ME = FLICKR FAN

I am such a fan of Flickr. It's so amazing to me that such a universal catalogue of online images exists and is so easy and fun to navigate. I am adding more to my Flickr site all the time. I even came across a photo someone had posted of two prints they had bought from me and framed. What a nice surprise! Thanks, DesignPhan!

2 FOR 1 SALE ENDS TOMORROW AT MIDNIGHT

These are the last 2 days to take advantage of my buy 1 get 1 free sale. For example, if you buy 1 print, you get 1 free. Buy 1 box of notecards, get one free. The only stipulation is that the free item claimed must be of the same type and of equal or lesser value. Just go to my Etsy store, make a purchase and then, in the notes to seller section, type in the item desired as your free gift. Just remember to type in your request, or I can't include the free item in your shipment.

I want to include the free item you have specified in the shipment - you deserve it! So head over to my ETSY SITE and score a great deal NOW!

THANKS TO URBAN FLEA!!

I wanted to thank my friend, Katherine Lee, of the great new design blog, URBAN FLEA, for doing a feature post on my work last week. Katherine is a great person with an eye for beautiful things and hip trends. She is certainly no snob and cares nothing for provenance, believing that great design trumps pedigree every time! She has a leg up on the rest of us as she is on staff at the happening design mag, Domino, and gets first dibs on a lot of inside info. Here is what she says about her blog-"I'm on a relentless quest to fuse the best of high and low design, bringing a global urban flea market mash-up to the masses."

So, I think it would behoove you to hop over to URBAN FLEA immediately and check out her latest post! Mucho gracias, Katherine!!

NEW PRINT

CLICK HERE TO BUY!
This is a print of an original gouache painting I created. Features a classic pair of orange sunglasses surrounded by the text"You shine so bright I need sunglasses" in hand-drawn lettering in a great shade of violet-blue. Great for that special someone who is a bright spot in your life!

ANNECHOVIE IN ART SENOIA

Some of my work at Art Senoia, a show opening tomorrow evening. It's located in a historic, rustic gallery in the Atlanta area. (click for larger image)

The show includes the work of many fine artists from the Atlanta area.

Some of my talented photographer brother, Jeremy Harwell's work. He took all these photos in this post.

Found metal sculpture by Zack and David Moye

Tomorrow night marks the opening of Art Senoia in suburban Atlanta, Georgia. I encourage anyone who lives in the area to come out for the opening reception, complete with REFRESHMENTS! If you know someone who lives in the area, please spread the word or pass on this link.

A great way to kick off Spring and celebrate the arts. Set against the rustic brick walls of a century-old building, "Art Senoia" will debut April 25th with an opening reception from 6:30 to 9:30 at 20 Main Street in Historic Downtown Senoia. This is the first event of the newly formed Cultural Arts Committee of the Senoia Downtown Development Authority. "Art Senoia" will feature a range of beautiful paintings along with fine photography and art quilts. The art is for sale, and a portion of the proceeds goes to support the Cultural Arts Committee. Local shops and restaurants will also be open the evening of the reception.

Local painters taking part in the show are David Boyd Jr., Victor Dallas, Anne Harwell, Martin Pate, Jane Whitehurst, Joy Whitley and Yun Liu. Photographers showing their artwork are Paul Conlan and Jeremy Harwell. Found metal sculpture by Zack and David Moye and fiber art and quilts by Claudia Wood are also included in the exhibit.
After the April 25th reception, the exhibit will be open Saturdays 11:00 to 5:00 and Sundays 1:00 to 5:00 through Memorial Day, May 26th. It can also be viewed during the week by students and other groups by appointment. The reception and art show are free and open to the public.
Art Senoia is sponsored by the Senoia Downtown Development Authority and The City of Senoia.

THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!

I want to take this opportunity to thank my very suportive and kind fellow bloggers, Courtney Goodwin of Nesting Instincts, Su Ling Zagodnorova of Laissez Faire and Jennifer Mitchell of Design Hole for promoting my huge April sale! They are spread all over the globe and live thousands of miles apart from me and each other, but they have all been so kind to mention my work and big sale this week. Thanks to you all!

BUY 1 GET 1 FREE SALE!!

A few of the prints available now in my store. Lots more to choose from!

From now through April 30th, I am featuring a special buy one, get one free sale on all items in my ETSY store. For example, if you buy 1 print, you get 1 free. Buy 1 box of notecards, get one free. The only stipulation is that the free item claimed must be of the same type and of equal or lesser value. Just go to my Etsy store, make a purchase and then, in the notes to seller section, type in the item desired as your free gift. I will include the item you have specified in the shipment. It's a great time to stock up on some gifts. This special offer is only good until April 30th, so check out my Etsy store now!

SNAPS FROM THE WEEKEND

The alligator swimming not more than 15 feet outside my door. This guy was at least a 5 footer....

The beautiful tiled fountain and courtyard in "Morocco" at Epcot Disney

I thought this tea cup planter was so clever!

The gardens in "England" at Epcot. The most authentic looking part of Epcot, I think. Some of the other "countries" are way more staged looking. After all, it IS Disney.

I have been working very long hours lately, trying to complete some projects and get everything for my show done and shipped off. My eyes are tired and my hand is permanently poised as if still holding a paintbrush. With the pieces for the show finally sent, I decided to take a much-needed break and use a complimentary pass I was given to Disneyworld. I am not much for rides at this stage in life, but I did enjoy an absolutely gorgeous day outside at Epcot. Generally, I am not a big fan of amusement parks, crowds or tourist haunts, but I was surprised to find some beautiful gardens, a pretty authentic French chocolate croissant and a gorgeous Moroccan fountain. What did you do this weekend?

THANKS TO MY NOTTING HILL!

Just want to say a special thank you to Michelle Ginnerty of My Notting Hill for posting one of my prints as a part of a post on Fiona Newell-Weeks. My Notting Hill is a Washington D.C. based design blog that offers great content and has really taken off. Michelle is a super nice person and a great blogger as well. Thanks, Michelle! You can read the post here.

VICEROY ANGUILLA

How dreamy does this look? This is the latest development by the Kor Group in Anguilla, West Indies. It looks to me like this would be the perfect setting for soul-restoring getaways in a tropical paradise. The view alone makes you want to sigh. Here's what the Kor Group has to say about their island outpost.
"Situated on 35 lush acres, with 3,200 feet of beachfront land along Barnes and Meads Bays, Viceroy Anguilla’s real estate offering features 140 contemporary beachfront and blufftop villas, sophisticated townhomes and opulent resort residences with an exclusive 45 ownership opportunities available in the final release. Anguilla has an unmistakable sense of place where owners will revel in utter privacy, yet enjoy unlimited access to the resort’s myriad pleasures synonymous with the Viceroy brand. Boasting contemporary architecture juxtaposed with organic materials, the villa exteriors are clean and modern with straight, simple forms".

Sounds modern, hip, and luxurious to me! To top off the gorgeous setting, the residences were designed by "IT" designer Kelly Wearstler (who, as most of you know, happens to be married to Brad Korzen, president of the Kor group). She used organic materials and textures, such as wood, stone, metals, rattan and rope to stunning effect. She said she was inspired by the tropical setting and it looks to me like she translated it very successfully, while leaving the stamp of her trademark style on all of the 140 fully furnished residences.

Some of the unique luxury features include, premium appliances, central air, fabulous gourmet kitchens, master baths featuring soaking tubs and separate indoor and private outdoor showers, high ceilings, state-of-the-art electronics and technologies, amazing beach and ocean views, and, my favorite, heated plunge pools! While, presently, I don't possess the funds for such a purchase (not even close!) part of what defines an artist is having dreams, right? Dreaming about relaxing on that terrace is what I'm doing right now........

For more information, check out the Viceroy Anguilla website.

TYING UP LOOSE ENDS....

Hope all of you are having a good week so far! I am slightly preoccupied at the moment. I thought I was ready for my upcoming show, but as often happens, there are a few odds and ends that need attending to. Loose ends here, so I am going to leave you with this great Jordi Labanda illustration and get back to work. Ta-ta for now......

MY WEEKEND ON THE PERFECT PENINSULA

A feathery Australian Pine hanging over the bay - I can't believe how beautiful the water is..... It's been so fun learning all the names of the trees and plants here. So many interesting and gorgeous varieties!

Another depressing weekend in Florida with gloomy weather.....

Yes, yes, I know. I promise I am not trying to make anyone jealous. No, my life is hardly perfect and the weather here is not always sunny. Sometimes, even here in paradise, it gets stormy and things can be stressful. I don't take pictures when the skies are dark, tears are falling and I'm stressed with work and covered in paint (although that may be coming...stay tuned) However, I do believe in looking on the bright side and being thankful not only for the things that are going right, but also for the things that are difficult and painful, because even those trials can bring about good things. I am learning that acceptance, faith and gratitude are keys to peace. They make the disappointments and pain in life bearable and the sweet moments in life even that much sweeter. (Romans 8:28)

This weekend I had occasion to enjoy one of those happy times, taking some time out to celebrate a very special event in my family, my beloved baby sister's engagement! Lis is my spunky, adorable, funny, vivacious, smart, beautiful, sweet and energetic only sister. I am very protective of her (typical older sister) and it thrills me to see her so happy and contented. My new brother-to-be is a terrific guy who has proven, over time, to be such a consistent blessing, not only to my sister, but to our entire family. He is kind, reliable, honest, respectful, gentle, generous and loving. A man of integrity, a true rarity these days. They are so well suited to each other and bring out the best in one another, just as it should be. I am so happy for both of them and wish them a loving, peaceful and fulfilling life together. Congratulations - I love you guys!!

ART SENOIA

The poster I created for Art Senoia, a fine arts show in historic downtown Senoia, Georgia. My brother, Jeremy Harwell, an award-winning photographer, runs his studio in downtown Senoia. Jeremy left NYC in 2003, after years working with Ralph Lauren as Creative Director for his New York stores. He built a charming farmhouse with his wife, Karrie, and 3 children and refurbished the historic bank building his photography studio is now housed in. More on Jeremy, his home and studio in the future. He is one of the artists participating in Art Senoia, as well as myself. The show opens with a reception on Friday, April 25th and is open every weekend for a month. The show will feature the work of fine artists and photographers from around the Atlanta area in a gallery setting. Senoia is a unique place named after a Native American princess located about 45 miles south of Downtown Atlanta, GA. It has been the setting for several films in recent years, including Fried Green Tomatoes, Sweet Home Alabama with Reese Witherspoon and The Fighting Temptations.

NEW PINK LOUIS XIV CHAIR COLLAGE

CLICK HERE TO BUY!
This handcut silhouette collage features the classic lines of a fine French Louis XIV chair in deep pink on a delicate leaf-patterned green background. This is a limited edition, completely hand-cut and assembled collage. Very strong graphic quality. Sort of what I'd call neo-traditional pop art. Work is mounted on an 6x6 gesso board, ready for framing or even perfect on its own! Complete with protective finish. Limited edition piece signed and numbered by artist on the back. Shipped via USPS in an acid-free clear sleeve.

PINK FRIDAY

"Pink Espresso" painting - Anne Harwell on ETSY

"Villa Borghese Gardens" painting - Anne Harwell on ETSY

"Studio Interior" painting - Liza Hirst

My grandmother with her white gloves and bold floral head gear- 1967

Painting - Kaffe Fassett

Jan Showers Design

Painting - Kaffe FassettHouse Beautiful

Pink is one of my favorite colors and I thought I'd include a few selections from my files. Some of them I have had for quite a while, and so am not sure of their source, but wherever possible, I have labeled them. Hope you all have a nice, relaxing weekend!

THANK YOU, MATERIAL GIRLS!

Wow, this has been the week for getting "blogged" and I am extremely grateful to all the bloggers who have featured my work recently. Today, I want to recognize another, Emily Johnston of Texas-based design blog, Material Girls. Thank you so much, Emily! People like you really help to boost morale and keep us artists inspired. Keep up the great design work and blogging. You can read the post here.

A SPRING STROLL AROUND ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE

St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL. I don't know about you, but oftentimes I get so busy with work and life in general, that I forget to take time to enjoy the place I live and appreciate what the community has to offer. This past weekend I took a day off and spent a little time pretending to be a tourist in my own town. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed having lunch with some great friends followed by a leisurely stroll around St. Armand's Circle, an outdoor shopping area with loads of little pastel hued boutiques, restaurants and galleries set around a picturesque central landscaped park on Lido Key. For a few hours, I felt like I was on vacation and got a much-needed recharging. After that, I spent a while at the bookstore, browsing to the accompaniment of some horribly out-of-tune Bluegrass performers. They could have made even a Tennessee granny want to pluck her chin whiskers out! Sad to say, I was strangely relieved when the lead performer started whistling the larger part of a couple of tunes. Well, needless to mention, I couldn't handle that for long. I seriously think bookstores should consider banning vocals. Anyone agree? A trip to the beach at sunset topped off my day and I went to bed thinking,"I need to do this more often!" Minus the bookstore bluegrass, of course!

A view of The Met - an upscale clothing store, day spa and salon.

One of the gorgeous flowering Orchid trees indigenous to the area.

I love all the potted palms and beautiful flowering plants everywhere.

The fountain in front of The Met

One of the many statues dotted around St. Armand's Circle

Another gorgeous flowering tree, the Tabebuia, or Gold Tree. I am a big botanical/horticultural nerd (from my parents dragging me to nurseries as a kid and my grandma, Lula, a HUGE gardening buff!)

Hemingway's Hideaway - a popular local eatery in shades of tropical sherbet.

Some of the many colorful French linens at Decor de France, a charming local boutique.

I love these quilted French table linens and the lime green iron baker's rack in the background.

Decor de France sells these colorful indoor/outdoor rugs that are great for porches and lanais.

A statue of Christopher Columbus. All of these beautiful statues ringing the circle that were once donated by circus magnate and former resident, John Ringling, have just recently been restored to their former glory.

The Columbia Restaurant's adjoining gift shop that features many unique and colorful pottery pieces imported from Spain.

I think this traditional ironwork partition between the restaurant and shop is a perfect place to display some of the gorgeous Spanish ceramics.

Is this colorfully tiled window full of eye candy or what? That urn is stunning - that color combination of the blue and yellow caught my eye. The prices on the ceramics are surprisingly reasonable.

The Columbia restaurant has had an outpost in Sarasota since the late 1950's. The food is amazing and it has a truly European atmosphere, especially with the outdoor bistro style tables. I am crazy about the chairs - just like those in Paris!

I absolutely love the clever incorporation of traditional Spanish tiles everywhere!

The Columbia Restaurant is a legendary Florida establishment. The first restaurant was opened by the Casimiro Hernandez family in Tampa in 1905. Since then, they have expanded to a family of 7 restaurants throughout the state. They are known for their authentic Spanish dishes and tapas. Another signature is their "1905 Salad" and the individual loaves of their paper-wrapped crusty warm bread. I could eat nothing but these two items and come away completely satisfied! It's truly a worthwhile place to visit with not only great food and ambiance, but outstanding and friendly service as well.

This is the recipe for the "1905 Salad", their signature salad. Once you taste it, you will be craving it for days....(I am a big Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice fan, 2 of the key ingredients in the dressing) so I was thrilled to find the recipe on their website. Thank you, Columbia for generously sharing this with the public!

1905 salad

Salad Ingredients

½ head iceberg lettuce

2 ripe tomatoes, cut in eighths

½ cup Swiss cheese, cut in julienne strips

½ cup ham, cut in julienne strips (or turkey or shrimp)

¼ cup green Spanish olives, pitted

2 teaspoons grated Romano cheese

Salad Dressing Ingredients

1/8 cup white wine vinegar

½ cup extra-virgin Spanish olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon oregano

2 teaspoons lemon juice

Preparation

Toss together all salad ingredients in a bowl, except Romano Cheese.

Mix garlic, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.

Beat until smooth with a wire whisk.

Add olive oil, gradually beating to form an emulsion.

Stir in vinegar and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Add dressing to salad and toss well.

Add Romano Cheese and toss one more time. Serves 4.

(3 bottom photos courtesy of the Columbia website)