SPLASH 2

New England is a wonderful place to live during the summer, except for when it feels more like Southern Texas. The issue: Old, charming New England homes don't have A.C.. So my house feels like a 100 degree hot house. My children are even having trouble dealing! So today I only have the patience for one image and a short thought!! I wish I could dive right into this photograph. It's by one of my favorite photographers (many of you share this love) Massimo Vitali. I dream of one day owning an extra large copy of one of his beach scenes. Although, this lake shot is my favorite today! Happy Summer!

Image: Available through 1st dibs

Art I'm loving

Have you checked out Jen Ramos of Made By Girl 's small paintings? I love these colorful creations! I've added yet another item to my wish list! See them all here!

Art I'm loving

A huge part of my job entails discovering fabrics, finishes, furniture, and found objects for my design projects but one of my favorite items to source for my clients is artwork. I constantly discover new artists and feel I've become pretty good at honing in on a style or feel that will not only suit my client's interiors, and lifestyle but their personality. Artwork infuses a space with soul! I am also all for client's choosing their own pieces, because let's face it, most art is subjective.  I do however often find that most of my clients are over whelmed by the process and decision! 

Here are a couple of artists I recently discovered:

1. The painted canvases are by Michelle Armas and are available through Big Cartel.

2. The vibrant floral photographs are by Julia Lynn - I would love to see these blown up to a larger then life size.

Pop Art - Natasha Law

I would love to use one of Natasha Law's {Jude's sister} highly glossy, oversized, pop art paintings in a project. It would have to be for the right client, most likely someone who isn't afraid to take a risk and that can appreciate Law's revealing, graphic approach.  I would love to see one of these at the end of a well lit hallway leading to a bed room! The photo image is of Interior Designer - Sara Gilbane, sitting in front of her Natasha Law painting. Here's some more information on Natasha's style and approach. 
Natasha's work is also available in the U.S. through Voltze Clark. I believe that's where Sara buys her pieces.

"Executed with industrial material, the paintings require a complex, time-consuming process. Law usually starts with  modeling sessions where she photographs and draws her sitters. She then projects the resulting line drawings onto  metal sheets, decides how to crop the image as well as its colour scheme. The last and possibly most difficult part of  the process starts when she applies the colours on the aluminium panel. Multiple layers are necessary to produce her  immediately recognisable vibrant colours, and each layer requires long hours of drying. Law’s choice of material, as well  her subject, evokes the aesthetic of Pop Art, her bold block colours reminiscent of Tom Wesselmann’s seminal nudes.  The saturated colours lend a near-abstract quality to the works, turning these figurative works into complex composition  of coloured shapes. In style, Law’s are elegantly minimal; in content they remain emotionally charged. " Natasha Law was born in 1970 and lives in London.

Artist Love - siiso.

I love discovering new artists on Etsy, todays discovery was of the artist's work siiso. I have wanted to replace a watercolor of my honeymoon villa, it's still hanging in my living room but desperately needs to be tucked away. I will share it with my children when they are older. I came across this beautiful Giclee (a fine art print reproduced on an ink jet printer) yesterday. I would love to purchase an original at some point, but for now, I bought this print! Positive change is good! I'm looking forward to receiving my new piece!

and some other works on her site.

Art - The Pink Pagoda

I'm thinking a trio or a pair of these re-worked Chippendale prints could look great in my home! For more of The Pink Pagoda's photoshop magic visit their Etsy site here!

Dreaming

of escaping our third snowstorm and heading to the beach. Sadly, that is not my reality this winter, but a girl can dream.
I love the dreamy quality of artist Cheryl Maeder's oversized (40 x 60) beach photographs. She is having a show this weekend at Art Palm Beach at Galerie Mark Haehem, booth #214.

Here are the bags I would bring. Anya Hindmarch's resort collection would work perfectly.

Stars....

I posted this print the other day with a snapshot of holiday images...i love it and had to know where it was from. The gold on {either chocolate which would be ideal or maybe it's black, is stunning}. If you look closely  the custom type is made up of little stars...gorgeous. As I mentioned early, I think I would have to hang this in my bedroom. It's by the illustrator/artist Sebastian Lester. Check out his site, I have emailed him about this piece, so I'll post the info. if you'd like!! 

of note: at the MFA

I'm a bit of an art enthusiast, I'm sure that doesn't come as a surprise, I write a design blog right? I was thrilled when invited to attend two separate private showings at the newly opened Art of the Americas wing at the Boston MFA. First off the newly designed wing was a much needed and anticipated addition. Simply put, it's a breath of fresh air. I love the fusion of old and new. The dialogue between the original building built in 1909 {a number of additions were added in the early 1900's.} and the new building designed by Foster and Partners of London is spectacular. Last night I attended the opening of Fresh Ink, an exhibit displaying ten artist's modern interpretation of a traditional piece of Chinese art. It was an engaging show that runs through mid-February.

images: Dexigner.com, MFA website, Skinner

Tis' the season part deux!

I posted one of Karen Appleton's amazing pieces a few weeks ago. I am utterly blown away by these packages..I love, love, love them. If I were in a position to purchase my self a gift right now, {i have way too much going on in my life right now to think about buying anything} it would certainly be one of these! They are absolutely on my wish list and would make a wonderful gift. 

Super-sized

Proportion plays a huge part in my work, great design is all about balancing the elements. Over scaled artwork is the perfect way to add interest and drama to your home. My client art install went great last week, the large scaled painting by artist Elise Morris perfectly finished off the room! It's almost photo-ready! 

images: Martha Stewart, Miles Redd, Atlanta Homes Magazine, Veranda, House of Turquoise, via Pure Style Home, Angie Hranowsky, Hamilton Design Associates.