MY WORK IN "NEW VIEWS" SHOW AT BENNETT GALLERIES

My "Aqua Interior" original painting is one of my pieces being featured for sale in the "New Views" exhibit at Nashville's Bennett Galleries from now until July.

Palm Beach Chair - Anne Harwell 2007

Many of my original paintings, as well as some prints, are for sale as part of this exhibit of new and emerging artist's work on paper at Bennettt Galleries. It is called "New Views:Photographs, Prints and Illustrations". The exhibit features the art of several different artists and runs from April through July. It is the first exhibit of this kind and will be a rotating exhibit that changes artists every 3 months. Bennett Galleries, a well established and upscale gallery in Nashville, TN specializes in contemporary fine art. It is family-owned and has been in business for over 30 years.

Boston Vase - gouache/ink on paper

This is another of the smaller original works being featured.

Ikat Cartoon - 2008 This original gouache/ink sketch is also in the show.

This original hand-cut paper collage is a new work I created for the show.

Bennett Galleries - hours are Monday-Friday 9:30-5:30 and Saturday 9:30-5:00

Bennett Galleries carries the work of many well-established as well as emerging artists. It's located at 2104 Crestmoor Road in Nashville, right in the heart of Green Hills.

I sent over 20 pieces for the show, so if you live in or near Nashville, please come by and check out "New Views" exhibit at Bennett Galleries.

THANKS, FIFI FLOWERS!

I just wanted to take a minute to thank Laura at Fifi Flowers for her kind post on my work yesterday! Laura is based in LA and is an interior designer, artist and blogger, too. Above is a sample of one of her lovely, interior design-inspired paintings. Check out her post and wonderful blog here.

ANNECHOVIE PRODUCTS AT ZAZZLE

My sunshine quote apron

My Antique Porcelain Jar Stamp

My Courtney Barnes Chair Stamp

My Zazzle Gallery

I hope all of you had a relaxing Memorial Day Weekend! I had a nice weekend and got in a little pool time, enjoying the beautiful Florida weather and gorgeous breezes blowing through the palms. I can't believe it's nearly June already and so happy I can officially break out the white jeans without getting sideways glances. Now, it's back to work!

I am excited to announce that now, in addition to Etsy, I am selling some new products at Zazzle. So far, I am offering several different coffee mugs featuring my artwork, but also have created a mousepad and will be adding more items very soon, including US postage stamps with a couple of my most popular paintings. You can buy direct online and items ship within 24 hours! If you get a minute, hop over and check out my Zazzle gallery!

THANK YOU, PVE DESIGN!

Sending out a special thank-you to my friend, Patricia van Essche, of PVE Design for her post on my work yesterday! Patricia is a very gracious and talented woman and I am proud to call her a friend as well as a fellow artist and blogger.

I hope you all have a fantastic holiday weekend kicking off the Summer season! Be safe and I will see you back here next week!

ALYS BEACH

Courtyards and all the white stucco make you feel like you are on an island in the tropics

A view of the village

A perfect outdoor setting for a little refreshment

The Fonville Press - the community coffee shop, gathering place and bookstore at Alys Beach

One of the beautiful pools at Alys Beach

The architecture is distinctively different from most other resort communities in Florida

These cobbled streets add to the quaint atmosphere that is Alys Beach

This is a great solution for a vacation home - the over sized banquette provides lots of room for extended family or friends that are staying together. Plus, it just looks charming!

A beautiful, serene bedroom in one of the vacation rentals

The perfect setting for an evening poolside soiree

Or, maybe this is even better? So hard to decide!

One of the modern, well-equipped kitchens in an Alys Beach vacation rental

This calming water feature would be soothing as you lay on a chaise and read

Another bright and well-appointed guest suite in one of the cottages. Love all the white!

Alys Beach is a relatively new resort community located in the beautiful Florida Panhandle. The beaches there are unparalleled in natural beauty. A few elements that set it apart from being just another high-end development are it's emphasis on sustainability, unique architecture and a sense of community. It was named for the matriarch of the town's founders and has a special quality of laid-back sophistication coupled with a family-friendly atmosphere. The architectural style is an eclectic blend of English, Antiguan and Guatemalan styles that comes together perfectly as the development's trademark and creates a crisp and distinctive silhouette against the azure skies. I have not stayed here yet, but have seen it in person and I can assure you that it is everything that it's "cracked up" to be. This would be the perfect place to rent a home for an extended family get-together or a reunion with friends. You have to go to the website to find out more for yourself and see all the beautiful images. Check it out right here.

Photos courtesy of Alys Beach website

IN MY OWN BACKYARD

The beautiful ceiling in the entrance of the Ringling Museum of Art

John Manners, Marquis of Granby by Joshua Reynolds - 1766 (photo courtesy of Ringling Museum of Art)

One of the museum's priceless treasures, La Sultana Rossa, by Titian - 1550's (photo courtesy of Ringling Museum of Art)

Here are I am on the loggia with a larger-than-life size urn. I could've taken this piece home with me. It would make for a very cool outdoor sculpture. The color is right up my alley as well!

One of the intricately carved, yet borderline gauche, architectural pieces that John Ringling imported or bought from auctions to furnish his museum and mansion, Ca D'Zan (or House of John).

This painting is not overly famous, yet you don't often seen Joseph pictured with the baby Jesus and I thought this had an especially nice quality to it. It was painted by Murillo in the 17th century. Unfortunately, I was very remiss and neglected my blogger's duty to take notes with some of my photos.I was too busy trying to obscure my camera from view of the museum police (btw, I DID NOT use a flash). For not labeling, I will certainly receive the "REMISS BLOGGER OF THE DAY" distinction.

A bust of me, before the chin implant and neck lipo. Actually, this is of Princess Anne.....

A very impressive portrait of Marie Antoinette in pastels by Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun! A truly amazing feat, considering this is about 10 feet in length and done entirely in chalks!(Please excuse my inferior, out-of-focus photography - not my strong suit!)

There is a large collection of Florentine and Venetian paintings here at the Ringling Museum of Art

One of the expansive marble loggias that line the inner courtyard

This tree was almost as impressive as any of the contents of the museum. These Banyan trees are native to Florida and their root systems are amazing. They grow to be absolutely massive.

An ornate verdigris iron doorway - I love the color against the pink of the building

A view of the inner courtyard. Apparently, circus magnate John Ringling (one of Sarasota's most famous residents) had so much excess cash, that he traveled to Europe and major auction houses looking for paintings, antiques and treasures that he could bring home to furnish his home and museum. He was a colorful fellow, to say the least. After seeing his bust at the museum, I would definitely have to term him a "Beefcake". He comes across as a wee bit narcissistic, but pretty generous at the same time. My theory is that he was extremely insecure and, as often is the mode of the nouveau-riche, spent his life flaunting his money in an effort to prove that he wasn't just a "Circus Guy". He did amass quite an impressive collection of art, antiques and architectural pieces.

The museum is home to several major works, including those of Rembrandt, Reynolds, El Greco, Gainsborough, Velazquez, Rubens and van Dyck. Not too shabby for a town the size of Sarasota. Mr. Ringling had quite a flair for the showy and dramatic, but how could you expect anything less from a guy who started a circus? He and his wife ended up totally broke and he bequeathed his estate to the State of Florida. The locals are certainly enriched because of it and the Museum is now the official art museum for the State of Florida. It makes for a great outing whether you live nearby or are in town visiting.

I have to say, most of the people lurking on stools in the galleries, guarding the paintings, were extremely courteous and didn't give you the evil eye, as is sometimes the case in museums. However, upon our exit, we did encounter a somewhat overzealous granny, who was so intent on getting our umbrella claim check before we could touch our umbrella, that she practically tackled us. She reminded me of one of those ladies who used to glare at me in a gift shop when I was a kid. The look said it all, "if you so much as touch ANYTHING, I will cut your little fingers off immediately!" Well, at least she is taking her job seriously, right? If you have a moment, take a look at the website here - there are even virtual tours to view.

The marble pieces are exquisite. This is one of many that stands under the covered portico surrounding the courtyard.

There are many beautiful fountains and sculptures on the grounds

Here is a more expansive view of the East Wing (on an uncharacteristically sunless Florida day)

More courtyard adornments

This is a (much smaller) replica of the famous Romulus and Remus statue that is the sacred symbol of Rome. The original is located in Italy. Is it just me, or do you find this a tad disturbing?? Two little guys nursing on a she-wolf?? Come on....Isn't ancient mythology weird? Inter species lactation? Very warped!!

The "Crown Jewel" of the Ringling Museum, the actual cast of Michelangelo's "David". This also happens to be the symbol for the City Of Sarasota, Florida.

ETSY FRIENDS!

Etsy is amazing and I am so glad to be a part of that community and am privileged to sell my work there. Another cool by-product is the exceptionally nice people I seem to meet, both buyers and fellow sellers. This week, a new friend, Maritere (love that name!) put my sunshine quote poster in her treasury. I want to thank her for her thoughtfulness and generosity in including me. I also was introduced to her very unique and beautiful work, which I will be posting more on in the near future. You can check out her treasury here and see all of the talented artists she included. Thank you, Maritere of Totart!

OUT OF THE OFFICE

How's this for a multi-functional, green and cheap form of transportation?? I am out and about today with some work-related errands and an art field trip, so I hope you have a SPLENDID Monday and I will check back with you soon!

MY WORK ON 1ST DIBS!

1st Dibs is the premier online source for high-end antiques, vintage pieces and home furnishings, THE source all of the top designers turn to when looking for unique pieces.

My friend, Courtney Barnes in the 1st Dibs feature "The Blogosphere" that also includes a photo of one of the commissions I've done for her.

The gracious and lovely Courtney Barnes, creator and editor of StyleCourt (photo by Steve Pomberg via 1st Dibs)

The latest painting writer Courtney Barnes commissioned from me of her favorite things on her bedside table.

A special congratulations to my friend, Courtney, of StyleCourt,who was profiled on "The Blogosphere" on 1st Dibs. It was great to learn more about her and see a photo of her beautiful home. I also was thrilled and honored to see that she had included my painting of her bedside table and it ended up beside her photo on 1st Dibs homepage and was also shown in the feature on her (click on page 3 at the bottom of page).

Courtney is one of those people who is extremely talented, a veritable encyclopedia of art and design knowledge, yet she's as modest, kind and unaffected as can be! She was one of the first people to commission my work and has been a great support and encouragement to me in my career. What I am trying to say, is that Courtney is the GREATEST and I am so happy to see her getting even just a smidgen of the credit she deserves (and thanks so much for letting me ride your coattails onto 1st Dibs!!!)

P.S. This painting is also available now as a print - contact me for details!