OUTDOOR PIZAZZ!

Charming outdoor tented pavilion (via Domino - photo by Deborah Jaffe)

Houston designer Katie Stassi's backyard

The Angler's Boutique Hotel - Miami- cool pool area

ZGallerie's Veranda Pavilion

Ok, this certainly qualifies as blog "plagiarism", but I can't help it! I just saw the coolest outdoor cabana on Erin's blog. It's a perfect little backyard haven for shade and dining. It could easily "make" your outdoor area, adding instant class, style, shelter and OOMPH! I have a serious thing for awnings and tents (especially with scalloped edges) and seeing this led me on a trail to find more beautiful tented outdoor spaces. One of these could turn a backyard pool area into your own little Palm Beach or Palm Springs style resort. For as much as I love spending time outside and by the pool, something like this would be excellent. It's just so adorable, it's heartbreaking. The Veranda Pavilion is a more budget-friendly option that you can just purchase and set up for instant backyard pizazz! It comes in 3 color choices for the trim. I'd love green! It's available online at ZGallerie.

THANK YOU, MOM!

Mom and I at the beach. I have a look like,"Hey mom, I think you forgot my sunglasses!" Note the Kewpie doll hairdo.

My mom and I have always been close. As I sifted through our family photos, I couldn't help but notice that, most of the time, one of us was either draped around her neck or sitting on her! Here, I found mom to be a comfortable little perch.

On vacation. My brother, Jeremy, and I in our "Weather Tamer" windbreakers with Mom.

See what I mean? Poor thing! 3 little scaliwags hanging on Mom. How did she manage to still look so put together?

I still remember this photo op. It was hot and we were disgruntled....... Dad was probably saying,"Now, come ON! Smile!"

Mom minus anyone on her neck. Or lap. Or shoulder. Notice how much more relaxed she looks here?
Gardens of the Villa Borghese - Rome 2000.

You know, you've gotta admit it, there's only one person in life that you can claim you were never apart from for even 1 second for the space of 9 whole months. Think about it, how many people can stand that much togetherness with someone, no matter how much they love them? When you stop to consider it, Motherhood is nothing short of a miracle for a myriad of reasons. When I think about all that my mother has given, sacrificed and endured because of her love and commitment to me, it could make me want to just break down and cry. She went through physical pain in birth, getting up with me in the night when I was thirsty or sick, when I'd wet the bed or had a nightmare, and we're just talking my preschool years!

She has been there for me in my best moments, when I was exhilarated and on top of the world. But she has also been there for me through some of life's deepest disappointments and betrayals, things I felt sure I would never recover from. She has been there for me when no one else cared. When others who had pledged their undying support or love proved to be untrue or disappointments of gargantuan proportions. She has always had my best interests at heart and I have never had to wonder, even for a second, what kind of a self-serving angle or lie she was cooking up to take advantage of me. Her motives were always pure and unquestionable, because my success or joy was inextricably linked to her's, because of her love.

I firmly believe in what some people would term "karma" or what I call the law of sowing and reaping. Whatever you sow into the lives of others, either good or bad, it WILL reproduce in your life to a multiplied extent. It's inescapable and just the way things work. If that is true, and I believe it to be, then my mother is in store for a whole lot of wonderful things. Now, I am well aware not every child has such a friend, patroness, companion, nurse, teacher, comforter. But I DO. If I had nothing else in life, having a mom like mine would be enough to convince me that I was one of the most blessed people on the face of the earth. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Thanks for making me feel so loved and giving me such a powerful reason to want to be even half the mother you've been to me to my own child one day!

NEW PRINT! CHOCOWAVES CHAIR

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

This print is from an original acrylic on board painting by Anne Harwell of an aqua striped classic French bergere chair, all plump and cushy on a white and chocolate brown wavy-striped background. Great graphic quality! This is printed on premium, heavyweight quality acid-free watercolor paper (9x12 inches) by a high-quality Epson printer and archival inks, with a margin on all sides for framing. Signed and dated on back by artist. Makes a great gift or a lovely decorative touch in your home or office.

Hope all of you who are mothers have a fantastic Mother's Day and all the rest of you have a sensational weekend! Life is GOOD!! ;>)

THANKS, MODERN DESIGN BLOG!

Thank you to Boston based Modern Design Blog for the very complimentary post on my work! I truly appreciate your attention and support!

TAGGED BY ERIN

I was tagged by Erin Gates at Elements of Style to participate in a little blogger game of "6 quirky things about me". Now, there are WAAAAY more than 6 quirky things about me, but I will have to limit myself.

1) I use a kid's toothbrush because of the great "turning radius" (I have much too small a mouth to navigate an adult size toothbrush effectively)

2) I prefer savory to sweet flavors and would rather end a meal eating some pepperoncinis than with dessert.

3) I only sleep on the right side of my queen size bed and I don't stretch out, even though I have the whole bed to myself!

4) I get motion sick if I read in a car.

5) I always dry my feet, one by one, when getting out of the shower. Don't know why I even have a bath mat???

6) I love the theme music from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood!

Hope all of you have an OUSTANDING Spring weekend!

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!