HAPPY MONDAY!

I hope that you had a good weekend!

It was very toasty here, but I got in a trip to the beach and a great Kosher meal from a favorite childhood restaurant that has opened an outpost down here in Naples!

Also, if you're interested, you can check out an interview with me posted in a series called "Fridays with Bloggers" on Subversive Whimsies.

*NEW* STRIPED FRENCH BERGERE PRINT

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Another new chair print available for purchase here

Have a safe and wonderful weekend!

MORE NEW PRINTS!!

So glad it's Friday! Here are a few more new prints available in my shop today!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

SHOP UPDATE!

I hope that you had a nice weekend! My weekend consisted of some sun and pool time, a maternally-crafted blueberry pie (with Michigan blueberries, the world's best!), a Neopolitan wood oven "Bianca" pizza, my ongoing battle with a formidable hoard of white-footed ants (that had invaded my little cottage and were after my Bob's peppermint candy), going to church and working.

I'd like to introduce a couple of new additions to my etsy shop today, the first being my "Chinoiserie Chair on Color Steroids" (above)

AND

Elkins Lilac Silhouette Collage

 and my Orange Silhouette Collage on Aqua is now available in a larger size - 11x14.

All are available right HERE 

Look for more new prints coming soon!

ELKINS ALFRESCO

My eye caught this beauty, an "outdoorsy" version of the classic Frances Elkins loop chair available here. 

A SOAK OR A SIT?

Upcycling takes a colorful spin when Ruff House Art turns old cast iron bath tubs into lounge-able art.

Check out this clever creation here.

Have an amazing weekend, everyone!

2 GIVE-AWAYS!!

Enter now to win my Orange Chair Silhouette on Aqua print on canvas at BonBon Rose Girls here

And check out The Loaded Trunk blog - owner Roni Jaco is giving away a gorgeous Balinese umbrella.

Have a great day!

ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * MARISKA MEIJERS

Former corporate woman-turned-artist and entrepeneur, lovely Mariska Meijers has been lighting up the blog and design world lately with her colorful and bold paintings and designs. I was captivated by the brilliance and cheery spirit her work exudes. She has graciously agreed to be featured here in my "Artist's Portraits" series.

Where were you born?

Vlaardingen, a small town near Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Best childhood memory?

One of the best was when I was sitting behind the stage watching my mother perform in Maria Stuarda with Dame Joan Sutherland and getting a standing ovation. It gave me goose bumps and I was so proud of her and I still am!

What would you take if your house was burning down?

My children, Annemarth and Mauk of course. As to the content of my house the choice would be difficult as there are so many that I love. My house is my moodboard, my inspiration, filled with objects, art and furniture that I have gathered over the years.

Your favorite book?

There are plenty but Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is the first one that comes to mind. Not only is it a great book with which I can wholehearthedtly identify, Gilbert is also an excellent motivational speaker. "I get up every single day and I do my very best with what I am and what I have.." Elizabeth Gilbert

Favorite travel destination?

I am a city girl at heart so put me in almost any big city and I have a ball, but if I really would have to make a choice today I would fly to Sydney!

If you could have only 1 last meal, what would you want on the menu?

A Steak Tartare and a glass of red on Ile St Louis in Paris

Do you prefer hot weather or cold?

Hot definitely. I lived both in Singapore and Stockholm and if I had a choice I would rush back to Singapore immediately! The only moment I can appreciate the cold is when sliding down the slopes.

Favorite shop?

You can never ask a girl just to mention one :). H&M, Hermes, Muiji, Liberty, Shanghai Tang, Didier Ludot.........

Favorite artists?

There are many but just to pick a few. Matisse is my absolute hero. I try to see as much of his work "live". Diego Giacometti (Alberto's brother) for his wonderful decorative objects and furniture. Sam Francis, his work is so energetic. 

Pet peeve?

Ironing, cleaning in general actually. I was definitely not born to do that!

What is, to you, the best thing about being an artist?

I used to be a corporate girl, as an artist I feel that I am in charge of my own destiny, chasing my own dreams not that of others. I love the challenge to create something new out of nothing, it makes me feel alive.

Be sure to check out her wonderful website here. Thank you, Mariska!
P.S. I am crazy over your pink desk lamp!

GRACIOUS LIVING IN TEXAS

Here's another recent Home Portrait commission. This home is in Texas, where a lot of my readers and clients live. I lived in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for a while when I was in junior high school and have fond memories of my time there - it's where I first tasted "fajitas" and experienced distinctive Texas hospitality. Texans are friendly and exuberant - always a good thing!

If you're interested in having your own home painted or giving the gift of a home portrait, contact me here.

KEEP CALM MUGS

I hope that everyone had a good weekend! Happy first day of Summer (for you readers in the Northern Hemisphere) The temperatures here in Florida have been in the 90's for weeks now, so I haven't exactly been hanging on tenterhooks for the start of Summer. On a side note, the mayor of Detroit has declared today "Ernie Harwell Day" in honor of my Grandpa, so here's to you, Grandpa! I am pretty sure that heaven doesn't have a need for Google Reader - you have much more exciting things going on in your new home.........

I don't know about you, but for me, with all going on in the world around us, this "Keep Calm" slogan seems to become more appropriate with every passing day. Just a reminder that my version of the Keep Calm design is available on coffee mugs now. Sometimes it's a great motto to go with your morning coffee or tea, especially on a Monday morning.

These two, plus more colors are available via my Zazzle site.

ANNECHOVIE IN OZ

(you can just barely make out my aqua "keep calm" poster in the mirror)

I'd like to thank one of my wonderful Australian friends and customers who sent me the scans of some of my prints featured in a chic Brisbane home that happens to be the "House of the Month" in Australian Home Beautiful. This house is a total renovation by talented designer and blogger A-M. Check out her fascinating blog here.

my orange chair slhouette on aqua hanging above the desk

I am surprised at the number of Australian readers, clients and buyers that I have developed long-distance relationships with. I have to say that I have a special affinity for you wonderfully warm and supportive people down under. It's exciting to see some of my work featured in Australian shelter mags. I just need to get down there and visit so I can meet you folks! Thanks to all of you, my readers - no matter where you're located - your support and kindness amazes me. Have an absolutely beautiful weekend!

ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * JANET HILL

Many of you may know of her already, but if you don't, I'd like to introduce you to the very lovely and talented Canadian artist, Janet Hill.

Where were you born?

   Brampton, Ontario, Canada

What would you take if your house was burning down? 

 My family (obviously) and my Kate Spade purses.

Your favorite book?

                 I have so many, but right now I'm in love with Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

 If you could have only 1 last meal, what would you want on the menu?

Champagne and oysters.

Janet's charming "Idea Space"

  

 Do you prefer hot weather or cold?

Hot

Favorite artists?

That's hard to choose! Um, but at this moment I would say Karen Kilimnik, Holly Farrell, and VR Morrison. All women...that's interesting.

Pet peeve?

                         Having to pay for 'boring bills'. Like a roof repair, or a new dishwasher. Ugh.

Best childhood memory?

For some reason, playing 'Winged Monkey #3' in my elementary school's production of The Wizard Of Oz comes to mind. It seemed like a pretty exciting thing to be a part of and I liked playing a bad guy or rather, a bad monkey. We had to wear black leotards with glow in the dark paint and our only form of movement was gymnastics. I was also pretty surprised that I was chosen for the role since they were after tiny gymnasts and I stood at least a foot above everyone else. However, I could do some pretty mean handsprings back in those days so that likely helped. Oh, and I also had one line 'We have to take Dorothy back to the castle now'. Pretty exciting stuff. I wanted to be an actress for a whole five days after that performance.

Favorite travel destination?

Just one? I'm cheating here and I'm going to say Charleston, South Carolina, and Cape Cod. Oh, and I'm pretty lucky (most days) to live in Stratford, Ontario which is a big tourist town....home of the Stratford Festival of Canada, but is probably better known at the moment as Justin Bieber's hometown- yikes. The good thing is that when I'm feeling a little poor, I can always play tourist in my own town.

Favorite Shop?

I have to admit that I'm a big Anthropologie girl. In terms of online shopping, I would have to pick Etsy - of course.

What is, to you, the best thing about being an artist?

Freedom!

I want to thank Janet for taking the time to tell us a little more about herself and share some of her amazing work. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop and blog - you will be very glad you did!

ANNECHOVIE AND ART NEEDLEPOINT

I am very excited to announce that Art Needlepoint is now carrying several of my most popular designs so that you can create your very own Annechovie piece! Art Needlepoint is a top-notch company based in Boston that provides needlework enthusiasts with the finest canvases and threads to create heirloom quality decorative cushions and accessories for the home. They also carry the work of my friend and fellow artist Harrison Howard, who is known for his exquisitely detailed and whimsical Chinoiserie paintings. Check out what's available here!

RIDING THE COAT TAILS

It is always an honor to spot my work somewhere when I least expect it. Recently, blogger friend and fabulous Australian designer Anna Spiro decorated the models for a very chic housing development in Brisbane, Australia. The interiors are clean, contemporary and youthful, with Anna's trademark bursts of color and art/book vignettes. I spotted one of my chair silhouettes on the second shelf, far left. Anna is quite a star on the design scene, so it's an honor to ride her coat tails into some fabulous spaces - she has been incredibly kind and supportive from my first introduction into blogland, so thank you, Anna! Check out her post on the project here. 

SPRING IN PROVENCE

This painting was commissioned from me by the illustrious writer and beloved blogger Vicki Archer. This is her garden in St. Remy de Provence, France.  As many of you know, Vicki and her husband have taken a once derelict property in the South of France and transformed it into a beautiful paradise complete with olive groves and extensive gardens. She shares her unique ex-pat experience, illustrated with gorgeous photos by Carla Coulson in her books, "My French Life" and her newest release, "French Essence".  Both are must-haves for the Francophile and design aficionado. "French Essence" is available now in Australia and will be arriving in the US in Fall 2010. 

YOU ARE UNIQUELY VALUABLE!

I hope that everyone had a nice weekend.

 It was beautiful here and great to celebrate Easter and get a little pool time in! So wonderful that Spring has arrived. 

Here's my latest quote poster, available now in my Etsy shop. 

NEW CHINOISERIE PRINT!

I hope you had a nice weekend! I can't believe March is here already. Time flies when you're having fun or busy (or both!)

Today I am debuting a brand-new print - the Blue Chinoiserie Plate. I know there are a lot of blue and white fans out there who have requested more, so this is for you! Check it out here. 

ELKINS IN BLACK

Here's a new version of my Elkins Chair print for those of you who like black and pink together. The seat also features a floral design for extra personality. It's available today in my shop. If you would prefer it on canvas, you can order it by emailing me here.

NEW SILHOUETTE CANVAS PRINT

Today I am introducing a new print on canvas in 2 different sizes.

It's a reproduction of my Aqua Louis Silhouette on Chocolate Brown.

This is a giclee print on matte canvas, stretched and mounted with finished edges (no visible staples) and a 3/4 inch profile. You can hang it directly on the wall, with no need for a frame.

More details are available here.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!

SWEET MONDAY

I hope that you had a good weekend! February is here (today!) and I am offering the first in a series of prints on canvas from a grouping of original dessert paintings that I have done in the last few years. It's a colorful collection that would look great in your kitchen or anywhere, for that matter.

The first (pictured above) is my 2007 version of a traditional Parisian "Religieuse" pastry on an orchid colored background complete with finished edges and ready to hang (no need for frame).

Available now in my shop. Look for more to come very soon.