ANOTHER NEW NOTECARD SERIES!
Silhouette collage notecards (4 different styles - 2 of each)
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I am excited to offer another new notecard series in time for Holiday gift giving or post-holiday thank-you notes. Each boxed set contains 8 cards - 2 each of four different styles pictured above. These are all based on my chair silhouette collage series. Three of these original works were purchased by the editor of one of America's top design/decor magazines and now hang in her office!
IKAT CHAIR
Ikat/Courtney Barnes Chair Notecards (set includes 4 Ikat chair cards and 4 Courtney Barnes Chair cards and 8 envelopes)
Gouache and acrylic on paper
New design now available as a print or notecards
Last week, while I was reading StyleCourt, I noticed a post Courtney Barnes did on a vintage chair that designer Jen West had rehabilitated. Knowing I have a thing for chairs, Courtney suggested that I needed to paint it. I thought it was a great idea and didn't need my arm twisted, so here it is! It's now available as an 8x10 print or in a set of notecards along with the Cortney Barnes Chair on my Etsy site. As you can see, Jen painted it a crisp white and then reupholstered it in a beautiful Ikat fabric. You can read the post from Monday on StyleCourt. Thanks for the post, Courtney! Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving, and for those around the world who don't celebrate Thanksgiving, a great day! I am thankful for so much, not least of which my readers and fellow bloggers who have added so much to my life. Thank you!
ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * ANDREW DANIEL
Andrew Daniel
Birdie Tree
Collection of Lollipops
Warmth of the Sun's Rays
Garden of Delights
Imaginary Floral Landscape
Imaginary Hybrid Flower Bush
Radiant Forest
Andrew Daniel is a painter I first discovered early this year on Etsy and was immediately drawn to all the beautiful, bold color and pattern he incorporates into his paintings. His works exudes a robust, sunny liveliness that sets it apart.
Andrew is a Los Angeles native born in 1974. In his youth, he moved to New England with his family when his father, a minister, was appointed to a church in Houlton, Maine. Andrew graduated from high school there and went on to study art at a community college in Augusta, Maine. From there, he transferred to the University of Maine and then moved back to California, graduating from Humboldt State University in Northern California. He now resides in nearby Arcata, California with his wife, Alice and 5 year old daughter, Abby. Besides being a gifted artist, Andrew is a genuinely nice guy who also has spent much time working with local children in after-school programs. He was kind to submit to an "interview" and tell us a little more about himself and his art.
What are your earliest memories of being involved making art or wanting to be an artist?
What are your earliest memories of being involved making art or wanting to be an artist?
I knew a guy at the Unitarian summer camps that could draw anything. The other kids would always crowd around him and admire his talent. He was known as the go to guy for cool artsy graphics. He did a great job illustrating the Summer camp memory book. So some time around fourth grade I resolved that I wanted to be able to do that too. From what I hear, he went on to social work, because the art thing came too easy for him. He wanted more of a challenge.
What inspires you most as your subject matter?
I like to look at patterns in fabric and nature. I can get really inspired by the colors in someone’s paisley blouse or equally inspired by the way the pattern of leaves shimmers in the wind on a tree. Okay, maybe not equally, Trees inspire me quite deeply actually.
Where would you live if you could live anywhere?
Well, we really like it here, but sometimes it sounds fun to go live in Mexico. Imagine, just running a simple internet business and being able to live off of it down there! Anyway, I don’t think it would happen.
What do you find is the most challenging aspect of being an artist?
Finding time to create, having ideas ready to work on during that time and not getting distracted during that time.
Any projects you are currently working on that you are excited about?
During the last few large paintings, I have tried to base them off of other works of art. I have often collaborated with folks and for whatever reason, the end product is not completely satisfying. By working off of another artists work, I can collaborate with whatever creative genius I choose, but I get the final say on everything! HA HA!
Who are some of your favorite artists? Pierre Bonnard, Francis McCormack, Richard Diebenkorn, Sol Lewitt, Laura Fayer, Brett Bigbee, Fairfield Porter, Eduard Manet, John Singer Sargent, Max Beckman, Robert Colescott, Edouard Vuillard, Hundertwasser, Joan Mitchell, Leslie Price, Terry Winters, Elmer Bischoff, Beatriz Milhazes, Laura Owens, Fred Tomaselli, Neil Welliver, Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet………… Ask me another day and I could provide another twenty!
Thanks for the interview, Andrew! Keep us updated on your latest! Wishing you continued growth and success and a wonderful Holiday Season for you and your family!
Andrew has a website, an Etsy store and a blog. Check them out here!
Website: http://www.artofandrewdaniel.com/
Etsy store: http://artofandrewdaniel.etsy.com/
DEAR DESIGNER
Some photos I snapped yesterday at the beach on my "day off".
You may be wondering what these photos have to do with the title of this post?? Well, nothing actually to do with the title, BUT, just keep reading...
Firstly, I just wanted to thank Emily Johnston, of the Dallas-based blog, Dear Designer, for featuring my work this week. Emily is a young designer with the novel approach of educating and providing the client with stylish, yet affordable options for those of us who are looking to make the most of our budget. Emily contacted me this week for some art/design work and I am looking forward to working with her! Thanks, Emily!
I am constantly surprised and amazed at all the wonderful people I continue to meet here worldwide through this design/blogging community. As the time for Thanksgiving approaches (can't believe it's next week!) I am reminded to take a breather from my feverish pace of late and look around me. I have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes, in just trying to survive and stay on top of things, we forget to pause and be refreshed and inspired by the beauty and good things in our lives. Yesterday, I took a rare day off and was reminded why I am so blessed to live here in Florida. The natural beauty here is incredible! It really does inspire creativity.
I am constantly surprised and amazed at all the wonderful people I continue to meet here worldwide through this design/blogging community. As the time for Thanksgiving approaches (can't believe it's next week!) I am reminded to take a breather from my feverish pace of late and look around me. I have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes, in just trying to survive and stay on top of things, we forget to pause and be refreshed and inspired by the beauty and good things in our lives. Yesterday, I took a rare day off and was reminded why I am so blessed to live here in Florida. The natural beauty here is incredible! It really does inspire creativity.
It's true that no matter what we are going through in life, good or not so good, there are always things to be thankful for. The people who love and support us, new friends, the natural beauty, and the simple pleasures in life. The capacity to appreciate things is, in itself, a priceless gift from God.
CHAIR COLLECTION NOTECARD SET
The first notecard set is here! Featuring my Chair Collection, these are high quality 4.25 x 5.50 inch matte notecards with white envelopes in a clear box. These are just in time for the Holidays. They would make a great stocking stuffer or a gift for friends, teachers, hostesses or anyone on your list!
JONI WEBB IN HOUSTON HOUSE AND HOME
Congratulations to my friend and fellow blogger, Joni Webb of Cote de Texas! Her beautiful home was featured in this month's Houston House and Home. With her trademark humor-infused frankness, Joni gives us some background on the photo shoot and what she went through in preparation for it on her blog. Entertaining!
ST. HONORE FRAMBOISE
Acrylic on board (6x6)
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This is an original painting of a wonderful pastry, the St. Honore Framboise, from the famed Parisian Patisserie, Laduree. This delectable treat is "floating" on an aqua background. Painted on 1/4 inch gesso board w/painted edges. Perfect for framing or leave as is. A thoughtful gift for someone sweet!
MORE CARDS!
Aqua Interior
Louis Chair No.1
Louis Chair no. 3
Vintage Mini Cooper
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More greeting cards have been added to my Etsy site! 4 more of my most popular designs are now available: Aqua Interior, Louis Chair No. 3, Louis Chair No. 1, and the Vintage Mini Cooper. Special discounts are available when you buy several, plus, it saves on shipping! These 5x7 cards are the standard size greeting cards, blank inside and come with an envelope in a clear protective sleeve. They are even suitable for framing, if you want a "mini" print collection. Great to have around for many different occasions. Look for the notecard sets coming out within the next week also! I will also be adding some holiday cards - hopefully they will be on my site by next week. I am in the midst of jury duty now, so I am a little distracted and short on time this week. Hope everyone's week is going well so far!
MARTHA STEWART'S STUDIO
If Betty Crocker had a face........
I am sure no one reading this would argue with the fact that Martha Stewart is not a woman known for doing anything half-way. I am certain the term "Slacker" is one that has never been applied to her. She can hardly be accused of laziness or anything less than taking just about every effort to a whole new level. Though she may have her share of detractors, you have to admit that she has more talent in more realms than most people, male or female, are willing to admit. Designer, writer, entrepreneur, gardener, gourmet chef, crafter, decorator, baker, mother, TV host, CEO and the list goes on. Like her or not, the creative output of this one woman can be described as nothing less than "phenomenal". I came across these photos of her home craft room/studio on her website. Look at this room! A place for everything and everything in it's place. Perhaps that is how she gets so much done. Maybe it's why she gets so little sleep. I love it. She has EVERYTHING down to a science. What did her parents feed her as a baby? Did she ever have an unproductive day? Was she knitting her own booties in her crib when her mother put her down for a nap? Whatever the case, she has managed to inspire me once again........
Notice how she makes use of every inch of space
I wonder if her drawers always look that tidy? Hmmm, probably!
Craft operating table
Have you seen her craft line at Michaels? Papers, party accessory kits, tools, ribbon, stickers, you name it! Amazing! She could almost suck you into scrapbooking....almost......
Vive la Martha!
Photos from MarthaStewart.com
ANNECHOVIE GREETING CARDS ARE HERE!
ORANGE BERGERE CHAIR CARD
COURTNEY BARNES CHAIR CARD
After many requests, I am now introducing my own line of Greeting Cards sold on my ETSY site. The first 2 cards will feature a couple of my best selling prints - my Orange Bergere Chair and Courtney Barnes Chair. These cards are printed on quality card stock and are standard greeting card size (5x7). They are blank inside and come with an envelope (of course) in a clear acetate sleeve. I will continue adding more cards very soon, as well as packages of notecards and some holiday cards, so check back often! Wholesale prices are available to retailers who buy 20 items or more. Have a great Fall weekend!
CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE CAKE
Acrylic on board (6x6) ORIGINAL PAINTING FOR SALE
As you can see, my love for food is now extending beyond cooking! This is an original painting of a chocolate souffle cake topped with powdered sugar and a strawberry. The background is very textured and a deep periwinkle blue. Painted on 1/4 inch gesso board w/painted edges. Perfect for framing or leave as is.
SF GIRL BY BAY
Just wanted to thank Victoria of SF Girl By Bay for including my "Royal Silhouette" collage in a photo grid today as part of today's post. Victoria is a great style/art/decor scout who always manages to spot something beautiful or unique and pass it on. Her writing style is warm, personal, witty and insightful. If you aren't already one of her readers, check her blog out now. I know you will soon be adding her to your favorites list.
LULU GUINNESS'S TEA TABLE
Gouache/ink painting on Arches paper (10x8)
This painting is of British designer Lulu Guinness's lavender dining room in her charming Victorian home in London. Table is set for tea with Lulu's trademark flair beneath a restored antique Venetian mirror. Behind the table stands a mirrored sideboard topped with a vintage lucite lamp. Through the folding doors you can catch a glimpse of her kitchen.
SPECIAL OFFER ON PRINTS!
I am offering a special " BUY 2 PRINTS, GET 1 FREE "offer good until the end of this month. Just go to my Etsy site and purchase 2 prints and then under the "note from buyer" section, just specify which 3rd print you would like and I will gladly include it in your order at no additional cost!
I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have shown your support by purchasing my prints and collages and by reading, subscribing to and leaving comments on my blog! The positive reaction to my work has been so encouraging and inspiring! Thank you!
ROYAL SILHOUETTE
Hand-cut 3 layer silhouette (11x14)
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This is an entirely hand made collage, not a print. Collage features white hand-cut jewelry on black silhouette of Queen Elizabeth 2 of England's profile with a purple and white leaf-print background. I had fun creating this partly because of it's very strong graphic quality. I also love the silhouette for it's classic beauty - feels like decorating a stamp or coin and colorizing it a little. Sort of what I'd call neo-traditional pop art. Work is mounted on an 11x14 gesso board, ready for framing or even perfect on its own! Protective coating included. Signed and dated by artist on the back.
ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * GRAHAM RUST
The amazing Graham Rust!
An exquisite watercolor of antique vases
Graham's latest book
Trompe l'oeil fireplace with dog
Watercolor study of English Country residence, Chewton Glen .
Graham's designs for Halcyon Days Enamels Battersea boxes
His masterpiece 10 years in the making - a mural at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, England
Eggplant (or as the British call it, Aubergine) This is available as one in a series of 4 vegetable lithographs available for purchase on Graham's website. There is a botanical series as well.
Graham Rust is an amazing artist who hails from Great Britain. From the first moment I saw his work over a decade ago, I have been inspired. A close friend gave me one of his books, and it, along with another I acquired, are two of the most valuable volumes in my library. His flawless composition, deft execution, and eye for detail are unparalleled. He has distinguished himself as a master of trompe l'oeil, large scale murals, and seemingly everything he chooses to capture with his brush.
He was born Graham Redgrave-Rust in Hertfordshire, England in 1942. He later was schooled at the Polytechnic School of Art, Regent Street, as well as the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London and the National Academy of Art in New York. Afterward, he worked as an artist on "Architectural Forum" for Time Inc. His first exhibition was at the Royal Academy in 1965. Hardly a shabby beginning!
He has painted in Europe, North and South America, India, Greece, North Africa and the Far East. He also spent a year at the Woodberry Forest School, Virginia, USA, as artist-in-residence in the late 60's.
He is know the world over for his residential commissions in homes of distinction in all corners of the globe. Perhaps he is best known for the phenomenal "Temptation", a mural of gigantic proportions that he worked on for 10(!) years at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire, England. His first book was published in 1988. This book, "The Painted House" comprised his mural designs and continues to be a favorite that has been published in 4 languages. It's a timeless and beautiful book, which was followed 10 years later by "Decorative Designs", and "Needlepoint Designs", both in 1998, and "The Painted Ceiling", in 2001. Graham is also an illustrator for several books other than his own, including the 1986 version of "The Secret Garden"by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Altogether, he has had 24 exhibitons since 1965. He makes his home in Suffolk, England and continues his illustrious career. His latest book is"Revisiting the Painted House" and is sure to be a beloved and treasured addition to any library. Graham also makes a few of his works available as photolithograph sets on his website: http://www.grahamrust.com/
(Photos courtesy of http://www.grahamrust.com/, and his books, "Decorative Designs" and "The Painted House".)
LEARNING FROM WINTERHALTER
Watercolor on paper (8x10)
Ok, admittedly, I have been a little short on time this week because of my work load, so I am pulling up a piece from my archives, making myself very vulnerable here. This is one of my very early (and I stress EARLY!) watercolors, done in 1995, when I had just started painting. I was inspired by a watercolor sketch done by Winterhalter, a famous English painter who was commissioned to do many royal portraits. This is of one of Queen Victoria's daughters and her nursemaid, painted in 1850. I am amazed by the fact that these works have been preserved so well. Stay tuned for more posts on historic watercolors in the future. Hope you all have a great weekend!
THANKS FOR THE MENTION!
Just wanted to thank a new friend, Su Ling, in Singapore, for the nice mention today on her blog Laissez Faire Design. Su Ling is a design aficionado and WAHM (work at home mom) who somehow also manages to keep up with writing 3 different blogs on a regular basis! Very impressive! Stop by and check out her design blog when you get the chance!
Thank you, Su Ling!