My favorite place - the beachToday's post title is a bit of a facetious play on that often stereotypical "artist attitude" of psuedo-depth and melodrama. I am not the kind of artist who is either angst-ridden or feigns being so impossibly deep that an observer needs days to ponder my work and look for the hidden meaning. I am not ashamed to admit my work is not that profound nor do I have any desire to live a tortured, dark existence. To me, there is enough darkness, evil and sadness in the world already. I don't find any particular thrill in wallowing in it or trying to represent it in my work. I like happy. I like cheerful. I like vibrant. I like peaceful. I like good. I like to remember the sweet moments. Forget the bitter. Keep distance from the destructive. And I am not ashamed of it.
Call me shallow, but I generally paint things as they appear. A chair is a chair. A room is a room. Although all my subjects can represent far more than just how they appear on the surface, my goal is not to appear unduly complicated. So, in the spirit of simplicity and straightforwardness, I present a few snapshots of the things that surround me on a daily basis. We all know that people see things differently and associate what they see with deeper things based on their own particular outlook. That is why I so enjoy seeing other people's homes. The voyeuristic pleasure afforded by observing others' surroundings and living quarters is something that is a habit, a hobby and a true passion of mine. A person's "digs" are worth a thousand words. That is one of the things I enjoy most about being a part of the world-wide blogging community. My fellow bloggers have delighted me with allowing me see their homes and the homes of others. While I am still a shelter magazine addict, blogs offer a "meantime fix" that keeps me going until next month's issue arrives in my mailbox. So, here's to all of my beloved bloggers who have shared all this visual wealth and inspiration with me. Thank you!
A reproduction Chinese vase I bought a few years ago at The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
I painted it last Summer and it's available as a print on my Etsy site.
Some cheesy little magnets I created that hold up my inspirational clippings
An oil painting my mom did back in the 70's (after van Gogh).
Some cheesy little magnets I created that hold up my inspirational clippingsI repurposed my Metropolitan Museum of Art badge (top) and made it into a magnet!
Another oil painting of my mom's, done when I was about 4.
I painted this baker's rack periwinkle!
A portrait of my grandmother, Lulu Harwell, a Southern belle, painted in the 50's
Some bougainvillea off the back of the house, stuck in a small vase.
Another oil painting of my mom's, done when I was about 4.
I painted this baker's rack periwinkle!
A portrait of my grandmother, Lulu Harwell, a Southern belle, painted in the 50's
My work area, in all it's glory! LOL
Some bougainvillea off the back of the house, stuck in a small vase. Florida's lush vegetation is such a treat!
Part of my sunglass collection. (I know it looks like Elton John lives here)
A collection of Staffordshire figurines on an antique painted etagere
Part of my sunglass collection. (I know it looks like Elton John lives here)(OK, so maybe I LIKE color a little.....)
A collection of Staffordshire figurines on an antique painted etagere that my grandmother owned.
39 comments:
Anne, I so agree with you. I too paint bright and cheerful things. I have SERIOUS artist friends that create things with so much depth, it's beyond my comprehension, I don't want to have to think so hard about a piece of art. I just want to enjoy the beauty of the piece. I ENJOY your art!!!!
Anne,
I feel like "Paula" from American Idol, standing up and clapping and cheering for you and then Simon in the back ground saying his deep dark comments.
I love you, and that the sun drives you, not darkness!
Looks like you were fed art for breakfast - it seems to have been served up to you!
Keep us warm with those beach photos and the sunglasses make me smile.
Patricia
Hi Hazel~
I don't think art needs to be overthought. It's supposed to be a pure expression of who you are and what's inside should flow out. You are what you are and I think there's a great power in authenticity. Some people feel like they have to try and be something they're not and they don't pull it off, and so, it's evident in their work. Keep just being who you are! Thanks for your kind comments!
Thank you, Patricia! You are such a positive, nurturing person and I really appreciate you for that. Hope things warm up your way soon!
XO
The sprig of bouganvilla makes me yearn for a trip to Florida. I enjoyed today's posting.
teaorwine
Thank you, Tea! Bougainvillea is one of the most beautiful things down here - I can't get enough of it!
Anne,
I love this glimpse into your world! I agree--do not focus on the darkness but do focus on the light, bright and happy! What a beautiful and talented family you are part of...I love the portrait of your Grandmother.
Annie
I love your periwinkle baker's rack! I painted my iron patio furniture that same color and then did black and white paisley cushions. Your bakers rack reminds me a lot of it and it's fabulous!
Emily
Your work is wonderful. Love PVE's analogy to Paula on American Idol. And I would say that happy, vibrant and peaceful is indeed profound.
Annie~
Thank you so much for your affirmation and kind words! Yeah, I love that portrait and feel lucky to be able to enjoy it everyday.
Thank you, Emily! I'd love to see photos of your furniture - sounds gorgeous. Keep up the great work with your blog!
Thank you, Notting Hill! BTW, your blog is looking fantastic!
I love that sunglass collection of yours!!! Good stuff :)
The world does not need another tortured soul doing profound(ly ugly) art. Your art is lovely and it makes me happy when i look at it.
Thank you, Simply Grove! None of them are expensive, I just like the colors and shapes. After all, how good can a plastic pair of sunglasses get? Anything that can be that easily crushed by being accidentally sat upon is not worth spending a ton on, right?
That is the nicest thing to say, Corine. Thank you! It makes me smile to think of making people happy.
I LOVE this! This is so great to see inside your "life." I didn't know your mother was an artist too! Love seeing your home and your beach - I'm so jealous!
take care
Joni
Gee, thanks, Joni! Yeah, mom doesn't really paint anymore, but she should. She used to do it when we were little - I think it was her one night out a week and she must've enjoyed that time with her art class after being home with 3 rambunctious kids all day! My dad still works with pastel chalks sometimes, too. I guess I got a double dose of artsy.
Living near the beach is such a treat! I wanted to my whole life, so it's cool to now only be a few minutes drive....
I absolutely agree with you Anne. Paint what inspires you and makes you smile. I prefer paintings that don't always psychoanalyze a subject but rather enchance it's best features. Like you said, a pretty little girl picking a daisy can be just a pretty little girl picking a daisy.
I loved the pics of your personal treasures and I too love Bougainvilleas. They remind of travelling through some enchanting villages in Greece last year. Thank you for triggering that memory. I must plant one at home!
Anna :)
Yeah, Anne! I love how you paint and the light and joy that comes from who you are and how you see things!
And on a side note, I think I have that exact same baker's rack that you painted periwinkle! How smashing it looks! Mine is dark wood and not nearly as happy looking! :-)
Happy day,
Melissa
Thanks for your kind words, Anna! Yes, bougainvillea does well in Australia, doesn't it?
Thank you, Melissa. You are so sweet. You DO have the most beautiful kitchen, though, and your house is very charming!
Your favorite things are lovely and I can see the influences in your work-- which is wonderful stuff!
anne
I love the peek into your home, everywhere is so nice!
Thank you, Ann and Tara, I appreciate the nice comments!
Yes Anne, bougainvilleas grow beautifully down under, especially in the tropical north of Australia. They are also drought tolerant so they can handle our climate. In my mind I have the perfect spot to grow one but I'll have to wait till the renovations are complete lol.
Anna :)
Hi Anne, Thanks for sharing more about your beautiful family and home on this blog. You are really inspiring me to take up painting...really. =))
Thanks, Su Ling. You should take up painting! You would be great at it, I know.
Anne, I loved this post! It's wonderful to have a little peek into your life, especially your mother's paintings and that portrait of your grandmother--so beautiful!
Thank you, Rosalie! That's very sweet.
Anne, how wonderful to see your mom's work, the Lulu portrait and more of your things! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Courtney!
I love this post! I too enjoy surrounding myself with sights, sounds and colors that remind me of all of the wonderful things this world has to offer-it's times like these that we need all of the joyousness we can get!
Thanks.
Thank you, Industrial Poppy! I agree!
It's so neat to see your workplace and some of your personal favorite items! I especially like the items you painted periwinkle blue. Love that color, it looks lovely.
you have such a lovely home! it's gorgeous :) i love the peeks into your home... shows your interests and what inspires you :)
Thank you, Drey! That's very sweet.
OMG - that portrait of your grandmother is beautiful Anne and so too is your picture leaning there!! Love them both! I wish I had a portrait of my grandmother!
X
Anna
Oh, thank you, Anna! Yes, I am grateful to get to enjoy my grandma's portrait everyday.
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