Colors That Sing By Vivien Pollack

"The Opera House " A Film By Susan Froemke

2017-10-11T15:44:00.000-04:00

On October 1 st my sisters and I were lucky to go to the NY MET to see the NY Film Festivals opening film “The Opera House,” by Susan Froemke. What was so personal and special about it for us, was a story that we knew for years was finally made public. This story was about the design for the chandeliers and how it came about by an accident. My sister Kyna herself an Architect explained and demonstrated the genesis of a splash made by my father Tad Leski which later developed in to the chandelier. Kyna has the story on a blog about how the concept began.

Here is a link Opera Chandelier Concept Kyna Leski

The film should not be missed if you are an opera fan, architect or just interested in what goes on behind the scenes and the development of this magnificent building.

Photo by Justin Pollack

Me Kyna and Andrea

From the movie The Opera House

My Silk Painting Exhibit At Jericho Library December 2015

2015-12-05T19:19:00.001-05:00

This show will run until the end of the month. It was nice to see and meet the people who came out to see the exhibit today! Jericho Library 1 Merry Lane Jericho New York - Library Hours

Provincetown A Dream For Artists

2015-08-30T14:32:00.000-04:00

My husband and I spent a few days this summer in Provincetown, Massachusetts or P town as it is lovingly called. For those of you not familiar with Provincetown it is quirky, fun, artsy and has gorgeous natural scenery and interesting architecture, a dream place for artists or photographers. I found the light to be wonderful since the town is surrounded by water on three sides it is full of clear colors. Fittingly they have many art galleries full of colorful paintings. Although I didn't have the opportunity to paint while there I did take some photos that perhaps I will use for reference material.
A few photos I took during my visit.

Remembering Mom: A Iris grows in my garden

2015-05-24T15:46:00.002-04:00

My mother's name was Iris. She passed away last August and in remembrance I planted a iris in my garden. I also planted irises years ago outside her apartment and she loved to look at them each spring. So you could say this was to be the last iris I planted for mom.
I have a few irises in my garden scattered around, all of them iris blue in color. So when my irises started to come up this Spring I couldn't remember where I had planted this "special" iris. I recently weeded my garden and accidentally a few were removed so I thought I might never see this particular iris. But today there it was standing tall majestically by itself, the only one that was cream and burgundy! And it made me smile

Mom's Iris

My Silk Painting

Chanel Spring Collection 2015 and some of my designs Vivien Pollack -Color

2015-02-27T21:18:00.000-05:00

Vivien Pollack Scarves

Chanel Collection

Chanel Spring 2015 Collection is colorful. Have you seen it? I think it is a definite WOW, but then again I have been designing similar colorful scarf designs for years now.
Take a look at the fantastic fashion show here on youtube of Chanel 2015 collection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emkZ5rVIv7Q

A few of my colorful scarf designs below

Playing with Sugar with Silk Dyes on Silk

2015-01-27T13:41:00.000-05:00

Sugar can achieve some interesting texture when it reacts with the silk dyes on silk. Not quite as dramatic as using salt but it still has interesting effects.

First you need to make a thick syrup like solution, which will then act as a resist. You can use confectioner sugar mixed with small amount of hot water until it has a runny consistency. If you want you can boil together equal parts or water and sugar on the stove and let it cool. Or you can use icing sugar and mix equal amounts of hot water to it. Remember you want it to be fairly thick but runny. If it starts to harden warm it up a bit or add a bit more water if needed. You can also use granulated sugar dissolved in warm water.

I used steam set silk dyes with my projects.

There is different ways to work, you need to experiment. You can apply the sugar mixture to the silk leaving areas white then add dyes around it or apply the dyes first and add sugar over it and you can then add more dyes making a layering effect. Usually when using resists you allow the resist to dry before applying the dyes, but in this case more interesting results occur when the silk dyes are applied while the sugar mixture is still wet. The sugar mixture is not as strong of a resist barrier as gutta so it produces a softer effect.

Example on the right. I mixed Confectioners sugar with hot water and applied the mixture by dropping it on with a brush to the silk first and applied the dyes around the sugar drops while the sugar mixture was still wet. I also added more sugar later in places.

Finished the piece by steaming. Then I rinsed out my scarf in lukewarm water and removed all the excess sugar.

The finished scarf below after steaming and rinsing

layering sugar on to the silk with dyes using icing sugar mixed with water

A piece of the finished silk after steaming and rinsing

More examples of silk pieces using sugar

My Painting by the Sea won an award!

2014-11-01T19:43:00.001-04:00

I was very pleased that my oil painting “Yellow House by the Sea won honorable mention at recent show with the Independent Art Society. Oil painting, is a fairly new medium for me so it was quite encouraging especially since there were so many really good paintings in the show.

The judge was Paul Bachem a very accomplished oil painter whose work I greatly admire he wrote this about the painting “ Although there is a sunlit feel to this painting, I found myself reacting to what seemed like loneliness here. The house sits amid a rather sparse setting and, as is always the case in my own work, I find myself wondering about the people who live there out in the middle of all that quiet. I felt the same way about this piece as I often do about Andrew Wyeth’s work. I don’t know if this is what you intended Vivien, but that is how it struck me when I first saw it. “

The painting was one of a few I did on Block Island while visiting off-season. (You can see more on my June 29, 2014 post ) I am always very relaxed on Block Island and enjoy the quiet before the summer crowds. The yellow house is actually a Bed and Breakfast called Avonlea where we once stayed and I was painting it from one of the Blue Dory Cottages, which look towards it. I really enjoyed painting at this spot for all I could hear was the ocean waves and the birds chirping, some so very friendly they would come over close to me as if to watch me paint. And yes the Island during off-season has a rather haunting loneliness feeling of a Wyeth painting.

The End of Old Dock Rd

2014-10-03T09:43:00.002-04:00

My mother passed away in August. I want to scatter my mother's ashes some place near the sea since she always loved it so. And we gave her a small memorial, with her close friends and family, which included poetry, music, beautiful opera singing by my son's girlfriend and of course irises to plant (my mother's name was Iris), a memorial that I hope honored her life and spirit. I so much wanted to return to the spot where I took her a few times, it was close to her nursing home in Kings Park. Finally the other week I was able to and I painted this small painting in oils. I hope to return again to do more paintings. Barely dry, I brought it for a group show and it is now hanging at the IAS show at the Plainview Old Bethpage Library.

The tide is going out

2014-08-03T12:33:00.000-04:00

I walked along the beach today at the end of Old Dock Rd and thought the tide is receding. I should really come here one day with my paints and paint, but not today, not now. My mother laid in bed only two minutes away, she seems to be slowly slipping away. The tide is going out on her I thought to myself.

Mom always loved the Sea

Painting On Block Island R.I

2014-06-29T17:06:00.002-04:00

We first vacationed on Block Island in 2008 and have made several trips back since. We fell in love with the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere. The last few times I was able to bring my oil paints with me. This Spring while there I painted three paintings. Sitting on the back deck all you could hear was the birds chirping, they are so friendly, that some will actually eat from your hand. The skies are always interesting and changing. I hope I captured the peacefulness in these paintings that I felt.

Up The Hill 11 x14

The Beach Crescent 11x 14

Yellow House By The Sea 11x 14

House By The Sea 16x20

Around The Corner 11 x 14

Here are a few more from past years.

Avonlea 11x 14

Painting The Back Of the Blue Dory

Morning On The Beach 11x14

Crescent Beach 11x 14

A few of My Spring - Summer Scarves

2014-04-16T21:29:00.000-04:00

I have been big on Orchid and Purple this Spring. This scarf adds also aquamarine and even hints of goldenrod, bronze. It is large enough to wear as a shawl over a summer dress!

I also love peach and salmon with hints of lemon yellow as in this scarf.

This multicolored scarf is perfect for spring but can be worn all year round. A combo of silk and wool but very light weight and airy.

The one below also doubles as a scarf or a shawl and the colors are great for summer.

Please check these and more out on my etsy shop!

Painting a Silk Painting From Start To Finish Using Several Techniques.

2014-01-19T21:09:00.002-05:00

I start a silk painting with an idea, from then on I proceed as the painting takes me. I often use a combination of silk painting techniques in one painting. Color is very important to me so I want to layout the color placement with a wash. I started this painting by outlining a few trees and rocks with a substance called resistad (by Procolour) mixed with my steam set dye. You can of course also use gutta to outline. The resistad will stop the dyes from bleeding over my line just like gutta will.

I allowed the silk dyes to bleed as I painted a light wash.

Since I wanted to add more controlled details, I painted over the entire piece of silk with a large brush a preparation of one part gutta and two parts turpenoid to coat the fabric. This allows me to paint as though I was painting on paper without the dyes bleeding in to one another. Best do this outside or in a well ventilated space.

After the solution dries I can go back to my painting adding more dyes.

Once finished the painting it is then steam set. This sets the colors so they will not bleed and brings out the brilliance of the silk dyes.

I added a mat and it is now ready to be framed!

Paintings By My Father Tadeusz Leski

2013-08-01T07:49:00.000-04:00

Many people have known my father as an architect, but he was also an artist especially in
his later years. My fathers recent passing has made me think about what he loved to do and his

influence on me.

      I remember when I was young he asked me one
day what I wanted to be when I  grow up and I thought for a moment and I said I wanted to be an artist. I think it was because I didn't know what else to be, since art had always been such an important part our lives. I grew up remembering my father always sketching a design for his buildings or projects and being taken to museums. So I never really thought of any other option. My father’s reply to my wanting to be an artist was “well then you must paint and you must paint a lot.” Well being more practical minded, I turned to a more commercial venue and went to school to become a textile designer. But as time passed, my desire to paint haunted me so I started painting remembering my father’s words that I must paint a lot to become an artist. Sadly I still do not have the time to paint as much as I think he meant for me to do.

My father was born in Kielce, Poland, a prisoner of war during World War II. his story is quite interesting as to how he escaped from the prison camp and traveled up to England where he met my mother and later on came here to the USA to work as an architect to design many of the important buildings in New York City in the sixties, only to return later on in life to Poland. I wonder how the experiences he had during his early life influenced him later on and why he chose to paint the subjects he did.

Dad never tried to sell his paintings, even though he was quite good. He painted because he loved to and I knew it was pure pleasure for him. A few of his paintings hang on the walls of my house, my sister’s and my children’s and some he gave away to friends. He used any material he had at hand, sometimes he couldn't get canvasses so he would use a piece of wood to paint on or a board. His paints were also what ever he could find.
His love for art I am sure was passed down to me. He taught me how to see the beauty in things and encouraged me to paint it.

A few of my fathers oil paintings

all images may not be used elsewhere without my consent.

To read more about my father click on link below

A book about my father written by my sister Kyna Leski

I would also like to share a link this is a interesting read

https://medium.com/@kynaleski/genesis-the-chandeliers-of-the-metropolitan-opera-house-2090ee74690e#.u1bpcnl0c

"Art After Dark" at the Long Island Art League

2013-04-19T16:59:00.002-04:00

I am so pleased to be one of the participating artists in this months "Art After Dark." For those of you who are not familiar with what it is, the Art League of Long Island each month opens up their doors for a evening free of charge (but a small donation to the Art League would be nice). They have two demonstrating artists and other participating arts who show examples of their art. April's demonstrations will be by a cartoonist Richard Torrey and a jewelry designer Dana Lagos.
This month it is held on April 26th from 7-9 PM. If you can come, stop in and say hi to me in the gallery! Vivien

ART, MUSIC, WINE & CHEESE YOU are invited … … to stimulating evenings of cultural enrichment. Join artists and art lovers at the ART LEAGUE of LONG ISLAND for a new and exciting series of special art exhibits with demonstrations by well-known local artists.

www.artleagueli.org 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY 11746 631 462-5400

Silk Painting Exhibit at Syosset Library

2013-04-02T20:33:00.000-04:00

I hung my Silk Paintings at the Syosset Library yesterday. The exhibit runs until the end of April.
Here is a link for more information. Syossst Library Art Gallery
Photo's from exhibit

Photos from Shibori class

2013-03-21T21:54:00.001-04:00

We did pole wrapping and a few other techniques with binding the fabric with thread and twine.

Class in painting a scarf using shibori methods

2013-03-02T22:02:00.000-05:00

Shibori is a Japanese term for several methods of dying fabric by folding, stitching, twisting or securing it before dying to produce patterns. Come learn a simple easy way to produce a painted scarf using a PVC pipe !
At the Long Island Art league Dix Hills NY SAT. MARCH 16, 2013 10 AM - 1 PM
click here for more information http://www.artleagueliregistration.org/catalog/fiber-arts
I will have to post some finished projects from the class. I unfortunately forgot my camera the last class and missed some really interesting scarves that were made!

As one ends one will come up

2012-08-25T09:55:00.001-04:00

I will be taking down my show this coming Friday the 31st from the Huntington Library. It was a great opportunity and I appreciated all the positive input received. I am looking forward to my next show which will be at the Bethpage Library, on Long Island for the month of October. I am not sure what paintings will be in it, might be a combination of some silk paintings with some of my oil paintings. Also a few paintings will be on display in Syosset next month at the Dept of Public Works.

I was happy to see one of my paintings was published in the NY TIMES for the Huntington show in the Metropolitan section a week or so ago Sunday paper.
It is not online so here is a photo of it.

The same photo was also in the "Huntington Times" a local paper.

And some lovely ladies at lovely on your side gave me a bit of publicity : ) in their blog post

http://www.lovelyatyourside.com/2012/08/vivienpollacksilkscarves.html

Thank you I REALLY appreciate the feedback !

2012-08-12T22:08:00.003-04:00

A few images from the Huntington Public Library Show "Colors That Sing " Silk Paintings

Silk Painting Exhibit "Colors That Sing"

2012-07-18T16:22:00.000-04:00

I am very pleased to announce my silk paintings will be on display at the Huntington Public Library for the entire month of August.

The library is located at 338 Main Street Huntington N.Y. I will also have a few hand-painted silk scarves and necklaces made from pieces of scarves on display upstairs in the main level display cases.

A reception will be held on August 11 from 2- 4 pm all invited!

Gallery hours are Mon- Fri. 9- 9 pm

Sat 1-5 pm
Closed on Sundays

Painting Outside Plein Air

2012-06-24T21:24:00.000-04:00

Plein Air A painting done outside rather than inside in a studio. French en plein air, meaning 'in the open air'

I was lucky to do some paintings a few weeks ago on Block Island although they are still not ready to be shown. (Touch ups are needed.) I also got out with my camera and caught a lovely sunrise.

Here I am sititng on my back balcony on Block Island painting.

One morning we had visitors

Waterfront Festival Huntington NY Sunday June 24th

Today I was one of the artists who participated in the Waterfront Festival in Huntington at Vanderbilt Mansion Museum. This is a great idea orchestrated by Rich Rivkin, a series of 7 festivals this summer. Bringing together artist with musicians. Rich also produces "Live Art Fusion" events on Wednesday nights. Today was a especially lovely day to be outside. I found there is something about seeing an artist at work that makes people extremely inquisitive, many came over to chat with me or other artists asking questions and making comments. Which was very nice, especially since they were supportive. I was lucky to have my sister and her friend show up to take a few photos for me.

The next Festival will be Sunday, July 8, 2012 Noon - 4pm
at Heckscher Park in Huntington NY and again on Sunday, July 29, 2012 1 - 6pm at
Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport NY both will be featuring artists painting to live music by four bands, overlooking the Long Island Sound how great is that?

Also on Sunday, August 12, 2012 2 - 6pm Rich has planned Live Art Drum & Dance Fest Vanderbilt Museum, Centerport NY 50+ Hand Drummers and Dancers, along Live Painting by dozens of Artists,

I can’t wait to do this AGAIN! Especially at the Vanderbilt Mansion which has so many great spots to paint. I had a wonderful time and it was packed with people who came to relax and listen to the music and take in the sights. The scenery and Mansion is gorgeous so check it out and if you are an artist well …..Get our your easel!

Painting a Silk Scarf

2012-04-02T21:39:00.001-04:00

First I stretch my silk on a frame. This is a frame from Dharma Trading and it works very well. You can adjust it to many sizes. Then I decide what technique I want to use. I decided to just paint free hand and allow the dyes to bleed. I also used a spray bottle of water to encourage more movement of color in places. This was done on crinkle silk chiffon which has a graceful drape and a soft, dull finish and a somewhat grainy surface: a result of highly twisted warp and weft threads.
When done it sits for a day. Then I steam set it so the colors do not bleed and the scarf is permanent. See my other post for steam seting using a bamboo steamer.
And now the finished scarf!

My poppy and irises scarf on crinkle silk chiffon!

Silk Painting: Steaming Steam Set Dyes Using Bamboo Steamer

2012-02-11T21:44:00.000-05:00

Your silk painting is not permanent until you "set" the color if you are using steam set dyes, this means actually steaming it. If you do not set the dyes they will run. Before purchasing any dye or paint, make sure you know if they are steam set dyes or iron set. There are many ways to steam set your piece. Of course you can purchase a professional steamer but they are rather expensive and if you just have a few scarves to steam, you can easily make your own steamer. One way is to get a large pot such as a stockpot and put a vegetable steamer inside. I usually do a demonstration during my silk painting classes showing how to steam set dyes using such a method, but another easy way is to use a Chinese bamboo steamer.

What’s great and easy about the bamboo steamers is they usually have two sections, so you can steam more than one piece at a time. I rolled my silk scarf on an old cotton sheet that I had cut a few inches larger than the piece. (You can also use Muslim or Kraft brown paper). I then folded the extra piece of fabric on the sides inwards and sealed my package with masking tape. It important that the fabric does not touch itself, or else the dye will transfer from one place to another.

I then placed one scarf package in the lower section of the steamer and one in the upper.

I added a sheet of new paper to go under and above my packages to catch any extra moisture. Place your steamer on a pot with about ½ in of water. Boil the water, then turn it down quickly to simmer. Make sure the water does not hit your piece!

As for the time needed to steam a piece, it varies. The lighter weight smaller pieces, you might get away with 45 min to an hour. But for crepe de chine or heavier I would recommend 2- 3 hours especially when you have used French dyes or jacquard dyes. The larger the piece the longer the time. Always check your pot to make sure the water hasn’t dried up and replenish with more if needed.

After finished steaming I take my piece out and I rinse it to get rid of excess dyes with a softener like Downy. It also leaves your piece smelling nice and soft.

Then voila! Your scarf is done and the colors are bright and gorgeous!

knowing When a Painting is Done

2012-01-13T17:23:00.000-05:00

One of the hardest parts of painting for me has been to know when to stop. Today I am afraid I took it too far and ruined what I had. I was working on a very large scarf with dyes, which are pretty permanent and unforgiving. I was not quite happy so I kept on painting and over painting with darker colors until I realized I was making it worse. Looking back I know that I should have left what was alone. I should have taken a break then came back to the project and looked at it with fresh eyes. Perhaps I can take this lesson in to life as well, knowing when to stop and when to let go. Today’s painting is an example of perhaps going too far or not knowing what I wanted in the first place

Colorful Skies

2012-01-03T10:07:00.006-05:00

I have always loved looking at the sky, the changing colors and patterns. The sky is especially wonderful during the fall and winter.

Taken from my daughters apartment in Brooklyn NY facing lower Manhattan in the distance. Taken

on New Years Eve .

What a great pattern the sky made

Same evening in Brooklyn without the zoom.

Soft colors taken on Block Island one summer.

Boothbay Maine the sky as storm clouds roll in.. Taken this summer.