NEW YORK IN THE SPRING
(click image to enlarge)Walking around NYC in the Spring is always a great experience. It's wonderful to see the trees all leafed out and the flowers in bloom. This is a recent commission of a stately brick townhouse in Manhattan that was painted as a gift for my client's brother. I'd love to capture your home! Contact me here for more info.
LILY'S DESK
"Lily's Desk" available now as a print or as part of a note card set in my Etsy store.I want to wish you all a very Happy Friday! I hope the weather cooperates and you can enjoy a beautiful Spring weekend. What do you have planned?
HARRISON HOWARD
The talented Harrison Howard created this gorgeous cover for the Spring issue of St. Louis Seasons magazine. Harrison's work is in a category of its' own. The colors and intricate details he so deftly captures never cease to amaze me. This issue of Seasons also features an article on him (page 48) and some gorgeous new samples of his work. Congratulations, Harrison!STELLA FROM TEXAS
Meet Stella, one of my recent subjects captured here in gouache and acrylic for her proud owner, Jill. She's snuggled down in her faux fur blanket. Pet portraits make a wonderful gift for birthdays and holidays. Contact me here for details - let's work together.PIXIE DUST STUDIOS
I would like to thank the very gracious and talented Stacy McCallum, of Pixie Dust Studios for including my work on her online inspiration board. Please take a moment to check out her amazing webstore and blog. Stacy specializes in offering beautiful and unique options for children's decor and textiles - you will be glad you visited!OSCAR DE LA RENTA GIVE- AWAY
With winter quickly fading behind us, ideeli knows you're ready to trade snow white for summer whites, which is why they've paired up with this formidable designer to bring one lucky winner a one-of-a-kind handbag, straight from the runway! Made from white twisted raffia and calfskin, the "Indore Box" bag (named from the city in India) was carried by supermodel Agyness Deyn at Oscar de la Renta's SS 09 NYC Fashion Week show and adds a serious dose of glamour to any ensemble.
Join ideeli now for free, using this link, exclusively for Annechovie readers: www.ideeli.com/invite/annechovie and enter to win this fabulous bag!
ideeli is the first invitation-only shopping community. They create daily online events that provide their members with the ideal shopping experience: privileged access to the top brands and experiences, often at prices up to 80% off.Recent sales have featured brands like Oscar de La Renta, Christian Lacroix, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, D&G and have recently expanded into Home Decor.
A WORTHY CAUSE
CCC founder, Carolyn RubensteinI know all of us have been touched in one way or another by cancer. My friend, Carolyn Rubenstein, is a caring young woman who launched Carolyn's Compassionate Children at the tender age of 14. CCC is a nonprofit organization that raises money for young cancer survivors so that they are able to attend college. I know firsthand what a sincere and giving person Carolyn is. Carolyn is a Harvard graduate student who somehow still manages to commit a great deal of time and effort to bettering the lives of young cancer survivors - a cause she is passionate about. I was honored when she asked if I would participate in an Artist Auction for Cancer, marking the 10th anniversary of CCC, beginning tomorrow on eBay.
Teaming up with headliner designers and artisans from Amy Butler to Gemma Correll, Rubenstein's online auction will provide scholarships for survivors demonstrating excellence in leadership, commitment to education, and betterment of community. The auction will be held online via eBay and will run from Tuesday, April 14, 2009 through Friday, April 24, 2009.
The following artists have generously donated pieces from their most inspired collections to benefit scholarship recipients of CCC: Belle and Boo (Tracy Oakley), Amy Butler, Susannah Conway, Gemma Correll, Melissa de la Fuente, Kiki Fuhr, Sarah Gardner, Aby Garvey, Jess Gonacha, Julie Green, Anne Harwell, Christine Mason Miller, Jill Rosenwald, Paige Russell, Kenny Scharf (Kevin Bruk Gallery), David Silvers.
CCC is the premier source of financial information for college-bound cancer survivors. A comprehensive, accurate and positive community dedicated to improving the quality of life for young adult cancer survivors, CCC strives for an evolved community in which people and financial resources are united to give education and opportunity to young adult cancer survivors. CCC, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for young adult cancer survivors, as well as building and strengthening the awareness of children with life-threatening illnesses across the globe.
Please consider joining me in this worthwhile endeavor to support cancer survivors, while at the same time finding a great piece of art to enhance your own surroundings.
SUNSET AND MOON RISING
Last night I took a walk at sunset with my camera. It was breathtaking. There's nothing like living near the water, especially here in Florida. On the front of the house, the sun was setting and on the back, the moon was rising. Even my lack of photographic skills don't completely kill the beauty of it. Very illustrative to me of life and the hope I have because of Easter and all that it represents to me personally. Even while the sun is setting, marking the death of the day, the moon is also rising simultaneously. God never leaves us without light and hope for the future. The seeming "end" of one thing always marks the beginning of something better. The best is always yet to be! Happy Easter! Have a wonderful weekend!A STUDIO IN CALIFORNIA
(Click image to enlarge)One thing I very much enjoy about being an artist is the chance to see the work and living spaces of my clients. I have met some wonderful people from so many diverse places who have commissioned me to paint their personal spaces. Each job is completely unique. This recent painting features a colorful California creative studio. It's one of my personal favorites, because the owner and I share a similar appreciation of "beach" colors and a laid-back, cottage style.
Do you have a special place you'd like immortalized? Please contact me here for more info. - I'd love to work with you!
GET A GANDER....
How lovely is this original piece by fellow Etsy artist Natasha Morton? Scope out her charming Scotland-based shop here!MY NIECE'S 7TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
My niece, Katherine, turned 7 recently and my photographer brother captured the "clown" party that his creative genius wife put together.
My sister-in-law, Karrie, put together a delicious and kid-friendly spread that was as much a feast for the eyes as for the stomach.
I love all the bright colors! Great way to welcome a long-awaited Spring in Atlanta.
What kid doesn't love sprinkles and gum balls?
Jeremy is an award-winning photographer and former Ralph Lauren design director for the NY stores. He now has a photography studio in Atlanta and I am trying to talk him into showing us what he and his wife have recently done with their farmhouse in the country. They are one talented couple! Hopefully I will be able to twist their arm enough to send me some photos for a future house tour post.STANDING OUT IN THE CROWD
I love it when someone creative moves into a neighborhood and has the guts to do something different and unexpected. I lost track of the origins of this photo, it's been in my archives so long, but I believe it's in Buenos Aires, Argentina. That's a definite place on my go-to list.Have a great weekend, everybody! See you on Monday!
THANK YOU, SANDE!
I would like to thank my new friend, Sande Chase, blogger and owner of Ooh La La Cadeau for her very gracious post on my work today. You can see it here on her chic blog. Sande has a beautiful selection of gifts available online and her jaw-dropping packaging is something you have to see! More on Sande is coming soon - she has style galore!APRIL FOOD DAY
While I am often pointing out design finds, sharing art or ways to enhance our own spaces and lives, now is the time to think about the more important and basic needs of others. Those who may not have the luxury of thinking beyond just trying to put food on the table. Many people who may have been at a very different place even 6 months or a year ago, are now struggling just to get enough to eat because of our current economic climate. We cannot ignore this - it's time to use whatever means we have to help others, be it a stranger hundreds of miles away or our own neighbor or relative.
Former advertising executive, Chris Cox, the editor of Easy & Elegant Life, and fundraising professional, Meg Fairfax Fielding, editor of Pigtown*Design, have teamed up to create a blogger action day on April 1, 2009, which they are calling April Food Day – Bloggers Fighting Hunger. We as fellow bloggers are asking our readers to consider making a contribution to Feeding America (formerly Second Harvest), a national food bank with 200 member banks across the country.
People who never had a worry in the world now have to think about where their next meal is coming from. People who never would have dreamt that they would need help are now showing up at the local food banks. But when they get there, the shelves are bare. There is not enough food being donated to meet the sudden rise in demand. There is not enough money to buy the food for the food banks. There is not a general understanding that food banks need help to help fill their shelves.
Every dollar contributed provides seven meals or 10 pounds of food. A gift of $25 provides 75 meals. If we all work together to make a contribution on April 1, we can make a huge difference in our communities.
Former advertising executive, Chris Cox, the editor of Easy & Elegant Life, and fundraising professional, Meg Fairfax Fielding, editor of Pigtown*Design, have teamed up to create a blogger action day on April 1, 2009, which they are calling April Food Day – Bloggers Fighting Hunger. We as fellow bloggers are asking our readers to consider making a contribution to Feeding America (formerly Second Harvest), a national food bank with 200 member banks across the country.
People who never had a worry in the world now have to think about where their next meal is coming from. People who never would have dreamt that they would need help are now showing up at the local food banks. But when they get there, the shelves are bare. There is not enough food being donated to meet the sudden rise in demand. There is not enough money to buy the food for the food banks. There is not a general understanding that food banks need help to help fill their shelves.
Every dollar contributed provides seven meals or 10 pounds of food. A gift of $25 provides 75 meals. If we all work together to make a contribution on April 1, we can make a huge difference in our communities.
Thanks to each of you for supporting this blog by reading and commenting. I also appreciate your consideration of those who are struggling and in need of even just the very basics to survive at this dificult time. If you are interested in contributing to this worthy cause, just click this link. Thank you SO much for your support!
PRATESI SALE TODAY @ IDEELI
Italian luxury linen purveyor Pratesi is known for their superior quality and style. They are a fourth generation family business started in 1906 in the hill country of Tuscany. They have mastered the art of weaving choice Egyptian cotton in Italy into their trademark exquisite linens. The good news is that Pratesi is on sale NOW at ideeli, along with countless other designer deals! Join ideeli now for free, using this link, exclusively for Annechovie readers: www.ideeli.com/invite/annechovie
ideeli is the first invitation-only shopping community. They create daily online events that provide their members with the ideal shopping experience: privileged access to the top brands and experiences, often at prices up to 80% off.Recent sales have featured brands like Oscar de La Renta, Christian Lacroix, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, D&G and have recently expanded into Home Decor.
JONATHAN ADLER DOES HAPPY
One thing I like about Jonathan Adler is his somewhat unserious and light-hearted translation of the classics. I really like this needlepoint cushion featuring a preppy ribbon belt motif. I love all of the color. He also has a men's necktie version that is equally colorful and charming. Either would look fantastic as a lively complement on a white or solid-colored sofa or chair. You can peruse the cushy options here!GOOD REMINDERS
Sometimes, in this rushed and often stressful life, it's a great thing to be reminded that,"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." It all matters!I hope that you have a very good start to your week! This framed print is available now here.
SOMEBUNNY DIFFERENT
There is something about chocolate bunnies that still attracts me. When I was little, I remember the thrill when my uncle gave me a 10 inch chocolate bunny for Easter. There was something so magical about the pastel colored foil and the dark chocolate. It seemed like SO much chocolate and I nibbled it down, little by little, savoring every bit of it. When you're a kid, you are oblivious to the difference between good quality chocolate and the drugstore, filler-laden variety that I am sure would make me gag now. Here are some bunnies by Vosges - Haut Chocolat that have some serious pizazz - they have the eye-candy factor down, but their products also taste as good as they look. No post-munch remorse or nausea here. Pictured above is the Barcelona Bunny - it includes milk chocolate with smoked almonds and a dash of sea salt. There's also a "Gianduja" Bunny, "Amalfi" and "Red Fire" as well. I think the Easter bunny favors these for not only the little people, but for the folks who, sadly, don't usually get Easter baskets anymore......available here.
Hope you have some beautiful Spring weather this weekend and can get out there and enjoy it!
EMMA SILVESTRIS AND THE PARADOX OF ANCIENT SYMBOLISM IN "MODERN" DESIGN
Alessi's Mediterraneo fruit bowl
Canister set - Mediterraneo by Emma SilvestrisToday, I am excited to present a terrific guest post from hip site Allmodern.com
Modern designers, and particularly creators of contemporary furniture, are, in most instances, driven creatively by the need to remain on the cusp of “cutting edge” design trends, or even to redefine the meaning of what is modern. While this has certainly created some innovative lines, I tend to admire more the designers who can mould traditional object, designs or symbols and recast them in a modern form.
The best example of this phenomenon is Alessi’s Mediterraneo line, designed by Italian artist Emma Silvestris and unveiled in 2005. In this collection, we see toothbrush containers, soap dishes, wall hooks, and other vanity containers molded or imprinted with a free-flowing design that is inspired by marine plant life. But while the design strongly resembles the organic, sinuous form of coral or kelp, Silvestris adds enough quirks along with soft silver and red tones to give the design a more curvaceous, friendlier appeal. What we see in the end is a design that is familiar, but divergent enough to stand out, no matter the design of the room.
Perhaps this can attributed to Silvestris’ background, which is somewhat different from other designers. Born in Salerno, Italy in 1962, she went to college to study Art History and Foreign Literature and spent some time teaching before entering the design world in 1990. Throughout all of her designs she is known for using timeless geometry and symbolism to create a new form of modernism.
This style stands out especially at Alessi, a modern household design firm whose best known designer is New Modernist Philippe Starck. However, the contrasting effect works to its benefit, making the items of the Mediterraneo Collection excellent complimentary pieces for nearly any modern bathroom or kitchen. Sometimes by looking toward the past truly can do design wonders for any modern décor scheme.
STRIPED FOR SPRING
This colorful little clutch by Miseli caught my eye....it's on sale NOW at ideeli for just 34 more hours, along with countless other designer deals! Join ideeli now for free, using this link, exclusively for Annechovie readers: www.ideeli.com/invite/annechovieideeli is the first invitation-only shopping community. They create daily online events that provide their members with the ideal shopping experience: privileged access to the top brands and experiences, often at prices up to 80% off.
Recent sales have featured brands like Oscar de La Renta, Christian Lacroix, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, D&G and have recently expanded into Home Decor.