STYLECOURT AND THE STAMPS

Photo courtesy of Style Court

Thanks to Courtney Barnes of Style Court for her mention of my new stamps featuring my painting of her chair. As always, she did a lovely job of styling a photo that includes a stack of books and some beautiful peonies with my stamp design on a letter. Courtney does NOT get paid for mentioning my work, nor does she receive royalties off the stamps sold (as the artist, I retain the copyright to my work). She simply does it because she is an exceptionally kind person and a very supportive friend. This chair is her logo for StyleCourt, and is one of my most popular paintings to date. I owe it all to Courtney's eye for design and her superb styling of her chair and books that she commissioned me to paint. It's currently everyone's favorite stamp in my gallery! No doubt she could have a very successful second career as a photo stylist!

If you would like a similar painting done of something you cherish, be it a chair, room, child or pet, I would be delighted to take on the commission and can even provide you with your own custom stamps for correspondence. It's a great idea for a gift as well. Please feel free to contact me for details here.

CONGRATULATIONS MICHELLE ADAMS AND RUBIE GREEN!

These beautiful antique chairs were restored and recovered by Molly Worth of Chairloom in my favorite Rubie Green fabric, West Village. (photo courtesy of Chairloom)

"West Village" designed by Michelle Adams for her company, Rubie Green

(Image courtesy of Domino magazine)

Congratulations to Michelle Adams, creator of Rubie Green, an eco-friendly textile company that features colorful, graphic and beautiful options for furnishing your home or office. Michelle was featured in this month's issue of Domino. Michelle is a young entrepeneur who is also a former Domino employee and has already established Rubie Green as one of the top "green" textile companies in it's relatively short existence. She sells directly to the public, as well as the trade, which is rare for a high-end fabric designer.

Michelle amazes me - she's only 25 and is a blogger, designer, and business woman (check out her blog, MA Belle). Besides being extremely talented and business-savvy, Michelle is a great person! Before I had even met Michelle, she was already recommending me to a potential client, who ended up working with me on a logo design. I want to thank her and also wish her and Rubie Green all continued success as she launches her new website this month.

THANK YOU, ELEMENTS OF STYLE!

The lovely Erin Gates of Elements of Style

One of my new stamp designs on Zazzle

Just want to say "Thank You" to fellow blogger and design observer extraordinaire Erin Gates for her post on my new stamp designs at Zazzle. Erin is a gifted writer and has a blog I know you will enjoy- Elements of Style.

CHAIRLOOM

Chairloom is the Philadelphia-based business and "green" brainchild of Molly Worth that rehabs antique and vintage furniture. Molly commissioned this logo from me that was inspired by a photo of her great grandmother standing beside a chair. Molly liked the concept of melding the old with the new and hip. In the antique photo of her great-grandmother, she is standing beside an ornate Victorian chair, so Molly decided it would be perfect to keep the same concept, yet juxtapose the Victorian feel with one of the more modern pieces she re-habbed. The chair this is painted from is on her site. It's covered in a vibrant red and white Virginia Johnson fabric.

(Click on to enlarge)

Here, for her home page, Molly had the clever idea to place the logo next to a photo of herself and one of her works of "chair" art that was featured in the New York Times.

It's fun to go to Molly's site and look at many of the unique pieces she has transformed. She has a distinct gift for taking the best of the old and making it "live" in the present with new finishes and vibrant fabrics that are both eco-friendly and hip.

In the near future, I will be featuring Molly in another installment of my "Artist's Portrait" Series. She is a true artist with furniture!

THE LITTLE THINGS.......

Here are just a few random snapshots of a few little things in my studio that help keep things cheery for me. For most people, a lavender stapler would not float their boat, but it just makes me smile! It was marked down because few people like the colors I do, which makes me think of the adage,"one man's trash is another man's treasure"! (One of those instances when NOT being mainstream can be to your benefit!) I could be hired for focus groups to predict what the general public would NOT buy, because I usually like the opposite of what big-box retailers sell in volume.

I LOVE plants and flowers. I have a special affinity for miniature ficus trees and found this unique trellis-style ficus at IKEA at an amazing price!

My small-ish inspiration board with a few favorite photos, postcards, etc.

This quote poster is one I created to remember to be thankful, even on the days when things aren't going right. Along with it is a piece of coral brought back from the Florida Keys. I know people say coral is "so passe' ", but I have always loved it and always will. To me, it's underwater sculpture by God. There's also a carved wooden box I gold-leafed and a tole container I painted in stripes.

Me, at work in my studio!

I know some people love to collect things or to own expensive art or antiques. Now, that's not exactly an option for me, but I do enjoy being surrounded by a few objects that make me smile. I couldn't care less about something's provenance or name - I look for color, shape, design or sentimental value. Sometimes it's the colorful stapler I found on clearance for $5 or a photo of a vacation long ago that still brings back great memories. It's just the small things that somehow contribute to making your domain an expression of who you are. But things are only things, and oftentimes it's the least expensive object that may hold the most "cheer-power".

I was thinking about it, the same goes for my actions. I never know when a kind word, opening the door for a mom with a stroller or letting someone in my traffic lane may be just the little pick-me-up that someone needs in their life. We all have these opportunities that come to us every day - I know I am often just too preoccupied with what I am doing or caught up in my own interests to recognize them. Now, I am no Pollyanna. I won't even claim to be. I know the world is not full of goodness - I've lived long enough not to subscribe to that fairytale. I have encountered my share of caustic, small people who relish taking any opportunity to be mean. Who live to get ahead at any cost, to vent their frustration, anger and hurt on innocent people. Purely because those people have the misfortune to be in their path. My first inclination is to want to see these people harshly reprimanded or punished and NOW!! But before I get on my soapbox and try to instruct others on how to become better people, I need to think - what about me? What about my attitude toward these "mean" people? Wouldn't I be just like them if I wish them harm or heartbreak?

Sadly, these people are the losers. Somewhere along the line, they experienced life's inevitable pain and disappointments, got hardened and bitter, and allowed themselves to become "carriers" of evil. In "acting out" they are only compounding their own misery. When they lay their head on the pillow at night, they cannot escape who they really are. You can lie to other people, but you can't really lie to yourself, or it will end up destroying you. When I see this cruelty, this venom, the sheer hideousness of it just motivates me to be the exact opposite and not give place to any of the same in my life. To re-examine my own behavior and seek ways I can show kindness and bring a bit of cheer or hope to those people I encounter each day. Even the bad apples and sour grapes. To go the "extra-mile" with people who just really annoy me. The micro-managers, the nags, the liars.....it's like getting a shot in the arm. I don't know about you, but I want to be one of those people whom others are actually glad to see or hear from. Not a drain, not a source of dread, not someone who just transfers the angst from the wrong done to me to someone else. Even if it's just in the little things I do.......

We do have power - for good or evil, to add another link in the chain of hatred and abuse or to let it stop with us.....

I want to thank those in my life (including many of you who leave me comments and send me emails) who always have something encouraging to say. A smile, a kind word, a hug or kiss, an "atta girl" that lifts me up when I am feeling less than terrific. You know who you are!! Love you!

ELKINS SILHOUETTE ON LILAC

CLICK HERE TO BUY!
Elkins Silhouette on Lilac by Anne Harwell
16 x 24 x .75 inches * 2008
Mixed Media (acrylic, painted paper, board)

This original is for sale now on my Etsy site. It's a much larger scale work than most of my prints and previous collages. Features a large hand-cut silhouette, painted black, of an Elkins chair on a lilac strie background. Surface is 3/4 inch board. Black finished edges, no frame necessary, ready to hang with groove and wire on back.

MY WORK IN "NEW VIEWS" SHOW AT BENNETT GALLERIES

My "Aqua Interior" original painting is one of my pieces being featured for sale in the "New Views" exhibit at Nashville's Bennett Galleries from now until July.

Palm Beach Chair - Anne Harwell 2007

Many of my original paintings, as well as some prints, are for sale as part of this exhibit of new and emerging artist's work on paper at Bennettt Galleries. It is called "New Views:Photographs, Prints and Illustrations". The exhibit features the art of several different artists and runs from April through July. It is the first exhibit of this kind and will be a rotating exhibit that changes artists every 3 months. Bennett Galleries, a well established and upscale gallery in Nashville, TN specializes in contemporary fine art. It is family-owned and has been in business for over 30 years.

Boston Vase - gouache/ink on paper

This is another of the smaller original works being featured.

Ikat Cartoon - 2008 This original gouache/ink sketch is also in the show.

This original hand-cut paper collage is a new work I created for the show.

Bennett Galleries - hours are Monday-Friday 9:30-5:30 and Saturday 9:30-5:00

Bennett Galleries carries the work of many well-established as well as emerging artists. It's located at 2104 Crestmoor Road in Nashville, right in the heart of Green Hills.

I sent over 20 pieces for the show, so if you live in or near Nashville, please come by and check out "New Views" exhibit at Bennett Galleries.

THANKS, FIFI FLOWERS!

I just wanted to take a minute to thank Laura at Fifi Flowers for her kind post on my work yesterday! Laura is based in LA and is an interior designer, artist and blogger, too. Above is a sample of one of her lovely, interior design-inspired paintings. Check out her post and wonderful blog here.

ANNECHOVIE PRODUCTS AT ZAZZLE

My sunshine quote apron

My Antique Porcelain Jar Stamp

My Courtney Barnes Chair Stamp

My Zazzle Gallery

I hope all of you had a relaxing Memorial Day Weekend! I had a nice weekend and got in a little pool time, enjoying the beautiful Florida weather and gorgeous breezes blowing through the palms. I can't believe it's nearly June already and so happy I can officially break out the white jeans without getting sideways glances. Now, it's back to work!

I am excited to announce that now, in addition to Etsy, I am selling some new products at Zazzle. So far, I am offering several different coffee mugs featuring my artwork, but also have created a mousepad and will be adding more items very soon, including US postage stamps with a couple of my most popular paintings. You can buy direct online and items ship within 24 hours! If you get a minute, hop over and check out my Zazzle gallery!

THANK YOU, PVE DESIGN!

Sending out a special thank-you to my friend, Patricia van Essche, of PVE Design for her post on my work yesterday! Patricia is a very gracious and talented woman and I am proud to call her a friend as well as a fellow artist and blogger.

I hope you all have a fantastic holiday weekend kicking off the Summer season! Be safe and I will see you back here next week!

ALYS BEACH

Courtyards and all the white stucco make you feel like you are on an island in the tropics

A view of the village

A perfect outdoor setting for a little refreshment

The Fonville Press - the community coffee shop, gathering place and bookstore at Alys Beach

One of the beautiful pools at Alys Beach

The architecture is distinctively different from most other resort communities in Florida

These cobbled streets add to the quaint atmosphere that is Alys Beach

This is a great solution for a vacation home - the over sized banquette provides lots of room for extended family or friends that are staying together. Plus, it just looks charming!

A beautiful, serene bedroom in one of the vacation rentals

The perfect setting for an evening poolside soiree

Or, maybe this is even better? So hard to decide!

One of the modern, well-equipped kitchens in an Alys Beach vacation rental

This calming water feature would be soothing as you lay on a chaise and read

Another bright and well-appointed guest suite in one of the cottages. Love all the white!

Alys Beach is a relatively new resort community located in the beautiful Florida Panhandle. The beaches there are unparalleled in natural beauty. A few elements that set it apart from being just another high-end development are it's emphasis on sustainability, unique architecture and a sense of community. It was named for the matriarch of the town's founders and has a special quality of laid-back sophistication coupled with a family-friendly atmosphere. The architectural style is an eclectic blend of English, Antiguan and Guatemalan styles that comes together perfectly as the development's trademark and creates a crisp and distinctive silhouette against the azure skies. I have not stayed here yet, but have seen it in person and I can assure you that it is everything that it's "cracked up" to be. This would be the perfect place to rent a home for an extended family get-together or a reunion with friends. You have to go to the website to find out more for yourself and see all the beautiful images. Check it out right here.

Photos courtesy of Alys Beach website

IN MY OWN BACKYARD

The beautiful ceiling in the entrance of the Ringling Museum of Art

John Manners, Marquis of Granby by Joshua Reynolds - 1766 (photo courtesy of Ringling Museum of Art)

One of the museum's priceless treasures, La Sultana Rossa, by Titian - 1550's (photo courtesy of Ringling Museum of Art)

Here are I am on the loggia with a larger-than-life size urn. I could've taken this piece home with me. It would make for a very cool outdoor sculpture. The color is right up my alley as well!

One of the intricately carved, yet borderline gauche, architectural pieces that John Ringling imported or bought from auctions to furnish his museum and mansion, Ca D'Zan (or House of John).

This painting is not overly famous, yet you don't often seen Joseph pictured with the baby Jesus and I thought this had an especially nice quality to it. It was painted by Murillo in the 17th century. Unfortunately, I was very remiss and neglected my blogger's duty to take notes with some of my photos.I was too busy trying to obscure my camera from view of the museum police (btw, I DID NOT use a flash). For not labeling, I will certainly receive the "REMISS BLOGGER OF THE DAY" distinction.

A bust of me, before the chin implant and neck lipo. Actually, this is of Princess Anne.....

A very impressive portrait of Marie Antoinette in pastels by Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun! A truly amazing feat, considering this is about 10 feet in length and done entirely in chalks!(Please excuse my inferior, out-of-focus photography - not my strong suit!)

There is a large collection of Florentine and Venetian paintings here at the Ringling Museum of Art

One of the expansive marble loggias that line the inner courtyard

This tree was almost as impressive as any of the contents of the museum. These Banyan trees are native to Florida and their root systems are amazing. They grow to be absolutely massive.

An ornate verdigris iron doorway - I love the color against the pink of the building

A view of the inner courtyard. Apparently, circus magnate John Ringling (one of Sarasota's most famous residents) had so much excess cash, that he traveled to Europe and major auction houses looking for paintings, antiques and treasures that he could bring home to furnish his home and museum. He was a colorful fellow, to say the least. After seeing his bust at the museum, I would definitely have to term him a "Beefcake". He comes across as a wee bit narcissistic, but pretty generous at the same time. My theory is that he was extremely insecure and, as often is the mode of the nouveau-riche, spent his life flaunting his money in an effort to prove that he wasn't just a "Circus Guy". He did amass quite an impressive collection of art, antiques and architectural pieces.

The museum is home to several major works, including those of Rembrandt, Reynolds, El Greco, Gainsborough, Velazquez, Rubens and van Dyck. Not too shabby for a town the size of Sarasota. Mr. Ringling had quite a flair for the showy and dramatic, but how could you expect anything less from a guy who started a circus? He and his wife ended up totally broke and he bequeathed his estate to the State of Florida. The locals are certainly enriched because of it and the Museum is now the official art museum for the State of Florida. It makes for a great outing whether you live nearby or are in town visiting.

I have to say, most of the people lurking on stools in the galleries, guarding the paintings, were extremely courteous and didn't give you the evil eye, as is sometimes the case in museums. However, upon our exit, we did encounter a somewhat overzealous granny, who was so intent on getting our umbrella claim check before we could touch our umbrella, that she practically tackled us. She reminded me of one of those ladies who used to glare at me in a gift shop when I was a kid. The look said it all, "if you so much as touch ANYTHING, I will cut your little fingers off immediately!" Well, at least she is taking her job seriously, right? If you have a moment, take a look at the website here - there are even virtual tours to view.

The marble pieces are exquisite. This is one of many that stands under the covered portico surrounding the courtyard.

There are many beautiful fountains and sculptures on the grounds

Here is a more expansive view of the East Wing (on an uncharacteristically sunless Florida day)

More courtyard adornments

This is a (much smaller) replica of the famous Romulus and Remus statue that is the sacred symbol of Rome. The original is located in Italy. Is it just me, or do you find this a tad disturbing?? Two little guys nursing on a she-wolf?? Come on....Isn't ancient mythology weird? Inter species lactation? Very warped!!

The "Crown Jewel" of the Ringling Museum, the actual cast of Michelangelo's "David". This also happens to be the symbol for the City Of Sarasota, Florida.

ETSY FRIENDS!

Etsy is amazing and I am so glad to be a part of that community and am privileged to sell my work there. Another cool by-product is the exceptionally nice people I seem to meet, both buyers and fellow sellers. This week, a new friend, Maritere (love that name!) put my sunshine quote poster in her treasury. I want to thank her for her thoughtfulness and generosity in including me. I also was introduced to her very unique and beautiful work, which I will be posting more on in the near future. You can check out her treasury here and see all of the talented artists she included. Thank you, Maritere of Totart!

OUT OF THE OFFICE

How's this for a multi-functional, green and cheap form of transportation?? I am out and about today with some work-related errands and an art field trip, so I hope you have a SPLENDID Monday and I will check back with you soon!

MY WORK ON 1ST DIBS!

1st Dibs is the premier online source for high-end antiques, vintage pieces and home furnishings, THE source all of the top designers turn to when looking for unique pieces.

My friend, Courtney Barnes in the 1st Dibs feature "The Blogosphere" that also includes a photo of one of the commissions I've done for her.

The gracious and lovely Courtney Barnes, creator and editor of StyleCourt (photo by Steve Pomberg via 1st Dibs)

The latest painting writer Courtney Barnes commissioned from me of her favorite things on her bedside table.

A special congratulations to my friend, Courtney, of StyleCourt,who was profiled on "The Blogosphere" on 1st Dibs. It was great to learn more about her and see a photo of her beautiful home. I also was thrilled and honored to see that she had included my painting of her bedside table and it ended up beside her photo on 1st Dibs homepage and was also shown in the feature on her (click on page 3 at the bottom of page).

Courtney is one of those people who is extremely talented, a veritable encyclopedia of art and design knowledge, yet she's as modest, kind and unaffected as can be! She was one of the first people to commission my work and has been a great support and encouragement to me in my career. What I am trying to say, is that Courtney is the GREATEST and I am so happy to see her getting even just a smidgen of the credit she deserves (and thanks so much for letting me ride your coattails onto 1st Dibs!!!)

P.S. This painting is also available now as a print - contact me for details!

OUTDOOR PIZAZZ!

Charming outdoor tented pavilion (via Domino - photo by Deborah Jaffe)

Houston designer Katie Stassi's backyard

The Angler's Boutique Hotel - Miami- cool pool area

ZGallerie's Veranda Pavilion

Ok, this certainly qualifies as blog "plagiarism", but I can't help it! I just saw the coolest outdoor cabana on Erin's blog. It's a perfect little backyard haven for shade and dining. It could easily "make" your outdoor area, adding instant class, style, shelter and OOMPH! I have a serious thing for awnings and tents (especially with scalloped edges) and seeing this led me on a trail to find more beautiful tented outdoor spaces. One of these could turn a backyard pool area into your own little Palm Beach or Palm Springs style resort. For as much as I love spending time outside and by the pool, something like this would be excellent. It's just so adorable, it's heartbreaking. The Veranda Pavilion is a more budget-friendly option that you can just purchase and set up for instant backyard pizazz! It comes in 3 color choices for the trim. I'd love green! It's available online at ZGallerie.

THANK YOU, MOM!

Mom and I at the beach. I have a look like,"Hey mom, I think you forgot my sunglasses!" Note the Kewpie doll hairdo.

My mom and I have always been close. As I sifted through our family photos, I couldn't help but notice that, most of the time, one of us was either draped around her neck or sitting on her! Here, I found mom to be a comfortable little perch.

On vacation. My brother, Jeremy, and I in our "Weather Tamer" windbreakers with Mom.

See what I mean? Poor thing! 3 little scaliwags hanging on Mom. How did she manage to still look so put together?

I still remember this photo op. It was hot and we were disgruntled....... Dad was probably saying,"Now, come ON! Smile!"

Mom minus anyone on her neck. Or lap. Or shoulder. Notice how much more relaxed she looks here?
Gardens of the Villa Borghese - Rome 2000.

You know, you've gotta admit it, there's only one person in life that you can claim you were never apart from for even 1 second for the space of 9 whole months. Think about it, how many people can stand that much togetherness with someone, no matter how much they love them? When you stop to consider it, Motherhood is nothing short of a miracle for a myriad of reasons. When I think about all that my mother has given, sacrificed and endured because of her love and commitment to me, it could make me want to just break down and cry. She went through physical pain in birth, getting up with me in the night when I was thirsty or sick, when I'd wet the bed or had a nightmare, and we're just talking my preschool years!

She has been there for me in my best moments, when I was exhilarated and on top of the world. But she has also been there for me through some of life's deepest disappointments and betrayals, things I felt sure I would never recover from. She has been there for me when no one else cared. When others who had pledged their undying support or love proved to be untrue or disappointments of gargantuan proportions. She has always had my best interests at heart and I have never had to wonder, even for a second, what kind of a self-serving angle or lie she was cooking up to take advantage of me. Her motives were always pure and unquestionable, because my success or joy was inextricably linked to her's, because of her love.

I firmly believe in what some people would term "karma" or what I call the law of sowing and reaping. Whatever you sow into the lives of others, either good or bad, it WILL reproduce in your life to a multiplied extent. It's inescapable and just the way things work. If that is true, and I believe it to be, then my mother is in store for a whole lot of wonderful things. Now, I am well aware not every child has such a friend, patroness, companion, nurse, teacher, comforter. But I DO. If I had nothing else in life, having a mom like mine would be enough to convince me that I was one of the most blessed people on the face of the earth. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Thanks for making me feel so loved and giving me such a powerful reason to want to be even half the mother you've been to me to my own child one day!

NEW PRINT! CHOCOWAVES CHAIR

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

This print is from an original acrylic on board painting by Anne Harwell of an aqua striped classic French bergere chair, all plump and cushy on a white and chocolate brown wavy-striped background. Great graphic quality! This is printed on premium, heavyweight quality acid-free watercolor paper (9x12 inches) by a high-quality Epson printer and archival inks, with a margin on all sides for framing. Signed and dated on back by artist. Makes a great gift or a lovely decorative touch in your home or office.

Hope all of you who are mothers have a fantastic Mother's Day and all the rest of you have a sensational weekend! Life is GOOD!! ;>)

THANKS, MODERN DESIGN BLOG!

Thank you to Boston based Modern Design Blog for the very complimentary post on my work! I truly appreciate your attention and support!

TAGGED BY ERIN

I was tagged by Erin Gates at Elements of Style to participate in a little blogger game of "6 quirky things about me". Now, there are WAAAAY more than 6 quirky things about me, but I will have to limit myself.

1) I use a kid's toothbrush because of the great "turning radius" (I have much too small a mouth to navigate an adult size toothbrush effectively)

2) I prefer savory to sweet flavors and would rather end a meal eating some pepperoncinis than with dessert.

3) I only sleep on the right side of my queen size bed and I don't stretch out, even though I have the whole bed to myself!

4) I get motion sick if I read in a car.

5) I always dry my feet, one by one, when getting out of the shower. Don't know why I even have a bath mat???

6) I love the theme music from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood!

Hope all of you have an OUSTANDING Spring weekend!