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Shout-Out Sunday: John Fenerov Takes my Breath Away


Truly. I am almost speechless looking at the work of Saint-Petersburg, Russia artist John Fenerov. His mastery of charcoal portraits is immediately obvious. His subjects' eyes draw you in in a way that is almost trance-like. When you're finally able to break free of their hold, you begin to notice the fine details and a flow that seems effortless. As a fairly novice charcoal artist, I feel the urge to study each of his pieces with a magnifying glass, not wanting to miss anything. Most portrait artists struggle with capturing the essence of their subjects. This is where John excels. His expressions give you a glimpse into the mind of his subjects. You could have a silent conversation with them and know exactly what they wish to say. I am humbled by his work. I only hope that I can some day come close to his skill. Please follow him on Instagram @johnfnart and send him a message to purchase his incredible artwork.

Q: What inspires you? A: My inspiration comes from Russian literature, and the book community. I love to read. Sometimes I explore nude art, original characters, music in my own vision and frustration. I listen to classical, blues and heavy metal. If I were drawing something from say the 18th or 19th century for example, classical is preferable because it keeps me focused. Most of the times I'm inspired by the Victorian and Edwardian era and their art, music, style, romance, lust...and literature or poetry. All of this just fuels my work and developing a style I'm familiar with.

Q: How does art influence your life? A: I would say it's visual literacy that influences an artist's life, not just art itself. What's most important is what's going on in the mind, how people see, the ability to read and write, respond to and interpret the visual language of an image. Everything is an image.

Q: How has your style changed over the years? A: My style changes and it's fun to see how I used to draw before. My mediums and materials are not changing. I have experience with other mediums, I just find mediums that touch the paper more...addictive? I experiment a lot doing various studies.

Q: What does your art say about you? A: My art continues to develop in a subconscious way. I'm very selective about my subject, very selective when it comes to drawing men or women, expressions e.g. smiling or not. As a person who had a tough past, I was also inspired by the old vintage photographs - where most people weren't smiling at all and had a strong expression of nostalgia or just mysterious like an unsolved case.

Q: What's the most important trait a person needs to have in order to make it as a successful artist?

A: Patience and commitment to work. read more...  practice is useless without patience.

 
 
 

Shout-Out Sunday: Franklin Kernes Makes Me Want to Dance


Franklin Kernes and his work.

Forgive my Shout-Out Sunday on a Monday. I've been busy. :P


Franklin Kernes lives just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina where I can only imagine he has a fabulously messy studio loaded with spray paint cans, lots of brushes and paint piled up to the ceiling. I'm probably completely wrong, but this image makes my brain happy. Another thing that makes my brain happy is looking at Franklin's work....which I could easily do for hours. When asked about his title, he jokingly referred to himself as an Acrylic Assassin. Dude. That's no joke, because you are killing it! (Lame joke. Sorry. Not sorry.) His (perhaps more aptly described) abstract expressionism is one part art, one part message and one part energy that combines to create painted canvases that pull you in, looking for their hidden (or not-so-hidden) meanings. At first glance, the bold, colorful gestures mimic wild movement (hence making me want to dance). Step a little closer and you'll start to pick out images, words and other secrets lurking in the brushstrokes. I hope you'll all take a moment to visit Franklin's website at www.fkernes.com or hit him up on Instagram (fk.creative), Facebook (F Kernes Creative) or e-mail at fkernes.creative@gmail.com to snag some of his work for your home so you have an excuse to dance a little more often. ;)


"Curry Summer 2016" by Franklin Kernes

Q: How do people usually react to your artwork? How does this make you feel?

A: People are usually drawn to my works from across the room. They get a glance, and their brain and eyes go to work trying to make sense of it all. Soon after they walk over for a closer look, and as they approach they are noticing familiar shapes and patterns. And they want to know more about it. It kinda pulls you in that way.


I couldn't be more pleased with how people react.

"Energies 2" by Franklin Kernes

Q: Describe an average day in your life.

A: An average day for me consists of waking up, helping my wife get our daughter ready, taking her to daycare, driving to work (my side is graphic design) and doing that for 8 hours, picking up my daughter, dinner, bath, bed for her, spend a little time with the wife and then I turn into an artist. LOL (Long run on sentence, but hey it's a long day). Most of my work is doing evenings and late nights. But I like it that way, it allows me to both spend time with my family and be a professional artist.

"I Am" by Franklin Kernes

Q: What's your process for creating a new piece of art?

A: First, I like to meditate. After that, I try to channel the energy from my meditation into the canvas. Aiming to listen and allow the painting to create itself. Once the palette is set, the background is usually the first step. Applying color with different tools. Spraying the canvas with water. Next comes the bold black lines, random and organically. Rotating the canvas as I work allows more direction for shapes and patterns. Adding more color between making marks until finished (kinda).

"Things Eye See" by Franklin Kernes

Q: What advice would you give a budding artist?

A: I would say, a lot of the time, we know what we need to do. But we won't do it. That's the hardest part sometimes. The execution. Do what you already know you should be doing. Take a risk, do something that scares you. That applies to everyone, not just artists.


Q: What inspires you?

A: I'm inspired by my family, music, and the world around us. There is inspiration everywhere.



 
 
 

What to Expect When Working With Me


Welcome and thank you for your interest in my work! I can't wait to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art for you. Below is a quick rundown of what you can expect when working with me. I know it may look like a lot, but it's mostly just boring (but necessary) details and paperwork. I'll handle most of the mundane stuff so that it's super easy for you and we can get to the fun stuff as quickly as possible! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

THE DETAILS

(Isn't that where the devil is?)

The initial consultation is free. We can discuss your project over the phone, through e-mail or preferably, in person. In order to provide you with an accurate quote, I will need the information outlined below. I may do a some very basic sketches or digital renderings to determine the intricacy of your desired style. Additional resources to help determine these details are available at http://www.shellydenning.com/faq.

For Freestanding Artwork and Murals

  1. What size would you like your final artwork to be?

  2. What is the subject of your artwork?

  3. Do you have a photo to work from, or will additional design work be required?

  4. In what artistic style would you like your artwork done? (examples include pop-art and photo-realism)

  5. Does your project require any special materials like gold leaf or sealants?

  6. On what surface would you like your artwork?

  7. Do you have a deadline for your artwork?

For Freestanding Artwork Only

  1. How will we be getting your artwork to you? Shipping and delivery will incur a fee, but you may pick your art up from my studio near Denton, Texas for free.

  2. In what medium would you like your artwork done?

For Murals Only

  1. Is your mural going to be indoors or outdoors?

  2. How high up will your mural be painted?

  3. Will it be on a ceiling?

  4. Is the surface ready to be painted or will priming/repairs be required?

A mural I created for an ATI Training Center (the building has since been demolished...sad face)

THE PAPERWORK

(The boring part. Yuck!)


Proposal

Once I have a clear understanding of the above, I will send a Proposal that includes pricing and other information. If the price is acceptable, you will e-sign the agreement through the online signature request that will be sent to you.


Non-Disclosure Agreement

If extensive designs are necessary, I may include a Non-Disclosure Agreement ensuring that my designs are not executed by another artist. This document must be e-signed as well prior to commencement of the design work.


50% Deposit

I will then send an Invoice for your 50% deposit. Payment options are listed on the invoice. If you are unable to pay the entire 50% at the time, payment arrangements may be available.


Commission Agreement

With the Invoice, I will send an e-sign request with your Commission Agreement that outlines all financial and legal details surround the transaction.


Final Payment

Once complete, an invoice for the remaining 50% will be sent. If your item is to be shipped or delivered, these costs will be included on your invoice. If you are unable to pay the entire 50% at the time, payment arrangements may be available. (I believe everyone should have art around them and I'll work with you to help make this a reality for you!)


Receipt

When the final payment is received, I will provide you with a receipt for the full amount paid.


Statement of Maintenance

A Statement of Maintenance outlining the products used and proper maintenance of your artwork will be provided.


THE ART PROCESS

(The fun stuff! And the reason you're here! Yay!)



My mockups are messy, but give you an idea of how your final artwork may look.

Once the deposit is received, I will provide basic drawings/designs, if required. When we've agreed on a final design, I will purchase any necessary items needed to complete your artwork and I will begin working. Throughout the process, I will share progress photos with you to ensure that the project is headed in the right direction.


I often record time lapse videos of my work and post them on YouTube. It's always fun to see your project come to life in a matter of minutes! If I do this for your project, I will send you the link when it's ready.


All art will be varnished for long-lasting protection from environmental factors and to make it easier to clean.


PRICING

(I'd do it for free if I could, but I like to eat almost every day.)


Very general price lists are available at http://www.shellydenning.com/pricing. Your project may fall into one or between any two of these categories, depending on the factors outlined above. ​


Additional fees that may affect your quote include:

  • Design fee may be assessed if merging of photos or other design-related tasks are required. No design fee will apply if you provide a single photo on which to base the artwork. The rate for design varies between $50 and $1,000 and includes up to 3 initial designs and 3 revisions of one design. Additional revisions are available for $150 each.

  • Design modifications or additions made after the design has been accepted and work has begun may incur additional fees, depending on the scope of the changes.

  • If you do not currently have a photo from which to work, I may be able to arrange a quick photo shoot for an additional fee, provided that you are in my geographical area (Denton, TX).

  • Additional subjects (human or otherwise) will incur an additional charge. The rate is dependent on the number of subjects and size of the artwork.

  • Non-traditional surfaces may incur an additional fee. Please let me know if you wish to have your project completed on a surface other than standard gallery-wrapped canvas, Bristol Board (thick drawing paper), watercolor paper, charcoal paper or a finished wall (for murals).

I hope that this information has taken out some of the mystery and cleared up any questions you may have had about working with me. If not, just ask! I'm not scary (as long as I've had my coffee).


 
 
 
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