Tag: Interiors

  • Dreaming. An Art Studio Reading Nook.

    Dreaming. An Art Studio Reading Nook.

    It is with the reading of books the same as with looking at pictures; one must, without doubt, without hesitations, with assurance, admire what is beautiful.”

    – Vincent Van Gogh

    What to do while the paint is drying?  If I have a comfy spot, I’ll grab a book and catch up on some reading. 

    As I’m daydreaming (a lot these days) about what my permanent studio will look like, I’m definitely conjuring up a cozy reading nook tucked in amongst the paint and canvas.

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    Here’s how the perfect studio morning would go– I step out my backdoor and take a leisurely walk to my studio among the trees. 

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    After painting for a few hours, as I wait for the paintings to dry, I make a cup of coffee and curl up in my reading nook with a book.  Maybe an artist biography (this Joan Mitchell bio is so good) or maybe I’ll just flip through a book of work by a favorite painter, like this book of Georgia O’Keeffe watercolors.

    Of course, I dream about what that cozy little space will look like!

    Studio nook collageimages found here here and here

    Light walls, wooden floors, fresh, cozy, textured, warm.  A place with plenty of natural light (good for reading and painting!) and an atmosphere of sweet calm. 

    Since I’m daydreaming, why not be specific?  So I spent a little time on the Arhaus website and put together the elements of my dream studio nook!  PS- Make sure to check out all their lighting options— so important for good reading! AND during their storewide sale this month 10% of the purchase price of all lighting and accessory mirrors will go to Global Dental Relief. 

    Arhaus collage finalI think if you can’t go just a bit funky in an art studio, well, where can you?  And a few of these may be a bit too nice for studio life, but a girl can dream right?!

    1. Painting, Shadow On the Wall by Lesley Frenz. Must make sure furniture matches the artwork!
    2. Rug, Zayne 8×10 Grey Rug by Arhaus.
    3. Chair, Dori 31″ Upholstered Chair in Madeline Gold by Arhaus. For guests, but more likely the cat.
    4. Light, Wooden Prism 22″ Chandelier by Arhaus. Don’t forget, buy this baby & that’s almost $70 to GDR!
    5. Pillow, Boho Ivory Applique Pillow by Arhaus.
    6. Sofa, Fiona 97″ Upholstered Tufted Sofa in Brussels Rosewood  by Arhaus. I dream of velvet tufted sofas!
    7. Chest, Teal Ming Cabinet by Arhaus. For book & blanket storage, obvi.
    8. Ottoman, Gentry 50″ Upholstered Bench in Aliz Indigo by Arhaus. Somewhere soft for the tired footsies.
    9. Mug, Black & White Tumbler by Studio Joo. Coffee tastes better when sipped out of something beautiful.
    10. Throw, Faux Fur Brown Feather Throw by Arhaus. Something extra cozy for cold days in the PNW!
    11. Pillow, Stone Washed Velvet Rectangular Pillow in Stone by Arhaus. Never enough pillows in my world.

    Just thinking about this space and doing this exercise has me so very excited to settle into a permanent studio next year! I have no idea what it will look like or where it will be, but there will be books and coffee and pillows. Oh yes, there will most definitely be!

    Image sources linked above.

     

  • Artsy Dwelling: Small is the New Big

    Artsy Dwelling: Small is the New Big

    10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact

    By now, we’ve all seen the gagillions of pins of perfectly arranged art walls, so we know full well that when grouped with other work, small art pieces can sing.  But when grouped with all those other works, lilliputian work can sometimes be as overlooked as a backup singer.  Hang them on a wall all by their lonesome, though?  You’re giving them the mic and letting them shine!

    Here are a few of my favorite rooms showcasing small art works–

    10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact | artsy forager #art #interiors #decor

     

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    10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact | artsy forager #art #interiors #decor

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    10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact | artsy forager #art #interiors #decor

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    10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact | artsy forager #art #interiors #decor

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    10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact | artsy forager #art #interiors #decor

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    10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact | artsy forager #art #interiors #decor

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    10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact | artsy forager #art #interiors #decor

     

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    10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact | artsy forager #art #interiors #decor

     

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    10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact | artsy forager #art #interiors #decor

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    10 Rooms Where Small Art Makes a Big Impact | artsy forager #art #interiors #decor

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    Need more convincing that small art can have major effect?  Head over to Mantle Art & check out the beautiful, super affordable Artsy Forager Collection of limited edition prints.  They’re small but they’re fabulous!

    All image sources linked above.

  • Artsy Dwelling: Where’s Your Artsy Spot

    Artsy Dwelling: Where’s Your Artsy Spot

    Touring artist studios at last weekend’s ArtsAlive got me day dreaming about my own future work space.  As we travel, I paint either at our dining/kitchen table or on a collapsible easel Mr. F bought me a few years ago.  I can’t wait for the weather to get warmer so I work out on our pretty little deck!  Where do you like to set up your artistic command center?

    If you work small like I do currently, or on paper, maybe a table works for you.  A big flat surface where you can spread out and everything you need is within reach.  And bonus– you get to sit down!

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    michelle morin on anthropologie

    Or maybe you’re a traditionalist and working from an easel is your thing.  A good sturdy, adjustable easel is a thing of beauty.  There is one in the window of the local art supply store that I am totally coveting.

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    katie stratton on a beautiful mess

    Perhaps you like working a la Jackson Pollock?  It might be hard on the back, but working on the floor is great for large canvases or getting a different perspective on your work.  And I’m pretty sure it’s a great workout.

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    isabella ducrot

    A lot of artists like to mount their canvases on the wall and if we ever have the extra space, I would love to give this way of working a try.  Would be especially fun in a studio in which you were free to make as big a mess as you wanted!

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    heather day

    A lot of artists don’t have the luxury of a dedicated studio space, so we just find a place to land our artsiness wherever we can!  Maybe it’s the kitchen island or a corner in the attic.  If you’re an artist, wherever you happen to be, that’s your artsy spot.

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    sarah boyts yoder

    So where’s your favorite artsy spot?  I’m off to pin inspiration images for my someday studio!  A girl can dream, right?

    All image sources linked above.

  • Artsy Dwelling: Watercolored Walls

    Artsy Dwelling: Watercolored Walls

    A Different Take on the Art Wall

    Gallery walls have been all the rage for a couple of years now.  They are a fantastic way to showcase your art collection and so easy to change up!  But sometimes, you want your art wall to make a bolder statement– why not make the wall itself the artsy focal point?  Whether you paint your masterpiece directly on the wall’s surface, apply an artsy wallpaper, or a mural sized decal, there will be no shortage of artsiness on those walls!  Here are just a few of my own faves from around the web–

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    Think I love the simplicity of the pink geometric design and the blue watercolor best.  What do you think?  Have you ever treated your walls as a truly blank canvas?

    PS– Need help finding art for your walls?  Check out the new services I’m offering!  Click on Forager For Hire in the tool bar for more info!

    All image sources linked below the photos.

  • Friday Forager Faves:  Birthday Wish List

    Friday Forager Faves: Birthday Wish List

    Today is my birthday, ya’ll.   I will be happily spending the day with the one who birthed me, touring the Downtown Jacksonville studio of Christina Foard and researching downtown galleries for an article I’m writing for EU Magazine ( my first published print article! ).   In the spirit of Steve Martin’s SNL “Christmas Wish” sketch, I’m indulging in my own Birthday Wish list.

    These are works of art that, “If I could have but one birthday wish this birthday”… to own any one of these would be my birthday wish.  These are the pieces I covet, the pieces that I know I would love forever and ever and give them a kind and loving home.

    Sleep Deprived and the Dog Can Wait by Casey Matthews

    The title alone makes me smile.  I love how the palette is both warm and cool AND neutral all at the same time.  And I have a thing for circles.  I’ve seen this in person and it is stunning.

    Lucy in the Sky by Maribel Angel

    I love the Beatles.  I love the idea of a flying bunny chasing carrots.  I love Maribel’s work.  I would never tire of seeing this.

    Speak No Evil by Pam Moxley

    This reminds me of what it was like to be a kid, without a care in the world.  Summer days, carefree ways.  Before life was complicated.

    Hotel, Calgary by Theresa Maxwell

    This sweet little painting makes me think of honeymooning.. living out of a suitcase.. letting someone else make the bed.. bliss!

    Lifetime Partners by Christina Foard 

    I fell in love with this the first time I saw it on Christina’s Facebook page.  It reminds me of the devotion and complete commitment it takes to make a life with someone, to be a united front through thick and thin, to be sure of each other no matter what may lie ahead.  Maybe I’m just a starry-eyed newlywed.

    I could go on and on adding more and more to this list– believe me, there are MANY more!  But I was raised to not be greedy, so I’m limiting myself to these five.  Even if I don’t have the real thing, they will always be here for me to gaze upon lovingly.  Happy birthday to me!