Art
'Totally addictive': New diamond art craze gaining ground on East Coast – TheChronicleHerald.ca
What do you get when you cross paint-by-numbers with cross-stitch? One of the newest crafting crazes: diamond art painting.
The difference is, says Joanne Newman of Get Messy NL, a place dedicated to arts and crafts in Paradise, N.L., with diamond painting, you use pretty, sparkly gems. The gems fill up the page according to a legend and once completed, you have a beautiful, almost three-dimensional picture.
The kits come with everything you need: a stylus, wax to help pick up the gems, a tray sorter, all the gems, and the canvas print, says Newman, noting that Get Messy NL was one of the first in the area to sell these kits.
According to Suzanne Amirault of Meteghan, N.S., diamond painting has been popular for the past several years. When she closed her dollar store in 2018, it was around the time when diamond paintings were becoming popular. As these kits were something she already sold in the store and were doing so well, Amirault decided to take the products with her and continue to sell them from her home and shows. She now operates under Suzanne’s Diamond Painting Collection.
Because it’s still a relatively new craft, many people are just learning about it, says Amirault. COVID-19 helped, as people were looking for things to do, she says.
There is a pre-beginner level right up to intermediate and expert level, explains Newman. The more expertise you have with the diamond dots, the more detailed the picture, the more space the dots cover on the scene.
Newman suggests starting with the beginner size, which ranges in price from $10 to $25 apiece. Choose an image that interests you, and get started.
Amirault says there are two kinds of kits: round and square diamonds. Round ones are a little easier, she believes, but she says the square diamonds make a nicer finished picture.
“If you do a picture with fewer colours, it’s a tad easier because you don’t have to keep switching, but don’t let lots of colours scare you,” she says.
Wide appeal
Because it’s a fun and easy hobby, says Toni Dinn, who sells the kits from Keystone Comics in Greenwood, N.S., diamond art appeals to a wide range of people. She says most of her customers are women aged 20 to 80 years old, but she does have some customers who are children and quite a few older men.
Newman agrees that the hobby is the perfect fit for all ages.
“I fell in love with them, so did my children, even my dad and grandmother got in on the action,” says Newman. “It was a great past time, and totally addictive.”
Amirault says there is some misconception about the hobby, as anyone can do it. She says her triplets started when they were six years old, and her oldest child was eight years old, but she also has customers in their 80s who are crazy for the kits.
Some people feel they won’t have the patience to complete a project, but once they try it, they are very surprised, says Amirault.
“I often get feedback from people who suffer from anxiety. This craft really helps them a lot,” she says.
How to Make Them
To make a diamond painting, dip your diamond pen or stylus in wax and put the colour of the diamond onto the tray. Then, place them in the corresponding space on your canvas, explains Dinn.
To set up her workspace, Candy O’Brien, a diamond painting enthusiast in Berwick, N.S., uses painter’s tape to secure the canvas to a shoebox lid. She also suggests taping it to the bottom of a cookie sheet, so everything stays together.
“It does not need to be fancy, and you do not need to spend a lot of money. You will spill the diamonds. It’s inevitable,” says O’Brien, who notes there are always extra in the kit, probably for this purpose.
She also discovered she needed to wear reading glasses while doing the kits.
Amirault and Dinn both use an LED lightboard underneath projects to make it easier to see. It’s helpful because it eliminates the glare of an overhead light, Amirault says, but she recommends trying it without first to be sure that you enjoy doing this craft before investing in a light or any fancy pens.
When the picture is finished, frame them in a shadow box or a regular or wooden picture frame, says Newman.
“They look beautiful up on the wall, especially when the light hits them. They are just like diamonds on the wall,” she says.
Finding frames can be a little challenging depending on the size of the diamond painting, cautions Amirault. There is also the option to mount them on a stretch canvas, she says.
Custom Orders
Another great thing about diamond painting is that you can have custom kits created, says Amirault. She’s been able to order kits based on her customer’s favourite pictures, like family, wedding, or pet pictures, and has been able to add words or dates to further personalize them. Some people, she says, find it therapeutic and healing to create a diamond painting in memory of someone they’ve lost, and often orders kits of family members or pets who have passed away.
“I’ve heard many stories of tears of joy in receiving a custom kit,” says Amirault.
Amirault’s most popular custom order, though, is the Nova Scotia Strong kits she designed. She used these sales as a fundraiser for the families of Portapique, N.S. mass shooting last spring. By donating $4 per kit, Amirault raised over $1,500. These designs are still just as popular nearly a year later, she says.
“Once you get started, you may not stop,” Amirault says. “Diamond painting is a great project for the whole family to work on together.”
RELATED:
Art
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.
Alleged Fraud Scheme
Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.
Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.
Massive Seizure of Artworks
In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.
Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.
Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed
In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.
Court Proceedings Ongoing
The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.
Impact on the Local Art Community
The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.
For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.
As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.
While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.
Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.
As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.
[unable to retrieve full-text content]
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
Source link
The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
My Boy Prince to race against older horses in $1-million Woodbine Mile
Former world No. 1 Sharapova wins fan vote for International Tennis Hall of Fame
12 Bizarre Things People Did Just To Make Social Media Content
AP source: Bears acquiring quarterback Nick Foles from Jaguars – Sportsnet.ca
dynaCERT Inc. Invites You to Join Us at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference | INN – Investing News Network
-
Sports19 hours agoLawyer says Chinese doping case handled ‘reasonably’ but calls WADA’s lack of action “curious”
-
Sports4 hours ago
Dolphins will bring in another quarterback, while Tagovailoa deals with concussion
-
News18 hours ago
B.C. to scrap consumer carbon tax if federal government drops legal requirement: Eby
-
News19 hours ago
RCMP say 3 dead, suspects at large in targeted attack at home in Lloydminster, Sask.
-
Sports5 hours ago
David Beckham among soccer dignitaries attending ex-England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
-
News19 hours ago
Ceiling high for Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ahmed: Canada coach
-
News18 hours ago
A linebacker at West Virginia State is fatally shot on the eve of a game against his old school
-
News19 hours ago
Shapovalov, Auger-Aliassime lift Canada over Finland 3-0 in Davis Cup tie
