Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Its been two years, but the sanitizing kiln that will provide a local foundation with more mattresses for people in need of bedding is finally here. Keith Moneymaker and Amy Sexauer can barely contain their excitement.

Moneymaker, the second-generation owner of Sweet Dreams Mattresses and More in Southern Pines and Sanford, established the Dreams 4 All Foundation in 2016. Sexauer, the executive director, is a military veteran who joined the organization in the summer of 2019.

The local nonprofit has delivered new or reused/sanitized mattresses to families facing economic hardship or adversity and fire departments across the area. To date, it has assisted more than 3,000 families and organizations, including local fire stations, Habitat for Humanity of the N.C. Sandhills, Tambra Place, Bethany House, Friend to Friend, and Samaritan Colony, among others.

Moneymaker and Sexauer have also pledged to give every Ukrainian refugee arriving in North Carolina a bed. If you are operating a business in your community, the first thing you need to consider is what you are doing for that community, Moneymaker said.

While both know this is potentially an expensive pledge, they feel confident we can do it with our customers and supporters, Moneymaker said. While the mattresses will be donated, Dreams 4 All will be purchasing frames, box springs and coordinating all deliveries across the state. The nonprofit is hoping to raise $100,000 for the effort from anyone that feels called to give a dollar or a thousand or any other amount.

This new kiln does not look like the normal pottery sealer. It looks more like the back of a delivery truck covered in aluminum foil.

Keith Moneymaker (l) with Corey Lane and Amy Sexauer with her daughter inside the giant kiln at the Sweet Dreams warehouse in Aberdeen. Ted Fitzgerald/The Pilot

Regardless of appearance, it does the job. The mattress inspector, the fire inspector, the building inspector, the gas installation people and the kiln company representative all concurred on Friday.

Moneymaker hopes that this kiln will now allow his nonprofit to stockpile clean mattresses for when they are needed most.

Prior to the arrival of the kiln, Dreams 4 All was not able to provide large numbers of sanitized mattresses all at once or as quickly as needed. Sexauers team had to send the mattresses away individually for the sanitization process.

Moneymaker has shared his nonprofit model with mattress retailers, where these businesses can join Dreams 4 All as affiliate partners.

The idea is they will be able to do what Ive done here, he said. Im teaching them how to give back to their own communities.

Sexauer believes the sincerity of this nonprofit has translated to others wanting to get on board.

We have leaned into our relationships to help and ask for support, she said. Our authenticity for helping people has been obvious.

Moneymaker agrees. Ive found the more I give, the more mattresses I sell. What you give comes back tenfold. It is a beautiful, well-balanced business charity model.

Dreams 4 All has also partnered with several large mattress companies, including Tempur- Pedic, Sealy, and Stearns & Foster.

On Thursday and Friday, the first Dreams 4 All National Summit takes place with meetings, discussions and planning with the hopes that other mattress businesses across the country will participate in the process of accepting used mattresses. The guest speaker is Mike Erwin, executive director of Team RWB, a health and wellness organization focused on veterans. Afterward, attendees will participate in a large mattress delivery to Samaritan Colony in Rockingham, a nonprofit residential treatment facility helping men and soon women struggling with substance abuse problems in the Sandhills area.

Moneymaker shared what he believes is the simple secret of the success he has seen with this non-profit process. This model is better for the community and the environment, improving culture and morale, enhancing support networks, all the while building businesses.

To learn more about Dreams 4 All Foundations work in the Sandhills or to make a donation, contact Dreams4All17@gmail.com or (910) 992-6382.

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Heating Up With New Kiln, the Kindness of Clean Used Bedding Grows - The Pilot

Tenants living in well-insulated homes in Germany will have to shoulder the lions share of their CO2 costs for heating, while the burden in inefficient buildings will fall on landlords, reports Clean Energy Wire.

The less CO2 a building emits, the higher the proportion tenants should pay, according to a tiered model agreed by the ministries of justice, buildings and the economy.

The German government said the split is socially fair and will boost emissions reductions in the building sector, which is lagging behind in the countrys energy transition.

Landlords have an incentive to invest in energy-efficient renovations. Tenants remain motivated to reduce their own energy consumption, said buildings minister Klara Geywitz.

The new system will ensure that an outdated heating system and leaky windows will translate into higher CO2 costs for landlords because tenants have less options to reduce consumption in this scenario, said Robert Habeck, Germanys economy and climate minister.

Conversely, a landlord who has renovated the building well in terms of energy efficiency can also apportion the costs because it now falls on the tenants to save energy, he added.

On average, the splitting mechanism will save tenants between 12 and 72 per year, according to price comparison website verivox, reported Tagesspiegel.

Consumer advocacy groups welcomed the agreement but criticised it because it will only start applying as of next year.

Since the beginning of 2021, Germany has applied a carbon price in the building sector for CO2 emissions caused by the combustion of fossil fuels in order to make the switch to climate-friendly alternatives more attractive.

A tonne of emissions currently costs 30, leading to additional heating costs of 130 to 190 per year in an average flat, but the price is set to rise to 55 by 2025.

As long as the distribution of costs remains an unsolved issue, landlords can pass them on in full to tenants, which is highly controversial in a country where a relatively high proportion of people do not own their home.

The move has been criticised by environmental NGO Environment Action Germany (DUH), which said the split was a win for landlords.

What seems fair at first sight is a cleverly packaged proposal to continue to leave the main burden of the CO2 price on the tenants, tweeted Elisabeth Staudt of DUH.

While heating costs are soaring, landlords continue to charge the CO2 price on their tenants.

Especially in view of the current crisis situation, it is incomprehensible why tenants still have to wait until the beginning of 2023 for relief, highlighted Barbara Metz, director of DUH.

According to her, landlords should carry the full burden of CO2 pricing, as they are the ones who have the ability to conduct renovations and heating system change to lower the CO2 emissions of buildings.

Particularly absurd: even tenants in the worst [CO2-emission performing] building classes have to contribute to the CO2 price, she added.

The German model to price CO2 in heating may have ramifications in the EU as well, where the European Commission has proposed an EU-wide carbon price on heating and road transport fuels.

The German government supports the Commissions proposal but raised doubts about creating a social climate fund (SCF) to alleviate the burden on the poorest citizens, noting that the move would require renegotiating the EUs long-term budget.

At a meeting in Brussels on Monday (20 December), EU environment ministers criticised the European Commissions proposal for a social climate fund that would support vulnerable households through the energy transition. Their motives, however, diverged widely.

[Edited by Frdric Simon. Additional reporting from Clean Energy Wires Sren Amelang]

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Germany splits carbon tax for heating between landlords and tenants - EURACTIV

MIAMI (CBSMiami) A warm, breezy day ahead with highs in the upper 80s. The rain chance remains low but a stray shower will be possible.

Due to the building breeze, there is a moderate risk of rip currents at the beach and small craft should exercise caution.

Wednesday night will be mild and muggy with lows in the mid to upper 70s.

(CBS4)

Thursday will feel more like summer as highs soar to the low 90s as the winds shift out of the Southwest. Some areas may tie or break some records. The CBS4 Weather team is forecasting a high of 93 degrees in Miami which ties the current record of 93 set back in 1956.

(CBS4)

With the high humidity, it will feel more like the upper 90s. The rain chance increases due to the heating of the day and an approaching front. Showers and some storms will be possible around midday through the afternoon.

Friday will not be as hot as well see more clouds and the potential for spotty showers. Highs will be in the low 80s and closer to our normal high of 83 degrees.

(CBS4)

Once a cold front clears, cooler and drier air will move in just in time for the weekend. Well enjoy lower humidity and plenty of pleasant sunshine. Lows drop to the low 60s Saturday morning and highs in the upper 70s. It will likely be cooler by Sunday morning with some inland areas possibly falling to the upper 50s and highs in the upper 70s.

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Miami Weather: Warm & Breezy, Near Record Heat Later This Week - CBS Miami

In political circles, the final fewdays of thefirst quarter in a statewide election year brings fundraising emails fast and furious.

And some aren't quite as carefully crafted asa campaign mailer or news release.

Past Nellie Gorbeasolicitationsdescribed Gov. Dan McKee as the"appointed" governor, which isn't quite right.Their point was that McKee had not been elected governor, but his constitutionally prescribed elevation fromlieutenant governor to governor did not involve beingappointedbyanyone.

A recent fundraising email from Congressional candidate Sarah Morgenthau, using language echoing her launch video, says "My husband and I were married in our backyard in North Kingstown. Weve raised three amazing kids here." (The launch video does not include the word "here.")

Morgenthau's family lived in Washington, where she worked in the U.S. Commerce Department before moving to Rhode Island.

It is unclear exactly how much timeher children spentin Rhode Island and whether summering in a place is enough to be considered "raised" there.

"My family has owned a home here and paid taxes in [North Kingstown]for 40 years," Morgenthau wrote in an email when asked to clarify. "Carl and I were married in our backyard, our children were raised on RI beaches."

Election 2022 Updates: The latest news in the highest-profile 2022 races in Rhode Island

Political Scene: A rare opportunity crowds the race for Congress

Last Thursday, the final day of the first quarter,an email from Providence mayoral candidate Gonzalo Cuervo's campaign said its fundraising numbers"will be judged against our opponents including those who are raking in tens of thousands of dollars from special interests, municipal vendors, and lobbyists."

The night before, lobbyist Mark Ryan,law partner Tom Moses and former Mayor Angel Taveras hosted a fundraiser for Cuervo at the University Club with a $1,000 suggested donation.

Ryan, of course is a high-profilelobbyist at the State House. (Full disclosure: one of his clients is The Providence Journal.)

Related: RI candidates running for a seat and an office

Here's how Cuervo campaign manager Allan Reyes explains the message:

"Our email offered a contrast between our grassroots fundraising and our opponent raising large amounts of money from lobbyists and vendors," Reyes wrote in an email, referring to Brett Smiley. "In fact, he was fined by the state Ethics Commission for soliciting contributions from state vendors over which he exerted influence as Director of Administration in 2020. We would welcome a side-by-side comparison."

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Campaign emails heating up as the 1st quarter ends - The Providence Journal

Its been quite a while now that wide receiver Will Fuller has been connected to quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Notre Dame product spent a few years with Watson in Houston and has been linked to joining the Browns, ever since Watson was traded.

Even before that, it was a rumor that Fuller would land wherever Watson landed. According to Ben Allbright of KOA Colorado, the Browns are still going to try to sign the deep threat.

In the video above, you will see Allbright mention that the Browns are still going to sign Fuller, even though it is not done yet at this time.

They go sign Fuller eventually, which they are going to do, Allbright said.

Signing Fuller means that he would likely come in as the second or third option, depending on where Donovan Peoples-Jones fits in. The two will be the top receiving targets behind newly acquired Amari Cooper.

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Allbright mentioned that signing Fuller could mean that Jarvis Landrys role would be crystallized. Bringing back Landry while signing Fuller would not be easy, or ideal for any younger receiver on the roster.

While it hasnt happened yet, continue to watch Fuller to the Browns potentially happening. It makes sense with Watson at the helm.

Brandon Little is a writer for Sports Illustrateds Browns Digest website and you can follow him on Twitter here. You can follow Browns Digest on Twitter as well here.

Be sure to bookmark Browns Digest for everything you need Browns!

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Could WR Will Fuller to the Cleveland Browns be heating up? - Sports Illustrated

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Uptack Plumbing, Heating and Cooling of Haverhill and Stark & Cronk of Groveland are joining forcesbringing two, third-generation companies together.

As part of the arrangement, Stark & Cronks team, including Gregory W. Stark Jr., have moved to Uptacks building at 32 Rochambault St., Haverhill

Leonard Hall established Uptack in 1982 on Uptack Road in Groveland and moved the business in 1987 to its current, 5,000-square-foot location. Ed Davis joined the firm in 1986, adding larger commercial job coordination, planning and estimating.

Stark & Cronk was founded by Otto W. Stark, a steamfitter and oil burner technician, and Lawrence Larry Cronk, an oil burner technician and sheet metal worker. The business operated from 308 Main St., Groveland. They were joined by Gregory W. Stark Sr. in 1954. His son went to work there in 1976, becoming owner in 1990.

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Uptack Plumbing, Heating and Cooling of Haverhill and Groveland's Stark & Cronk Join Forces - WHAV News

In oil painting, there are some "rules" which you should follow to avoid your paint cracking.

Fat over lean: As noted earlier, oil paint is basically colored pigment which is held together by some kind of drying oil. The more oil present, the "fatter" the paint is and the slower it will dry. In general, you want to make sure the top layers of paint are fatter (or oiler) than the lower layers. Otherwise, the layers on top will dry faster than the layers below and the paint will crack.

Thick over thin: The reasoning behind this rule is the same as the above rule. You want to make sure the paint at the top dries slower than the paint at the bottom. Thick paint will usually dry slower than thin paint.

In practice, I will start a painting with thin paint which has been mixed with some odorless solvent. Then I start using paint straight from the tube and take advantage of the paint texture.

TIP: Visible brushwork is a fantastic element of painting, but it is often overlooked by beginners. Below is a close-up of one of my paintings which demonstrates visible brushwork. This kind of visible brushwork is only possible when you use a brush loaded with thick paint.

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Oil Painting - The Ultimate Guide For Beginners - Draw ...

Easy painting ideas perfect for beginners

Looking for easy painting ideas? Whether you just started painting or yet to begin, this curated list of painting ideas (for adults and kids!) will inspire you to pickup a paintbrush and add some color to your life.

And create art that youll be proud of.

Whether youre looking for painting ideas for your wall, painting as a hobby, painting with your kids, family and friends, or use as sip and paint ideas, my wish for you is the enjoy the process of painting- no matter the outcome.

All you need to get started are some paints (of your choice), paintbrush, canvas, and the most important element: an open mind.

So you can create art that youll be proud of.

Before jumping into some awesome paint ideas, lets go over which type of paint to choose, and supplies youll need- since many beginners dont know where & how to start.

There are many types of paints you can start out with.

From watercolor, to oil, acrylic and gouache etc. the choices can seem overwhelming.

So what is the easiest paint for beginners?

Basic acrylic paints are the easiest paints for beginners (check out this Acrylic Painting for Beginners guide to learn more).

Compared to the other mediums, many artists / teachers agree that acrylic paint is easier than watercolors and oil paints. Acrylics are cheap, easy to handle and very forgiving among the paint types.

If youre looking to start a painting hobby then consider brushing up on the basics through a painting for beginners e-book.

This Acrylic For Beginners : A-Z Guide To Your First Acrylic Masterpiece will answer all your questions, guide you through easy painting tutorials for beginners while providing you with support and accountability as a beginner (plus extras).

That being said, below Ill give you plenty examples of easy things to paint with acrylics along with a few easy watercolor paintings ideas/tutorials too (since watercolors are quite popular too). The ideas below also work great for sip and paint parties.

If youre confused about the basic supplies youll need to get started, here are some bare essentials I would recommend.

Now that youre armed with the basics, time to pick your painting!

Heres some cool and easy painting ideas to inspire your inner (budding) artist

Below is the list of over 60 easy painting ideas.Whether youre just starting with acrylics or in painting rut, the ideas below will sprinkle you with some inspiration.

Landscape paintings are one of the first paintings that come to mind when thinking of things to paint. This beautiful (and easy) mountain landscape painting tutorial will show you how to paint a mountain, and paint in a gorgeous pink sunset sky. Climb over to the tutorial here > how to paint a mountain

Did you know you can use acrylic paint on wood slices? And these gorgeous cuts of pine and bas make unique paintings that you can display around your home, paint as ornaments, give as gifts, sell or just because. If youve never painted on wood, youll want to check out this tutorial on how to paint wood slice ornaments for everything you need to know.

Theres no easier way to start painting then to limit your palette to only 2 simple paint colors: black and white. Youll also learn how to paint the moon on a dramatic black canvas in this easy moon painting tutorial.

Moon dance over to the beginner step by step tutorial > How to Paint the Moon on Black Canvas

Beach paintings are one of the easiest and fun scenery / landscape type art to start out with.

In this beginners step by step tutorial youll learn to paint everything from an easy ocean wave, to sand beach (complete with a nifty texture ingredient you have in your kitchen), a dazzling seafoam pattern (its easier than it looks) and a cute starfish on the shoreline.

Swim on over to the tutorial > Easy beach painting with acrylics on canvas

Check out this easy tutorial (step-by-step tutorial with full length YouTube tutorial included) and learn how easy it can be to not only paint a monarch butterfly AND to actually draw one, free hand .

And dont worry you dont need any special drawing skills!

This tutorial is thoughtfully broken down into the easiest possibly steps that everyone can do (including kids!). Flutter on over to the tutorial and paint some gorgeous, vibrant butterflies > How to draw and paint a butterfly.

Even though this might look advanced, this 4 step rose technique is surprisingly easy and made for beginners. The step by step tutorial (with YouTube video) will teach you how to recreate gorgeous looking 3D roses in any color you choose! How to Paint Roses Tutorial

Paint this easy cherry blossom tree, with cotton swabs! This beginner tutorial is a fun way to get into painting while learning some paint mixing basics. And youll end up with a stunning piece you can decorate your home with! How To Paint a Cherry Blossom Tree

Painting a galaxy night sky is a great beginner easy painting idea for adults. In this tutorial (include full length YouTube tutorial) you will learn how to use a simple tool to create color blends (its easier than using a brush!).

Youll also learn an easy way to create realistic looking stars- that doesnt involve hand painting each one. Check out the tutorial for step by step directions. How to Paint a Galaxy

I created this easy acrylic flower painting tutorial for beginners in mind. I used some cheap Dollarstore paints, canvas and a nifty painting hack using Q-Tips. If youve never painted before, this is an ideal project to start with.

This also makes a fun painting idea for kids.

Youll also learn how to create a textured background using an ingredient you might have in your kitchen now.

Salt.

Check out the step by step tutorial to find out how to create this easy canvas painting. How To Paint Lavender Flowers

Learn to paint Hydrangeas with this fun and easy beginner technique using simple Q-tips and bubble wrap. Also learn how to make a gorgeous antique chinoise vase within a few easy steps! How to Paint Hydrangeas

Learn how paint a pumpkin the easy way, with a nifty brush technique that youll love! Youll also learn how to make a faux wood rustic/vintage background using some paint and a plastic fork! Its a super fun tutorial that includes video instruction. How To Paint a Pumpkin

Practice learning how to blend colors to make a beautiful sunset sky and finish off your painting with a custom skyline of the city you live in (or your favorite city to visit!). Also, youll have fun with some splatter paint techniques to make those magical stars in the sky! How to paint a sunset

Sunflowers are one of the easiest flowers to paint- so they are great for beginners to practice with. Check out this step by step tutorial and learn how to paint a bright and sunny sunflower using a basic sketch design ( FREE printable) that you can transfer to your canvas. How to paint a sunflower

Paint a mermaid and mermaid tail poking through the water in this moonlit mermaid & friends step by step painting tutorial.

This beginner level tutorial will show you how to make this beautiful vibrant painting with only 6 basic paint colors (lesson about how to create skin color paint too!) Paint a mermaid

Who says you should only paint on canvas? Paint easy beginner flowers on different surfaces, like water bottles. Find out how in this step by step tutorial on how to use acrylic paints to How to paint a Hydro Flask!

Learn how to paint clouds in this easy beginner tutorial. This tutorial uses an easy Q-tips technique to paint perfect clouds every time. The best part of this technique is how relaxing and enjoyable it is. If youre a beginner, you cant go wrong with this tutorial. How to paint clouds

Another non-canvas painting ideas is to use a simple rock or pebble as your canvas! Rock painting has gained huge popularity in recent times, as a craft from kids/teens and adults!

There are also many things you can use your painted rock for like gifting, selling, and even partaking in the Kindness Rocks Project. Learn everything you need to know in this How To Paint Rocks, including 10+ ideas to get you started.

Another fun easy painting idea for kids. Make these super easy heart paintings (even a kid can do!) with some simple Dollarstore Canvases, paints and NOT a single paintbrush! These paintings are painted normal household items like saran wrap/cling wrap, cotton swabs (q-tips), and a credit card! How to paint hearts

I love how Alexis created this beautiful Birch tree acrylic painting using a Credit card. Brilliant! This technique looks easy enough for beginners. I cant wait to try this painting technique myself. Also, digging the gold foil heart detail. Gorgeous!

This is a simple and easy painting idea for beginners on canvas. Birch tree painting

Daisies are a perfect flower to learn as a beginner painter, since they have pretty uniform/simple shaped petals.

In Tracys tutorial youll learn how to paint a simple daisy flower thats arranged in a small bouquet. Youll also learn how to recreate rustic looking wood panels with acrylic paints- something you can apply to many other paintings in the future.

Check out her awesome step by step tutorial to learn how to recreate this little piece of summer. How To Paint Daisies in a Jar

This is a cool and easy painting idea that shows you how to transfer quotes, text or any pattern from printed paper right onto your canvas (no need for graphite paper). This technique can be used in many mixed media/abstract type paintings or even trendy quote art paintings. AND with items you have at home.

Youll also learn how to make that cool watercolor background WITHOUT a drop of paint.

Find out how in the step by step tutorial. Tissue Paper Art

If you want to learn how to make abstract art on canvas, this tutorial will get you started. This beginner abstract painting uses some calming (ocean inspired) blue acrylic hues to create the abstract ocean wave background.

A simple gold leaf pen is used to create the butterflies in flight. An easy abstract painting idea that will infuse your home with some ocean-y calm vibes!

Check out the step by step tutorial. How to paint abstract butterflies

If youre looking for a very basic, super easy painting idea- this is it! Use an old painting, stickers, basic white paint, and your favorite song lyric to create this fun painting.

If you dont have an old painting to work with, why not practice spreading different colors of paint on a new canvas before adding your quote.

Splatter, pour, brush stroke away- all without worrying what it looks like!

Youll have fun exploring/experimenting with paint and still end up with a piece you can proudly display in your home (or even give as a gift- Christmas, birthdays , etc).Song Lyric Song Art

Sunset paintings are (usually) easy projects to start out with for beginners. This cactus sunset painting looks simple enough for most beginners. The tutorial uses watercolor paints, but this would also be an easy one to do in acrylics. Easy Watercolor Cactus Tutorial

Checkout another sunset painting- this time its a video tutorial. As the title of this video suggests, this tree sunset landscape scene is a good fit for first time painters and beginners. Palm Tree Sunset Painting Tutorial

Make this easy and (professional) looking painting that you can customize to your home decor color palette. Use a small canvas for decor in small rooms like a bathroom, or scale it up a bit on a giant/large canvas to hang above your bed or in the living room.

Either ways everyone will be amazed when they find out you created this masterpiece with some inexpensive paint and some dabbers. DIY canvas painting for beginners

Make this diversity painting, thats a suitable project for teens, adults and also for kids. Learn how to mix a skin tone paint swatch with 4 basic colors: red, blue, yellow, and white. Diversity Painting.

Metallic paints are fun to work with, especially with abstract accent art pieces like these. Use metallics to augment your paintings visual interest with their reflective qualities.

Whether theyre used in a paintings details or as the main focus (like these glamorous paintings ), metallics can really transform the look and drama of the art.

But make sure you work with a good quality gold paint to get the best impact. Easy Metallic Abstract Art Tutorial.

Fluid art (a.k.a acrylic pour paintings) has become a very popular acrylic technique in the past few years. It can be a fun and easy way to start exploring acrylics with- as long as you dont mind the cleanup afterwards!

You can choose colors that complement your home decor so that you can proudly hang it in your living room, family room, home office etc. afterwards. Abstract Fluid Painting Tutorial.

If you want to create large scale canvas art, checkout how this blogger uses a large canvas and some simple/cheap painters tape and some bold contrasting colors to make this gorgeous art for her dining room decor.

Looks professionally made. Well done! Modern Geometric Large Canvas Art Tutorial

Splatter painting is a super fun painting method to learn (and you can apply it to so many paintings further down the road).

Use some beautiful complementary colors, like this magenta and orange- to add a splash of color to any room in your home. Youll have so much fun making this one, you might want to make a few of them! Splatter Art Painting Tutorial

Adding bold texture to a canvas is an easy & fast way to create modern and stylish art especially if youre a beginner! This tutorial is a great way to explore adding texture to paintings- which will open doors to what you can create and/or paint or even level up your current paintings.

When youre done, hang this painting in your living room (like in the picture above), bedrooms, other spaces in your home to enhance your decor with some original (by you) art!Easy Texture Art Tutorial

Another bright and cheery sunflower canvas painting to add to your walls. Check out Tracys step by step tutorial to learn how easy it is to make this happy piece.

Another great example of easy paint night ideas. Bright Sunflower Tutorial

Learn some nifty paint splatter techniques (using a toothbrush) with this magical galaxy outer space painting.

This would make for some cool decor for a kids rooms / playrooms! OR for an intergalactic themed paint night party! Galaxy Painting Tutorial

Learning how to paint trees with a fan brush is another easy (and valuable) painting technique to learn for beginners. This patriotic American Flag in the night sky is a fun art piece, to boot! Super creative! American Flag Sky Tutorial

Jump into watercolors by learning how to paint some pretty and colorful flowers and whimsical leaves.

As a bonus, you can decorate your walls with this on-trend watercolor flower painting. Watercolor Flower Art

Learn how fun and easy painting roses can be using a piece of celery! This flower painting tutorial will also show you 5 other easy ways to paint flowers using some unexpected items.

Get your kids to make this easy acrylic pour painting to use in your home decor. They will be super proud their art is on display for all to see- and you might just unleash a budding artist in the midst.

A fun addition to your list of easy painting ideas for kids. Children (big and small) will enjoy getting creatively messy! Pour Painting for Kids

Sunsets is an easy painting idea for beginners to learn. Follow this step by step tutorial and learn how to paint an easy sunset with this popular painting.

I think this would also be a hit at a paint night, especially a late summer one! I love the shadowed hot air balloons , very reminiscent of late summer/early fall.sunset with hot air balloons tutorial

If youre looking to make large canvas art for your living room, or perhaps a bedroom, then this art piece is a gorgeous one to mimic.

The beauty of the abstract style is that you can start painting without planning too much, letting go of perfection, and just going with the flow. Large Canvas Art Tutorial

Learn how to create a super cute unicorn painting with this easy to follow tutorial. Would make a great project for teens and older kids. Unicorn Painting Tutorial

Try this easy acrylic pouring paint technique to create these gorgeous art pieces. Mix and match colors and create a few at a time for even more variation. Pour Painting Tutorial

This abstract flower painting looks really fun, whether you decide to make it with friends at a paint and sip type of party (like suggested in the post) or even on your own (wine optional!).

This painting would also be a great addition to a list of easy paint night ideas. Customized the background or color of flowers for your own twist!Abstract Flower Painting Tutorial

Use a canvas, simple ruler and cheap acrylic craft paint to create this trendy modern geometric abstract art. You can easily swap out the blue tones with different colors. Easy, fun and makes for some fabulous home decor. Geometric Abstract Painting Tutorial.

Learn step-by-step on how to create a large red poppy flower with acrylic paints.

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60+ Easy Acrylic Painting Ideas For Beginners (Who Want To ...

Jan Brueghel the Elder and Peter Paul Rubens,The Sense of Smell, 16171618 Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

A work of art has the power to transport its viewer to another time and place. Now, the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, Spain, is taking that idea one step further with a new exhibition that incorporates smell to enhance the experience of a 17th-century painting.

Per a statement from the museum, The Essence of a Painting: An Olfactory Exhibition focuses exclusively on The Sense of Smell, a work created by Belgian artists Jan Brueghel the Elder and Peter Paul Rubens between 1617 and 1618. The show, on view through July 3, invites visitors to not only look at the oil painting but also smell ten scents inspired by it.

For the show, Alejandro Vergara, the museums chief curator of Flemish and Northern European paintings, partnered with Gregorio Sola, a senior perfumer at Barcelona-based fashion and fragrance company Puig and an academic at the Academia del Perfume in Madrid.

Sola developed new fragrances based on elements of the painting, which depicts Venus and Cupid surrounded by exotic flowers, birds, animals, and objects related to perfume (such as distillation vessels and scented gloves). The scent Fig Tree, for example, brings the refreshing, vegetal scent of the fruit tree in the painting to life, while Allegorywhich combines rose, jasmine and carnationembodies the bouquet of flowers Venus is smelling.

According toa statement from the Academia del Perfume, other featured fragrances include an amber-scented leather glove, orange blossoms, jasmine, roses, lilies, daffodils, civet (a perfume ingredient made from the secretions of a carnivorous cat) and nard (an oil derived from a flowering plant).

Our olfactory memory is stronger than our visual or auditory memory: the memory of our mothers perfume, of our first kiss, of our first car, or of the first day at school with the smell of new pencils and paints, Sola tells the Guardians Sam Jones. We all have our own olfactory memory and the idea of this exhibition is that Jan Brueghels painting will leave its own memorable olfactory print on all of us.

Museum visitors can smell the various fragrances by touching a photo of the painting on four digital screens dotted across a gallery. A diffuser that uses special AirParfum technology created by Puig then emits the perfume. The goal of the technology, which has been installed in retail stores throughout Europe, is to allow individuals to smell many different perfumes without oversaturating their noses.

The Sense of Smell is part of the artists The Five Senses series, which also includes The Sense of Touch, The Sense of Taste, The Sense of Hearing and The Sense of Sight. Brueghel painted the scenes for the pieces, while Rubens painted the allegorical figures. The five works are all on view in the same room at the Prado.

Per the Academia del Perfume statement, the series was likely commissioned by Albert VII of Austria and Isabella Clara Eugenia, Archduchess of Austria and the daughter of Philip II of Spain. Brueghel worked as a court painter for the couple.

I had a sense that people do not pay enough attention to Brueghel, Vergara tells Artnets Dorian Batycka. His attention to detail, often miniaturistic, shows a keen sensitivity to the five senses. All that I was really trying to do was call attention to the sense of joy that these works produce in me, hoping that others will seeand smellthis as well.

The Essence of a Painting: An Olfactory Exhibition is on view at the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, Spain, through July 3.

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For the first time in 40 years, Italian Renaissance masterDonatello(ca. 13861466) has a major solo showand the curator,Francesco Caglioti, hopes the blockbuster exhibition will help elevate the master sculptor to the level of fame enjoyed by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

The reason Donatello has been eclipsed in the public eye by his countrymen?

Its simply due to the fact that he was a sculptor and not a painter,Caglioti, a medieval art history professor at the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, told Artnet News. Donatello was a pioneer of perspective, and his work anticipated photography and cinema. He is really very modern. Donatello is the best sculptor, perhaps, who ever existed.

The exhibitions two venues, the Bargello National Museum and the Palazzo Strozzi, both in Florence, approached Caglioti about curating the show some years ago, but hes been researching the artist for around 30 years, and believes Donatellos contributions to the art-historical canon have been wrongfully overshadowed by achievements in painting.

Donatello, Crucifix 1408). Collection of the Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, property of the Fondo Edifici di Culto, Ministry of the Interior. Photo by George Tatge.

The Renaissance was the triumph of sculpture, Caglioti said. And Donatello was a father of the Renaissance.

The artists of the period were inspired largely by marble statues carved by the ancient Greeks and Romans, not paintings, of which few survived.

We have to change our perspective on art history, Caglioti said. The Renaissance is a sculptural period par excellence.

Donatello: The Renaissance on view at theBargello National Museum in Florence. Photo by Ela Bialkowska/OKNO studio.

By bringing together an unprecedented number of works by the sculptor, Donatello: The Renaissance could very well help upset that hierarchy.

The130 pieces on view in whats been dubbed a once-in-a-lifetime outing pair Donatellos sculpture with paintings by his contemporaries and artists who came hundreds of years later, illustrating his lasting influence.

Andrea del Castagno, Farinata degli Uberti (ca. 144849). Collection of the Gallerie degli Uffizi, Galleria delle Statue e delle Pitture, Florence, courtesy of Ministero della Cultura, Gabinetto Fotografico delle Gallerie degli Uffizi.

The show includes pieces from the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York; the Louvre in Paris; the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.; and the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. Caglioti was also able to secure loans of Donatello sculptures that had never before traveled, such as works from the baptistry in Siena and the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, and even the bronze sacristy doors from across town at the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

For the show, many of the works have been carefully conserved by the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Florence, a public institute of the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage that specializes in art restoration. The delicate task required soft-bristle brushes and porcupine quills, treating the centuries-old works with steamed demineralised water and other gentle cleansers before applying a protective coat of microcrystalline wax.

Donatello, The Feast of Herod (142327), seen before and after restoration. Collection of the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Siena, baptismal font. Photo by Bruno Bruchi, courtesy of the Opera della Metropolitana.

They cleaned the bronzes, discovering the very gold covering that was completely hidden by centuries and centuries of dirt and filth,Caglioti said. They are very brilliant, with a golden surface that nobody had seen for centuriesthey looked almost black.

(The cleaned works will be shown alongside sculptures that have yet to undergo conservation, and will head to theOpificio delle Pietre Dure once the exhibition ends.)

One of the statues from the baptismal font at Siena Cathedral being cleaned with a porcupine quill. Photo courtesy of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, Florence.

The show also includes the artists pioneering marble sculptureSt. George (141517), made for Florences Orsanmichele church and an early example of perspective in Renaissance art, and his bronze David (ca. 1440), believed by some art historians to be Western arts first free-standing nude male sculpture since ancient times. (Both are from the Bargello.)

Having the show in Florence means visitors can follow with a trip to the citys Opera del Duomo Museum, home to an impressive collection of Donatello works.

If you come to Florence,Caglioti said, you will have a very very large vision of Donatellos oeuvre.

See more works from the show below.

Donatello, David Victorious (153540). Collection of the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence. Photo by Bruno Bruchi, courtesy of the Ministero della Cultura.

Donatello, Virgin and Child (Del Pugliese Dudley Madonna), ca. 1440. Collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

Donatello, Virgin and Child (Piot Madonna), ca. 1440. Collection of the Musee du Louvre, Paris. Photo by Stephane Marechalle, 2021 RMN-Grand Palais/Dist. Photo SCALA, Firenze.

Donatello, Attis-Amorino (ca. 143540). Collection of the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence. Photo by Bruno Bruchi, courtesy of the Ministero della Cultura.

Masaccio, Saint Paul from the Carmine Polyptych (1426). Collection of the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, Pisa. Courtesy of Ministero della Cultura, Direzione regionale Musei della Toscana, Florence.

Donatello, Hope (142729). Collection of the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Siena, baptismal font. Photo by Bruno Bruchi, courtesy of the Opera della Metropolitana.

Donatello, Leaves of the Door of the Apostles (ca. 144042). Collection of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Old Sacristy, Opera Medicea Laurenziana, Florence. Photo by Bruno Bruchi.

Donatello, Leaves of the Door of the Martyrs (ca. 144042). Collection of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Old Sacristy, Opera Medicea Laurenziana, Florence. Photo by Bruno Bruchi.

Andrea Mantegna, Virgin and Child (ca. 149095), Collection of the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Milan.

Donatello, Saint John the Baptist of Casa Martelli (ca. 1442). Collection of the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence. Photo by Bruno Bruchi, courtesy of the Ministero della Cultura.

Donatello, Saint George Slaying the Dragon and Freeing the Princess (141517). Collection of the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence. Photo by Bruno Bruchi, courtesy of the Ministero della Cultura.

Michelangelo Buonarroti, Virgin and Child (Madonna of the Stairs), ca. 1490. Collection of the Casa Buonarroti, Florence. Photo by Antonio Quattrone.

Giovanni Bellini, Dead Christ Tended by Angels (Imago Pietatis), ca. 1465. Collection of the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia, Museo Correr, Venice.

Donatello, Miracle of the Mule (ca. 144649). Collection of the Basilica of SantAntonio. Archivio Fotografico Messaggero di santAntonio, Padua. Photo by Nicola Bianchi.

Desiderio da Settignano, David Victorious (Martelli David) ca. 146264. Collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Donatello, Virgin and Child (Madonna of the Clouds), ca. 1425-1430. Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Donatello and Michelozzo, Dance of Spiritelli (143438). Collection of the Museo dellOpera del Duomo, Prato, Diocese of Prato.

Donatello, Reliquary of Saint Rossore (ca. 142225). Collection of the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, Pisa, courtesy of Ministero della Cultura, Direzione regionale Musei della Toscana, Florence.

Donatello, David Victorious (140809). Collection of the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence. Photo by Bruno Bruchi, courtesy of the Ministero della Cultura.

Donatello, Virgin and Child (ca. 1415). Collection of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Skulpturensammlung und Museum fur Byzantinische Kunst. Photo by Antje Voigt.

Donatello, The Virgin and Child (ca. 1425). Collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

Donatello: The Renaissance is on view at theBargello National Museum,Via del Proconsolo, 4, 50122, Florence, and thePalazzo Strozzi, Piazza degli Strozzi, 50123, Florence,March 19July 31, 2022. It will travel as Donatello: Founder of the Renaissance to theStaatliche MuseumPreuischer Kulturbesitz, Stauffenbergstrae 41, 10785 Berlin, Germany, September 2, 2022January 8, 2023, and the Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom,February11June11,2023.

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A Once-in-a-Lifetime Donatello Show Argues That Sculpture, Not Painting, Was the Ultimate Renaissance Art Form - artnet News