FREESTYLE EVENT

No, I'm not talking about the Olympic swimming.  I'm talking about me and my paintbrush.  

Continuing what I started over a year ago, dabbling with abstract style and with requests for more, I have been working on some paintings that are a departure from my better known style/subject matter, but oh-so-freeing.  There's a certain thrill in working mostly by color, rather than rigid form or having to "reproduce" a particular object/scene on canvas.  Not as easy as it looks, but a totally different discipline altogether and I am really enjoying it!

This original piece is titled "Patchouli Seas" and is available here in my shop.

A NATURAL WOMAN?

I know that these days we are hearing a lot about going green and living healthier lifestyles. I haven't been one of those who was quick to jump on the bandwagon, i.e. switch my toothpaste out for baking soda, wear hemp clothing or do anything radical. However, I am slowly and surely becoming way more conscious of what I put in and ON my body. I don't have any driving desire to live to be really old, quite honestly, but neither do I want to die via cancer or some painful disease if I can help it (which I can't, really, let's be honest). I do believe in doing what I can to be healthy and prevent disease. In my attempt to live healthier, I have given up croissants, bagels, toast or sweets for a healthy green breakfast smoothie. I try to use soap, shampoo and cosmetics that are bereft of harmful chemicals. Aluminum pots scare me and I have almost given up bathroom tile cleaner. I think those who know me well thought it'd be short-lived, but instead I am slowly sucking them into my veggie loving, chemical shunning, spinach/ginger/banana/yogurt smoothie drinking and apple cider vinegar world. One of the good things I did years ago was replace my traditional lipstick for Burt's Bees brand and I've never turned back!

The whole line is great and they have this Citrus and Ginger Root body wash, too, available from Oldrids. Ginger and Citrus are two of my favorite diet staples and they are just as good for your skin as they are to eat, 'cause when you think about it, they are going into your body via your skin anyway. Have you changed which cosmetics you use in recent years? 

EDIBLE ART

There is a shop on Etsy from LA that I love to peruse. It's called "Andie's Specialty Sweets" and is what I would definitely term "a feast for the eyes".  Never before have I seen such creative and realistic sculptures that were also edible.  Everything looks good to me and even though I don't really consider myself a sweets person, per se, these really grab me.  The only issue I would have is actually consuming them because it would seem like you were destroying a carfeully crafted work of art! I think they would make lovely host/hostess gifts or a wonderful conversation piece to top a dessert at a special dinner party or celebratory occasion. It'd be pretty difficult to narrow down my favorite....what about you? What would you choose?

Find them all here

MORE NEW ARRIVALS!

Lots of summer thundershowers here in South Florida have kept me productive in my studio. 

At least I'm not distracted with perfect sunny weather beckoning me outside. 

It's nice to finally see the sun make an appearance, though. Too much work and inside time makes me stir crazy - getting out and exercising helps keep me balanced and inspired.

These new prints are now available in my shop HERE

I hope that your weekend is relaxing and fun- see you next week!

ANNECHOVIE GIVE-AWAY

Head over to NYC based blog Frugal Finds to enter a print give-away I am sponsoring this week HERE!!

Hope you win!

50% OFF SALE AT KAYCE HUGHES

Annechovie sponsor Kayce Hughes is having a huge 50% off sale on NOW.  

You will find exceptional quality, style and value in all departments. Women's and children's clothing, accessories, gifts and items for the home. Please do yourself a favor and stop by the site here. 

Don't forget to use the code ANNECHOVIE for 10% off your purchases.

HELLO MY PET.....

I am now offering pet portraits options in my etsy store. You can choose from a variety of background styles and colors and email your pet's photo to me and I will whip you up your own little masterpiece! You can even choose your size and watercolor on paper or acrylic on canvas. Decisions, decisions.....

Find it all here

INGENIOUS BACKSPLASH

photo by Annie Schlecter

Here's a terrific solution for a colorful and unique kitchen backsplash that won't look like any other home OR break the bank. I had seen reverse painted glass as a clever backsplash, but never before had I seen fabric in this role until I spotted this on the in Kelly Black's NYC apartment on the New York Design Hunting website here. Take some favorite fabric, whether it's a wild designer pattern (like this Josef Frank design) or something more sedate, and sandwich it between 2 pieces of glass and secure it to the wall. No grout, no seams, no elaborate installment. The fabric is on display, but protected and you can switch out the fabric from time to time should you grow tired of it. What do you think? Like it? OR what about commissioning a work of art on a canvas roll for the same purpose?? Hmmmm.....

HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND, EVERYONE!

MORE BLUE AND WHITE

TWO NEW CHAIRS with chevron patterned backgrounds - a retro gothic style chair and a classic Swedish style chair. Find them here.

ANA CORDEIRO & A LISBON STOREFRONT

The amazing thing about blogging is the way your location ceases to matter when it comes to connecting with people all over the world.  I have met some great people, whether or not we've ever come in contact face-to-face as yet. The opportunity to connect over common views, taste or interests isn't limited by geographic status and there's no lack of diversity. A few months ago, I ran across the work of a particular designer, before I was even aware of her identity. I kept seeing photos of her bright and clean design aesthetic popping up and had to pin them to my Pinterest board.  I received an email from a designer asking for details on commissioning a few paintings from me and when I visited her website, I realized it was HER! Ana Cordeiro. Ana is based in Lisbon, Portugal and is a very talented designer and entrepreneur who runs both a bricks and mortar shop and is soon opening an online design business/web shop. She was recently featured in Adore magazine and her elegant and colorful work is popping up everywhere! 

I so enjoyed painting her charming (pink!) storefront above. 

Ana is a lovely woman with a ton of flair. She likes to mix gorgeous color with clean, classic lines and plenty of white. An infusion of "happy" in any space. My kind of decorating!

Take a look at some of her work below......

Please take a few moments to stop by Ana's website here

If you're interested in having me capture your storefront, home or a little vignette on paper or canvas, please contact me here for more details and pricing.

HUGE 4th of JULY SALE!!

That's right! All items (except pillows) in my etsy shop are 20% off from now through Sunday with this code at checkout: JULY20

Check out the deals here.

Wishing all of my friends here in the US a very Happy 4th of July and the rest of you a wonderful mid-week!

CHANEL PRINT - NEW COLORS!

I hope that you had a good weekend!

Today I am introducing 6 new colors for the very popular Chanel No. 5 print.

Mint, Fuschia, Blush Pink, Black and Aqua to join the original grass green.

Find them here

A SURPRISE PARCEL FROM LONDON

The other day had been "one of those days" and I was feeling a little less than chipper. The long absence of sunshine here in Florida due to Tropical Storm "Debby" wasn't helping matters any. 

Cabin fever was setting in. 

Then I heard the door bell ring.

I opened the door to find a huge package from London sitting on my doorstep.

After opening the box and several layers of protection (by far THE most thorough packing job I've seen to date!) I uncovered a beautifully framed print.  The gift was from none other than Liza and Hubert Hirst of  Tusch und Egon Gallery in London. They sent me the framed version of one of my limited edition Jubilee prints with the diamond dust on the crown. They had chosen a perfect mat and mounted it very tastefully in a large white frame. I was surprised at how generous the proportions were (27x27 inches), especially with the frame and mat. Included was a lovely note on one of Liza's own cards featuring another of her fantastic paintings. (below)

It reminded me of how wonderful it can be to connect with like-minded fellow artists who share a love of beauty and a respect for one another in this crazy cut-throat world. I was touched by Liza and Hubert's kindness and generosity and it was one of THE nicest surprises I have had in a long time!

As an artist (emerging or emerging wannabe or whatever I am) there have been many collaborations through the years, some were great and worked beautifully. Those involved mutual respect, kindness and benefits for both parties. Others were with people who were less than honorable, less than truthful and less than respectful. In short, people who were out to prostitute another's talent or hard work for their own personal gain and leave you on a pile of ashes. I was what got incinerated.... 

In this collaboration with Liza and Hubert, it's reassuring to know there are still good people out there who are fair, honest and then even take it even a step further - they are gracious, giving and generous. Some may call it karma, I call it the law of sowing and reaping. Whichever label you may you give it, how you treat others IS of utmost importance and you WILL get the same payment you give out, only multiplied and most often, later on down the road. That can mean a promising future for some and a cause for dread for others. 

In Liza and Hubert's case I am praying that their lives and business will flourish and be full of blessings on all fronts.

I can assure you that if you order a piece of art from them, no matter where you are in the world, your purchase will be protected well and arrive safely and you will be delighted and impressed with the quality and beauty! 

So, please take a moment to browse their online store, or stop by their charming gallery if you're in London. You can find both versions of my limited addition print here.

Sending out a huge thanks and warm hug to Liza and Hubert in London. This couple has true class!

Have a wonderful weekend and be sure to cherish and thank those people in your life who go above and beyond and do the unexpected kindness! 

NEW PRINT!

I have been working on many new prints color combos for my store and here is the first, my Royal Worcester Porcelain Jar in blue on an aqua background. It's available in 2 sizes in my shop and custom oversize prints by special order. Check them out here!

GOLDEN BANGLES

Loving these amazing raw brass bangles from etsy designer Sweet Auburn Studios

This cool shape grabs me

and then these a la carte pieces that you can mix and match.

Great style at a beyond reasonable price. Another opportunity to support indie art.

Find them here.

NEW SPONSOR - C. BELL PALM BEACH

See these gorgeous lacquered mahogany cockpen chairs in this photo of Veronica Beard's home?

The same chairs are available through C. Bell, a new sponsor of Annechovie.

in white or

in a cheery orange.

and look at this classic campaign dresser. A variety of gorgeous pieces and accessories are available to dress up your home, so if you're looking for some classic Palm Beach style, look no further -

go directly to C. Bell!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

BLOGGERS ARE THE BEST!

The ever-stylish Beth Connolly at Chinoiserie Chic featured my Chinese Vase print below in her terrific
post here

I'd also like to thank Australian designer Frances Russell for the kind mention and photos of my canvas and matches in her home. The striped Designers Guild wallpaper makes for a great backdrop.

and Jane Gallant of Modern Jane for her gracious post on her Annechovie collection

Jane is based in Prince Edward Island, Canada and writes a very charming blog. 

Thanks to all of you for reading and blogging! Check these out and please tell these bloggers I sent you if you get a chance.