Ride Down Powell by Darrell Hill (Private Collection)
In memory of a fabulous artist from Hawaii, Darrell Hill. His work never ceased to amaze me. He will be missed by the art world. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends…
Featured Artist… Mark D. Nelson!
Mark D. Nelson. A fabulous artist and I wish I knew how I ran across him… I wrote his name down in my day planner, as I do any artist who pops up who’s work I truly admire and I want to feature. Is this striking or what?! I am loving that GORGEOUS orange, the delicate yellow flower POPS against the dark background. This is fabulous on so many levels! Mark has the innate ability to add a modern twist to a painting. I would like to be able to paint like this. But I know me. I would cover up all the color from underneath that I love peeking through… I do it every stinking time. One day…
You can FEEL the chilliness of this ride… Oooh, I’m looking forward to getting to the sunlight ;) Fabulous without being tight…
“Trees” by Mark D. Nelson – Image: Gallery 1261
Need I say… I LOVE THAT ORANGE… mental note Barbara… orange against the darks is making my heart sing! LOVING this!
Here’s a blip about Mark from the Gallery 1261 (Denver, CO) website:
As a high school student, Mark Daniel Nelson was awarded the prestigious National Scholastics Art Scholarship, which he used to attend the Colorado Institute of Art. Graduating with Best Portfolio honors, Nelson earned a living as an illustrator working for clients including Coors, University of Denver, The Miami Herald, 5280 Magazine, and legendary photographer James Balog.
Nelson has since shifted his artistic focus to painting abstract geometric forms – natural as well as structural – in pursuit of what he terms “a contemporary sublime”. Nelson’s work has been placed in a number of prominent regional and national collections and has been displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver.
Catch you back here tomorrow!
(First two images from artists Facebook page)
How to make homemade hot chocolate mix!
Hot chocolate. The epitome of comfort food during the cold months. There is nothing better then a warm mugful of the tasty treat that satisfies your need for warmth, sweet and chocolate craving all in one fell swoop!
I have previously posted how to make Hot Chocolate from scratch (using milk). It’s a treat, a real treat!
But… if you’d like to make a hot chocolate mix (like the store brands) that is healthier (because it’s minus the strange ingredients) that you mix with water, just like the pouch you buy at the store, Alton Brown from the Food Network came up with a recipe to make it quick and easy.
This recipe received five stars by all those who reviewed it… that’s the highest… how convenient to whip it up yourself!
This recipe received FIVE STARS
Hot Cocoa
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown – (Food Network) – Yield 5 1/2 cups of hot chocolate mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
- Hot water
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. In a small pot, heat 4 to 6 cups of water.
Fill your mug half full with the mixture and pour in hot water. Stir to combine. Seal the rest in an airtight container, keeps indefinitely in the pantry. This also works great with warm milk.
How easy is that?! Catch you back here tomorrow!
Featured Artist… Paula Holtzclaw!
“Study for Sunlit Pines” by Paula Holtzclaw
I first saw Paula’s paintings on Plein Air Painters of the Southeast’s Facebook page. Ahhh, the talent!
When I see that artists have their paintings categorized on their websites I always go to the plein air group first. Those are the paintings that are typically the loosest and most representative of what the artists see’s when they’re painting. I went straight to this study of the sunlit pines (NFS). It’s a beauty isn’t it? I love those trees, the clouds, the shadow and sun… gorgeous!
“For Miles and Miles” by Paula Holtzclaw
What a great name for this one! “For Miles and Miles”, I mean it feels like you’re sitting right there on that rock, looking out over the sea for miles and miles, while the sun hits your face… ahhh, this painting gives you a nice feeling, doesn’t it?
Here’s a blip about Paula from her website:
Far horizons and infinite skies are the hallmark of Paula Holtzclaw’s art. Paula is best known for her landscapes celebrating areas still untouched by industrialism. Her depictions of its beauty, unspoiled by man show her concern that these last wild places may soon vanish. Her compositions, often large in scale, have a classic and universal appeal.
Paula’s love of art began at an early age, passed on to her, she believes, by her grandmothers, both of whom were artists. After time spent raising her twin sons, she returned to her original passion for painting. In 2002, Paula left her 20+ year medical career to paint full time. Always a willing and eager student, she remains committed to honing her artistic skills. “Travel has been an important impetus for my art, always stimulating my desire for plein air painting, and quick studies which provide the opportunity to learn from nature itself, the greatest of all teachers. I have been fortunate to study under such fine mentors as Joni Falk, Linda Glover Gooch and Scott Christensen and Jeff Legg.”
Paula Holtzclaw’s paintings are collected throughout the nation. Her paintings have been displayed in many national juried and museum exhibitions, a few of which are the American Impressionist Society, Salon International, Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art, The Oil Painters of America, American Women Artists National Exhibitions, Bosque Conservatory, Texas , and ASMA ‘s New England and West Coast Exhibitions. Paula was a finalist in American Artist Magazine’s 29th annual competition 2012, and their 2010 and 2009 Cover Competitions. She was a semi-finalist in their 70th Anniversary Competition, 2007. She has just been selected as one ofSouthwest Art’s “21 over 31” Artists, (November 2010) and also by Southwest Art Magazine as one to collect, July 2009. A member of Pap-se (Plein Air Painters of the SouthEast), Paula is also a Signature Member of: American Women Artists, The American Society of Marine Artists, Women Artists of the West, and The National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society. She is Associate Member of California Art Club, Oil Painters of America, and American Impressionist Society.
Paula resides in Waxhaw, N.C., a small community just south of Charlotte, (where the horses outnumber the people), with her husband Chuck, and constant companion Timber, her “Velcro” Golden Retriever.
And… YES! If you’re wondering if this website looks different… it does. Again. Ha ha… I think I’m really liking this one! Catch you back here tomorrow!
In search of the perfect wall light…
Industrial Sconce by Urban Outfitters
We’ve been searching high and low for the perfect little wall light for our sunroom. The walls are exposed brick, so hardwiring isn’t the best option, we are looking for a plug in wall light. I’ve found several pretty cool ones, all price ranges. The sconce above is an affordable $49 from Urban Outfitters. I like the cool look of the cord. It comes in white and what looks like stainless… I’m thinking about the white right now…
Modern Swing Arm Wall Sconce from the Rhine Collection – Image: LightingDirect.com
The Modern Swing Arm Wall Sconce offers a contemporary twist to a typical reading light… very chic for only $103!
Swing Arm Wall Lamp by Circa Lighting – Image: CircaLighting.com
You can never go wrong with the lighting at Circa. They have the most gorgeous options! We’re fortunate to live near a Circa Lighting in Charleston, SC, but if you don’t then you’ll be happy to know that they ship… for FREE! The Swing Arm Wall Lamp by Circa Lighting is a classic style with a contemporary edge to it. I like that it has a dimmer so you can leave it on for ambient lighting… and turn it up for task lighting, so you can see what you’re reading!
COUNTERPOISE SWING-ARM WALL SCONCE BRONZE – Image – Restoration Hardware
The Counterpoise Swing-Arm Wall Sconce is another classy option from Restoration Hardware. Classy lighting at this place, and this is no exception. My concern for where I want to put it is that I will hit my head on it when I get up? Hmmm, a consideration!
Tolomeo Micro Wall Lamp by Artemide – Image: Lumens.com
Fred and I have long admired the Tolomeo lighting collection, especially the micro wall lamp. Very cool on either side of a bed, but hmmmm, might be neat in the sunroom as well?!
Robert Abbey Bruno Collection Scissor Arm Pharmacy Plug In Wall Light – LampsPlus.com
And finally… the Robert Abbey Bruno Collection Scissor Arm Pharmacy Plug-In Wall Light so very cool!
So many options and we’ve just begun to search! Having Google makes finding just exactly what you want so much easier!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Featured Artist… Martha Burkert!
“Daisy” by Martha Burkert
There is something refreshing and different about Martha Burkert’s work. Brilliant colors, happy composition and style. Very nice! Check out Martha’s website.
Here’s a blip about Martha from the Maine Home + Design website:
Complex landscapes are often arranged into a repoussoir of more detailed flowers or trees in the immediate foreground, with expansive planes of loosely painted color in the background suggestive of the sea, clouds, or other major landscape formations. In Queen Anne’s Lace, Burkert evinces the liberties she takes with naturalistic representation, and water and sky have turned into bands of yellow and pink. The artist often experiments with color combinations until they feel right to her—an emotional and intuitive process that the artist confesses she doesn’t fully understand.
Growing up surrounded by the landscapes of Texas, Burkert appreciates the beauty of vast unfilled spaces. Maine’s landscapes, on the other hand, are more visually complex and seasonally changeable. The artist therefore likes to distill her paintings to their basic elements. “There is a beauty in simple things,” she says.
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Head on down to the Ferry Building!
I took this photo years ago at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, CA. Have you been there? If you’re in San Fran, I highly suggest it. It’s a feast for your eyes! I’m not kidding, so many wonderful things, fresh food, drink, you name it! Here is a list of VENDORS. I’m not sure if the flower place is still there or not, it was magical! I could picture us living there, going to the Ferry Building each weekend for fresh flowers and produce… well, except for the $$PRICE$$ of living in San Francisco… oh well, I’m happy with my life here in Charleston, and the fact that Trader Joe’s, EarthFare and Whole Foods are close by!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Cheers in San Francisco at The Grove Fillmore!
Me at a cafe on Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA – 2005!
Yes, for those of you who think I just don’t age… this photo is from 2005, ha ha… that’s my no aging secret, use old photos, works better than Botox! We had such a good time at this place. This was at a cool place called THE GROVE FILLMORE in San Francisco. I remember they had huge cups of coffee (as you can see), they had wonderful pies… ooooh, fabulous organic fruit fillings that made it worth the trip each time! They also had a macaroni and cheese that was to die for! Look at their MENU!
Image via…
I was telling this older couple we had met along the way, about this place, and she told me “Honey, we used to live to eat, now we eat to live”. How sad I thought at the time. But we do the same thing with occasional splurges. I mean you are what you eat, right? That’s why I eat lots of shrimp. Hee.
Have a great weekend! Catch you back here tomorrow!
National WEAR RED day! Go Red for Women
Orange Red Orange by Mark Rothko / Image: Galerie-Mikel.fr
I normally feature an artist today, BUT since this is a pretty important subject, I think Mark Rothko’s “Orange Red Orange” ties in quite nicely with the WEAR RED FOR WOMEN theme, don’t you? I love his work!
Today is National Wear Red day to help raise awareness of heart disease in women. Did you know that heart disease was the #1 killer of women? Do you know the signs? There’s a great little video, reminds me of the show Modern Family in a way… it’s funny, but so true at the same time, shows you the signs of “Just a Little Heart Attack“! Symptoms in women are different than they are in men, so it’s worth knowing what to do!
Here’s a blip from the GOREDFORWOMEN.ORG website:
Symptoms of a heart attack:
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As with men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to note that women are more likely to experience the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
What to do during a heart attack
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms:
- Do not wait to call for help. Dial 9-1-1, make sure to follow the operator’s instructions and get to a hospital right away.
- Do not drive yourself or have someone drive you to the hospital unless you have no other choice.
- Try to stay as calm as possible and take deep, slow breaths while you wait for the emergency responders.
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All too often we don’t want to “bother” emergency folks with our aches and pains, but time is of the essence… you have a good outcome you have got to react quickly. So read up on it, be aware, and if you’re body is telling you something is wrong… listen!
Remember, if you have symptoms CALL 9-1-1 FIRST. Then if they tell you to take an aspirin, do so, it can be of great benefit (if no aspirin allergy, etc.), they will tell you whether or not to take one. I’ve heard from Dr. Oz that you should CHEW it so it gets into your bloodstream quickly. Also, unlock your door (after you call 9-1-1)… so they can get in to help you!
If you see someone having a heart attack and they need CPR, this is a great little blip from the goredforwomen.org website:
Research shows that Hands-Only CPR (without mouth-to-mouth breaths) performed by a bystander is just as effective in the first few minutes of sudden cardiac arrest in an out-of-hospital setting. Here’s how to do it.
“Stayin’ Alive” in two easy steps
No matter where you are, if you witness a teen or an adult suddenly collapse, you need to act fast – a delay of just a few minutes could be the difference between life and death. So check out this video from The American Heart Association, and remember these two easy steps:
- Call 9-1-1, or have someone else call immediately
- Push down hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the Bee Gees’ disco hit “Stayin’ Alive”
Hopefully, you’ll never have to use Hands-Only CPR, but in the event of an emergency, your preparedness could save a life. Learn more about Hands-Only CPR and read these true survivor stories for inspiration.
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Oh! Wear red today if you can, spread the word!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Lake Flato Porch Houses… Efficient, architecturally appealing and downright JAW DROPPING!
I KNOW! GORGEOUS! CONTEMPORARY! ECLECTIC! Whoa, awesome design coupled with energy efficient these architects have come up with a masterpiece! It would be really neat to have the main part of the home with a master bedroom/bathroom, living area, kitchen and powder room and have a separate area for guests or a studio! Imagine this situated where you can watch a sunrise/sunset?! Heaven. On. Earth!
Featured Artist… Randy Sexton!
“Peace Hogs” by Randy Sexton
I first saw this image on Facebook. Ahhh, Facebook, gotta love it. It’s the most awesome tool when looking for the latest and greatest art. I love how artists are posting their work, its fascinating!
This is amazing on so many levels. I have always admired Randy’s work. I featured Randy back in September 2012, but couldn’t resist another post… this painting is so full of life. No harsh edges, just strokes of genius smattered here and there and TADA… a painting so fabulous that it takes your breath away! There is so much going on, yet not too much detail. The colors and strokes… INTERESTING. There is so much to see you don’t want to look away.
I love that the info about Randy on his WEBSITE isn’t just a bullet list of accomplishments. I never make it through those… I like to hear the story behind the person, why they paint, how they paint, who they studied under, who they look up to, where they live, about their dog, ha ha… anything other than the regular blah blah blah… Randy’s website is very, very nice, I encourage you to check it out! Here’s a little blip about Randy from his website… for more, either check out his website, or click on the September link above to see more info… Here goes…
“A ‘painters’ painter’, Randall is one of the premier contemporary California landscape painters, also paints still-lifes, figures, and portraits with equal mastery…His work evokes deep feelings, whether it’s the solitude of a deserted street at night or the exultation of a beautiful landscape, each speaks softly to the viewer.”
Jean Stern, Executive Director -The Irvine Museum of Art
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Randall currently teaches at Pixar University
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Randall was honored with the coveted “Artists’ Choice Award” in Laguna Beach at the 10th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Event held at the Laguna Museum Of Art
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Randall is proud member of the artist group known as “The Outsiders”
Catch you back here tomorrow!
The HGTV Dream Home, opens to the public… SOON!
The 2013 HGTV Dream Home located on Kiawah Island, SC
Hey, it’s fun to dream… and this home is a beauty… check out their website for some great photos!
AND if you’re fortunate enough to make it to the dream home tour… look for Christina Hewson’s dog portraits… They are amazing! They add such character and interest! You may remember reading about her on one of my past posts…
Ahhhh, love this!
As well as local Beaufort artist, Cassandra Gillens who was also in a past post!
Beginning February 14, 2013 the HGTV Dream Home will be open to the public… here are some details from the HGTV blog website…
Dying to step inside HGTV Dream Home 2013 for an up-close-and-personal tour? Now’s your chance! Public tours of our Kiawah Island vacation home begin in mid February. Tickets are $20 per person; proceeds will benefit Communities in Schools of the Charleston Area, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides a nationally acclaimed dropout prevention program that empowers and inspires students.
Tour Dates:
Thursday, February 14 through Monday, February 18
Friday, February 22 through Sunday, February 24
Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 3
Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10
Tour Times:
Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last tour starts at 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. (last tour starts at 4 p.m.)
To order tickets and learn more about HGTV Dream Home 2013 public tours, visit hgtvdreamhometours.org.
Mary is a contributor to HGTV Dreams Happen: Sweepstakes Blog.
Images of Christina Hewson’s pet portraits via HGTV.com
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Featured Artist… Paula Frizbe!
“At the Lake House” by Paula Frizbe
Paula has such a great style. I especially like this painting, called “At the Lake House” – what a dream, eh? Oh, the color of the water, the lake house, and that TREE with it’s quirky whimsical branches. This is a wonderful painting!
Paula has many more, be sure to stop by her website if you get a chance! I see that Paula is a member of Plein Air Painters of the Southeast. They also have a great Facebook page if you’re interested!
Here’s a blip about Paula from the Leiper’s Creek Gallery, located in Franklin, TN:
Paula Frizbe has been a professional oil painter for over a decade. Her career in the arts spans almost 30 years. Her professional career has afforded her painting opportunities throughout the United States and in many foreign countries. She is a signature member of The Cumberland Society of Painters, Alla Prima International and Plein-Air Painter’s of the Southeast. Her work is owned by numerous private and corporate collectors. She is currently represented by several galleries in five states in the south and southeast.
“To me, the whole idea of painting is to respond to and then convey to others my view of the world around me. I find no pleasure in reinventing the world, nor seek a self-fulfilling inward gaze. My joy comes from the pure thrill of adventure.
The world is infinitely complex. The continual hunt for and then surprise finding of her mysteries is my sole motivation.”
Paula Frizbe — Artist statement
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Lobsters… SET THEM FREE… oh, wait a minute…!
This is a photo I shot while in Maine. When I used to see this (as you do all over) I used to dream about setting them free, ha ha… Then one day I was watch Alton Brown on the Food Network, he was talking about the similarities of lobsters and… one of my biggest fears… la coockaracha’s as I like to call them, it doesn’t sound so greasy, so downright creepy (oh I just know I’m going to have a nightmare tonight!)… cockroaches. Lobsters and cockroaches are in the same family.
Set them free?
Nope… Maybe don’t squish ’em, but hey, definitely don’t set them free!
Maybe, toss them in a macaroni and cheese… like this recipe from Ina Garten?! Hee, hee.
Catch you back here tomorrow!
Bless the lobstermen and women! Hard work for sure!
I love snapping photos of everyday things… this photo was taken in Camden, Maine. One of the workers left his gloves on the wheel. It struck me how these men and women are such hard workers. Lobstering is hard work. I’m not expert, but I’ve watched Lobster Wars (ha ha, loved that show!) so I see what it takes. I’ve read stories, and I’ve heard from people who do this for a living, who’s families have done it for generation after generation.
Hard. Work.
When you realize what it takes to bring the lobsters back to land so that we can enjoy them it makes you never want to eek out a peep about the price. Ever. It’s worth every penny! Oh, those scrambled eggs with cheese and lobster at the Island Inn on Monhegan are sounding pretty tasty about now!
Catch you back here tomorrow!
ARTFOODHOME.COM 