VISUAL VAMP STYLE IN NOLA

My spunky and stylish friend Valorie Hart is a designer and multi-talented woman who lives in New Orleans and authors the very popular blog Visual Vamp. This girl "takes a licking, but keeps on ticking" as they say. She and her husband and dance partner Alberto (they are international tango champions) have been through a lot recently, but you just can't keep them down. Valorie continues to triumph both personally and professionally and uses her touch to transform spaces for clients and bring her own je nais se quoi to homes. These photos are from her own home in NOLA and I was delighted to see one of my canvas prints as part of a tablescape on a console. I also love her take on a dance studio adjacent to her living room. Rather than having a large mirror running the length of the wall, she created a gallery of mirrors. Genius!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Wishing all of my amazing friends & readers a very Happy Valentines Day!!

Remember to tell all of the special people in your life that you love them.

I leave you with a couple of my designs featuring favorite quotes on the subject.

THE IRISH COUNTRY HOUSE

I recently received a copy of the new book The Irish Country House by Desmond FitzGerald,

 Knight of Glin, and James Peill. It's a stunning volume full of rich photographs and informative text that provide a window into a very unique world.  Here is what the publisher has to say about it-

"A land of legend and lore, Ireland is also home to some of the most breathtaking residences in the world, ten of which are explored in The Irish Country House. The book tours these historical homes and castles, all of which are still owned and lived in by the original families. From cabinets filled with monogrammed china to cabbage-rose slip-covered sofas nestled beneath tall Gothic windows, to lavish living rooms and bedrooms, each home reflects the multi-generations of the families who have lived there."

You can find it here.

Have a restful and relaxing weekend!

TANK YOU

Love Where You Live

Anchor Cottage

Professor's Wife

Wishing True

Brooch the Subject

My Cup of Te 

Renee Finberg Tells All

Belclaire House 

Monaco Interiors

Muffy Martini

Lisa Porter Collection

I'd like to thank all of the blogs above for their gracious and supportive mentions recently. It's very important for me to acknowledge your kindness. Without the support of my customers, readers and fellow bloggers, I wouldn't be able to do what I love doing. Each one of you plays an invaluable role. Thank you so much and check out some of the blogs above, if you haven't already.....I am just one miniscule part of a thriving and friendly subculture here in the blogosphere!

SKI LODGE

Got snow?  It seems like a lot of the country does right now. This is a commission I created for a client who wanted to give her in-laws a special gift  - a watercolor portrait of the family's ski lodge in New Mexico. 

Why not commission a painting of a place that holds special memories for your family?

Please contact me here for more info.

ANNECHOVIE IN NORWAY

It is always a thrill to see where my work ends up.

I spend a lot of time at my local post office, so much so that I could almost write a thesis on the interpersonal relationships I observe with the employees. Yeah, I see them THAT often.....I am familiar with their mood swings, who's nice, who's crotchety, which employees work harmoniously, which pairs hate each other, etc. Sometimes when I walk in, you could cut the tension with a knife....not pretty. No wonder someone coined the term "going postal".

Ok, I am rambling. AGAIN. The point of telling you that was to say that I send packages all over the world to my customers and clients. Sometimes I get to see one of my pieces hanging in it's new home. The other day a blogging friend all the way from Norway sent me this link to a post on her living room re-do. Above her sofa was a custom-colored chair silhouette she ordered from me - thanks, Dagny!

Check out Dagny's fabulous blog, Scandinavian Chic and  her post here.

THANKS FOR READING & HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!

CREAM OF THE CROP

I was recently given some Borghese Dolce Notte night cream to try. I am not big into creams and lotions, but as I inevitably get older (grrrrr) I think it only wise to give my face a little TLC so none of the tourists here in Florida mistake me for an alligator. Believe me, there are women down here whose skin does look a bit gator-ish after years of exposure and neglect. I don't want to be numbered among them.

My skin is very sensitive, so I was curious what effect it might have on my face. I can honestly say that it's a great product and I am very pleased with the results. The Vitamin A is to correct dryness and dehydration (which is something that I am especially susceptible to this time of year).

It features mallow and comfrey that calm skin and promote cell growth and a patented Acqua di vita complex that sweeps away dullness and impurites with an MPG compound (a gentle alpha-hydroxy derivative.)

 Put this on before bed - it will encourage cell turnover, yet will not clog pores. I was also glad to find that it has a very light, clean scent and is not too heavy or greasy. You can find it here or anywhere that Borghese Cosmetics are available.

NEW FROM MY STUDIO

How was your weekend?  Mine was especially enjoyable.

Temps in the 70's, sunshine, some great company, sushi and a little bossa nova & relaxation.

Here's the latest from my studio, an original painting of more blue and white porcelain. This piece was painted on gessoed board with painted blue 1 inch edges. It's all ready to hang or set on a shelf or table. If you don't want the original, a print is also available in 2 different sizes - all are here in my shop. I know that a lot of you have requested more blue and white, so here's proof that I am listening and aim to please!!

NEEDLEPOINT IS CHIC!

A special thanks to Kelly Market for featuring a post on my needlepoint kits.  Needlepoint is experiencing a revival in this generation and it's not just for grannies anymore!! It's a timeless craft and now you can find kits with a contemporary twist to pep up your decor. There are an endless variety available here.
HAVE A SUPAH WEEKEND!!

ROYAL PROFILE

Blame it on my English blood (one of many strains this "mutt" - me has, including Italian, French, Irish and Native American), but I have a fascination with the Queen Elizabeth II's profile. I have had some fun pairing colors with these silhouette collages I created. They are both available now in my shop.

**Don't forget that I will also gladly create a custom silhouette of someone you love! You can buy a custom silhouette package in my Etsy store as well, specifying your color preferences. Time to get scissor-happy, kids!!

THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER....

A few shots from my phone when I was at the beach last night. I love the progression of the changing light. The Gulf was pretty calm, but the soft lapping of the waves was soothing. No place like the beach....

Hope you have an excellent weekend!

BONNIE LONNY

When I browse through a magazine, I am all about the visual stimulation, way more than the text. I am first a "looker" and then a "reader". If the visuals aren't tempting then I am probably not going to take it to the next step and actually read the text. Online magazine Lonny is one of my favorites - they never fail to deliver the eye candy I am craving and these two photos are my favorites from the latest issue.

The colors are reviving and inspiring!

YOUR FAVORITE CHAIR

This chair was painted on a commission from one of my clients in Australia. This is actually the chair her husband loves to sit in. Their incredible home looks out on the ocean and the view from this chair is phenomenal. I am available to paint your favorite chair as well, be it simple or ornate, modern or antique. Please contact me here for more information.

These commissions make a unique and thoughtful gift for a relative or friend as well.

I would also like to send some heartfelt prayers and well wishes to my friends in Australia who have been hit with devastating floods. I feel for you guys!

CHRISTMAS CARDS

I know that the Holidays just ended and you probably don't want to think about it for a looong time. The decorations have been taken down and put away and life goes on. The stores are already stocking Valentine's Day items - yikes.

You might want to keep in mind an idea for next Holiday Season, though.

This is a commission that I created for a charming Texas couple to use for their Christmas card. They are newlyweds who wanted to mark their first year together in their new home.

If you'd like information on commissioning something similar OR a painting of your home, pet or favorite things - please write me here for more information. 

ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * CARRIE WALLER

I know that some of you may have already seen Carrie Waller and her amazingly realisitic watercolors here around the blogosphere. Carrie visited my blog for the first time a few months ago and that led me to her site and the opportunity to view her work. I was immediately impressed and she has been kind enough to agree to a little Q&A here so we can learn more about her. Carrie is not only very talented, but has a great deal of warmth and is consistently there to show her support for other artists and bloggers.

Where were you born?

Indianapolis, Indiana, I only lived there for a year, we moved a lot. I have lived in Dallas, Texas, Houston, Texas, Alexandria, Virginia, Carterville, Illinios, Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles, California. Since I've been married, my husband is in the Air Force, so we have been stationed at Ramstein, Germany, Charleston, South Carolina, Dayton, Ohio, and currently in Montgomery, Alabama.

What is your artistic background /schooling?

I have a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, from Southern Illinois University, however, I have studied Graphic Design at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Apples

What are your earliest memories of being involved making art or wanting to be an artist?

I didn't really have an interest in art until I was in the 3rd grade, our art teacher entered a collage I did into a Texas Rodeo and I won 1st place. A light bulb went off, and I thought maybe I'm good at that. Ever since then I have been creating.

What inspired you most as your subject matter?

Living in Europe really has been my biggest inspiration. Being around so much history and beautiful art was very motivational. We traveled so much I have years of material to pull from. I've also recently gotten into paint still life paintings. I love finding objects that are beautiful whether I find them around the house or at a flea market I love the challenge of a still life. That's is what I love about being an artist, we evolve and change and I can't wait to see where the inspiration comes from next.

Buon Feste

What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your success/well-being as a person and artist?

My family is so supportive. My husband is my biggest supporter, he refers to himself as my patron:) I spend a lot of late nights painting and I'm lucky that everybody is so cooperative. My boys are still young 4 and 1, but my 4 year old paints with me and we have really bonded during his process. I just started my blog last January and that is when I started seriously painting again. I made a commitment to create a painting a week and I have stuck too it. I thought I would be burned out by now, but I am extremely driven and can't wait to see what next year will bring. I have to say the blogging world is fabulous. I have met people from all over the world and have several friends (pen pals), we support each other and the feedback is invaluable. That has been my biggest surprise over the year, just meeting such wonderful people and fellow artists. I have big plans for this year. I've launched a website and will be incorporating a monthly newsletter in addition to my blog.

Where would you live if you could live anywhere?

Japan, I've always been fascinated with the culture. With my husband being in the Air Force this could become a reality. I would love to live in Europe again, but I will say that anywhere we live is an adventure and I can find inspiration anywhere

Carnivale

What are the most challenging things for you about being an artist?

Their names are Steven and Sam, my 4 year old and 1 year old. They are my biggest challenges and the best thing that has ever happened to me. When you have little guys it's hard to have a strict schedule you have to be able to roll with the punches. So I end up painting into the wee hours of the night, so if you see me around and I have huge dark circles under my eyes you will know why. Also I can be my own biggest challenge. There are times when I get completely discouraged and unsure of my talents, I think everyone goes through bouts of self doubt. At the end of the day I just keep painting.

Pomegranates and Cranberries
Thank you so much for letting us into your world a little, Carrie. Please check out Carrie's website .
You will enjoy it! 

NEW TEACUP POSTER

This is my first new print of 2011.

Features my painting of a blue and white teacup along with the quote "You are just my cup of tea". Background is a great shade of light blue - lettering in bright white.

Perfect as a winter pick-me-up for yourself or the special people and tea lovers in your life!

Available here.

ANNECHOVIE GIVE-AWAY TODAY ON HGTV BLOG

Design Happens, an HGTV blog is featuring a give-away of one of my canvas prints (above) this weekend.

Go here to enter and have a great weekend!

MINI COOPER EXTRAORDINAIRE

At the risk of committing blatant blog plagiarism (or BBP), I couldn't resist posting this photo that I saw on fabulous blog Beach Bungalow8 that she found on TwillThrill.

It encompasses 3 things I love: the Mini Cooper, the color pink, and a Chinoiserie/de Gournay style "auto mural". Don't worry, I have no immediate plans to do this to my Mini, but I still think it's pretty amazing. 

Whatever you're up to this weekend, I hope you enjoy it and get a little relaxation in!

THANK YOU!

Pink Dandy Chatter

All Squared Away 

Bright, Bold and Beautiful

Annie Loveridge Interiors

The Skirted Round Table 

Monaco Interiors

The Holdens in Honkers 

Bluebird of Happiness

I want to thank all of the blogs above for featuring posts on my work recently! 
I so appreciate your support and look forward to keeping up with your blogs in 2011.
Click on the titles in orange to discover more great blogs.

A LOOK BACK......

Well here we are, the first Monday of 2011.

I can't believe how time keeps speeding up.

My parents always told me it would go faster the older I got and they were right! 

January is usually a catch-up month for me, after my very busy season of cranking out the commissions and filling LOTS of orders for holiday gifts. I was going through some files yesterday, trying to find something. I came across a couple of old paintings, from the early days. This is one I did in 1996. While in London a few years prior, I had found some great magazines in a trash bin at the flat I was staying in. There were all these fabulous real estate listings with incredible interior photos. I poured over them for hours and clipped a few of my favorites. This room I painted was one of them. I had to laugh at my somewhat skewed perspective and lack of definition, but it brought back some great memories. Ah, the early days....

Hope you have a great start to your week!