RECENT & RANDOM
Hope your week is shaping up to be a good one so far! I'm still adjusting to Daylight Savings time myself....Here are a few random things that have been on my radar of late.
Love this top I ordered from JCrew
- it's called an artist's boatneck (how apropos) - and it's in Caribbean Green here
Brussels + Bacon pizza from CPK. Out of this world....
Spunky little glasses pouch
A girly-eyed car I spotted while in Kailua, Hawaii.
Wouldn't do this myself, but I have to give them credit for creativity.
Enjoy your Wednesday!!
TROPICAL ESCAPE FOR SALE
My stylish and creative sister and her husband have just renovated a home in the Florida Keys and it's now on the market! If you're looking for a base in Islamorada where you can soak up the sun and spend your days on the water, then look no further!
The home has 2 separate levels with 2 apartments complete with their own kitchen and baths. Ideal for large family gatherings or as rentals.
You can keep a boat in the backyard on your own dock with canal access to the Ocean!
Lushly landscaped with palms and low-maintenance tropical foliage
Complete with beautiful acacia wood floors
Premium appliances, marble countertops, subway tiles and flooded with light!
Find out all the details here.
SPRING FEVER
I don't know about you, but I am a nursery/gardening addict. Something about roaming a round a nursery with the pea gravel crunching under my feet puts me in a great mood. Here in Florida, we have a year-round growing season, but that still doesn't diminish my fervor for planting, even though the thrill of seasonal change might heighten other folks' enjoyment of gardening in colder climes. I have a real weakness for braided or plaited trees and plants.
Bougainvillea is de rigueur here in Florida and I simply cannot get enough of it. Maintenance, schmaintenance. Sometimes beauty requires work!
Standards and......
Climbers
This place has a particularly good pot selection and I am partial to these deep blue glazed numbers.
Now, as for this creation, I can't say I found it beautiful, but I bet my nephews would love it. Nothing like a gator head half submerged in a forboding-looking black caldron with smoke rising off the surface. Looks like something perfect for a redneck outpost in the Everglades or a Goth-themed residence belonging to a person who sports black nail polish and lipstick.
This espalier style potted plant was right up my alley. Plants with architectural interest. Very cool.
Some more tropical plants and smallish bougainvillea standards with wispy woven trunks.
Loved this gorgeous yellow bloom. Too bad I was remiss and didn't check the name of it!
Tons of orchids - a staple fave of mine. These were very pricey, though and no better than the great picks at Trader Joe's!
I just looked down and spied some color inspiration for a new painting!
Do you get the fever for gardening as Spring approaches?
Have a terrific weekend, all!
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ANNECHOVIE IN STYLE AT HOME MAGAZINE
I was excited to find that my Chanel No.5 Print was featured in this month's Style at Home magazine (Canada). It's always a morale boost to see a mention in a magazine. So many times, as an artist, a magazine promises to publish your work, requests free samples for a photoshoot and then tells you to look for your work/product in a specific issue. You excitedly receive or find the magazine, thumbing through the pages with heart palpitations, scanning like a crazy woman only to realize you were cut in the final edit. Trust me, it's an education in humility, patience and handling disappointment. That said, it's even sweeter when you get a feature that's a complete surprise! This mention came via MadeByGirl who carries my black Chanel No.5 print on their website. Below is a direct link to the issue.
This is the "snapshot" of the mention
(photo courtesy of MadeByGirl)
My print and another skull print available at MadeByGirl
(photo courtesy of MadeByGirl)
You can find my print here
ANNECHOVIE ALOHA
Oversized Chinoiserie Ginger Jar (had to pose with this!)
I just returned from a relaxing Winter get-away to Hawaii. After a very hectic beginning to 2013 with a move and lots of crazy work days, I was able to spend a couple of weeks in Honolulu and relish some quality time visiting my boyfriend.
World's best snack (notice the bag is almost empty - a common occurence)
Kiteboarding in Kailua
My gracious host takes me to some terrific eateries - this night it was Italian at Auntie Pasto's
Lots of sun, great food, meaningful conversations, beautiful scenery, good walks, fun smashball matches (we made it to 285 this time!) laughter and rest.
Sandy Beach, Oahu
Just what I needed! My smile says it all.
Thanks to my wonderful boyfriend and the warm, restorative atmosphere of Hawaii, I am now refreshed and ready to get back to work! I hope that all of you have been well and I look forward to catching up with more posts and visits to your blogs soon. Happy 1st of March and have a great weekend.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
I wanted to share some photos taken by my incredibly talented brother, Jeremy Harwell, of his brand-new studio. You may have seen his creative space featured yesterday on Decor8. He's a creative dynamo and a great guy in general. I just feel blessed to have him as my brother!
You can check out Jeremy's site that includes a portfolio and links to his blog here!
Have a great weekend!
(re-post from 3-16-12)
FLORIDA STYLE
via Gulf to Bay Sothebys
via Shorely Chic
via Palm Beach Sothebys
I hope that you had a nice weekend. I had a very nice one myself and was just thinking how blessed I feel to live in Florida.
Moving here over 5 years ago was one of the best things I have ever done.
We have a perfectly sunny, warm Winter and then, even in Summer, we experience cooler temperatures than many parts of the U.S. I never grow tired of the lush vegetation, beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle. It's a place full of green and color year-round and being expressive with color in your dress and decorating is not frowned upon, so I fit in perfectly.
It's definitely not a place where the chromaphobic mentality reigns!
Viva Florida!
SPRING BULBS & CHEER
Ever since I can remember, I have loved the scent of hyacinths. From the days of long Winters growing up in the North, they have represented to me the promise and hope of Spring and warmer weather. The scent triggers a sort of euphoria in my brain and takes me back to those crisp sunny days as a preschooler, tooling around in my windbreaker on a tricycle, stopping to sniff the hyacinths planted in beds along our driveway.
To this day, hyacinths still give me a thrill....even if I am blessed enought to spend my Winters in a sunny subtropical climate now. This is just a snapshot of one I bought at my local store that I have been enjoying thoroughly. I love the way it picked up the color in my "Patchouli Seas" canvas print (available here).
Do you enjoy Spring bulbs in your home? Which flower is your favorite?
MOMENTS CAPTURED
Did you have a nice weekend? I just wanted to share this piece I painted for my boyfriend for Valentine's Day. It's from a photo taken of us last year on the beach in Hawaii. Contact me here for info on getting your own special memory immortalized on a canvas!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Aren't these paper fortune cookie valentines adorable?
Hope you have a wonderful day & thanks for all of the love and support you guys show me.
I truly appreciate it and love my readers. Hope your Valentine's Day is a great one!
PALM BEACH PERFECT
** This is a re-post from a couple years back as I am currently winging my way across the country!
I will continue to post - so don't go away!! Have a terrific Monday.
I never squeal. Never. However, when I turned this page of the March issue of Coastal Living and saw this room, I think I squealed internally. I went nuts over designer Meg Braff's Palm Beach apartment.
(click image to enlarge)
I don't think I've ever seen a home (vacation or otherwise) that embodies my personal style as well.
And to think this woman is married with 4 sons.....gotta love everything about it. All the beauty and softness balancing out all the testosterone she lives with.
This proves that guys can live without black leather and thrive.
She is amazing!
(photos via matters of style)
THANKS, EVERYBODY!
I'm sorry for being so MIA lately. I've just moved and it's been quite a chore. The results are well worth it, though. I love my new digs and this is my shipping storage area. It's organized and everything's visible and accessible. I am a happy camper.
Trying to keep on top of my business and shipping orders while moving all of my earthly goods required some juggling and some healthy snacks to fuel me. These Trader Joe's pineapple chips are my new fave. Once again, Trader Joe's comes through. Have I mentioned that I love that place??
In the midst of my moving insanity, a local reader of my blog got in touch because she wanted to buy my Veranda magazine stash. When we met for the magazine drop-off, she surprised me with this because she had read that these salads were my favorite. Can you believe how thoughtful this lady is??
It really made my day - thanks so much, Irene! One of those instances where you are reminded of how refreshing it can be to meet a truly nice person and what a joy blogging can be when you are able to interact with readers and fellow bloggers.
Speaking of nice, I also wanted to say thanks to fashion blogger Maggie Philbin for this mention of my matchboxes last week. Very sweet. You can read it here:
Well, that's a short update and I will try to catch up on commenting & posting fresh content very soon.
Thank you all for your patience & loyal support. You guys are the best!
Enjoy your weekend!!
ETSY BAZAAR
Great pillow here
Terrific tape here
Funky photo here
Class act card here
Scrumptious cookies here
Pretty pendant here
Etsy has been a great venue for me to sell my work for the last 6 years. I also try to support my fellow Etsy sellers anytime I can. If only Etsy could stop the rip-off artists who steal my work and market it as their own, I'd be perfectly happy. In the meantime, I need to send a cease and desist letter to some unscrupulous copycat who is somehow ignorant of the immutable fact that you will definitely end up reaping what you sow in life and if you're a dishonest thief, that doesn't bode well for your future.
Ok, off my soapbox now....deep breath.
ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * CAROL GILLOT
Artist, Francophile and blogger Carol Gillot at work
Even before I first started blogging, I read about Carol Gillot and her charming watercolor paintings on Rita Konig's Domino blog. I have since been an ardent admirer of her work. She sells originals and prints of her work on her blog and in her Etsy shop. She also authors a charming blog that features all sorts of interesting photos and information on French life and culture from her frequent trips to Paris. Her posts are filled with fascinating tidbits of information, all imbued with her affection for the City of Lights. Today, she has taken the time to give us a peek into her own background and life.
Where were you born?
Abbington Hospital in Pennsylvania at 3 AM
What would you take if your house was burning down?
My favorite old black watercolor paintbox (it was my mother's), my favorite brushes and my passport.
Best childhood memory?
Going with the family for ice cream cones every Sunday and going by myself to the 5 &10 in Jenkintown to browse and comparison shop for my dollhouse.
Going with the family for ice cream cones every Sunday and going by myself to the 5 &10 in Jenkintown to browse and comparison shop for my dollhouse.
Your favorite book?
"Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
If you could have only 1 last meal, what would you want on the menu?
Burnt marshmallows, popcorn, coffee ice cream, milk shake, caramel macarons from Laduree, a bacon sandwich and an apple.
Do you prefer hot weather or cold?
Cold weather always!
Favorite artists?
Wayne Thiebaud, Delacroix drawings, Steinberg.
Wayne Thiebaud, Delacroix drawings, Steinberg.
Pet peeve?
People rustling candy wrappers in the theater
Favorite travel destination?
Paris of course, then Rio...
Favorite shop?
Fauchon, when it was open in New York- I used to go religiously every Sunday to worship.
Fauchon, when it was open in New York- I used to go religiously every Sunday to worship.
You get to paint 24/7. It's also the worst thing about being an artist - extreme focusing.
Thank you, Carol! Don't forget to visit her blog here.
ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * HARRISON HOWARD
The talented artist, Mr. Harrison HowardAS I AM MOVING THIS WEEK, I'VE DECIDED TO RE-POST SOME FAVORITE POSTS FROM THE PAST FEW YEARS. I WILL BE BACK WITH FRESH POSTS ONCE THINGS HAVE SETTLED DOWN A BIT! THANK YOU! THIS WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED IN 2007.
A couple of months ago, I was reading one of my favorite design blogs, Peak of Chic, and came across a post on the work of artist Harrison Howard. His style, use of color and obvious talent left an indelible impression on me. I left a comment on the post and was surprised to find that Harrison himself emailed to thank me for it! Sometimes, I find that some talented people can be a bit prone to be impressed with themselves or exude an attitude of entitlement or lack of consideration for others. I sensed none of this from Mr. Howard and was so pleased that he would take the time to acknowledge my comment. He seems to be a very warm and genuine man, seemingly unaware of the talent he possesses and completely unaffected and down to earth. This is certainly one of those instances where you admire or respect the work of someone more established and developed and think, gosh, I'd love to attain to that level of professionalism! Mr. Howard was kind enough to let me "interview" him and feature the man and his work as one of my "Artist's Portraits" here on Annechovie.
Harrison's lovely wife, Lou Ann and son, Alec,at Harrison's show opening at Thiele and Sons Gallery, La Jolla, CA
"The Greeting" from his Shell and Flower People Series
"The Letter Writer"
Harrison's resume boasts commissions from some of America's most prestigious decorating firms, such as McMillen, Irvine & Fleming and was hired by Pamela Banker (later of Parish-Hadley). His work has appeared in Architectural Digest and also graces many prestigious residences, such as those of the Vanderbilts, Firestones, DuPonts, Goodyears and stars like Kirstie Alley, as well as the Royal Saudi Embassy in Virginia.
Harrison's resume boasts commissions from some of America's most prestigious decorating firms, such as McMillen, Irvine & Fleming and was hired by Pamela Banker (later of Parish-Hadley). His work has appeared in Architectural Digest and also graces many prestigious residences, such as those of the Vanderbilts, Firestones, DuPonts, Goodyears and stars like Kirstie Alley, as well as the Royal Saudi Embassy in Virginia.
"Beautiful IV" from his Shell Series
"Yellow Tree" from the Shell Series
Shells By The Sea
Scripps Park, La Jolla, CaliforniaHarrison says that much of his professional career has been devoted to mural work in private houses, and has included screens, panels, easel paintings, and watercolors. Primarily, his work has focused on decorative themes including architectural subjects, chinoiseries, and scenics, often with bird, animal or floral motifs. He has worked extensively with alkyd paints, oil paints, and to a lesser extent, acrylics.
His father, Wing Howard, was also an artist, and is known to many in San Diego, where Harrison now lives, through the murals he painted in the Whaling Bar of the La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla. Harrison started his career at the age of 19 with a one-man exhibit at the upstairs gallery owned by Ross Thiele & Sons Interiors, then located on Prospect Street in La Jolla. All but one of the 24 available watercolors were sold. Since that time Harrison has worked primarily as a freelance artist. Today, Harrison has returned to a focus on smaller paintings, and is now producing limited edition giclee prints of many of these paintings as well.
Harrison resides in gorgeous San Diego, California with his lovely wife, Lou Ann, and teenage son, Alec.
"The Yellow Sail" from his Chinoiserie Series
"The Departure"
Where were you born?I was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to the west of Philadelphia a few miles.
What is your artistic background schooling?
I spent three years at the School of Fine Arts at Boston University in the early seventies studying painting, and later I received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design at Art Center College in Pasadena, CA. That program involved a lot of drawing and industrial model building.
What are your earliest memories of being involved making art or wanting to be an artist?My father was a professional artist, although largely self taught, and I never gave any serious consideration to doing anything else. Drawing and painting were a very big preoccupation from the age of five onward, but the results really were rarely anything to suggest that I would choose to be an artist. In hindsight I think I was very close minded about considering alternatives, because there are a lot of other interesting things to do. However, at my present stage of life, I have no more regret about my choice than a parent feels about having their children. I would say my father influenced me more than any formal art training, and the interests that both my parents had in art and traveling.
I spent three years at the School of Fine Arts at Boston University in the early seventies studying painting, and later I received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design at Art Center College in Pasadena, CA. That program involved a lot of drawing and industrial model building.
What are your earliest memories of being involved making art or wanting to be an artist?My father was a professional artist, although largely self taught, and I never gave any serious consideration to doing anything else. Drawing and painting were a very big preoccupation from the age of five onward, but the results really were rarely anything to suggest that I would choose to be an artist. In hindsight I think I was very close minded about considering alternatives, because there are a lot of other interesting things to do. However, at my present stage of life, I have no more regret about my choice than a parent feels about having their children. I would say my father influenced me more than any formal art training, and the interests that both my parents had in art and traveling.
What inspired you most as your subject matter? Does living near/on the Coast influence your work a lot?
I’m interested in fashion illustration, stage set design, children’s book illustration, decorative and fine art in general, and all of those subjects are sources of inspiration, but in the final analysis I think there’s nothing more dependable than your own imagination, and the things around you in every day life. We have mostly antiques in our house, and they have repeatedly served as props in my paintings. Many of those things conjure ideas that would no doubt seem a big stretch to another person. I do live very close to the Pacific Ocean, and I enjoy that very much, but I don’t really think it has influenced my frame of mind a great deal.
I’m interested in fashion illustration, stage set design, children’s book illustration, decorative and fine art in general, and all of those subjects are sources of inspiration, but in the final analysis I think there’s nothing more dependable than your own imagination, and the things around you in every day life. We have mostly antiques in our house, and they have repeatedly served as props in my paintings. Many of those things conjure ideas that would no doubt seem a big stretch to another person. I do live very close to the Pacific Ocean, and I enjoy that very much, but I don’t really think it has influenced my frame of mind a great deal.
What are some of your favorite things that are essential to your success/well-being as a person and artist?
I think the fact that you ask that question is particularly a reflection on your own personality Anne, which strikes me as exceptionally happy and upbeat, and that shows in your paintings. My wife and seventeen year old son are without question at the core of my well being, as well as my recollections of my parents, who are no longer alive, and my friends and other family members. The fact that I make my living as an artist gives me great satisfaction, because I enjoy immensely what I do. Contrary to the stereotype of artists as tormented souls, I am convinced that artists must enjoy what they do if they want to produce worthwhile results, even if in some cases they may not be particularly happy the rest of the time. The only things that really torments me are all my bills.
I think the fact that you ask that question is particularly a reflection on your own personality Anne, which strikes me as exceptionally happy and upbeat, and that shows in your paintings. My wife and seventeen year old son are without question at the core of my well being, as well as my recollections of my parents, who are no longer alive, and my friends and other family members. The fact that I make my living as an artist gives me great satisfaction, because I enjoy immensely what I do. Contrary to the stereotype of artists as tormented souls, I am convinced that artists must enjoy what they do if they want to produce worthwhile results, even if in some cases they may not be particularly happy the rest of the time. The only things that really torments me are all my bills.
Where would you live if you could live anywhere?I would move back and forth between Europe and this country.
What are the most challenging things for you about being an artist?
I think I could speak for the overwhelming majority of full time artists in saying that making a living that meets my family’s needs is the biggest challenge. There’s also always that sense that the next painting is going to be better than the one before it.
Which artists have influenced your work the most?What I find odd is that some of the artists I like the most are not necessarily the ones, who have always influenced me the most. My father, Wing Howard, who taught me to use watercolor, was the most influential, although my paintings are quite different from his. I’ve been influenced by Jean Pillement, Lisbeth Zwerger, (the Austrian illustrator), Kay Nielsen, Charles Doyle, (father of Arthur Conan Doyle), Helen Dryden, (the art deco fashion illustrator), Jean Hugo, and J. J. Grandville. There are many others, not necessarily widely known.
What are the most challenging things for you about being an artist?
I think I could speak for the overwhelming majority of full time artists in saying that making a living that meets my family’s needs is the biggest challenge. There’s also always that sense that the next painting is going to be better than the one before it.
Which artists have influenced your work the most?What I find odd is that some of the artists I like the most are not necessarily the ones, who have always influenced me the most. My father, Wing Howard, who taught me to use watercolor, was the most influential, although my paintings are quite different from his. I’ve been influenced by Jean Pillement, Lisbeth Zwerger, (the Austrian illustrator), Kay Nielsen, Charles Doyle, (father of Arthur Conan Doyle), Helen Dryden, (the art deco fashion illustrator), Jean Hugo, and J. J. Grandville. There are many others, not necessarily widely known.
I want to offer my most sincere thanks to Harrison for sharing more about himself and his work with us and encourage you to visit his beautiful site where his museum-worthy works and prints are available for purchase. He also accepts commissions!
STRAVINSKIJ BAR - ROME
Garden Courtyard of Hotel de Russie
I've had the joy of visiting Rome several times, so it was fun to take on this commission from a wonderful client in the fashion world. She wanted me to capture the Stravinskij Bar at Hotel de Russie near Piazza del Popolo in Rome, Italy. I actually stayed just down the street in a flat on there on Via del Babuino about 10 years ago and had a very memorable time. The Hotel de Russie is a very chic and historic hotel that has long been known as THE spot to stay in Rome, from as far back as when the "European Grand Tour" was in vogue for the jet set.
Please let me know if there's a special place that you'd like me to capture in a custom painting - you can contact me here for details & pricing.
Have a GREAT Monday - I am packing and moving this week!! Some sore muscles here...
IPAD & ANNECHOVIE
I wanted to find an attractive case for my ipad that wasn't too common and came in a pleasing hue.
I admired this Smythson sleeve from afar, but at $280 it was way out of my budget (how I do love their signature blue hue, though!) Hmm, what's a girl to do? Well, you design your own!
Here's the end product and it's for sale here and can be personalized.
front
back
inside
and don't forget my Hermes bag design is available here also!
Have a nice weekend, Everyone!
SCORE A DEAL - MOVING SALE!
20% OFF ALL remaining ORIGINAL PAINTINGS HERE IN MY ETSY STORE!
Use Code MOVE20 at checkout to receive discount.
OUTDOOR COMFORT
As I mentioned, I am getting ready to move in the next couple of weeks and with a move comes re-organization and thoughts about what I'd like to do differently at my next abode. Moving is always a fresh start and always motivates me to pare down, edit and maybe add a piece or 2 as I am throwing out the old.
Fortunately, here in Florida, outdoor living is a year-round reality and I feel blessed that I don't have to wait until Spring to think about enjoying the beautiful weather. The problem sometimes is finding outdoor furniture that is both comfortable and practical for withstanding the weather and moisture, etc.
I like the idea of a "living room alfresco" type set-up where there aren't sharp edges, hard seats, or a mesh pattern that gets imprinted on your backside if you spend more than 10 minutes lounging in a chair!
What do you think of this all-weather rattan sofa option? I dig the thick cushion and the ample arms.
Check out many more options here!