Fred and I were on our way home the other night and as we passed Northbridge Park in Charleston, we saw the most amazing sunset. The park has recently been created and WOW is it ever nice. We walked out on the dock to get this shot. This sunset was spectacular. We weren’t the only ones that pulled over! I swear I could take photos of beautiful sunrises and sunsets forever!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Jeff Slemons. Fine Illustration and Fine Art… the choice is yours. Jeff is one of the most innovative individuals I have run across! Wildly talented and so creative! His bio is just a delight to read. Featured below are a few from the Fine Art side, but check out the illustration side of his website. His creativity is mind blowing. The illustrations for children’s books are breathtaking! They exude happiness, fun and adventure! How incredible to flip between two so very different styles. I am very impressed.
Isn’t this painting amazing? Behemoth in Repose is such a regal animal. Just look at those eyes. What a wonderful creature! The background in this painting is stunning!
From Jeff’s website:
How many men in their 40’s wear a comic book T-shirt under a suit jacket? Well, one that we can think of. Jeff Slemons. His art studio is bigger than his actual home. His heroes aren’t sports figures or rock stars, but Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes) and Frank Frazetta (Conan the Barbarian). He’s been called the six-fingered man because he always has a pencil, pen or paintbrush in his hand.
From the Abend Gallery website:
Slemons actually received a D in high school art class because he was too busy experimenting with pen & ink, gouache, watercolor, oil paint and mixed media to complete the assignment of drawing a little kitty poking its cute head out of a slipper. He graduated from the Colorado Institute of Art in 1986 and quickly became a sought-after illustrator for magazines and corporations nationwide.
His Fine Art pieces have shown in major cities across the country. Slemons has illustrated two children’s books and is currently working on Maps, Stories, Adventures, Paintings, Covers, Books, Posters, and the occasional kitty in a slipper.
“Not only does Jeff immediately grasp a concept, he knows exactly what to do to make the project even cooler.” –Tom Van Steenhoven, Creative Director
Jeff is a big picture thinker. That’s rare in the world of art. His Character Designs have been adopted and trademarked by companies. His People can be quirky and very identifiable, which is important for branding. His Animals are endearing and almost human, which promotes emotional engagement. His sense of Humor and play lends an air of likeability to appropriate projects.
Because he’s been an avid comic book fan since the age of 5, and a collector of classic Sci-Fi and Fantasy art, Jeff has super powers in these areas, as well.
Advertising agencies hire Jeff over and over. Sure, he’s talented and professional, but the reason he has so much repeat business is for one reason and one reason only: his art style works.
“It’s simple. Jeff’s work sells.” –Ron Cash, Project Manager
Let’s face it. There are many talented artists out there. But very few understand business issues and parameters. Very few possess the targeted artistic styles that can actually heighten perception. Very few are unique enough to create branded images.
As Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a few can change the world, for indeed, that’s all that ever has.”
Jeff Slemons is one of The Few.
Images via JeffSlemons.com, used with permission…
NO DOUBT! Catch you back here tomorrow!
The Augusta Avenue house plan (C0525) by Allison Ramsey Architects is 1682 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It’s a great plan that fits a lot in not a lot of square footage. I really like that! The lines on this house have character – a definite must!
What is more welcoming than a nice deep porch? Lovely! I like the master tucked away in the back, with a laundry room nearby, and also near the back of the house. A breakfast area that could easily be made into a reading area if you prefer just one eating area. Options… love em!
A great upstairs with a window in the loft area. For us, we would stick with with just three bedrooms, that’s plenty! Nice that there is a shared loft space and bathroom upstairs. If you needed extra studio space, say, for an art studio, the optional bedroom four would be quite nice, wouldn’t it?
All images via AllisonRamseyArchitect.com, used with permission…
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Michele Usibelli. It’s so exciting to run across artists who’s work stands out from others. One that you can recognize. I think this is such an interesting composition, it definitely leads me right on in to the painting. I feel as if I am on a horse following the group through the water, splish-splash. I like that! What fantastic colors in the water, and those towering trees. Lovely!
Maison d’être is a cool home store located in Oakland, CA – I love the way Michele captured it. The cool greens, the tree in the foreground. Love it! The colors are fabulous, great light and I like how Michele left the details to your imagination. This painting isn’t overdone, which isn’t easy to do – wonderful!
Read a bit about Michele from her website:
Like all artists, I feel like I was born to create and was drawn to art from as early as I can remember. After earning my degree in architecture from the University of Washington, I combined my professional life with my love of travel, working in locations throughout the world. My extensive travels and life experiences provide the solid platform from which my artwork is created.
My work is created primarily in oils, but I also enjoy working in acrylics and pastels in my representational style. My early training established a strong foundation in the Russian Impressionist tradition of seeing and painting shapes of light and color using relatively loose brushstrokes. I have studied extensively and been influenced by numerous historic artists, most notably Nicholai Fechin, John Singer Sargent and William Merritt Chase. All of these influences have allowed me to establish my own unique artistic style and define me as a truly versatile artist. While I am drawn to many painting genres; still life, landscape, cityscapes and figurative, my individual style and paint application is a constant theme throughout my work, creating a consistent body of art that is uniquely my own. Collectors continuously say they “can spot my work from across the room”. Establishing my own, unique, artistic voice is my primary goal and collectors appreciate the fact that I will never paint the same image twice, every piece that I create is truly an original, completed to my highest standards.
I am thankful to have the opportunity to pursue this passion I call art! Through my art I have had the opportunity to establish many long term friendships with collectors, galleries and other artists. When a collector purchases a piece I do not view it as a one time event, I view it as a new friend for life. I am extremely grateful for those who have supported me and hope you will continue to appreciate and support all artists who are making the world a more beautiful place.
… click here to continue… Michele also has some wonderful paintings on her blog… check it out!
All images via MicheleUsibelli.com, used with permission…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
I received an email from Food52 the other day. Have you heard of it? Wonderful recipes, GORGEOUS photos (the one above is mine, sigh…) and once I saw this recipe for New England Spider cake I was intrigued. Interesting name. Cornmeal?! Doesn’t sound too sweet… and by pouring heavy cream on top of the batter you create the most wonderful custard-like layer to the cake. To. Die. For. (Well, not literally).
You start by combining milk and vinegar in a bowl and set it aside for 5-10 minutes until it gets lumpy. Then you mix the dry ingredients: cornmeal, sugar, flour, salt, baking soda… Heat butter in a cast iron skillet – I swirled and got butter on the sides of the pan as well (cast iron skillet is key!), then pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and combine and pour into the skillet!
Now comes the magic… you pour HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM in the center of the batter and place it in the oven…
Mine wasn’t quite as “spidery” as some I’ve seen. This cake cut like a dream. All it took was a tiny drizzle of real maple syrup. WOW!!! But it’s best eaten warm! So that first night is the best. Invite some friends over and make this quick and easy cake!
Here’s the recipe! Thank you Food 52.com and Jonathan Reynolds at the New York Times (Jonathan’s link below) (the link to the recipe on Food 52 where you can easily print) – if you just need to look at your screen, well, here you go…
I N G R E D I E N T S
2 cups milk
4 teaspoons white vinegar
1 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cups yellow cornmeal
3/4 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
Maple syrup, for serving…
I N S T R U C T I O N S
Preheat oven to 350F. Combine milk and vinegar in a bowl and set aside to sour (wait 5 to 10 minutes, you’ll see the milk get lumpy).
In another bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda and salt.
Whisk eggs into the soured milk. Stir into dry ingredients and set batter aside.
Melt butter in a 10 or 12 inch cast iron skillet. Pour in the batter. Pour cream into center, then slide the skillet into the oven and bake until golden brown on top, about 45 minutes.
Slice into wedges and serve warm, with maple syrup if you’d like.
Recipe comes from Jonathan Reynolds at the New York Times
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Robert C. Moore. His paintings take my breath away. Cottonwoods is one of my favorite paintings. Just look at the light in the trees – and the background… WHOA! Gorgeous. The combination of colors, brushstrokes/palette knife and striking composition make this painting a WOW painting to me.
Read a bit about Robert from his website:
Tall and soft spoken, Robert Moore possesses a sincerity and courtesy reflective of his Idaho farm upbringing. Robert was born in 1957 in Burley, Idaho. He was raised near the Snake River which sparked his appreciation for nature.
He then received a full scholarship to attend The Art Center College of Design in California. He majored in illustration, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and graduating with honors.
Robert prefers painting on location to best express the immediate impression of each subject. His use of vivid colors and frequent high-keyed values reveal a spiritually inspired joy. His travels have taken him to China, Europe, Canada and extensively throughout the United States.
Image via RMooreFineArt.com – used with permission…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Charlie and I were on our way home from a morning walk and just look at the light coming through the moss in the tree! It stopped me in my tracks. Luckily I had my trusty phone with me! Beauty is everywhere, be sure to take the time to look for it ;)
Catch you back here tomorrow!
I love the homes on Church Street in Charleston, SC. I cannot seem to make it from my car to the gallery without snapping a photo! There is always something so beautiful that just stands out to me. These window boxes are stunning (even more so in person!), white hydrangeas, the light, the bicycle in front with the yellow basket… I mean HOW could anyone possibly walk by without snapping a photo? Charleston is one beautiful city! I need to get out with my real (non iPhone) camera and take some photos!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Wendy McWilliams. Her paintings are so full of life. Abstract and with amazing color each painting makes you smile. Take time to read the titles of the paintings… such creativity! Ha ha…
Also, saw this on her Facebook page:
A Girls Gotta Do What A Girls Gotta Do is the perfect balance of WOW for me. The bright happy pinks and reds with that wonderful splash of creamy buttery yellow across with the dark accentuating each stroke. Very nice!
Read a great post (Q&A) about Wendy from The English Room – Love it!
From Wendy’s website:
I am an abstract painter that works from intuition and emotion. I create one of a kind paintings and every single one contains a piece of my world and my life experience.
Images via WendyMcWilliams.com, used with permission…
Catch you back here tomorrow!
House Plan 461-6. This arts and crafts style house plan has a nice layout for a smaller house. I can imagine sitting on this porch with an iced tea (or hot chocolate) and a book. It would be nice with a small table and lamp. Oooh, my imagination goes crazy! Nice details make this a plan that could be around for quite a while! I just love those windows upstairs, and the nice deep porch!
This Signature plan is by Home Patterns LLC, it is 1,589 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms and is offered by Houseplans.com!
The main floor doesn’t have space that will go unused. Virtually every room in this house can become useful whether or not you have someone living in bedrooms. It’s nice how the kitchen, living, dining are all in close quarters. Since we aren’t big dining room people, I would borrow some of the dining room to use as the kitchen. Maybe extend the counter top into the dining room, then swivel the island in the kitchen (so it’s facing the living room), that way you would have plenty of room for barstools underneath it, it also leaves you enough room in the dining room maybe for a small table. It’s so smart that they took that space underneath the staircase and added a small powder room. Perfect for guests!
Upstairs you could use one bedroom as a guest room and one bedroom for a studio/office/exercise room or maybe just a quiet reading room.
All images via Houseplans.com – this specific plan is House Plan 461-6 – images are used with permission…
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Mark Bailey. I think there is a great style to this artists paintings. Lucky for us one of the galleries that represents him is located near Charleston. If you’re in the area, check him out! Anyone who has been to the wonderful resort called The Sanctuary will immediately recognize it in this painting. Exquisite rooms one after another, each so grand. Mark captured that perfectly!
This painting is available at the Wells Gallery located at The Sanctuary Resort on Kiawah Island in SC.
Read a bit about Mark from his website:
Mark Bailey was born in 1982 into a family of art appreciators who encouraged creativity. He began to draw at a young age and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree of fine art (BFA) from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Bailey’s paintings record his diverse surroundings in an abstracted, painterly fashion, from people he meets to ordinary things he sees around him. His cityscapes and urban interiors reproduce the glow and bustle of city life, while his portraits might suggest a compelling story behind every face. – Liz Greenfield, ArtistADay.com
“Fabulous abstract renditions of urban scenes. The intrigue is heightened by a style that is all his own.” – InformedCollector.com
Mark Bailey is a member of the American Impressionist Society and Oil Painters of America.
Image via BaileyPaintings.com – used with permission…
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Nextdoor.com! A free, private, social network for your neighborhood! If your neighborhood isn’t one of the 49,000 that have already enrolled it is too easy to set it up. Truly! I did it in just a few minutes for my parents.
As you can see in their image above, when you first go to their site, you enter your address and an email address. You will know in a few seconds whether or not your neighborhood is already included in the 49,000. No worries if not, it’s simple to set up. You can see posts from anyone from your neighborhood or from nearby neighborhoods, BUT you cannot view neighborhoods that are not in your vicinity. It’s a good radius (in case of lost pet, etc.) so no worries there!
This site has gotten so much positive response from our neighborhood. It’s perfect for notifying others of a break in, or other concern, as well as a lost pet! Are you looking for a reliable contractor? All you have to do is ask, and neighbors respond with who they would (and in some cases would not!) use and any special info about the company/individual.
Here is a blip from their website about Nextdoor:
Nextdoor is the private social network for you, your neighbors and your community. It’s the easiest way for you and your neighbors to talk online and make all of your lives better in the real world. And it’s free.
Thousands of neighborhoods are already using Nextdoor to build happier, safer places to call home.
People are using Nextdoor to:
Nextdoor’s mission is to use the power of technology to build stronger and safer neighborhoods.
Pretty cool, huh? Read more about Nextdoor!
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Laura Robb. Art that catches your eye. It’s different. I love Laura’s style. Her backgrounds are stunning, which really adds to the painting. A nice mixture of painterly and abstract. It’s a fabulous combination.
Are you an artist? Do you admire Laura’s style? She’s got some great workshops coming up in 2015, check it out!
Sunflowers… ahhh, they look so easy. I remember the first time I attempted to paint a sunflower field. Whoa… nightmare! I admire anyone who can paint sunflowers, especially with a twist!
Read a bit about Laura, from her website…
Laura Robb grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and entered Art Student’s Academy there at the age of sixteen. In 1974 she moved to New York City to study with Michael Aviano. After returning to the southwest she studied drawing with Ned Jacob and received critiques from Richard Schmid. Since moving to Taos, New Mexico in 1986, Robb’s art travels have taken her to France, Spain, Guatemala, and across the United States. She has exhibited in numerous group and solo shows and her paintings have received many awards, most notably the John F. and Anna Lee Stacy Scholarship.
Images via LauraRobb.com – used with permission…
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There is this cool specialty cheese shop (and more!) called Goat. Sheep. Cow. in Charleston, and I pass it on my way in to work. When I walked by the other day the light was just right. Such pretty classy decor! Check out their website!
Hey, they’re great for more than just holidays, stop in and check out all they’ve got! If you’re lucky enough to get one of their sandwiches during the day (limited quality), you will be so happy! Exquisite!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
This has been an off year for decorating for Christmas. Normally we do get a fresh Christmas tree, put lights and decorate with ornaments that we’ve collected over the past twenty some years, this year was different, ha ha… but it worked. It was easy, and guess what? I don’t have to put anything away after Christmas… this may become a new tradition! Can you believe? There is always a silver lining!
(Fred had the flu, and we weren’t going to put any decorations out, but we were sitting in a dark room void of all things Christmas…) – I pulled out a few strings of lights and WOW! Christmas has arrived! It was so wonderful sitting in that room with those lights on! It make me want to leave them up all year long :)
This goes to show that decorations don’t have to be big or fancy to make you feel good!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
ARTFOODHOME.COM 