CHAIR SILHOUETTE COLLAGE

Collage with Parisian paper on gouache on Arches cold press paper (5x6)

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This work is the first in a series I am doing involving paper silhouettes on gouache backgrounds. This is available on my Etsy site as a mounted canvas print with finished edges (no frame is necessary!). It can also be printed on paper - just contact me if you're interested.

I found this special orange paper on a trip to Paris in the fabulous basement stationery department of Printemps department store. That place is magical to me! I have kept the paper for a few years before conscripting it into one of my projects.

My beloved grandmother was a big fan of silhouettes and was after me years ago, before they were back in vogue, to create some. I honestly thought she was crazy and that her age was taking it's toll on her mind! How wrong I was! Now after her passing 3 years ago, I finally took her advice to heart - better late than ever, eh? Bluish-aqua was one of her favorite colors and she had an all orange bathroom with silhouettes when I was little. Amazing how your surroundings seep into your consciousness and can influence your tastes, even years later. Grandma BB, this is for you!

IN ADDITION, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MY FRIEND, NOUNA, OVER AT

THIS IS GLAMOROUS FOR THE MENTION ON HER BLOG TODAY.

COTE DE TEXAS

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I want to send a special thank you to Joni Webb, a gifted designer who posts regularly on her stylish blog, Cote de Texas. This spunky and colorful Houstonian commissioned me to paint one of her favorite views in her house, a garden statue that sits in a light-drenched front window between two silk drapery panels. It was a pleasure working with her and I look forward to doing more work for her very soon! She is a warm and gracious lady. You can read her post on our collaboration here. Thank you, Joni! I love doing commissions for my clients! The interaction is such a fun process and it's a delight to work with some wonderful people. Why don't YOU consider having me do a favorite piece/room/object for you or as a gift for a loved one? Please feel free to contact me at: anneharwell@hotmail.com

MINI COOPER CANVAS PRINT

Canvas giclee print of original gouache/ink painting (10x8)

This is a print on canvas with finished sides (no visible staples) so framing is not necessary. Just hang it as is for a chic modern look, gallery style. Many of my paintings are available in this same format, so feel free to contact me with any questions.
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MANOR HOUSE

Watercolor on paper (10x8)

PORCELAIN ARTICHOKE

Gouache/acrylic painting on paper (8x10)

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FINCH FRIENDS

Gouache/ink painting on Arches cold press paper (10x8)

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THANKS FOR THE MENTION!

Just wanting to send a special thank you out to the folks at Cuteable for the nice mention of me on their blog yesterday. This site has the scoop on all the latest, coolest finds available online, so check them out when you get a chance. Thank you!

CASEY KEY COTTAGE

Watercolor on paper (10x8)

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BEACON HILL WINDOW BOX

Watercolor on paper (7X4)

Original work for sale $45. Please Email me if you are interested in purchasing.

DIANNE'S BASKET

Watercolor on paper (4x3)

This is in honor of my Aunt Dianne, who has been battling courageously with cancer. She loves flowers, gardening and beauty. She has always been a source of encouragement and support to me through my difficult times. I want her to know she is very dear to me and she is always in my thoughts and prayers!! I love you, Aunt Dianne!

BLUE ESPRESSO MACHINE

Gouache/ink painting done on Arches cold press paper (8x10)

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This is a painting of my Dad's prized baby-blue Francis-Francis espresso machine I bought him last year. He loves to take orders from guests and make lots of noise in the kitchen with this. I tease him and tell him it has turned him into a barista!

BOSTON VASE

Gouache/ink painting on Arches cold press paper (8x10)

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This is a painting I did of an antique reproduction vase I bought at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It's a fascinating museum which also happens to have a great gift shop! This vase is from China and the colors really "grabbed" me.

VINTAGE MINI COOPER

Gouache/ink painting on Arches cold press paper (8x10)
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I couldn't resist painting this vintage Mini Cooper! I love the styling and the classic shape. A bit of a departure from my normal subject matter, I know, but I thought it'd be fun. Speaking of fun, I LOVE doing commissions and have been enjoying doing those lately. I know many of you have told me you will be wanting a room or vignette done for someone as a gift for Christmas, etc. . I just wanted to remind you that my time is filling up fast, and the Holidays will be here before you know it, so that if you want to be sure you get yours done in time, it'd be a good idea to get in an order now. Keep in mind that not only is it a great and unique gift to immortalize a room or favorite object for someone special, but that I also name the painting after them if I choose to make a print, so it's kind of an ongoing tribute. Something to keep in mind for those of you who like to think ahead, anyway. My rates are reasonable as well. You can contact me at: anneharwell@hotmail.com Thanks again to all those who have already given me the opportunity to paint something special for them!

BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN NICHE

Watercolor on paper (8x10)

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PATRICIA GRAY'S ROOM

Bottom photo: Roger Brooks for Architectural Digest

Top image: Gouache/ink painting on Arches cold press paper (11x8) by Anne Harwell

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This was a commission I did for uber-talented designer and blogger Patricia Gray of Vancouver, Canada. She designed this very hip, modernistic and all-white room in a city apartment. The focal point of this room is 4 chairs by Italian designer Paolo Rizzatti - his own take on the traditional wingback chair. It was published in the December 2006 edition of Architectural Digest. Here is the post Patricia wrote on it.

MARIELLE AT THE FIRE

Watercolor on paper (8x10)

THANKS FOR THE MENTION, NEW FRIENDS!

It's been a busy week for me, with a lot to do. Very full, but very good! One thing I am noticing since starting this painting-a-day blog, is that I am much more motivated and inspired to paint than ever before! I have to say that most of it has to do with the wonderful and fascinating people I am meeting and the warmth I experience from total strangers. It really amazes me just HOW supportive people have been. I know I mentioned this already this week, but at the risk of sounding redundant, I sincerely want to thank a few people who, just yesterday, took the time to mention me or link me on their blogs. One is a customer, Carol Allston-Stiles, from Pike Creek Coffee Roasterie in Newark, Delaware. She is a purveyor of gourmet coffees who sells to gourmet markets and coffee shops. She asked if she could include a link to my Pink Espresso painting on her blog, Coffee Buzz....and Tea, Too. How nice was that?

Then there was Franki Durbin, a fellow blogger who happened upon my blog through a mutual blog-friend, Patricia Gray. Franki's blog Life in a Venti Cup is all about style, design, modern culture and travel (all these references to coffee today.........) Franki is an interactive marketing star based in St. Louis. She seems full of life and personality and is extremely positive and encouraging. Thank you, Franki!

Also, there is a very nice pair of friends in Baltimore, Maryland who have bonded over their common creativity and love of scrapbooking to create their own company and share about their friendship and business, while offering their creative services, with a blog, MEMIbooks. They were kind enough to link my site and I'd like to say thanks to Mel and Miji and ,as a newbie blogger myself, wish them all the best!

My sincere thanks to all of you for brightening my week with your encouragement and support! Brings to mind one of my favorite quotes:
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted"
Aesop

Hope you ALL have a wonderful weekend!!

GOTHIC WINDOW AND PLATES

Watercolor on paper (5x7)

TANGERINE VASE ON GREEN HEXAGONS

Gouache/ink painting on Arches cold press paper (8x10)

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THANKS FOR THE MENTION Patricia Gray, Adorn, and Peak of Chic!!!!!!

I want to thank both Patricia Gray of Patricia Gray, Inc. , Kayte Terry of Adorn magazine and Jennifer Dwyer of Peak of Chic for their very nice posts and mentions on my work over the past few days. All of these women are very talented writers and/or designers. Sometimes people who are so gifted have a problem just "getting over" themselves, let alone making room to support or encourage others in their creative development. These people I am meeting, however, seem secure enough in themselves to set aside any sense of competition for attention and take time out of their own busy lives and careers to give others a helping hand and supportive boost. I am discovering that this whole world of design blogging can be such a supportive and nurturing place for artists like myself! I have made many new "friends" whom I have never even met yet (in person, that is).

Patricia is an interior designer based in Vancouver, British Columbia who has her own delightful blog, Patricia Gray, Inc. She has commissioned me to paint a room she designed and I am finishing that up as we speak. I will post it when it's finished. She is a multi-talented lady who happens to be very supportive of artists and is a very kind, warm person. If you haven't already become one of her readers, please take a look at her fascinating blog.

Kayte Terry is a designer and stylist for Adorn magazine who did an incredible job styling a room designed by Holly Becker (of Decor8 blog, who was the very first to offer her support and do a post on my work). I painted this room for Holly, and then Kayte wrote me to ask if she could blog about my painting and work. You can check out her blog at Adorn as well.

Jennifer Dwyer is the talented writer and discerning eye behind Peak of Chic. Her blog never fails to be included in the top design blog lists everywhere. She somehow manages to marry an interesting and fun writing style with beautiful images to make for a daily must-read. She has been one of those "affirming" voices who has been an encouragement to me. Her post today on interior renderings was fascinating!

Design blogging is growing by the day. It's a wonderful way to meet other design junkies and be educated, inspired, supported and entertained. I for one am thoroughly enjoying the whole experience. It's so exciting to see all the people around the world who are checking out my blog on a daily basis, many who have come to my blog because of other blogging friends who have been kind enough to mention my work. I'd like to send a special thank you and hello to all of my new and extremely supportive friends out there, who have either blogged me, inspired me by their blogs, read Annechovie or left supportive comments on posts about my work or on my own posts. If you are looking for some great reading and inspiration, take a look at the section on the right hand column of my blog titled "Fab Reads".
Thank you ALL!

ROYAL WORCESTER PORCELAIN JAR

Watercolor on paper (5x7)
This is an antique piece of Royal Worcester Porcelain - I loved the color combination and exquisite detail, so I couldn't resist painting it!
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ORCHIDS

Gouache/ink painting on Arches cold press paper (5x9)

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HOLLY BECKERS SEASIDE RETREAT

Top image:Gouache/ink painting on Arches cold press paper (8x11) by Anne Harwell

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Bottom image: Jack Deutsch for Adorn Magazine via Decor8

This is a painting I did for Holly Becker of Decor8 design blog. It was featured in a post by her yesterday on her blog. This is a room she designed for the Fall 2007 issue of Adorn Magazine. Holly is a very talented designer and writer who has been a pioneer in the world of design blogs. Her blog is a hip and reliable source for the latest and best. She is also an exceptionally nice person. She was the first to feature my work and has been so incredibly helpful in getting the word out. She has been beyond supportive, as she is to so many indie artists, designers, bloggers and craftspeople out there. Thank you, Holly, for the mention yesterday, and for everything!

Now this piece is available as a print in my Etsy shop. Please contact me at: anneharwell@hotmail.com if you would like a similar painting done of your favorite room.

COURTNEY BARNES' CHAIR

Top image: Anne Harwell

Bottom photo: Courtney Barnes
Gouache/ink painting on Arches cold press paper (5x7)
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This is a commission I just finished this week for blogger Courtney Barnes. This was painted from the photo Courtney took of a beautiful chair she owns and a few favorite books (see bottom image). This was also used as part of her blog banner re-design that I did as well.

Her blog, Style Court, is one of my absolute favorites! It was recently mentioned in Elle Decor as one of editor Margaret Russell's top favorites also. Chock-full of beautiful photos and informative text, Courtney has a real gift for writing and design coupled with a very discerning eye. Thank you, Courtney, for giving me the opportunity to work with you!! This is also now available as a print on my Etsy site: http://www.annechovie.etsy.com/

I welcome commissions for both paintings and blog banner design. I offer some very affordable options, so don't hesitate to contact me with inquiries at: anneharwell@hotmail.com