be a print in the works?I took loads of photos of the roses but the reds always loose their definition.
If I turn the photo to black and white in Photoshop it looks pretty good. Does anyone have any photo advice on how to photograph reds?

colors & textures - rust & decay

2010-06-08T09:52:00.010+02:00

Recently, I have become really drawn to artwork with texture. It started with fine art and collage. I have seen this trend becoming stronger and stronger-or maybe I am just hyper aware since I love it. I love the colors, the depth, the layering.

I do not know the artist to the painting below.

If you have info on who this is, please let me know so I can give proper credit.

Claire Basler. I love her work. If you haven't been to here website you must check it out!

I started using textures in my own digital artwork and I am craving to try an oil painting where I can experiment and let loose. I will keep you posted on this.

For me and my digital work, textures add depth and interest to what would have been pretty flat artwork. However, I am always struggling with creating the textures, making them look interesting and spontaneous.

Well, two weeks ago Steven and I spent a few days with friends in a small town in Hungary called Döbrönte. We took a walk around town (which was a pretty short walk since it is a really small town) and I found some great inspiration. Check out the images below.

Closeups of houses and buildings. I really like the colors.

The colors of rust and decay-who thought they could be so beautiful!
I love these old buildings-they are everywhere in Hungary.
I can totally visualize a wonderful garden and a cute little
table and chairs. The gate - I would not change a thing. The colors are fantastic!

Feels like something I would see in Mexico.

What kind of trends are you seeing in the art world that are over flowing into the design world? Any prediction? Do you have any artist you recommend I look into? I would love your opinion.

color boards and inspiration

2010-06-04T15:44:00.003+02:00

Finally finished. 18 months of magazines, tearing out all the images and articles I like and then compiling them onto pages for my inspiration book. I return to this book when I am creatively stumped or am needing some color inspiration. I guess I am feeling a bit that way now and thought this would help.

Magazine tears waiting to be sorted. This stack is about 2cm high-lots of images.

Below are 3 of the 22 pages I put together.

What do you do when you are creatively stumped? Do you have a routine or something that helps motivate you? I would love to hear you thoughts. I am always looking for advice on how to get the creative juices flowing.

whoMi?

2010-06-02T20:32:00.005+02:00

Sorry I haven't been around in over a week. I think I jinxed myself with the last post....it has been raining nonstop. Grrr....

On a brighter note...I thought I would let you see a little project that has been in the works. Madison Park Group (who owns Ipop-my magnets) now owns whoMi. WhoMi is a line of agendas, calenders and note pads. My friend Khristian Howell sent me these photos from the NY Stationery Show.

I had not seen the products yet but I knew they were in the works! How exciting is this! Thanks Khristian for being my eyes!

shadows of hope

2010-05-24T10:57:00.003+02:00

We have had what feels like weeks of rain...hard thunder and lighting. Strong winds, horizontal rain and flooding. Wool sweater, leather boots and scarf kind of weather...in May!

Finally I see hope between the thunderstorms.

I am heading to a photo shoot in an hour. I am a bit nervous. I will be having some portraits done as well as pictures of me painting and drawing. Wish me luck. Hopefully I can look relaxed and casual. I will share the photos in a week or two.

This is it for this week. We are heading to a spa for 3 days! We are very excited to get out of town and relax. See you back here on Monday!

furniture painting

2010-05-24T10:28:00.008+02:00

My friend Fiona paints beautiful boxes. They are "treasure" boxes. Small (sometimes larger) boxes with motifs that represent the person the box is made for. She claims she is no artist, but I disagree.

Her latest project is painting an old cabinet for herself. She wants a Transylvanian type design. She invited me over to join her in an evening of painting.

Transylvania painted furniture. (Ours won't look quite like this.)

our project: the cabinet

planning and sketching the design

top of the cabinet

one door finished

out come the paints

painting begins

We didn't get much farther than the above photo. I will update the blog when the cabinet is finished.

It was so fun to paint with someone. I love being self employed but it can get a little lonely. How refreshing to be able to collaborate and work on a fun project with a great friend! Thanks Fiona!

quick trip: vienna

2010-05-24T09:59:00.005+02:00

Last week we made a trip to Vienna. My husband enjoyed a Kiss concert with a friend. Meanwhile, myself and a friend enjoyed a beer in a local pub. We were only there for one night and I wish I could have stayed longer. Vienna is not far from Budapest - about 2 hours by car. (Unless the highway has a large whole in it, then it is 4 hours. Yes, due to the rain and flooding in Hungary, the M1 had a huge sink whole.)

Oh yeah, while I was there I hit my favorite art store, Boesner, and stocked up on supplies!

a few photos...

How cute is this bike! I love the basket,
cute polka dot seat and that awesome bike bag.

The rain has encouraged the wild poppies to
bloom all along the side of the highway.

cute garden shop

big news part 2: folk life

2010-05-18T16:11:00.007+02:00

Today I would like to introduce you to my favorite of the two collections..."folk life".

Why is it my favorite? The concept and rough sketches came to me when I was at Kis Alma back in March. A weekend spent in the Hungarian countryside living the folk life.

This was a fun collection to design and it came so quickly and naturally. Maybe because I also spent time thinking of my grandparents who live in the country. Grandpa the gardener and grandma the cook. Living the country life, the folk life.

Enjoy.

Warm breeze. Sun on my face. Fresh laundry hanging on the line. Flowers in bloom. Bees buzzing. The call of distance birds. Resting on a gingham blanket. Eating fresh strawberries and sipping sweet tea. The country calls and I crave the folk life.

colorway: sweet dreams

colorway: summer sunset

colorway: country picnic

A few details: The fabric will launch this Friday at the International Quilt Market. Buyers will be attending, placing orders for their fabric stores and online shops. If all goes well, I will be posting where you can buy these fabrics in the next few weeks. I will keep you posted!

big news part 1: sweet tooth

2010-05-18T15:24:00.012+02:00

I am very excited to announce my first fabric collection to be launched this Friday at the Minneapolis International Quilting Market! I have been working very hard on this project and am very happy with the results. The company who is representing me is called Anthology Fabrics and are based out of LA. I believe their philosophy and mine are a good match.

"A fabric is first judged by visual appeal, catching your eye even at a distance. Then, by touch you assess its quality. These two characteristics - superb design and exceptional quality - are our foundation." -Anthology Fabrics

Let me introduce you to the first collection called "Sweet Tooth". (If you know me, you know I always have one! )

Raspberry tarts and tangerine oranges.
Pink cherry blossoms in bloom.
Gumdrops and taffy.
Milk shakes and long weekends.
Cool green grass under foot.
Laying in fields wondering at an aqua sky.
Lollipops and giggles.
A sweet tooth satisfied.

colorway: candy shop

colorway: milk shake

colorway: rock candy

What do you think? I really would like to have feedback.
Your feedback helps me in more ways than you know!

Did you see the blog title said part 1?
Well, tomorrow I will show you collection 2, Folk Life!

finding spring in wind and rain

2010-05-17T17:26:00.005+02:00

What a weekend. The weather has a taken a serious turn...for the worst. It has been so windy that telephone poles and huge trees have toppled over. It has rained non stop for days and the temperature has dropped to the daily highs of 50 degrees f. Where did spring go?

With all the dreariness outside, I try to create a warm, bright atmosphere inside by lighting candles, listening to some Bob Marley and looking through spring magazines...I can pretend, right?

Saturday I sat around in my cozy clothes and worked on a new inspiration board. Can you see the spring influence mixed with "warming" colors. Not pure pastels but soft tones. There is no pure white, but a warming cream. Think vintage, antique and soft...like the fuzzy sweater I am wearing:)

A little Bob Marley always makes me feel good and warm. When I lived in Seattle and the rain would be too much, I put on some Bob Marley and let the music warm me from the inside out. Enjoy and be warm.

Come back tomorrow....I am going to share my BIG news!!!

sumi brush and silk paints on paper - my new love

2010-05-11T14:38:00.008+02:00

Two productive days....gotta love them!

Do you remember last week when I showed the photos of a painting and the final artwork that was finished in the computer? Well, the day after that post the artwork sold! I was so excited! My rep called and said everyone that saw that print loved it. He wanted to know if I could work on a few more in the same feeling. So, today I painted and created 4 more pieces of art from the below paintings.
I am really enjoying working with a sumi brush and silk paints on paper. It feels like silk painting but the paper absorbs the paint so quickly that there is no bleeding. I love it! And the computer allows me to change color and experiment with transparencies and gradients. Keep your fingers crossed that I sell the other 4!

I had to post this photo...do you see some inspiration? I love this dress! So beautiful.

Carey Mulligan from the Oscars

Surtex!

2010-05-06T15:46:00.010+02:00

DIANE KAPPA at SURTEX
represented by GROUP FOUR DESIGN STUDIO
booth #126

May 16-18

JACOB K. JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER NEW YORK
www.surtex.com

You may also come into the studio before the show for previews and early purchasing.
Contact info@groupfourdesign.com to schedule an appointment.

Group Four Design Studio
240 West 35th Street, Suit 1001
New York, New York 10001
(212)268.0488

So, what do I do?

2010-05-06T10:34:00.025+02:00

It recently dawned on me that I do a lousy job of explaining what I do for a living. Here in Budapest I have been designing and selling notebooks and cards. I sell them at local shops and craft shows. It is not a huge money maker but it serves two purposes. First, It allows me to get feedback about my designs directly from the customer. Second, it is good adverting for my work. (I recently worked on a logo, plate designs and now personal stationery.) Most people think the selling of notebooks and cards is my main business. It is not.

So, what do I do?

There are three areas to my business.

1. The first area I have been focusing on this year is building my portfolio with Group Four Design Studio. Group Four is a leading full-service, surface design resource. Based in New York they serve all aspects of the fashion market as well as the gift and paper goods industries worldwide.

Promotional card for Group Four Design Studio

Companies like Nickelodeon, Pottery Barn, Hallmark, and the GAP (just to name a few) visit studios like Group Four to buy artwork. When they buy this artwork they buy the rights to this work. They are allowed to change it, recolor it, manipulate it however they see fit-they own it. This artwork may end up on kids clothing, greeting cards, wrapping paper or even wall paper. This is an area of my business that I am constantly working on. The more I can create the more I can sell.

2. The second area of my business is licensing. Licensing is very different from selling artwork through a studio. When I license artwork, I sell the rights for a specific pattern to be produced on a specific product, usually for a specific amount of time. Typically, I receive royalties based on how much of a product is produced.

For instance, I have licensed work with Ipop Clicks (magnets). Ipop owns the license for magnets. I can sell the same design to be produced on fabric or wrapping paper. I am not allowed to sell the design to another magnet manufacture. Is this making sense? Below is an example.

Silk Pillows with my designs

Magnets for Ipop Clicks
Notice the designs on the magnets are the same as the pillows.

(Can you keep a secret? I have a big licensed project launching this month...fabric...shhh...more to come very soon.)

3. And finally, the third area to my business is freelance work. This piece is great because it is ever changing and I get to meet and work with great people. I love to collaborate with others and freelance allows me to do just that! Freelance has also allowed me to design logos, packaging, labels, personalized stationery, plates, even bedding!

"Wish you were here" bedding for Sin In Linen

"Night Shade Vine" bedding for Sin in Linen

packaging for bath products: Catherine Vineyard Cottageslogo design: Once Upon a Tutu

So what do you think? Do you have a better understanding of what I do or are you more confused:) ? Do you feel like people understand your job and what you do?