House Plan: May Isle Cottage by John Tee!

May Isle Cottage by John Tee

May Isle Cottage by John Tee

This is the May Isle Cottage by John Tee – this plan is 2,100 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Isn’t this a sweet plan? I love the cuts in the roof – beautiful!

May Isle Cottage by John Tee

May Isle Cottage by John Tee

I like the layout of the first floor. It’s nice when you’re in the Living Room to have a bit of privacy from people who come knocking at the door (well, other than friends or neighbors!) – having the stairway in the front does help with that. This plan has a Master Bedroom downstairs and has a powder room near the Foyer. The Living, Kitchen and Dining are open which is fabulous – I see something else I love… a PANTRY, with a washer and dryer! Tuck it out of the way! Add to this an Outdoor room and you have one heck of a house!

May Isle Cottage by John Tee

May Isle Cottage by John Tee

Upstairs there are two Bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, as well as a Loft space. The Loft is a great space that can be used for so many things!

All images via Store.JohnTee.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the architectural firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Paul Bond!

Princess and the Dragon by Paul Bond 33x44 Oil

Princess and the Dragon by Paul Bond  33×44″  Oil

Magic realism artist. Perfect description for Paul Bond, his work is amazing and transports you to happy times! Paul’s work is so creative, I can look at each piece and think of different stories, what a treasure!

McKenas Bittersweet Departure from the Island of Happiness by Paul Bond 24x30 Oil

McKena’s Bittersweet Departure from the Island of Happiness by Paul Bond 24×30″ Oil

Wildly inventive, with that magical quality that transports you back in time but with a modern twist. I love this painting! Be sure to check out Paul’s Blog as well as his Shopwow, Wow, WOW! I love his coffee table book (you can see a bit of it – how wonderful)!

Read a bit about Paul, from his website:

“Paul Bond’s art lives in the spaces between dreaming and reality. Drawing from the Latin American genre of Magic Realism where symbolic, surreal and fantastic elements blend with realistic atmospheres, they remove the veil on a world where everything is possible. Bond shares the following about his work:

“When viewing a scene, object or line in a novel that moves me, my mind’s eye is continually imagining what elements I could introduce or alter to make a grander statement about what I am experiencing. The physical world to me is heartbreakingly beautiful and profound. And the best way I can know how to channel those deep emotions life inspires in me is by adding to it through a world of my own creation. A world intended to both deepen my own life experience and to stir the souls of my fellow travelers.”

Bond’s award-winning magic realism paintings have been featured in galleries, museums and cultural centers, including the Gateway Museum in Farmington, NM and the San Diego Art Institute. His paintings are now in private collections throughout the US, as well as Australia, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Corporate collections include the Hotel Hershey and PB&J Restaurants, and his art is featured in many contemporary art publications.” Continue reading HERE

All images via PaulBondArt.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A day filled with wishes!

Happy Birthday!

This is a day filled with wishes – Happy Birthday to my sister Bridget, and Happy Anniversary (58 years!) to my parents – don’t know how you two do it since you don’t seem a day over 55!

So best wishes for healthy & happy life!

Can you imagine what Charlie’s wish is (above)… MmmmHmmmm… Tsk, tsk!

Here is a favorite memory – Bridget on our sailboat FIDDLE FADDLE reading her comic book… (Notice the state of the art life jacket – it was nice to replace the big thick bright orange ones)!

Life, the way it should be!

May all YOUR wishes come true – Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Barb Walker!

Cozy Up by Barb Walker 12x12 Oil

Cozy Up by Barb Walker 12×12 Oil

Barb Walker. I love her style. She doesn’t overdue her strokes. Her paintings are wonderful without being overdone. Those of you who paint realize how difficult that is to accomplish. I love interior paintings and this is a wonderful one. I love the character that this wingback holds. Wonderful!

Sconset Lane by Barb Walker 12x12 Oil

Sconset Lane by Barb Walker 12×12 Oil

Sconset Lane. This is a famous Nantucket view that has been painted by many artists, I love this version. The road is wonderful, the houses, flowers, you really get a sense of it! Be sure to check out Barb’s website and check out her Daily Paintworks Gallery of Art – lots of red dots, I can see why!

Read a bit about Barb Walker, from her website (my favorite bios are personal and Barb’s is exactly that, you read it and get a sense of who the artist is – we share the love for a place called Maine, ahhh!):

“About me? Just have always loved nature, being outdoors, colors, life. Sketched for as long as I can remember. Have met so many good people who are great painters that I’m not sure which I enjoy more – the painting or those I have met. 

We live in Ohio, and travel to Maine almost every year. The galleries are amazing – the coast is breathtaking!”

All images via BarbWalkerPaintings.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Monhegan Painting by David Kasman [Guess the Artist s o l v e d !]

Guess the Artist

Monhegan painting by David Kasman

I love this painting. It’s another treasure of ours. Fred and I had been out on the trails (with a likely stop at the Novelty and Lupine Gallery), then headed back to the Island Inn to sit on the porch and relax. Then… an artist set up his easel and started a painting. We watched carefully… From his composition I could tell he WAS SOMEBODY. He didn’t paint the usual, it was different. To watch this painting unfold was a treat. We didn’t want to interrupt his thought process until he was done. Then I asked him who he was – David Kasman! GET OUT! We had bought a painting from the Lupine Gallery of his, another treasure. I love the looseness of his work, the wonderful light and shadows and how his subject matter is from a unique perspective.

Check out David’s website – he’s such a brilliant guy – on so many levels! His paintings are out of this world, and his sculptures… oh, I could look at them forever! Unbelievable talent!

Over the next few months (until I run out of paintings), I am posting one of our paintings and then seeing who can GUESS THE ARTIST. I have retouched this photo on the bottom right corner to remove the artist’s signature.

Do you know the name of this artist?

Comment on my Facebook page or on this blog…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The Madison Residence House Plan by Lake and Land Studio!

Madison Residence by Lake and Land Studio front

Madison Residence by Lake and Land Studio

Lake + Land Studio. I love this group of residential designers. They’re young with brilliant ideas. Their plans are amazing. I always look forward to see what’s next!

This is the Madison Residence. This plan is 2,989 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. It’s  a roomy plan that offers many wonderful porches! If you add the outdoor living spaces the total square footage of this home is about 4,305! There is plenty of entertaining to be done inside and outside of this wonderful home, especially with the double fireplace! This house looks gorgeous from all sides!

Madison Residence by Lake and Land Studio

Madison Residence by Lake and Land Studio

The downstairs of this plan is amazing all by itself! It’s nice how the Master Bedroom/Bathroom is separated by the other Bedroom by Laundry room, I also adore the little side porch off of the Laundry area! Perfect if you’re working in the yard and don’t want to track dirt throughout the house!

The open Living, Dining, Kitchen is so nice, especially with the French doors off of the Dining and Living areas. The fireplace is double sided. Can you imagine using it on the porch? Is that heavenly or what?

Madison Residence by Lake and Land Studio

Madison Residence by Lake and Land Studio

Vaulted ceilings in the Living area is spectacular! The second floor has two Bedrooms and share a Bathroom. Perfect! Another plus is the Sitting Area – it’s always nice to have a place to escape to! This plan offers a lot of options! Click HERE to see the plan package with more details on the Madison Residence!

Read more about Lake and Land Studio and check out the slide show – wow!

All images via LakeandLandStudio.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the design firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Mary Aslin!

Cadenza by Mary Aslin 12x9 Pastel

Cadenza by Mary Aslin 12×9 Pastel

Mary Alsin. Pastel. Stunning work. I think the fluidity in Cadenza is beautiful. Soft, movement with beautiful light. Mary has a way with pastels doesn’t she?

Reverie by Mary Aslin 20x26 Pastel

Reverie by Mary Aslin 20×26 Pastel (Sold)

Another beautiful, soft painting. The edges are carefully blended, yet details like the hair and flowers appear more crisp and detailed. Another stunning painting!

Be sure not to miss Mary’s blog, it’s full of wonderful information!

Read a bit about Mary, from her website:

With the recent passing of my father, and the contemplation that comes after a major life event, I asked myself–again–“what is it that really moves me as an artist?”.  There is so much visual imagery available to everyone these days and so many artists from which one can take inspiration. 

Looking back at the work I have done and what I will continue to inspire, three key elements remain as fundamental as a cornerstone of my art:  light, story, beauty

Sometimes, these words when applied to art implies that the work is trite or too sentimental.

Yet, my working methods and inspiration are neither. 

Most of my art is based on working from life and grounded in the fundamentals of classical art.  I draw the live model and study figure anatomy.  I reference art of the Masters, and have visited many of the world’s art museums. 

The natural world–with all of its light and beauty and the stories told–is the stage.  I am the audience.

At my easel, I applaud. Continue reading HERE

All images via MaryAslin.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Lighting favorites…

Good lighting is key. When you have good lighting it makes a room look so much nicer. Good doesn’t always mean expensive. REJUVENATION is a great company, that was acquired by Williams-Sonoma several years ago. They have an updated look, the lighting (and everything in the catalog) is beautiful!

CLICK on the title of any item below to see more information!

Here are a few of my favorites from the HOME OFFICE catalog received mid July 2016:

The EXTO 6FT. EXTENSION CORD

Exto 6Ft Extension Cord by Rejuvenation.com

[Rejuvenation.com]

How classy is this extension cord? You can also buy a socket adapter and a Filament Bulb and have a tabletop light that is way cool! These extension cords come in a variety of colors, sizes and styles – each and every one is so unique! This is also a cool option for charging your phone, something we all do, but doing it this way adds a little style!

See what I mean?

EXTO extension cord and filament bulb by Rejuvenation.com

[Rejuvenation.com]

ANGLEPOISE ORIGINAL 1227 BRASS WALL LIGHT

ANGLEPOISE ORIGINAL 1227 BRASS WALL LIGHT by Rejuvenation.com

 

This is an original. I love the wall light, but the table lamps are just as amazing – many colors! This light was made so that it can be adjusted with the lightest touch and hold in place. Aluminum shade and arm.

TALL CUT CRYSTAL TABLE LAMP

TALL CUT CRYSTAL TABLE LAMP by Rejuvenation.com

This is the larger lamp, there is also a smaller one, I just love how the pulls hang down a bit. Very classy and simple design.

CYPRESS ARTICULATING SCONCE PLUG-IN

CYPRESS ARTICULATING SCONCE PLUG-IN

Another favorite, perfect for reading in bed! This is another that comes in a variety of body and shade finishes. You can move the shade to direct light exactly where you need it.

Read a bit about Rejuvenation, from their website:

Rejuvenation is a classic American lighting and house parts general store for home improvement whose mission is to add real value to homes, buildings, and projects. From the front porch to the back door, we provide lighting, hardware, bath hardware and functional home goods based on the best pieces of the past, designed for today, and made to last for years to come. The majority of our hardwired lighting products are made to order at our manufacturing facility in Portland, Oregon, and we pride ourselves on partnering with American craftspeople and vendors whenever possible.

All images via Rejuvenation.com – check out their website – WOW! Lighting and so much more! Click HERE to check out the latest catalogs online!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist: Kami Mendlik!

Ponte Vedra Outpost by Kami Mendlik 12x9 Oil

Ponte Vedra Outpost by Kami Mendlik 12×9 Oil

This painting is moody and thick with not only paint, but with interest. The lighting is perfect – I happen to love the power lines, subtle, yet adds to the interest. Those dark trees are amazing, they really make the other trees, sky and path stand out, don’t they?

Be sure to check out Kami’s blog, lots of great information and beautiful scenery! Wow, what a studio she’s got! I love it!

In case you missed the article in the June/July 2016 Plein Air Magazine, check it out! Interested in taking a workshop? Check it out HERE!

Read a bit about Kami, from her website:

My deep passion for exploring and capturing nature with paint came at an early age.  I grew up just North of Stillwater Minnesota on my family farmland where my daily wanderings kept me endlessly curious about this land that I felt very much a part of.  I have vivid memories of watching the pink tops of the seedpods in August, and thinking how incredible it was that the grasses seemed to dance across the prairie.  It was clear to me then that they do not exist on their own, and that the rhythm and harmony of nature was incredible!  They had a wave and a rhythm unique to themselves, but were very much a part of a greater thing that I later in life learned was belonging and harmony. I loved that!  The grasses dancing belonged, just as I, and could not exist without each other element connected to another that made their existence possible.  I would escape for hours completely engrossed with my sketchbook or paints observing the land.  

 As I grew up, I continued to paint and study.  My decision to become a painter for the most part was not in one conscious moment, but rather an accumulation of my life’s experiences and my strong desire to study and capture nature and her harmony with paint.  I went on to study from both living and dead masters of the craft and to this day consider myself not only an artist and a teacher, but very much of a lifelong student.  The more I know, the more I know I don’t know, and this found knowledge keeps me inspired to pass on to others my discoveries of all nature’s beauties through paint.  The respect that I have for Nature and her awesomeness is beyond words.  My desire to study and attempt to translate this, is why I paint!  

 St Croix River School Of Painting:

 In 2008, Kami started and founded the St Croix River School of Painting in Stillwater MN where she teaches the fundamentals of representational painting with a special emphasis on color.  In January of 2014 she purchased a 16 acre farm just North of Stillwater, where she converted a 100 year old hip roof barn into her studio and the St Croix River School of Painting’s new location.  The property is a landscape painters dream with endless inspiration for painting. Read more HERE

All images via KamiMendlik.com, used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Farmer’s Market Reminder!

Farmer's Market!

This photo is from the archives, but I thought I would post it today as a reminder not to miss your local Farmer’s Market! What better way to buy the freshest produce that is LOCAL! (Asparagus is no longer in season here in Charleston, SC – but right now we have so many options it will boggle the mind!) – I love the green against the pink rubber band – Wow!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Frank Gardner | Marc Hanson – Stunning Work! – Show at Addison Art Gallery TOMORROW!

TWO FABULOUS ARTISTS, Frank Gardner and Marc Hanson – ONE FABULOUS SHOW Opens Tomorrow at Addison Art Gallery!

The opening is Friday, July 30, 2016 from 5-7PM – if you are anywhere near Orleans, MA – you won’t want to miss it! These are two artists I admire so much, they both push themselves and the results are breathtaking!

Read a bit about the show, from Addison Art Gallery – then check out a sample of the paintings in the show – oh, how I wish I was close by:

Orleans MA — On Saturday, July 30 from 5 to 7, the Addison Art Gallery will host an opening reception for Marc Hanson of Mississippi and Frank Gardner of Mexico. Long time friends, Hanson and Gardner have often traveled together to paint, and have exhibited together in Addison Art Gallery and museum shows on Cape Cod. This past winter, they decided to join talents again. 

 

 frank gardner

Peaceful Harmony by Frank Gardner 24x30 Oil

Peaceful Harmony by Frank Gardner 24×30 Oil

Just look at the reflections in the water! The light on the ladder, the colors and textures in the pilings. WOW! I have always loved Frank’s paintings, they have something about them that are definitely all his, but this latest group of paintings is different and I love every one!

Snorkel by Frank Gardner 30x24 Oil

Snorkel by Frank Gardner 30×24 Oil

SNORKEL jumped out to me – I could look at it forever. There is a quiet innocence to it. That wonderful feeling of being a kid of vacation, remember the days when the family would be packed into a car and head for some place wonderful like Cape Cod? Frank’s paintings pull at your memories of those times. I love the kid in this painting, as well as the water behind him, with all the wonderful colors, this is stunning.

Frank’s comments on this show:

“My earliest memories of Cape Cod take me back to summer vacations with my family in the late 60’s and 70’s. We would load into the Chevy Impala for the much anticipated road trip every July. ‘Summer on Cape Cod’ is the theme for the new work I am painting for this season at Addison Art Gallery. My inspiration for this series is drawn from old memories and photos from my earliest trips to the Cape as well as from my most recent summer trips. Subjects range from fun on the beach, to classic Cape Cod scenes and some things in between.” — Frank Gardner 

Read a bit about Frank, from his website:

My paintings are interpretations of my experiences. They come from the desire to share the beauty that I see every day by arranging bits of color and ideas to tell a story. Drawn to the colors of fleeting light effects on the landscape I try and accurately represent color I see. However, I also interpret and push color if it is useful to convey how the scene makes me feel. Color combinations and juxtapositions are a lot of what make a subject appealing to me. I look for situations that are unique to a particular place at a certain time, depending on lighting conditions, but also filtered through my mood at the time a piece is painted.

Painting in a representational style, and influenced by the impressionists, I am drawn to fleeting light effects and color while sometimes sacrificing detail. A controlled chaos or loose spontaneity is my favored look, although each color and stroke is well thought out and carefully placed. My goal is to convey to the viewer my feelings about the scene through my use of color and brushwork. I’ll let the subject and my mood determine how much detail is required to complete each painting.

Paint application is important to me. It is a very personal facet of my work. An artists brushwork and paint handling is what sets their work apart from another artist’s interpretation of the same view. It is as unique as a fingerprint. I not only brush paint on, but lift it off, or smear it with a finger or paint rag. It is often the lifting off of the paint or moving it around after it is on the canvas that gives the look I am after. Continue reading HERE

marc hanson

A Little Cedar by Marc Hanson 11x14 Acrylic

A Little Cedar by Marc Hanson 11×14 Acrylic

Marc knows how to make a painting really stand out – I think the lavender in A LITTLE CEDAR adds so much, it makes the rest of the painting stand out. Marc is a master when it comes to landscapes, his paintings will blow you away – His skill has been acquired from years of hard work creating MANY paintings – just look at the light! A that bit of unexpected blue on the horizon… really nice! Everything about this painting is first class!

Brilliance by Marc Hanson 8x10 Oil

Brilliance by Marc Hanson 8×10 Oil

Utter perfection! Some of you may have heard about my affinity for orange. I can feel the warmth from this painting! It’s stunningly beautiful in every way! Marc has a way of portraying a scene without overdoing. I love the simplicity of this painting. Sounds easy, but it’s not.

Marc’s comments on this show: “In my work for this show, I have concentrated on the quieter side of the Cape. That’s the side that I enjoy the most. Although the harbors and towns are all part of the experience there, I prefer to spend most of my time exploring those areas that see less traffic. In particular the Fort Hill area is a favorite. The marshes and lowland areas draw me in and have me thinking about the history of the area pre-settlement. In the end, it’s the light on the Cape that is the real subject of all of the work I’ve done there.”— Marc R. Hanson

Read a bit about Marc, from his website:

Having grown up in a military family, Marc’s youth was spent on the move. He was born in Oxnard, California and spent some of his early school years there. But his geographical resume soon included Alaska, Florida, Arkansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Norway. After his father’s retirement from the Air Force, Marc’s family settled in the small northern California community of Loomis. Marc began college as a biology major, but soon applied to and was accepted into Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, majoring in illustration. After Art Center and a brief stint as a staff illustrator in Sacramento, California, Marc moved to Minnesota where he lived for 33 years while raising a family and pursuing his art. Marc relocated to Colorado in the Fall of 2012.

“I have pursued a career as a painter for many years now. Along the way my methods, materials and focus have evolved. A naturalist at heart, the landscape is the perfect vehicle for expressing the joy I have for the world that surrounds me. My real interest and challenge as a painter is how to best manipulate the core principles of painting into effective visual statements. I’m most successful when I’m able to communicate that joy to the viewers of my paintings.”

Marc teaches landscape painting workshops in many locations nationally. “ I love working with other painters in their pursuit to better their craft. My goal is not to have them assimilate my style and technique, but to teach them how to more closely exam- ine the subject and apply the principles that representational painters must follow to become effective visual communicators.”

He has shown his work in galleries and museums nationally and internationally since the early 1980’s. He is a Signature Member of The Oil Painters of America (O.P.A.)… Continue reading HERE

All images via AddisonArt.com, FrankGardner.com and MarcHansonArt.com used with permission…

Images are not for reproduction, they are property of the artist.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Check out the 27 Aiken Street House Plan by Our Town Plans!

27 Aiken Street by Our Town Plans

27 Aiken Street by Our Town Plans

27 Aiken Street by Our Town Plans. It’s a beauty isn’t it? This is true Lowcountry style, yet a style of home that would fit anywhere. Such wonderful details make it look like a house that has been in a charming neighborhood for years. It blends in seamlessly and has so many details that make this the perfect house plan!

This plan is 2,233 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. The exterior of this home is simply gorgeous. The metal roof is like the icing on the cake, just beautiful! How nice would it be to have a substantial porch. This front porch measures 10′ deep and over 30′ long – can you imagine?

27 Aiken Street by Our Town Plans

27 Aiken Street by Our Town Plans

This plan has an open Kitchen/Living area so nice with all those French doors! It also has a real masonry fireplace. You don’t see that too often anymore in newer homes. The Master Bedroom/Bath/Closet is on one side of the hallway and there are two Bedrooms/Bathrooms on the opposite side, along with a Powder Room.  This really gives everyone there own space, very nice!

27 Aiken Street by Our Town Plans

Upstairs is a Bunk Loft room with built in platform beds in the dormers. Pretty cool, hmmm? That leaves a wide open space to use as another living area. Nice Bathroom and Closet as well.

Be sure to check out real images of this plan (I love how Our Town Plans does this!) – and more here on Houzz! Wow! I’m dreaming that I am already there!

All images via OurTownPlans.com, used with permission…

Images are not for construction or reproduction, they are property of the architectural firm.

Catch you back here tomorrow!