Under the Tuscan Sun: Our Villa
Sep 30 2015 · 0 comments · Personal, Travel ·0
If you follow me on Instagram (you should!), you may already know that last week I had the opportunity to travel to Tuscany along with 11 other women to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday (yes, one of the big ones, shhhh!) No, it wasn’t Cheaper by the Dozen, but it was a lot more fun!
We rented a villa just outside of Sienna. The cost was surprisingly reasonable when split 12 ways. Even better than the affordability factor was the villa itself. It was a breathtaking home with plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms ~ must when a dozen women are sharing a space for a week. The setting was right out of the movies. The villa design was light and airy and grounded by a large harvest table with a marble top in the Kitchen which we gathered around for late night conversation and a sip (or 2…) of Limoncello.
Come take a peek of a week that has etched memories on my heart…
A Poem & A Painting: Travel to Tuscany
Sep 28 2015 · 3 comments · A Poem & A Painting, Travel ·0
I’ve just returned from an amazing trip to Tuscany filled with wonderful friends and memories that I will carry in my heart forever. There’s so much to see in Tuscany, a beautiful vista or stunning tableau seemingly wherever you turn. I found myself so inspired, taking photos, sketching, and using my travel watercolors to jot down my impressions.
I love this quote and how it fits with this week’s paintings…
A Painting & A Poem: Pink Pillow
Sep 21 2015 · 0 comments · A Poem & A Painting ·0
This week’s artwork was created for one of my interior designer friends, Linda Holt. My inspiration was a photo of Pierre Frey’s Paris apartment that Veronika Miller of Modenus posted on her Facebook page. Ah, Paris…
Fearless Color, Part 2: The Family Room
Sep 16 2015 · 0 comments · My Designs ·0
The Color Party Continues! Last week I shared the Living Room space in this fabulous home. Today I present the Family Room. The Family Room is adjacent to, but separate from, the Living Room and open to the Kitchen (which I’ll be showing you soon). All the spaces co-exist nicely but each one has it’s own personality. Come take a peek…
A Poem & A Painting: Tuscany
Sep 14 2015 · 0 comments · A Poem & A Painting ·0
This week’s painting is actually a watercolor sketch in preparation for a trip to Tuscany next week.
And here is a quote that I have found to be true over the years during my visits to Italy…
Fearless Color: A Living Room Refresh
Sep 09 2015 · 1 comment · My Designs ·0
This is a story about a woman with a colorful personality and a zest for life. I met her socially and was immediately smitten with her big smile and her vibrant spirit. She has undeniable charisma and I was just drawn to her. When she called and asked me to work with her on her home I was elated!
As I arrived for the first consultation and tour, I was met by a white picket fence covered with climbing red roses. The house is a traditional (renovated) white clapboard farmhouse near the center of town. The grounds were designed with flowering trees and a perennial border garden. I could hardly wait to enter this enchanted cottage…
A Poem & A Painting: An Apple For Teacher
Sep 08 2015 · 0 comments · A Poem & A Painting ·0
While Labor Day may mark the unofficial end to Summer, it certainly doesn’t feel like it around here. The temperatures are forecast to be in the 90s today ~ we are in the midst of a New England heat wave! Despite the heat, there are signs that Fall is on the way, the biggest of which is that school is back in session. I have so much gratitude for the many fine teachers who helped guide my children over the years.
A Poem & A Painting: Gina’s Empty Nest
Aug 31 2015 · 0 comments · A Poem & A Painting ·0
Today’s painting is one that I did for my dear friend Gina. As of today she is officially an “empty nester” for the first time with both her son and daughter at their respective colleges. Such a bittersweet time for us moms, watching our children spread their wings…
A Poem & A Painting: Mise En Place, Les Oeufs
Aug 24 2015 · 0 comments · A Poem & A Painting, Food & Drink ·0
I am off on a mini girls getaway ~ a few days on Nantucket with dear friends is a wonderful way to celebrate the all to quickly fading days of Summer. As I’ve been doing on most of my trips this Summer, I’ll be taking along my watercolors and brushes. Before I packed up my supplies, I did some experimenting with watercolor still life paintings. While I’m not much of a cook or a baker, I enjoyed creating and painting this scene featuring eggs, a wooden spoon and a mixing bowl. Oh the possibilities!
Instead of sharing a poem this week I thought I’d share two recipes featuring eggs ~ one savory and one sweet. Enjoy!
Pike Place Market
Aug 19 2015 · 0 comments · Flowers and Gardening, Food & Drink, Travel ·0
My quick trip to Seattle in July was filled with so much amazing sightseeing, including the incredible Chihuly Garden & Glass exhibit. Perhaps my 2nd favorite spot we visited was Pike Place Market. Known as “Seattle’s epicenter of fresh produce, specialty foods and independent businesses”, Pike Place is the 33rd most visited attraction in the world!
Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operated markets in the country. With a divine location right on the Elliott Bay waterfront, the Public Market opened in 1907 with the mission to have the “consumer meet the producer”.
A Poem & A Painting: Hospitality
Aug 17 2015 · 0 comments · A Poem & A Painting ·0
Last week I took time to relax and enjoy some Summer vacation. I was fortunate to spend a few days at the home of a friend on Cape Cod. As a thank you for her hospitality, I painted a watercolor of her lovely home…
A Poem & A Painting: Watercolor Brushes
Aug 10 2015 · 1 comment · A Poem & A Painting ·1
I am going on vacation this week and have packed up my paints and brushes. I am hoping for good weather and to get a few paintings in! I’m sure there won’t be any shortage of inspiration. This week’s poem is one I found to be inspirational, especially when it comes to painting…
A Poem & A Painting: Fog
Aug 03 2015 · 3 comments · A Poem & A Painting ·1
This Summer it seems I’ve been on the go quite a bit. It’s been the perfect time to explore watercolors because they are so portable…
Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle
Jul 29 2015 · 0 comments · Art Exhibits & Events, Artists, Travel ·0
As you may know if you follow me on Instagram (you should!), I was recently in Seattle for a few days with my son. If you’re a follower of my blog, you probably also know that I am a huge fan of Dale Chihuly, the legendary and innovative glass artist. I have written about my admiration of Chihuly’s work several times in the past (read here, here) including my visit to his grand installation at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston a few years ago.
Naturally when I knew I would be in Seattle, home of the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, I knew it would be one of our first stops. The entire installation was stunning and did not disappoint! Come take a peek at some of my favorite photos from our visit…
A Poem & A Painting: Happy 80th Birthday
Jul 27 2015 · 2 comments · A Poem & A Painting ·1
I have a special place in my heart for “decade” birthdays. I have a group of dear friends (aka The Clinique Gang) and for years we have gathered to celebrate one another’s milestone birthdays. I painted this week’s painting for a friend’s Mom who is celebrating her 80th Birthday ~ woo hoo! She is hoping to receive 80 cards and I was happy to send mine along!
I thought this poem/verse made a nice accompaniment to this week’s painting…
A Poem & A Painting: Watercolor Peaches
Jul 20 2015 · 0 comments · A Poem & A Painting ·0
I am back from yet another wonderful, whirlwind trip. This time I went to Seattle to meet my son Freddy who is in the midst of a cross-country odyssey. We spent a great few days together, what a treat! I’m sure I’ll have more to share about my time in Seattle, but for today a better-late-than-never poem and painting…
A Poem & A Painting: Watercolor Cantaloupe
Jul 14 2015 · 0 comments · A Poem & A Painting ·0
Here in the Northeast in the Summer we thrive on fresh fruit and its delicious flavor ~ it just doesn’t taste the same in the winter! Fresh melon, cantaloupe to be exact, inspired this week’s painting and poem…
Jen
Jul 09 2015 · 1 comment · Meet the Team, Personal ·0
This week it is very quiet in my office on the beach and a little sad. My Assistant Extraordinaire, Jen, is moving south with her family. The daughter of my very dear and close friend, Ginny, Jen and I have been working together for 5+ years.
A Poem & A Painting: A Watercolor Interior
Jun 29 2015 · 0 comments · A Poem & A Painting ·0
I’m popping in to share my latest work from my watercolor class. As you probably know, I love painting Interiors in oil. Inspired by designer and artist Mark Hampton and his book of watercolors, Mark Hampton, The Art of Friendship, I am now attempting to paint Interior scenes using watercolors as well.
A Poem & A Painting: Watercolor Nest
Jun 22 2015 · 0 comments · A Poem & A Painting ·0
The Summer is already a wonderful whirlwind with amazing sunsets, parties on the terrace, beach walks and fabulous clients. All of this activity added to the fact that my assistant is in the midst of moving, means the blog updates have been fewer. We do have some great posts planned including Wedding details and a colorful photo shoot at a client’s home. In the meantime, please follow me on Instagram for “up-to-the-minute” updates!
Today I do have a painting to share. I am taking a watercolor class so I will be able to paint when I travel. It is difficult because with some colors once they are on paper they are permanent ~ eek not great for a girl that makes mistakes and is used to the forgiveness of oil paint!