Artist, Allie Snyder

I recently discovered the oil paintings of east coast artist, Allie Snyder, and I'm loving her work.  Her gorgeous studio is located in a converted barn in Southern Maryland, along the Potomac River, and her natural surroundings inspire her to paint.  I love to imagine how she spends all her time in this idyllic setting, perched in a light-filled barn loft, painting glimpses from the natural scenes around her.  It seems like such a peaceful place.  And, each one of Allie's paintings feature soft subtle hues that can only be drawn from nature itself (I personally love the abstract landscapes).  Here are some images from Allie's studio:

Allie Snyder

Her passion has fueled a growing business and blog called Amaryllis Truth where she writes about country living and sells her oil paintings.  Here is Allie at a recent gallery showing (how adorable is she?):

Bookmark her store.  She updates it regularly with new work, and if you're looking for that perfect piece, you might just want to check here first.  Here are some of my favorite pieces that Allie has available right now:

here

here

here

Looking for something more specific, or a painting of a certain size?  Allie also does commissioned pieces.   Contact her for more info.

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Jason LaFerrera

I'm loving these pieces by New York based artist, Jason LaFerrera.  Using vintage maps, he creates these stunning digital collages.  The Grizzly Bear is my favorite.  It measures a whopping 20" x 30" and it reminds me of California.

More fantastic prints from Jason LaFerrera:

Visit his professional website, and buy a print HERE.

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Color Block

I am so in love with these cheerful abstract prints from San Francisco based Etsy seller, TWOEMS.  Aren't they marvelous?

This yellow and green "geo print" (seen above) reminds me of a fabulous fabric by Jim Thompson...

Jim Thompson's "Hexistripe"

I've loved this print since I first spotted it a couple of years ago (it also comes in some darker colorways-- think navy and magenta!).  I'm dying to use it in a future project.

Shop the entire TWOEMS shop HERE.

(she also has pieces that would be perfect for a kids room, you must see)

Have a bright and colorful Spring weekend!!

xoxo

Kelly

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A Portrait's Worth A Thousand Words!

The new issue of Rue Magazine was released this week, and one of my favorite images included this fabulous bathroom...

Love the wallpaper, the shiny fixtures, the monogrammed towels... and, that portrait in the window??!  I love it.  It's completely unexpected-- an antique portrait in the bathroom?  But, then it's placed over the window.  It creates privacy, I guess.  And, I think it's sort of great.  What do you think?

All this talk about antique portraits caused me to reivist my inspiration files...  Our bed & breakfast in Savannah was filled with antique portraits.  But, they were placed in more traditional locations...

like over a fireplace...

or, above a bed.

An antique portrait brings a great feeling of history to a space.  Do you agree?  I love the old ornate frames, the dark patina of the canvas, and the overall sense of "formality."  And obviously, I'm drawn to this look because I found a whole bunch of rooms in my inspiration files with a portrait motif...

via Domino Magazine

via Elle Decor

image found on From The Right Bank

image found on My Notting Hill

via Elle Decor

home of Tom Dolby & Drew Frist, via Lonny Magazine

via Cottage Living

home of Jenna Lyons

image via Eric Piaseki

Schuyler Samperton

found at Elements Of Style

home of Tom Dolby & Drew Frist, via Lonny Magazine

via Design*Sponge

source unknown

I wish we had a fancy portrait in our family, something that was passed down through the generations.  But alas, my family does not possess such treasures (we come from European immigrants who settled in the United States in the early 20th century-- I guess stashing a portrait with your carry-on was out of the question).  But, I would like to own one someday. 

What about you, do you own any fancy portraits?

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The Sledding Hill

I love this colorful winter scene from photographer, Paul Octavious.

And here, Paul has captured the same hill (located outside Chicago).  But this time, it's in the spring...

both images are available at 20x200.

If you get your order in before January 31st, you'll save 20%! 

Use the (hysterical) coupon code: RIDONK

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Paintings By Sharon Schock

available here

I'm loving these oil paintings by Sharon Schock.  Inspired by the Southern California landscape, Sharon tries to paint every single day.  Isn't that wonderful?  And, lucky for us, we can purchase these lovely pieces through her online shop. 

available here

available here

available here

A colorful still life (like these) would make a terrific accent to a kitchen or dining room...

available here

available here

Check out Sharon's online store HERE.

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I Love You, Blogs (and coffee)

Happy weekend, kittens!  It has finally started to feel like Fall here in Philadelphia, and yesterday I wore a sweater. For the first time since April.  I guess that means that summer is officially over, right? 

I leave you with this FABULOUS poster from Made By Girl.  For a blog addict (like me), this one says it all: blogs and coffee (or in my case, Nutella) go hand in hand.  I think I should get this for my office.

Happy weekend!

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Chalkboard Decals

So, there's one more thing I have to mention in favor of chalkboards (in or out of the kitchen): Shanna Murray decals.  How fabulous are these?  I think they inspire creativity.

By the way, these decals are not limited to chalkboards.  Shanna also makes them in charcoal, black, metallic silver and metallic gold!  How great would these look on a kids' room wall (above a bed!)?  They also seem perfect for a temporary space, like a dorm room or rental apartment?  Big impact for a small price.

For even more lovely decals, shop the Shanna Murray site HERE.

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