Valenti's Art Blog

My Last Post on this Blog

2008-08-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

I've created a new blog on my website www.manuelavalenti.com/blog and moved all the posts and comments from here to there. Please follow me to my other blog.

If you are linking to this blog, please make the necessary changes. If we have reciprocal links with your blog(s) please contact me so I can add the links to my new blog.

Thank you for stopping by and hope to see you over there for more of my art, news, exhibits, specials and more ;o)

Manuela Valenti

Two New Videos Time Lapse for the Daily Paintings "Lost Somewhere in France" and "Girlfriends"

2008-08-13T10:39:00.001-07:00

Good Bye Dear Ruffo.... R.I.P.

2008-07-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today I had to do one of the hardest things in my life. I took my 16 years old German Bracco named Ruffo to the vet this afternoon, hopping they would give me a pill or something that would make him feel better. Instead the reassurance of what deep inside me I knew all along became a reality. Ruffo was in bad shape and although his adorable spirit of big puppy was there cheering me up and barking for goldfish, his body and his heart were not working on his behalf. He looked at me many times walking towards the door like saying "common mommy! let's go for a walk" but this was his last ride ever.

Ruffo, my gorgeous german bracco born in Venezuela, South America 16 years ago, who came with us in an airplane to the US, an always big puppy who would make us laugh with his cute face and incredible character died today in my arms, surrounded by love, hugs and kisses from the first person who saw him come to this world the night of July 15, 1992.

He was an incredible dog, full of energy and disposition and with and incredible personality. My inspiration for painting and my companion loyal for so long.

I will miss you with all my heart my big puppy. I will miss you so much...

July 15, 1992 - July 25, 2008

Past, Present and Future - Modern Abstract Collage Painting

2008-07-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

Original Mixed Media Collage Abstract Painting on 1 1/2" deep Gallery Wrapped Canvas
24" high x 48" wide
Gallery Retail: $3,800.00
Click here to place your bid.
Limited Edition Giclee Prints Available

Register for free to bid http://www.valentiauctions.com/auctions/register.php?.

Registrese gratuitamente para poder pujar en la subasta http://www.valentiauctions.com/auctions/register.php?

* Questions? Comments? Post them right here or contact me
* Subscribe FREE to my Newsletter
* Giclée Prints & Originals in my studio store www.manuelavalenti.com/store
* Currently @ auction

Life After Life - Modern Abstract Giclée Print

2008-07-24T05:45:00.000-07:00

Limited Edition Print on 1 1/4" deep Canvas
36" high x 24" wide
Click here to buy this giclee print.

* Questions? Comments? Post them right here or contact me
* Subscribe FREE to my Newsletter
* Giclée Prints & Originals in my studio store www.manuelavalenti.com/store
* Currently @ auction

You and How Many? - Modern Abstract Painting

2008-07-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on 2" deep canvas
36" high x 24" wide
Buy Original Painting
Buy a Giclée Print

* Questions? Comments? Post them right here or contact me
* Subscribe FREE to my Newsletter
* Buy Giclée Prints & Originals in my studio store www.manuelavalenti.com/store
* Currently @ auction

A New Series of Moder Abstract Paintings - In Between Worlds

2008-06-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

Title: In Between Worlds
Acrylic Mixed Media on Canvas
36" high x 24" wide x 1 1/4" deep
Buy a Limited Edition Print on Canvas, Ready to Hang

This is the first painting for the series with the same name. The original painting is already sold, but limited edition prints are available in my gallery. To purchase, click the link above

* Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me
* Subscribe FREE to my Newsletter to receive updates on new paintings, offers, coupons and more completely FREE.
* Giclée Prints & Originals, gift items and more available on my new online gallery/store manuelavalenti.com/store
* Visit my PRIVATE auction site valentiauctions.com
* currently on ebay

Monster of the Past - Abstract Modern & Contemporary Art Painting

2008-05-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

Acrylic Mixed Media on Canvas
36" high x 12" wide
Buy Now
Limited Edition Prints Available

This is a brand new abstract painting from the Surreal Dreams Series and it's being offered at auction on my private auction site at dealers price. Click the link above to bid on this beauty. Also giclée prints are available from this and many other paintings directly from my store www.manuelavalenti.com/store.

It's being a while since I haven't painted anything on this series. The other series of abstracts the "Splash Series" became so popular and is selling so great as prints and originals after the New York ArtExpo that I completely neglected this one. Well time to revamp my old abstract series, right?

On another note, I'll be in Miami, for the Design District show during the month of July, with a completely new abstract series of works which I'll unveil very soon. This new series of abstract paintings is called "In Between Worlds" and is as powerful and elegant as the other series of abstracts but in darker colors opposite to the splash series. The first 4 paintings were entered on the Michigan Governor's Home Juried Exhibition, and if selected the paintings will decorate the home of the Governor Jennifer Granholm for a whole year, so cross your fingers! More on this coming soon.

Original Modern and Contemporary Abstract Art Painting - "Se Acabó la Pintura"

2008-05-06T19:32:00.001-07:00

Acrylic, Mixed Media, Collage on Canvas
24" high x 48" wide
Buy Now
Limited Edition Prints Available

A new very modern & contemporary abstract art painting from my Collage Series. This painting is filled with texture and really incredible colors. My love for photography is collaged in this piece and many other pieces of this same series.

Become a fan

2008-05-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

Do you like my work? Do you have an account on facebook.com? then join my fan club http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manuela-Valenti/50866215528?ref=s

Forgotten Memories - Modern Art Abstract Painting

2008-04-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

Acrylic/Mixed Media on Canvas
12" high x 36" wide
Buy Now
Limited Edition Prints Available

New Abstract Paintings fot the North Carolina, Highpoint MARKET show

2008-03-31T11:03:00.000-07:00

These are the new paintings that are on its way to the North Carolina, Highpoint MARKETPLACE show, April 7-13. My new series "Places" of collage/mixed media/ paintings on 2" gallery wrapped canvas. They involved my all time affair with the use of recycled objects part of my environmental art works along with my love for photograph. Many of the pieces are composed with pictures I've taken in sooooo many of my trips!... these paintings available soon on my store

Euskal Herria (Basque Country) Abstract Poster

2008-03-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

"Euskal Herria"
Fine Art Poster on Fine Art Paper
22" high x 18" wide
Buy Now

This is one of those paintings you end up loving forever. I did the painting/collage back in 2005 while living in Bilbao, Spain, and I really love the way it came out. It is dark yet vibrant, perfect for any modern & contemporary decor. The original painting was an acrylic/ mixed media/ collage and this is an open edition poster on fine art paper. Framed this piece would certainly add that special touch to a man's or woman's apartment in NY maybe? ;-)

By Accident - Original and Limited Edition Prints

2008-03-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
24" high x 32" wide
Buy Now

This is a new abstract painting from my Splash Series. Limited Edition Prints available. Click on the link above

Abismo - Original Modern Abstract Painting at Auction

2008-03-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas (wired ready to hang)
40" high x 30" wide
Buy Now

Shipping for this painting is FREE. Limited Edition Prints Available. Click the link above.

All Over You.... Abstract Painting

2008-03-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

Original Acrylic on Canvas
20" high x 30" wide x 3/4" deep
Buy Now

I just LOOOOOVE this painting!! so sensual and sexy, powerful and relaxing at the same time...

Have you signed up yet?.....

2008-03-18T20:49:00.001-07:00

... for my private auction site www.valentiauctions.com? if not go in a register!... is completely safe, your information is private, we don't request any financial information and is FREE.... so if you want one of my original works at dealers price, go in, register and bid! that's THE only place where you can purchase one of my original works as I no longer offer any original works on ebay... more paintings coming daily!!

* Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me
* Subscribe FREE to my Newsletter to receive the new painting for the day in your inbox, offers, coupons and more completely FREE.
* Giclée Prints & Originals, gift items and more available on my new online gallery/store www.manuelavalenti.com/store
* The Daily Paintings @ auction
* currently on ebay

Posters... Posters... and more Posters....

2008-03-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

Three new companies offering some of my works, from Original Abstract Paintings to Posters. I've joined ImageKind.com and FinerWorks.com for my new line of Abstract Posters, and BoundlessGallery.com for some originals and limited edition prints which are shipped directly from my studio.

Don't forget that for some original paintings from my studio as well as my Museum Quality Giclée Prints can be purchased directly from my online store at http://www.manuelavalenti.com/store

My line of Museum Quality Giclée Prints is ONLY available through my studio, no galleries carry my LE Prints. To purchase visit my store http://www.manuelavalenti.com/store

Back from the New York ArtExpo 2008

2008-03-06T14:25:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm finally back online!... I thought I would be able to stop by my blogs and post something about the show at the end of the day, but by the time we had dinner after the show I was so exhausted I only wanted to get in bed and sleep until next morning... wonderful things happening, very, very good sales at the show and now after the show, 5 gallery representations so far, great business contacts and incredible experiences!... I've met the most wonderful, gentle and supportive people ever! I met so many of my collectors in person that is so overwhelming! thank you all for stopping by, for the flowers, for the chocolates and for the lattes! so very nice of all of you!... I had also the opportunity to meet so many of you online artists friends and colleagues, so great to put a face to the art and wonderful emails I've received from all of you!... I can't stop thanking everyone, because without all of you this wouldn't have ever happened.... this was a big step in my art career, better than the Mac21 show, better than the Biennale of Venice, just incredible!

Setting up - The final touches

The 30 Paintings in 30 Days wall was resumed to only a few paintings by the end of the show. 4 sales just in the first 30 minutes after the show opened the first day, how cool is that!!!... one little bad thing happening at the show, uncomfortable more than anything but she's not even worth it to mention in any of my pages or anywhere else for that matter, we all took care of it anyways.

A very red Empire State

The city, ah! what can I tell you, that's the kind of city that I would love to live in if I was single again, not a good place to raise kids though in my opinion, but so much fun and energetic, definitely a place to visit more than once. We had a chilly weather but still we managed to go out at night. The last day of the show a beautiful bright day, perfect for taking pictures! so I did... camera in hand we took a big tour... Broadway her ewe go!! some new paintings of that tour coming for the daily painting next week when I finally would have the time to enter my studio.

My next customer

I can't post about the show without telling you about the SPECTACULAR people I met. Humberto and Lissette Benitez a Cuban painter and his adorable wife who we met at the hotel one morning for breakfast and felt we knew for ever after that. An incredible artist who shares with me a vibrant palette with a unique style. Please stop by and take a look at this artist's work www.humbertobenitez.com.

Humberto, Lissette and me at the last day at the Expo

Alain Khadem, my next door neighbor... I had so much fun with you at the expo! and all the legal advise I thank you very, very much... Please stop by to this artist's website, his work is so incredible and so much fun! www.artisanart.us

Me and Alain, the last day of the show.

Our front door neighbors, the team for artist Master Lee Sun-Don, amazing sweet people we are sure going to miss, but look forward to be next to for the next year's ArtExpo.

Me with Alain and Master Lee Sun-Don's team

If you doubt we had fun at the show check this last picture LOL!!

We had all so much fun!!

I also had the opportunity to meet another great artist Brian Petroski who made me laugh and startled me every single time! LOL!

Ken Fisher, a wonderful photographer I met also at the show, next door neighbor and a joy to talk to. We joke and laughed and learned so much from each other.

I truly had a blast! and today I'm missing you all very much. It is amazing how in just 5 days you can get to connect with someone so deeply that you get to miss them after an event like this. I sure hope to see you all next year and of course stay in touch from no on! =]

Just today I got also the news, aside form another sale of one of my so beloved original abstract paintings "Life After Life" which sold for $3,500.00, the release of an interview that took place before leaving to New York. I was interviewed by Alyice Edrich from the www.thedabblingmum.com. If you care to read the interview please click here

Now is time to start contacting the galleries, packing the paintings that sold after the show, and start painting again.

Until next time!

News and a New Abstract for the Show!

2008-02-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

Acrylic Mixed Media / Collage on Canvas
24" wide x 24" high

Wow! It's being a while since I haven't posted in this blog! I've being so busy with my new project A Painting A Day and the New York ArttExpo that I barely have anytime left!

I'm leaving for New York to attend the expo in 3 days. I'm so exited!! but there is still so much left to do! I can't believe how much work this show is given me! and of course the rewards are all the way to the top and I still haven't gotten there yet!!

New paintings will be unveiled at the show, new things coming up along with a peek to one of the new paintings I'm taking to the show. Limited Edition Prints on paper from this one will be available soon on my new online gallery store www.manuelavalenti.com/store. If you haven't visited my store yet, they click the link! is packed with some originals, tons of limited edition prints and just a click of a button away!

I'll see you when I get back from New York!!

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me

Artist of the Month - Sterling Heights City Hall

2008-02-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

I just came back from my newspapers and tv interview at the Sterling Heights City Hall where I just received the award for the Artist of the Month February 2008. A small exhibition is being held at the City Hall. The articles will appear in the local newspapers and the tv interview will be aired on the Channel 5 newscast next Friday at 8:00 am and 6:00pm.

This is the 4th tv interview I've had since I established my home in Michigan and I hope to get a copy for all of you to see.

Here is the award I received today!

This is certainly a great honor to have my paintings displayed in such a way in a prestigious place like the City Hall.

Thank you for this great opportunity.

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me
Subscribe FREE to my A Painting a Day Newsletter and receive the new painting for the day in your inbox
Visit my new online gallery/store www.valentifineart.com for limited edition prints, gifts and more.

Preparing for the NY Artexpo 2008

2007-11-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

One of the next steps I needed to accomplish aside from my on personal auction site where to offer my daily paintings at auction, was to open an online store where anyone could browse and purchase my works right away, through a secure shopping cart, from the small daily paintings all the way to abstracts and limited edition prints. The need arised after we decided it would be the best for customers to shop in a more calm environment without the convulsion of the show.

Two days ago it became a reality. www.manuelavalenti.com/store opened its doors offering my all time favorite abstracts originals and limited edition giclée prints and some of my daily paintings limited and originals. Prices reflected are the same prices similar works of mine are being offered on galleries, and the prints are only available through my online store and directly from my studio, no gallery is carrying these for now. If this ever changes in the future I will sure post the update here on my blog.

For this Black Friday weekend and all the way through Sunday we launched a special promotion for purchases over $200. So check out the website at www.manuelavalenti.com/store and if you could drop me an email with your opinions or post them right here. I would really love to hear them.

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me
Subscribe FREE to my A Painting a Day Newsletter and receive the new painting for the day in your inbox
Visit my private auction site
New! don't forget to visit my new online gallery/store at www.manuelavalenti.com/store

Marquis Who's Who in America 2008

2007-11-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

I think I deserve to brag a little on this one. My biography has being published on the Marquis Who's Who in America 2008, so YAY! for me =]

For those of you interested in purchasing a copy of this book, please go to their website to place your order. This book along with my painting will certainly be a big statement you don't want to miss.

This accomplishment is very important to me, but more important is that so many of you, friends and collectors through out the world believe and have believed for years in my works as good investment and decorative pieces and that so many of you have being there to support me in my ups and down moments for all these years regardless of the country I was living at the time. Thank you so much for nominating me (my friend whose name I'll keep private =]) and thank you all for everything.

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me
Subscribe FREE to my A Painting a Day Newsletter and receive the new painting for the day in your inbox
Visit my private auction site
Oh! and don't forget to check for the holiday season my auctions on eBay!

Fast and Furious

2007-10-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
24" wide x 24" high
Painting available at Sherrus Gallery www.sherrusgallery.com. Please contact the gallery for more information.

I know it's being a while since I posted one of my abstract creations on this blog, but trust me when I tell you my life has being a living hell the past few months. I wish it was only paint and play with my kids, but I'm afraid life sucks so much at times that even doing something simple is a struggle.

Anyways don't want to bother you but give you something new and nice to see!

I love the way this one came out, the colors and the energy are amazing! This was one of the paintings that I was thinking to take to the New York Art Expo for next year. I'm still struggling with the difficult and smart decision of which one of my series to take to the show?!! do I take the abstracts? would they do good on the show? do I take the new figurative works? or maybe my landscapes?

I guess when we truly paint with the heart and put our souls in each one of our creations is kind of hard to make this decisions. I admire those artists that paint only one thing for their entire lives! at least they don't have to struggle like me.

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me

Prints, updates and more

2007-09-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's being a while since I posted anything in this blog, and I know many of you have being asking 'what happened with your abstracts?!?' well, good news, I'm participating at the Art Expo SOLO New York next year! The show will be held at the Javits Convention Center, February 28 - March 03, 2008. If you would like a free vip pass, drop me an email at art@manuelavalenti.com and as soon as I get the passes I'll mail it to you.

I'm working on new paintings for this exhibit, so soon I'll post some for a preview, meanwhile I found a great company that will be producing my Limited Edition Abstract Prints of some of my works. I set up a website just for the prints and is ready to take your orders, you can pay with PayPal or Credit Card. For now some of my paintings are being offered as limited edition prints, soon I'll add more.

Well, back for me to the studio, if you have questions....

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me

Sponsor my trip to the New York Art Expo 2008!

2007-08-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

I'll be attending the New York SOLO Art Expo 2008 February 28 - March 03, 2008 with my abstract works. You can sponsor me by purchasing an ad space on any of the pages of the Sponsor my Trip website http://www.manuelavalenti.com/sponsors.htm.

By purchasing an ad on any of the pages, you are helping me acchieve my dream of attending this extremely important show. The sponsorship pages will be online for a whole year, that means you ad WILL BE ONLINE FOR A WHOLE YEAR. You pay a very small price ($500 - $250 for a 100x100 pixels space) for an ad on a series of pages that will be heavily advertised and promoted, meaning a lot of traffic for your webiste. The rules are very simple, to learn more just visit http://www.manuelavalenti.com/sponsors.htm.

Thank you for sponsoring me!! =]

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me

My Policy

2007-07-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

I've received a couple of inquires from other artists, viewers and other bloggers to exchange links or to link to my blog, so I thought it would be a good idea for me to post my policy. I'll update it as time goes by and more things arise.

Linking to my blog:
I don't mind anyone linking to my blog or to any of my posts, please feel free to do so! but I do mind if you take any of my images to post it on your blog or your website without asking me first. If you would like to use any of my images for your blog or website, please ask me for it, I would really appreciate it, and remember to add at the bottom of my image this copyright notice:
"Image/Artwork Copyrighted ©2008 Manuela Valenti - All Rights Reserved"

As for linking back to your website, I only link back to the ones I like or are related to the daily painting movement, so I'm sorry if I might not post your link on my blog, is nothing personal, I just want to keep the consistency of my blog. Thank you.

Copying or Right Clicking my Images:
I have absolute copyright on my images. Copying them, downloading them into your computer and uploading them into your server to post them on your website even with a link back to my websites or blogs without my written permission is illegal. Printing them to create collage is absolutely prohibited and prosecuted by the copyright law in the US. So please contact me if you would like to show any of my works on your blog or website, to class mates or anyone else. I'll provide you with the written permission and a copyright embedded image for you to post on your blog. Thank you.

Linking to my website:
My blog is one thing, and my website, well, something else. If you would like to swap links with my website, great! just visit this page www.manuelavalenti.com/linkexchange.php and follow the instructions, is pretty easy!

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me

F.A.Q.

2007-07-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

How can I subscribe to your newsletter?
At the top of this menu you will find a box to subscribe to my newsletter. Enter your email and click the Subscribe button. You can also subscribe to my newsletter(s) here www.manuelavalenti.com/newsletter.php

I'm in your blog and I like one of the paintings, how can I purchase it?
Look below the image or in the description. You will find a link to the current auction (if the painting is at auction) or a link to the proper listing in my store where you can purchase the painting directly from my studio. In the case of paintings that have been placed on one of the galleries that represents my works, please contact the gallery for availability.

What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discovery. PayPal, Money Order (for US customers only please), Personal Checks (for US customers only please) and Wire Transfers (a $20 processing fee will be added to the total). For more information please click here

Contact Info

2007-07-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

You can contact me using the information below:

Manuela Valenti
P.O. Box 183315
Shelby Twp, MI 48317
email: art@manuelavalenti.com

Terms and Conditions

2007-07-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

After a Painting is completed:
Whenever a new painting is finished, the painting is photographed and the pictures edited for best online performance. The images are uploaded to the blog. The painting can be available for immediate purchase through my studio store, can be placed for auction through my auction site or marked as sold in case the painting sold before even reaching the blog. Some paintings are also available as limited edition in which case they will state the info below the image. I do send a newsletter for the abstract works and it's sent every 2-4 weeks. If you are interested in subscribing to my newsletter please click the link on the menu at the top.

Purchasing from Manuela Valenti Studio Store www.manuelavalenti.com/store:
If the post on my blog so states that the painting is available directly from my studio store, a link as I mentioned above, will be provided below the image of the painting. To purchase the painting simply add to cart. You will be prompted to create an account with us. We do not request any financial information to create an account and we do not store your credit card or bank account during the transaction.

How the bidding/sale process goes:
The painting is listed at auction for 10 days with a low starting price or a reserve equal or below dealers price which is the price my dealers pay to resell my works + s&h. You have this time frame to bid on it. The higher bidder at the end of the 10 days frame receives the confirmation that they won the auction. I have to point whenever a new painting comes out of the studio if offered first at auction at the lowest starting or reserve price ONCE and won't be available at auction again. To register for my auction site to bid on any of my works is completely free and we don't request any financial information. If you would like to create an account please visit www.valentiauctions.com and click on "Register"

What if the painting didn't receive any bids?:
Chances are the painting won't receive any bids, since my auction site is still in its infancy, in that case the painting is immediately listed at my studio store at a higher (retail) price or is placed in one of the galleries that represents my works for an even much higher price.

Shipping and Handling:
I ship to everywhere in the world, literally. Shipping and Handling in the US is free for orders of $300 or more. Since my studio store is connected directly with USPS, it generates the shipping charges based on the weight of the package and the destination. All paintings leave the studio insured just in case something happens during transit. For customers in the Detroit, Michigan area, pick up is available at the studio.

How can I pay with?:
I accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discovery through my merchant account at Authorize.net. I also accept PayPal, Money Order (for US customers only please), Personal Checks (for US customers only please) and International Wire Transfers (a $20 processing fee will be added to your total if paying with Wire Transfers).

After the auction ends I will prepare an online invoice for you to process your payment via our secure shopping cart directly from my studio store. If you want you can also call the studio at 586-202-9429 to pay with your credit card over the phone.

If you should need to mail your payment, please email me at orders@manuelavalenti.com to let me know when you are sending your payment and mail it to:

Manuela Valenti
P.O. Box 183315
Shelby Twp., MI 48042

How long until you get the painting:
After payment is received and effective, I'll varnish the painting which can take 1-2 days to dry. I will carefully pack it, prepare all the paper work that always leaves with any of my works, and mail it to you. So your painting would take between 2-3 days to leave the studio after payment is received and effective.

Email Confirmations:
During the process after the auction ends you will receive 3 emails, one confirming you are the winner of the auction and which provides a link to the shopping cart for you to process your payment. Another one after your payment is received and effective and the last one confirming your painting has been shipped and providing you with your delivery confirmation/tracking number.

You are receiving a unique, one of a kind painting by me, Manuela Valenti, and although you've purchased the original, the copyright and all the rights to reproduce, create derivatives, collages based on the painting, etc., belong to me. Just because you purchase the original doesn't mean you can destroy it or cut it in pieces to create another work of art. This is illegal as stated in the copyright law in the US and other countries and I will prosecute this illegal practice to the full extent of the law. International copyright laws as well as US copyright laws apply.

Materials Used

2007-07-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

Throughout my career (30 years) I've tried many different materials in three different continents, giving me the possibility to use only the best ones I've come in contact with or the ones I prefer.

Surface:
For my abstract works I always use heavy weight canvas stretched in kiln dried stretcher bars of 3/4", 1 1/4", 1 1/2" and 2" deep depending on what I want on the painting.

Ground:
I use acrylic white gesso for my ground. Although the canvases I buy are already pre-primed, I like to add a fresh coat of primer before laying down the colors. If the painting needs texture then I use a combination of acrylic gesso and molding paste specially formulated for fine arts. My favorite brand for both gesso and molding paste is Golden.

Paints:
I use professional artist grade acrylic and oil paintings. The oil paintings are the same one I use for my daily paintings and large more elaborate landscapes. I use a variety of brands, some found in the US some I buy in Europe. The ones I use the most are Golden. I also have some Windsor and Newton (made in UK) Titan (made in Spain), I also have some tubes of Atelier which I think is a fascinating painting and some Lascaux Artist Acrylics tubes.

Mediums:
I use a large variety of mediums depending on the work I want to do and the effect I'm looking for. All the mediums I use for my abstract works are from Golden.

Varnish:
Every painting that leaves my studio, leaves with 2-3 coats of UV resistant museum quality varnish that will protect the painting surface while adding an elegant uniform gloss to the painting.

About this Blog

2007-07-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

In May 2004 I started this blog to show you my collector and viewer my works and to offer a gateway for anyone to purchase my works.

This blog has changed so many times and even at one point it was stolen by a Chinese guy and all my posts erased with it. I was able to recover my blog, but had to start all over again, so I decided to separate my works into two different blogs. This one remaining to show you my new abstract creations and larger works, while the other is exclusively dedicated to the a painting a day.

Of course there will be also the occasional post about techniques, maybe a video of me creating one of my abstract works, painting a landscape and sure enough my upcoming exhibits and shows along with specials directly from my studio store.

All the paintings posted in this blog are available for immediate purchase, unless otherwise noted. Limited Edition Prints are usually available on all the paintings and the information will be posted below the image of the painting. I will also auction once in a while an original painting directly from my studio through my private auction site located at www.valentiauctions.com. If a painting is auctioned the information and link to the auction will be available on the post below the image. You can register for a free account to place your bid, no financial information required at all.

If you should have questions, don't hesitate in letting me know.

Rain Forest

2007-06-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
70" wide x 70" high

Visit my website for more abstract art at www.manuelavalenti.com

I haven't being able to paint since the accident 3 days ago. I thought I didn't got hurt, instead I'm in so much pain, that painting is the last thing I can do, especially abstracts as the movement of my body is necessary and important to be able to express myself through the painting. So I'm listing some of the paintings I have in my studio.

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me

A Bizarre Day

2007-06-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

I had a bizarre day yesterday. I was involved in a car accident when I was driving across town to get my kids at school, in a town called Sterling Heights, here in Michigan when a lady decided that it was ok for her to just crash into my car without even caring to hit the breaks. If you live in Macomb county in Michigan, and are familiar with Sterling Heights you know the roundabout that’s in the middle of 18 ½ mile and Van Dyke, probably you saw my brand new and gorgeous Nissan Pathfinder in the middle of the street, well that was me.

I go across that intersection everyday, well no more, because I’m not going through there ever again. I’ve never seeing in my life so many IDIOTS not knowing what the law is to go through a roundabout, who should yield and who shouldn’t, PLEASE PEOPLE! READ THE BOOK! It is easy to go through a roundabout the signs for YIELD are HUGE and a yield in a roundabout means “IF CARS ARE COMING WAIT UNTIL THE ROAD IS CLEAR BEFORE MOVING YOUR CAR, YES YOU SHOULD STOP!”

Well the lady didn’t respect the yield sign and knocked my two passenger doors when I was almost out of the round about to continue on 18 ½ mile road. She apologized, blah, blah, but what really FREAKED me out was when she in front of the police officer tried to nail me accusing me of me being fault! HELLO!!! How could it BE my fault if she hit me?!?!? …. It didn’t stop there, the police officer explained to her very calmly what are the rules for crossing a roundabout are. She then came to me and said, “oh wow! It was my fault?!?!”…. =? DUH!!!! How smart you are!!!! You figured it out!!!...

Then she said that she THOUGHT she just needed to yield one line of traffic, not two on the roundabout, as the road had two lanes…. AH?!?! I sure didn’t understand a thing!!... anyways, the police officer gave her a ticket and a citation to appear in court to which I have also to attend. But the nerve of this lady, she came to my car when the police officer was in his car writing, to ask me a personal favor (?!?!?!) she asked me to not appear in court so she could get away with the dismissal of the ticket and so she could have her record clean…….. =? WHAT?!?!?.... let me see if I understand correctly, you don’t know what YIELD means, you crash into my car, you apologize first because you knew you didn’t stop when you HAD to, tried to nail me with the police officer by LYING, and then ask me to NOT appear in court?!?!?!.... Please department of transportation! You need to stop giving away driver’s licenses in cereal boxes and do something, be more strict to prevent people like this that SHOULD NOT be driving EVER to get a driver’s license and put a risk the life of innocent people like me!!!!!

First, you ruined my day, second, you destroyed my BRAND NEW gorgeous Nissan Pathfinder which I ADORE, third you provided me free of charge a neck injury because you hit me hard, really hard, fourth you RUINED my IMMPECABLE driving record, fifth, you caused me a lot, and I mean A LOT of inconveniences yesterday, so the less I could do FOR YOU is to appear in court…. I’ll see you in COURT.

For those of you who have no clue what to do when approaching a roundabout: when entering a round about YOU have to yield ALL the traffic that is already on the roundabout, it doesn’t matter how any lanes the roundabout have, you have to yield, if that means stopping your car for a second or two, STOP. When the roundabout is clear of traffic you can continue, otherwise REMAIN STOPPED until clear. If you are already in the roundabout please don’t stop! (I’ve seen this too people stopping to let the ones on the yield to go) you are the one that should finish crossing over, the ones that should stop, are the ones on the intersection about to enter the roundabout with the HUGE YIELD SIGN, not you!... If the roundabout has two or more lanes, you need to respect those lanes, meaning don’t get in the middle you WILL hit the car next to yours and it WILL be your fault. On those lanes you are not allowed to go anywhere you want, you have to respect the directions in which you can turn to another road depending on the line you are driving. Look at the diagram below. When in doubt on what to do on a particular intersection or if you don’t know what the law says, before reaching for your car in your garage, READ THE BOOK, find a police officer and ASK, you will be a better driver. When you got your driver’s license I’m sure you also got a nice little book that DOT gave you with the law and rules for driving, READ IT.

This is the diagram of a two lanes roundabout, with 2 avenues crossing it. This is the diagram of the roundabout at 18 1/2 mile and Van Dyke in Sterling Heights Michigan.
* if you are entering the roundabout on the right lane, you can either turn immediately to your next right intersection (90 degree circle) or continue straight (180 degree circle), you CAN"T keep on circling (meaning doing a 270 degree cicle) the roundabout, it is illegal.
** if you are entering the roundabout on the left lane, you can't turn to your immediate right (90 degree circle) you can go straight (180 degree circle), you can keep on going to a 270 degree circle, and even a full 360 degree circle to return from where you came if that's what you want.
*** all the traffic reaching the roundabout from any of the highway HAVE TO YIELD THE TRAFFIC THAT IS ALREADY ON THE ROUND ABOUT, ALWAYS.
More larger roundabouts, more complex and with more lanes are more difficult to follow through, in that case READ THE BOOK or avoid going through it if they make you nervous or don't know how you should drive it through.

Please drive safe. It will be the best thing you can do to have and give a great day.
Manuela Valenti
The one with the gorgeous red, Nissan Pathfinder.

Abstract LOVERS!

2007-06-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

If you have not stopped by my eBay store, is time for you to stop by. Abstracts are back at auction, ONE OF A KIND modern and contemporary pieces check it out! www.mvstudioartgallery.com

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me

Pirates of the Caribbean, at World's End

2007-05-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

As a complete fanatic of Pirates of the Caribbean and of course Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom, I had to go see that movie! and I just got back, yes! a few minutes ago!... it is an amazing movie! extremely funny, with a touch of sensuality... well a whole lot of sensuality!!! Orlando Bloom is definitely the sensual key of that movie in my opinion.... not because of the character, because that's what he reflects, his personality, he looks so sensual and mysterious, not mentioning incredibly attractive! ah!.... now if I could just have a cup of coffee with the guy and a nice conversation it would be my perfect day! =] what am I saying! my perfect life!.... one can always dream right? =]...

Well if he ever gets to read my blog, I hope he could drop me an email or call me at least to say hi!.... LOL!! yeah well, I'll keep dreaming! =]..... c'mon! I just saw my perfect man, the man I have always dreamed of in a big screen! I don't think I would ever meet him so at least I get to dream with him! =]... but that I won't tell you about ;0) hehe!...

Seriously, if you liked the first 2 movies and you have the chance, go see this one, you are going to love it!

I'm off to dream with my perfect man =].... good night...

I just finished reading "Sex, Murder and a Double Late" by Kyra Davis

2007-05-24T06:42:00.000-07:00

I don't really read novels, ever, but this past April 14th (you know it was my 39th birthday don't you?) one of my friends gave this book as a gift. I put it in my nightable for latter check it out. A few days passed before I was finally having some time to read it at night, and after that I just couldn't stop!

If you are looking for a novel that keeps you there, makes you laugh, with some mystery and is sensual at the same time, this is the novel you should read. I finished the book 2 days ago and I can't wait to find another of her books, she's an amazing writer!

Any suggestions on which one should be the next book? =]

If you have no clue what I'm talking about, check out her website at www.kyradavis.com you are going to LOVE this book!

The New eBay Store of Abstract Works

2007-05-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

It didn't take as long as I thought it would be. I was thinking of at least 1 month to make all the necessary changes I needed, but I finished!

For years I had one ID on eBay from where I was offering all, and I mean all my works to the world, mvstudio*gallery. Now this ID will be exclusively to offer my abstract creations only.

For those of you interested in purchasing my other line of works the impressionist landscapes, still lifes, daily paintings and ACEOs, I created a new ID manuelavalenti. This new ID will serve the only purpose to offer my so very popular series of small daily paintings and ACEOs. So check it regularly because I'm listing there EVERY DAY.

EBay could be a bad thing and a good thing for an artist at the same time. The opportunity to go global and to sell directly from the studio without expensive shipping costs to galleries, upfront costs (some I'm afraid charge way too much for a 30 days exhibition!) and other downsides of galleries are definitely eliminated, but on the other hand we have to deal with morons copying our works, downloading our images to committ fraud and many other things, but in my opinion everything is rewarded when as an artists we get the satisfaction of knowing one of our works have found a good home and that will be displayed proudly.

Of course, me having 2 ID's on eBay doesn't mean my websites will go down, I will keep my websites as many of my collectors like to shop directly from it where they get free shipping in the US and Canada plus the benefit of complete safety.

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me

Important Changes

2007-05-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

Being an artist that creates 2 bodies of works completely different and who enjoys making them, I struggle somewhat whit how to present them online without creating a mixture of works in one place. Because of this I'm separating these two sides of me, the impressionist artist who creates landscapes and still lifes and the abstract more contemporary artist, in two completely different websites.

www.manuelavalenti.com is left for my impressionist style, landscapes, still lifes and of course my daily paintings, while www.manuelavalenti.net is completely an abstract site with all my wild and surreal creations.

This of course demands also an important change of action in terms on how am I going to present this on eBay as I sell consistently on the auction site which has brought me a good deal of international customers and collectors. Well, this was not very easy to achieve so this is going to be a very slow process which will develop in the next few months.

I created a while ago another ID on ebay aside from my mvstudio*gallery from where I've being offering my works globally. This ID will be primarily left to offer all my abstract, surreal and more contemporary creations only, prints and all related to the abstract world of color I make as I have a store related to it, while my other newer ebay ID manuelavalenti will be destined to my daily paintings routine, so the small format landscapes and still lifes will be offered exclusively from that ID.

I hope this would separate both techniques for a more uniform presentation of my works, which in the end would mean more quality collectors for both collections of artworks.

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me

Autumn Dream - 70 x 70 inches

2007-05-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Acrylic/ Mixed Media/ Collage on Canvas
70" wide x 70" high
Buy Now/Make an Offer
Visit my website for more abstract art at www.manuelavalenti.net

This painting is a huge statement aside from being spectacular. It would look amazing on any room. Now this is not a painting for a small home, this beauty needs a very modern and contemporary home with huge walls just like mine. This painting just came back from my last exhibit at the Starkweather Art Gallery in Romeo, MI where it looked amazing! check out the pictures for this exhibit here.

The picture below was taken in my studio basement already stretched but it will be sold un-stretched. Pick up available at my studio. Please contact me to arrange.

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me

Abismo

2007-05-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

Acrylic on Canvas
40" wide x 30" high
Buy Now

After closing the exhibition at the Starkweather Art Gallery in Romeo, MI, I'm finally back to my somewhat normal routine.

This piece ABISMO is being offered directly from my studio store www.manuelavalenti.com/store

Questions? Comments? Post them right here or email me

As seen on...

2007-05-01T05:07:00.000-07:00

As seen on.... The Artist's Magazine

I'm on the second cover of The Artist's Magazine for DickBlick.com

PRESS RELEASE

2007-03-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Manuela Valenti
P.O. Box 183315
Shelby Twp, MI 48318
Cell phone: 586-202-9429
Email: art@manuelavalenti.com
Website: www.manuelavalenti.net
www.manuelavalenti.com

Valenti’s Upcoming Exhibit of Abstract Works at the Starkweather Art Gallery in Romeo, MI.

Macomb, MI, March 29, 2007 - Valenti's energetic and colorful abstract paintings will be part of the upcoming two person exhibit at the Starkweather Art Gallery in Romeo, MI this next April 5th, 2007.

Manuela abstract works is fluid and unencumbered by a search for aesthetic rigidity yet compositionally balanced and brilliant. Form and color flow naturally and spontaneously, a product of a multifaceted personality and a capacity for an organic, sensitive and sensual vision of the world. Inspired by nature, it's the true spirit of art with heart.

“Her works pull you in, they keep you there watching and discovering new things every time. They are exotic and intriguing at the same time. I’ve collected her works for a few years now and I only get compliments from all my friends when they see her paintings” says Joanna a collector from New York.

Manuela, an Italian-Venezuelan international artist, recently moved to the Detroit area this past February 2006, after returning from a 2 years inspirational trip in Europe from where she was offering her works via jpegs directly from her website to collectors worldwide. She claims the internet has being the most incredible tool for her, as she travels constantly to gather inspiration for her landscapes and scenes for her daily paintings. She has being painting since she was a child but her works started to gain popularity since she moved to the US in 1999. She currently works on her home base studio located in Macomb but her website is the gallery to the world. For more information on Manuela’s work visit her websites at www.manuelavalenti.com and www.manuelavalenti.net

The abstract works selected for the exhibition range in price from $2,000.00 up to $15,000.00. The exhibition will run at the Starkweather Art Gallery located at 219 North Main, in Romeo, MI during normal gallery hours from April 5th to April 28.

The reception for the exhibit is April 5th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, please call the gallery for more information at 586-752-5700.

# # #

For more information or to request images of some of the pieces that will be part of the exhibit, please contact Manuela Valenti at 586-202-9429 or email Manuela at art@manuelavalenti.com

Life after Life - Competition at the Saatchi Gallery

2007-03-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, this painting is competing in the Showdown at Saatchi Gallery the online and brick and moretar gallery in the UK.

If you would like to place your vote for this work of mine please click here

Washed Away

2007-02-21T14:03:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
48" wide x 24" high
Sold

"No matter how hard we try to undo the wrong, what was done in the beginning, can't be erased, it will remain there forever regardless of the good or right things happening in the end. The stains of the past are there reminding us how everything started and if we hurt someone in the process they will come up to the surface no matter how hard we try to wash them away"

If you have being following my works you know already that this particular series of abstracts works "Splash" has a deep meaning to me. They represent the emotions of current events. They are not only spectacular as a decorative piece on any room, but they are also strong and energetic in a deep context far beyond imagination.

Soon I'll have another solo exhibit of this series of works, and I'll present to the public 3 spectacularly striking pieces no one has seen yet. They are being prepared only for this exhibition and will be available for purchase only through the gallery and my website. Stay tuned....

Thank you for stopping by.

"A World of Color" Solo exhibition @ Studio23, Bay City, MI

2007-02-17T12:59:00.000-08:00

The opening reception for the exhibition was this past January 26, but the winter weather played a trick un us and we couldn't attend the opening, which I was really looking forward to.

Yesterday, saturday February 11, we were able to visit the gallery, and check how things were doing, and I had the opportunity to take some pictures of the exhibition. On top of everything I forgot my camera, so I had to use my cellphone to take the pictures (preparing a trip for 5 as the gallery is a 2 hours drive is not an easy thing and I always forget something, this time was the camera) but still the pictures came out ok. I hope you enjoy them and thank you for stopping by.

Abismo

2007-02-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on 3/4" Gallery Wrapped Canvas, ready to hang
40" wide x 30" high

I'm finally back with my original blog. It was an ordeal having it hijacked, showing posts that were in draft and of course receiving the so non desired "annonymous" comments from the ones that have nothing better to do with their time and energy.

I'm opening the blog with my latest abstract painting "Abismo" (abism) from my very popular series of abstracts "Splash of Color". This is like all the paintings from this series of works, a very powerful, meaningfull and energetic painting.

Paintings from this series will be exhibited at my next SOLO show in April 2007. Extra huge paintings from this series will be available for sale at the gallery from prices ranging $3000 and above.

This particular painting "Abismo" is being offered at auction on eBay with a very low starting bid considering the quality of this and every piece of this and other series of works and with a very low reserve. You can also purchase this painting immediately as I set a low Buy It Now price.

Other paintings of this series of abstracts works are being currently exhibited at the Studio23 in Bay City, Michigan until February 25. For more information to purchase any of the paintings please contact me, and I'll be happy to provide you with all the JPEGs and price list.

To view pictures of the current exhibit, please visit my other blog www.manuelavalenti.blogspot.com