The Living Canvas
What's the deal?
When Curtis Heuser casually accepted a sidejob to paint a mural for a customer of the photo lab he worked for, upon finishing he found that he had six months of mural work lined up. He then quit his menial job and never looked back. That was 1987. Since then Heuser has been hard at work doing murals and faux finishes. His most recent project was the complete remodel of a house in the Eastrow Historic District of Newport, KY. Run down and filled with junk, Heuser's remodel of the house turned into a rigorous full-time job that, as fate would have it, landed him a book deal detailing the entire process.
Your Home: a Living Canvas is the fruit of Heuser's rigorous labor. Published in October of 2007, a Living Canvas, takes readers through the entire house, each room painstakingly detailed from floor to ceiling. It's hard to miss the European influence in the house, looking completely different from any other house you might set foot into in Newport. Luckily, inquiring minds are allowed to do just that, now that Heuser has opened the house up for tours. Guided by Heuser himself, attendees are able to pick the creator's brain while the tour takes you through the entire house.
Perfect for?
It's an experience any fan of design would find worthwhile. (He's also available for muralwork)
It's an experience any fan of design would find worthwhile. (He's also available for muralwork)
Where to get it?
Tour
Contact Curtis for times & dates: 859- 491-1121
734 Park Ave.
Newport, Ky.
Tour
Contact Curtis for times & dates: 859- 491-1121
734 Park Ave.
Newport, Ky.
Book
Can be purchased from Heuser directly or at the tour.
Can be purchased from Heuser directly or at the tour.
How much?
The book, when purchased at the tour, is $30 and includes admission for the tour.
Otherwise, the tour by itself is $20.
The book, when purchased at the tour, is $30 and includes admission for the tour.
Otherwise, the tour by itself is $20.










I just want to add that this book was designed by the uber-talented Clare Finney at North Light Books, an imprint of Cincinnati-based F+W Publications. Check out Amazon for a sneak peek inside the book!
This book is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. So is the house!
And by the way, you can find the book not only via the author but also all over town in bookstores, galleries, and online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Joseph Beth etc.
When you go for the tour, check out a fun place one block down on the corner called Galleries Together. Flowers, art, rare books, gifts. They've got booth space available for artists. I saw some awesome stained glass mosaic windows over there yesterday.
I have Curt's book, it looks wonderful on my coffee table, and inspires me to transform my ordinary household into my own living canvas. I highly recommend this book as a gift for any occasion, and for anyone.
Curt's book is fantastic. The work he has done in his home is inspirational and the details he gives on "how to do" make it approachable. I have given several copies of the book to clients. Their response was so overwhelming that I organized a tour for them to see it in person. The concensus was that as beautiful as the photography in the book is, seeing the actual work in the home is far more captivating. Having Curt as the tour guide was fantastic. It was so informative to be able to ask color and technique questions. I would highly recommend the book and tour to anyone that loves beautiful things!
Curtis is the most talented person I have ever met! I tell people that all the time and this book is a testament to his talent. We have known him for almost 20 years and he has done work in our home and it is truly incredible! This book makes a great gift for yourself or others- and the tour of his home should not be missed- I have been there multiple times and still find something new to look at and leave in awe of his incredible talent! Buy the Book!
The book is great...I plan to give a few as gifts this year! The house is awesome. To not tour is total self deprivation.
I have known Curtis for years and this book truly gives sight to his amazing talent and hard work.Feast your eyes and imagination as you go through the pages.
I've seen the house. I've purchased the book. I've hired Curtis to do my soon to be grandson's nursery. He is not only an incredible artist, he's a wonderful person to work with as well. Please purchase the book and take the home tour and see for yourself.
Jim and I enjoy looking and reading the book. We were there before, during and after the renovation and enjoyed being a part of it. Definitely check it out. Emery
This book was well worth the wait! The creative ideas that Mr. Heuser delivers in this book are ideal for anyone who's looking to spruce up thier living space with inexpensive and imaginitive projects to enhance not only the fiscal value, but the aesthetic feel for one's "Home".
I have taken the personal guided tour with my Art Club, and I highly recommend to anyone who has the opportunity to do the same! He's able to offer personal insights about what inspired him in each room, and how the rooms "connect" --- he encourages those on the tour to participate in asking questions - I found that the inspiration I received from this tour helped me start my first "try-it-at-home" project without worrying about doing something wrong.
I'd give this book 5 stars out of 5, and the tour 10 stars out of 5!!!Hahaha --- Go see it in person, and while you're there get an autographed 1st Edition! Not only do you get to see the house, meet the artist/author ---he has his 20 plus years of work on display to look thru and inquire about in his portfolios there too!
I've coordinated a second group from my Art Club that missed out the first go around...
My family was one of Heuser's very first patrons back in 1988 and we are still one of his biggest admirers! Curtis is probably the most gifted artist I personally know, and we are so proud to have one of his original murals gracing our historic Tudor home in Glendale, Ohio. His much anticipated book featured here is without a doubt a remarkable accomplishment and true testament of the love and dedication to his craft. The depth of talent expressed through beautiful photography inside this work is phenomenal and the step by step details on how to achieve similar results are precise and encouraging. We purchased the book immediately upon its' release, yet only recently got the opportunity to actually tour his Newport, KY home which is solely featured in the book. Having the chance to see this home in person should not be missed! The warmth and charm throughout this 3 story magnificent home is undeniable, as is the gracious hospitality of its' owners. The book is so much worth it's asking price, yet getting a personal guided and informative tour of the home along with its' purchase is an unbelievable value!
Just wanted to "THANK" buycincy for introducing me to Curtis Heuser and his delightful and ever so entertaining book. Like many others commenting here, I toured the Newport home recently and was just astounded by the immense visual beauty found upon the walls and ceilings inside - UNBELIEVABLE! Amazing that such talent can be found and is shared right here in our own backyard in Cincy! A group of co-workers and I visited the home on Fri., April 4th - and also discovered the charming shop co-managed by Heuser at the opposite corner of his block at 7th and Park, "The Galleries TOGETHER". Nancy (the gallery's founder), kindly greeted us at the door and we were delighted at the shop's offerings - everything from original art and rare books, to antiques and fresh flowers, with everything reasonablly priced. Several in our group purchased from the unique neighborhood shop along with Heuser's book. Having the opportunity to meet the artist/author and get the book personalized as well as actually getting to be a guest in his home and also explore the charming historic neighborhood - was indeed a special treat and made for a very memorable and fun evening with dear friends. "THANKS" again BuyCincy folks, for helping to bring our city and neighborhoods to life!!!!!!!!