The Impact of Black and White

It still amazes me what a "line" can do.  What a line on a piece of paper can stand for, what it signifies, what it symbolizes.  Sometimes the most intimidating thing to me is a blank piece of  WHITE paper...yet, when a line is placed upon that paper, it becomes less and less intimidating.

The most prominant visual element in my work is the "simple black line" and the contrast against WHITE.  Like classic black shoes (womens heels, mens simple black loafers), the classic "little black dress", classic black sunglasses (plastic frames like the Ray Ban Wayfarer's, or black metal frames like the Aviators), a smooth black leather jacket, or the classic black bow tie and tuxedo...it's amazing what "simple black" can do, the color it can bring out in everything else...the contrast it has against stark, hard, cold WHITE!

Black and White will ALWAYS have a strong, hard impact in the world of art, and the world we live in.  There's nothing truer, nothing cleaner, nothing more vivid and definite.  Whether the lines are hard solid lines or exaggerated and splashed out about...you're going to get the same strong impact...anyday, anywhere...on anything!

Alexia's Paper Mask

A paper mask my daughter created a couple of years ago...has always been inspiring to me!

Framed artwork from Casanova Design as featured by Misty Boston...

http://mistyboston.blogspot.com/

My latest "heart design" created for Jazz Artist/Musician Charley Langer!!

You can check out all of Charley Langer's merchandise on the following web site!!

http://www.charleylanger.com/fr_merchandise.cfm

Amor Mas Grande (The Greatest Love)

May 10, 2011

I'm in the middle of finishing up this piece. Wasn't too sure if I was going to complete it...and not sure why I even thought about not completing it since I actually started this just prior to the end of 2010. By the time I'm done with this piece I will have probably added some texture to it with the use of other artistic made papers around the border...possibly giving it added dimension. Just not too sure at this time. It's not fully brought to life at this time. The design will be worked more to add dimension to it as well. Basically what is seen here is more of a "base"...like clay, it starts out flat and eventually will be worked more for a more completed look. A little more time on this project and "The Greatest Love" will be ready and waiting for someone...anyone who will be ready with open arms to receive it!! ~

Much Love,

Roger

Snowy Heart 2011

Austin Texas snow day, February 4, 2011

We finally got snow in Austin this year...this fall, and any time we get snow in Texas, particularly Austin...it's a big event...for good and for bad!! The schools close, the roads are slick and all of Austin believes the sky is falling!!!! Well it appears everyone has survived the snow this season...not without it's crashes and bangs on the roadways, but all is well now! It was fun while it lasted, however I do know what may be a blessing to some, is a curse to others. We take one day at a time and deal with it as we go along!!

Direct Purchase

If you're wanting to make a purchase direclty from Casanova Design, please contact me via EMAIL or PHONE at the following information:

casanovadesign@yahoo.com

Text- 5128103403@mms.att.net

Phone- 512-810-3403 (w/ Voice Messaging)

No question is too big or too small, curiousity is welcomed! ;)

Recieving Your Artwork, Framing or Storing

Preparing "Love All Ways" out for shipping... http://www.casanovax2.etsy.com/

December 6, 2010

Happy Holidays to all...I hope the time of the year is being good to you, and that all the shopping you've done up to this point has been without its' problems, and more enjoyable despite the amount of people out there shopping.

Along with all the shopping and purchases made close to home, there are also those purchases made on the Internet. Particularly ARTWORK that is purchased from artists around the world.

If you plan to make any purchases of artwork via the Internet, or even anything close to home, and that artwork is NOT already framed...here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Whether or not you've spent a lot of money on original art pieces, or even if they are inexpensive prints from artists or merchants, it's important on how a BUYER frames or stores their new purchased treasure!

a). When storing artwork (be it inexpensive or expensive artwork) it's important to know what materials you're using to store your works. Above all, if you truly do treasure your artwork, DO NOT...I REPEAT...DO NOT store any works in CARDBOARD!!! The ACID content in these cheap papers will cause the yellow effect we're used to seeing from older photos of years past. This includes newspapers, and writing papers...all these "cheap" papers have an acid content that will eventually, over time...EAT your artwork! I could only recommend to go to a local craft store and purchase what is called ACID FREE FOAM BOARD. This board is very light weight and you can "sandwich" your artwork in between 2 pieces of this board, tape up the edges to keep the "sandwich" together and place in a dry, fairly dust free area (if possible). Also keep in mind that storing your artwork in PLASTICS (i.e. bags, cellophane, etc.) could have acid content as well.

b). One of the best things you can do for your artwork is to get it FRAMED up and on the wall or somewhere framed up and on a shelf or table easle. There are important things to keep in mind when FRAMING as well. When you go to a local frame shop you'll have plenty of choices to make...what type of frame to use, what type of matting (the paper border that goes around our artwork/print) what type of glass and what type of backing. I'm going to keep this part as simple as possible...when you go into a local frame shop, let the picture framer know you want to use ACID FREE PAPERS. Basically anything that touches your artwork FRONT AND BACK should be ACID FREE PAPERS if you're wanting to preserve your INVESTMENT and preserve the quality of that investment. I DO NOT recommend you letting any glass touching any artwork at all!! This goes for photography as well. Eventually humidity and dirt that seeps into your framed artwork will STICK and any acid content will eat the image of the artwork or photography!!! Speaking of GLASS...I highly recommend using ONLY REGULAR GLASS! Non Glare glass may be recommended to you, however even though you may get a hard glare from reflected light sources, it's still easier to see your beautiful artwork from all angles of the room through REGULAR GLASS. Non Glare glass has limited visibility, not to mention it cuts out any fine detail and color your artwork is trying to show!! If you look in many interior design magazines or "home" type magazines, you'll notice the only glass that's used in framing in many homes displayed in these periodicals is REGULAR GLASS!!! Again, the choice is YOURS!!

Note: Beware of "Dry Mounting" your artwork as well. Dry Mounting permantly affixes your original artworks or prints to foam board and depending on the investment you've made in your artwork, it can DEPRECIATE the value your artwork may hold if any. Dry Mounting does keep artwork from "warping" or "waving" in a framed up piece...and ultimately it is up to the buyer to "dry mount" artwork if they so choose. It is a personal preference, but could be a choice that could cost you in the end.

Preserving your artwork is an ART itself. You don't have to be an expert to know what to do, but it's best to ask questions...ask the RIGHT people and double check if you feel uncertain. Anything I've ever owned I've looked at it this way...if it brings me pleasure and joy...no matter how little, or how much money I've spent on it...if I want it to stay around for many years, I'll do what I need to do to preserve it!

Remember, the art you purchase is an investment, and over the years what you hold in your hands now, may not be worth more than what you've paid for it, but also remember that supply and demand of ANYTHING has a lot to do with the value of anything in our lives! But the REAL VALUE is in what your purchase does for YOU!!!

If you should have any questions or concerns about preserving your artwork, don't hesitate to email me at... casanovadesign@yahoo.com

"Lovers"

"Lovers"... www.casanovax2.etsy.com

Welcome to Casanova Design-USA (Roger Casanova)

Welcome to Casanova Design-USA and thank you very much for stopping in!!

All the works of art on this site are for sale, however you'll notice that the artist in me is still quite "alive"...nothing is priced!

Some of the artworks on this site have actually already been sold, but it should not keep you from trying to contact me and asking questions about my work or anything else for that matter.

You can buy most, if not all of these items in my online shop at ETSY! Simply click on this link: http://www.casanovax2.etsy.com .

You can email me directly at: casanova_roger@yahoo.com

...but now that you're here...enjoy the sites and sounds on the "Casanova" blogspot!!

God Bless and stay safe this Holiday Season,

Roger

"The Dove"

...This little dove flew all the way to Canada with a little love...

www.casanovax2.etsys.com

"Duet"...to one another...

http://casanovax2.etsy.com

"La Cara"http://www.casanovax2.etsy.com

http://www.casanovax2.etsy.com

"This Is My Heart, This Is Your Heart"

....Heart experimentation...http://www.casanovax2.etsy.com/

Santisimo Muerto (Blessed Dead)

Halloween 2010 - Photography by Esmeralda Casanova

Spring Leaf Pendant with Chain

Designed by Esmeralda Casanova

Esmeraldas Handcrafted Jewelry

http://esmeraldas.etsy.com/

Leaf handmade of fine silver and oxidized and polished to a soft shine. The leaf measures 7/8" and comes on a sterling silver cable chain. All materials are either fine silver or sterling silver. This fine silver work comes shipped to you directly in a sweet jewelry gift box...for you or for someone you love!

Esmeraldas Handcrafted Jewelry
http://esmeraldas.etsy.com

Please stop by Esmeralda Casanova's Handcrafted Jewelry Shop hosted by Etsy!

You'll find handcrafted silver works from pendants to earrings...not to mention whimsical fun pieces that can be worn anytime, anywhere!

Esmeralda, as well as I are always exploring in new areas of design works. Every day is an experience we at some point express in our works.

Don't hesitate to contact us either through Etsy, or through email...

Roger - casanova_roger@yahoo.com
Esmeralda - esmecasanova@yahoo.com

We'd love to hear from you!!

The Engagement

Lovers

For The Love Of You (The Boy and The Girl)

"For The Love Of You" (The Boy and The Girl)

http://casanovax2.etsy.com/

A simple universal design that represents all facets of love, genders and nationality!

These designs are approximately 2 3/4" x 3 1/3" with a small die cut heart in the bottom right corner.

I truly enjoy simple, elegant works that withstand the test of time. Something that's classic yet ageless. You may see some of my works repeated in different processes. I can appreciate anything in life that can be represented or expressed in different ways to show versatility and adaptation to different environments. Just like we can put on a particular pair of jeans for a particular day or mood, I really like seeing works that can "move" yet retain it's true to life form.

Las Hermanas (Sisters)

So...my wife made a comment about this piece while I was in the middle of working on it...she didn't say anything right away and then made the comment..."I wouldn't be hugging my sisters in the nude"! (and she giggled). I jokingly responded..."Well you might not, but others just might"! We both got a kick out of it...her comment and my response. The truth behind this piece as with any of my work is this...the figures that represent my ideas and thoughts are not for the sake of creating nude or naked figures, but it's a representation of what's underneath us all...figuratively and literally...the surface that's stripped and showing what we're really made of. Something that's purely innocent, unconditional and without barriers. The non-existance of clothing that truly represents what we are as people. The clothes don't make the man...nor do they make the woman! My artwork is a statement on life and the soul. The "good" I see in people and in my life. Life is what you make it...this is how I make my life.

This piece was created using the "Design" brand Ebony pencil. The smooth graphite creates deep dark lines, on Strathmore cold press watercolor stock. Approximately 2 ft x 2 ft.
Added on Oct 10, 2009

THANK YOU!!!

I wanted to take this time and day (it's about 12:05am - July 19, 2009) to THANK my "friends and followers" of my blog and my Etsy shop! As an artist, it's a great thing to be able to express feelings and emotion in art...however it's a true beautiful thing when you have friends that appreciate that expression and those feelings. I've never felt very good about "putting a price" on something I love so much. As a young boy I remember my friends wanting me to draw this, and draw that. I've had friends over the years telling me..."hey Roger, I still have that peice of desk you drew on in school"!! Ha,ha!! And that's a true story!! It's always been difficult for me to make money off of my work only because it feels like as an artist you're selling yourself! In essence, I guess artists really do that...but the concept is more along the line of allowing people (friends and family) to share in the moment. To share what thoughts run through our minds. It's very pleasing to know that there are people out there that do appreciate art...that understand they're not just purchasing art though...but they're buying into an experience! An acceptance of an offering that you can't get any where else. From anyone else. I thank all of you for sharing in this part of my life. I'm very happy you enjoy and are pleased with what you see...and I am THANKFUL...extremely thankful, for all of YOU! Roger Casanova

Father's Day 2009

It was hot, it was busy...but it was good! On a normal day I spend 50% of my time at work, 40% with my wife and kids and 10% on me. Sometimes the 10% doesn't seem so good, but in the grand scheme of things...it works. The 50% of time at work is horrible isn't it!? But it's that way for the lot of us I'm sure! All the same...I love what I do, and when I do it...I try to do it to the best of my ability...work, home life and free time! My wife told me "Happy Father's Day" this morning and joked about not getting me anything. Then I could tell she felt bad...but I think we kind of have an unspoken agreement...it's not about the gift giving, or making THIS day the special day of the year...but it's about making EVERY day special...by not glamorizing it, commercializing it or thinking something special needs to be done to make it "THAT" day. And if one day, a gift isn't brought will it then make it a "bad" day?? I don't want that pressure on my head and I don't wish it on anyone else...especially on my family or friends. Every day is a Father's Day, a Mother's Day, a Sister's Day, a Brother's Day...you name it...it's THAT day!!!

I've created some men's bracelets that I hope everyone will like. What I introduce here is nothing new to jewelers, crafters, artists, etc. However my main focus is on color, design concept and the collaboration of the 2! Not to mention, men need not be afraid to add color or to accessorize with color to their wardrobe, daily-casual wear. I have some women's bracelets that I will be introducing very soon as well! And, if there's a woman out there that feels like wearing a man's bracelet...or vise versa for that matter...I say...it's not gonna hurt anyone!!! Have fun with it!!!

Good People Still Out There!

It's amazing how even though we see so many "bad" things happening in the world today, we find new friends in unusual places. The internet has made many wonder if this new age is a blessing or a curse. When used wisely it's at that time you do say to yourself that it is amazing...that we are not alone...the world doesn't revolve around us only, that someone else is out there (almost like you)! You find that some people have problems like you, have the same likes you do, and love to share experiences so that we can all learn from them. Every day we learn something new, we meet someone new, we share laughter, ideas and we continue to grow! Those of you that keep in touch with me, I truly do appreciate. Your friendship makes life a wonderful experience...I wish you the same! Roger

Mission in Goliad, Texas

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogercasanova/sets/72157615710329316/

Adam playing air guitar to Enanitos Verdes/"Amores Lejanos"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__L6OFbUxqs

Famous Quotes

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." ~ Pablo Picasso


"Real love is the love that sometimes arises after sensual pleasure: if it does, it is immortal; the other kind inevitably goes stale, for it lies in mere fantasy." ~ Giacomo Casanova


"Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better." ~ Andre Gide


"An artist is a dreamer consenting to dream of the actual world". ~ George Santayana

Casanova Design on Etsy

www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6889802