Armas Design

You must relax! NOW!

2012-02-03T08:59:00.002-05:00

I am so glad it is Friday! Sheesh. Apparently I need some major down time, O says I seem really stressed out, and I must say my back muscles agree. I don't get it tough, I can't think of what is stressing me! Isn't that crazy! Except that I do feel pretty tired, like all the time I have sleepy eyes.

I wish I had a good book right now! I LOVE that feeling of knowing I get to go be lost in another world for a while. Anything you recommend?

I guess this means I have to really rejuvenate for this next week! I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes I have a hard time figuring out how to relax. As soon as I nestle into the sofa with a glass of wine and the puppies I start daydreaming and five seconds in I am thinking about painting. I can't help it. I get ideas and I have to go write them down, or something.

Is there anything better than a lazy breakfast in bed with your honey?

What do you do to de-stress? If your mind is busy busy busy, how do you unwind and refresh your creative bone? I think that time with friends makes me feel good, and time sleeping! Also, I like to do something engaging, but not too thinky, like gardening or organizing. Lets have your tips!

Feb/March 2012 - Adore Home Magazine

2012-02-01T14:19:00.001-05:00

So, "Moody" has been featured in this month's issue of Adore Home Magazine. Totally rad, right?! Doesn't she just fit right in with all of those other delightful work space goodies?

We just hope that "Moody" doesn't let all this celebrity go to her head. She just will not stop talking about being included in this magazine. Strutting her stuff and acting like some kind of A-Lister. The other paintings are getting a little tired of hearing it.

Go check "Moody" out at Adore Home Magazine. Oh, and she wants me to let everyone know that she is available for autographs and group photos. sigh.

-Kristi

How do you get creative on demand?

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

The reality is that I have way less time to paint than you would think. Basically anyone who runs a business knows, you have to spend a lot of time doing all of the little things. Things like setting up computers and printers, getting ink, paper, boxes...If you want, I can explain how all of these little things get done in my own studio, but today I want to talk about how to be creative on a schedule.

What I mean is that I try to stick to a schedule in the studio, otherwise I end up waisting the day on Pinterest, or answering emails all day, and scattering my energy. That means that on Monday, even if I am not feeling it, I paint. No work on commissions, or anything for anyone that requires thought. Just do whatever comes to naturally. I have a schedule for the rest of the week, and I want to share that with you too, but I also want to know what ingenius tricks you use to stay on schedule.

This is what works for me:
1. Monday morning I wake up knowing that all of my essential emails and "businessy" things are taken care of for the the day (on account of I did it over the weekend, or on Friday.)

2. Workout! Cardio, weights and pilates. Gives me energy for the whole day.

I rave about Pilates to anyone who will listen!

3. My dear sweet Coco and Moxie get to go to daycare on Mondays. Mostly they are fine at the studio, but I like to be able to stay as late as I like, and sometimes they get anxious. I refuse to have anything distract me on my free paint days. The doggy daycare by us is great, inexpensive and they even have cameras so I can see them if I feel like it during the day. Plus they can groom them if I need it.

Of course I could get a sexy dog walker...

4. After I get to the studio, shower and settle in I order lunch (at like 10am). It feels so special to have someone else make my lunch, b/c I usually bring my own food. Today it was a spinach salmon salad and a cappuccino. Yum. Eat half, save half for later.

Not spinach, but pretty right?

5. Pump up the jams and start painting. I try to remember to take breaks, and drink a lot of water. Some days I like to jump around and dance, other days I just listen to "The Power of Now" and am super in the moment all day. This is one of the paintings I busted out today.

The best thing about Mondays is that I get to experiment all I want! This weekend I went to town at my local art shop (I use Utrecht on Peachtree) because they had a 30% off sale. Hollah! I bought drippy watercolors, neon spray paint, crazy tape, all kinds of graphite and charcoal pencils, gold leaf and also tons of different kinds of glossy messes in tubs for to make the paintings special. I used them all! By the end of the day I have a couple of finished paintings, and many half started ones. I can finish them up later this week, or save them for next free paint day!

So that is how I get my creative day in. How do you do it? Do you have to wait until after work, or the weekends? Do you just get creative whenever the mood strikes? I wan't to know! Lets talk about it.

My dirty secret

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

is...... I have a lovehate relationship with traveling. I lived abroad for a year in college, and traveled all over the place, and boy do I have some stories from those days. It seems though that every single time I pack a suitcase, I get sick, pull a muscle, get food poisoning, loose something valuable...you name it. I pretty much have been miserable the whole time I was "on vacation" and really only appreciated it after I came home. I tried to be more in the moment for this trip (good advice for anyone, anytime), but I was just too uncomfortable for the most part. Now that I am home though....I can't wait for the next adventure! I have so many lined up that O is getting impatient with me :)

What! Those floors, that pattern...girl stop.

Someone was like all, my bathroom door must be special!

Speechless

I still feel refreshed from our trip, and slightly traumatized about traveling. (flying is sooo gross)I chose Spain, b/c I knew my batteries would be recharged by hearing Spanish all day long, eating my favorite foods, and just soaking up how much I love Spain. I really wanted O to love this place as much as I do (when we met, we had many long talks about living there). Then Spain sort of spit in my food when I wasn't looking. Blah blah blah, it isn't until now, about a whole month later that I am beginning to experience the inevitable romanticizing of the trip that is the seed for the eventual hearty wanderlust. Oh the daydreaming the sighing and wistful gazing to come!

On one of our last days in Sevilla, when we felt less bad, we took a long walk along the river and spent time checking out the art, all kinds.

I will admit it, I was superglad to be home after our trip, I felt quite dazed and...icky. Only now I remember it as contemplative and jet-setty (thats totally grammatically correct, right?) It certainly was not the first trip where I got sick, or had various other misadventures. Even as I took most of these photos (I was so high on meds that I didn't realize I took them all in hipstagram, oops!) We were just wishing for our own bed and snuggly puppies.

The weather was pretty killer, we spent a really nice time laying and looking up through the trees.

So now I am appreciating the inspiration I got from our adventure, oh the ART! It is good for anyone to have a reset, and that is what this trip was for us. I was so refreshed when I came home, and have been painting, and planning and excited to work where before I left I was moody no, pissy. For me it was particularly fun to re-experience the city I love so much with older, wise eyes. I realize that I had not forgotten anything at all, it was a clear and sharp in my memory as it is in life. Sevilla is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen, and we weren't even there for Semana Santa..next time.

Ahhh, this was one of our best days! We just lazed around, but it was so pretty. Then we just magically happend to wander into the bull ring when a tour was starting. I personally wanted to learn more about the actual building, and what it was like to build and blahblah, but they talked all about actual bull fighting. I found myself rooting for the bulls.

The rest of the day treated us to Sangria on a hotel rooftop overlooking the Cathedral and all the ancient rooftops, and flamenco so good I was tapping in my sleep.

Where is your next trip going to be? Do you ever take spontaneous trips abroad?

Do you like peeking inside the studio?

2012-01-26T07:44:00.003-05:00

We have been plugging away at the studio this week, as you can see. I have great plans for 2012, wanna hear? I have never really been one for resolutions, but lately I get all excited about the idea. These are just some images from around the studio yesterday, it was busybusy. That down there is a painting in progress.

There are so many things I want to talk about, and I finally decided we should just talk about them. Like how to organize your business finances (someone please tell me!) or do you want to know what a regular day is like in the studio? Or what the deadline calendar looks like? Maybe we can talk about overcoming creative block, what happens when you get too deep into the flow (I know all of you creative types are nodding your messy buns right now). Do you have any suggestions?

In any case, starting next week I will be posting regularly about running a business, painting, creativity, girly stuff, relationship stuff, more painting, boobs, money, positive thinking (yes, it is gonna get all new age up in here.) Also on the agenda getting organized, that crazy mess you think about and how to make it stop, horse shit and so much more.

España part dos

2012-01-24T09:35:00.002-05:00

The gardens of the Alcazar were stunning! Here are a few images I took while we strolled around, in a drug haze (from the Spanish over the counter meds, which are steeerong). The inside was pretty hot as well, but I want to group all of the artistic inspiration images together for the next post.)

Makes me feel like I am in a Spanish Robin hood movie, and some archers are up there.

Outside walls of the Alcazar. Isn't that a cool word?

I love the round elements in the garden, must copy for my own garden!

Great inspiration for texture.

This could be a painting!

The gardens are just so beautifully composed. The sun was very dramatic that day.

World's classiest coy pond!

España part uno

2012-01-19T10:27:00.001-05:00

What am I gonna say? That is wasn't amazing, and fun and we didn't stay out late drinking lip-smacking red wine and meeting cool people? We did those things, and then I proceeded to get sick, as in every single system in my body gave me the finger, all at the same time. We had grand plans of driving around southern Spain, and seeing the Sierra Nevadas, and the list goes on, and on. Sadly we spent a lot of time recovering, as O got sick just as I was slightly recovered. I only feel truly better now, like this week.

Olive bar in the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid

Madrid

Our first "tapita de jamon y queso", with "vino tinto!"

Typical, pretty street.

Archivio de las Indias, or where all of the paperwork for pillaging the new word were kept.

The Quadalquivir river (means big river in Arabic) from Calle Betis, a very well known and historic street across the river from the Cathedral. This part of the city lays claim to Flamenco, and tile making.

In any case, we flew into Madrid, poked around a bit and then scrumped it down to Sevilla for a week. You may or may not know that I lived there for a year in College, and I know the city well. It has, of course changed a lot since then. It was so much fun to introduce O to all the captivating aspects of Spain, and the truly singular Sevilla. I won't give you a history lesson, but this city has major Christopher Columbus chops, as well as the Plague, the inquisition, been invaded by the Visigoths, Romans, and Moores and a few others, invented Flamenco, Bull Fighting, and has the most amazing Holy Week in the entire world, truly. Not to mention cobbled stoned streets lined with fragrant orange trees, a flowering courtyard peeking behind every door, and roman ruins around every corner.

Calle Betis

The most special thing about Sevilla though is it's people. I tried to always translate for O b/c I wanted him to hear what was happening around him, as it is an endles source of humor and interest. They value time with family and don't work so hard that they can't take inexplicable amounts of time off to be generally merry. (I can tell you this sucks pork balls when you are sick, and no pharmacies are open!! and everyone you ask shrugs and says "its a holiday, what do you want form me? Now go away, you'r blocking the ham.")

The street we stayed on, in an apartment. The couple who owned the place were very nice, and their son is a professor of graphic design. She googled me, wich is kinda creepy, but I guess I might to the same?

This is my dream Sevilla home though. Can you even deal?

View of the plaza that houses the Cathedra, Giralda, and plenty of government buildings, like every other one.

There are countless plazas where people mingle, have a snack any time of day and watch their kids play with each other on the steps of a 500 year old church. Shopping is a major past time, and dressing well for "la calle" or the street is pretty major. I didn't see a lot of originality in terms of fashion, but I suspect the hippies were out of town or something.

Giralda view form the narrow, ramblings streets of the old quarter

Compare a doorway in the Giralda to the entry of the Cathedral!

Freaking amazing right?

The weather was so fine we could hop from restaurant to bar to hole in the wall to eat all my very favorite dishes, and O has as fine an appreciation for them now as I do. My favorites dishes are: Boquerones Fritos, or mounds of tiny fried fish, you eat head and tail and all, Montadito de jamon y mantequilla, or a small toasted sandwich of cured jamon serano, and butter...drool. There were tortillas, paella, olives with pedigrees older than the royal family, char grilled squid called Chipirones, croquetas of ham, shinny red peppers called piquillo peppers stuffed with crab, and there was haaaammmmmm. Ham legs everywhere, and ham in my belly at every possibility. I must have had five cafes con leche a day, so delish.

I still haven't told you about New Year's Eve. We had a lovely dinner, made new friends and danced like dorks until 5am. Proooobably why I got sick if you wanna know the truth.

A is for Armas. B is for Blogger can suck it! This is taking forever!!

Other things about Sevilla, the accent is difficult for a beginner to pick up on, but O's theory is that Spanish is mostly about emotion and lisping, so he made himself understood. The weather is brilliant in the winter, highs in the 60's and 70's. It is a small city, and you can walk anywhere, there is so much to see in every different neighborhood. We stayed in the old jewish quarter, the oldest part of the city that has streets too narrow for cars (although if you know Spanish people, then you know that does not stop them one bit.)

Damn, them are some teeth.

Ok, next time I will show you some more, but I just had to share this one. Can you see the server's outfits? Why are they dressed up in period garb? It was soo silly, I couldn't resist having our photo taken with them. Also, O has recently had a hair cut, and looks less country music star.

Pinterest this week, and a new one

2012-01-16T12:08:00.001-05:00

This is my latest painting, Save The Bugle

Things that have been really inspring me this week:

Chic-nes. It is very hard to look good while wearing clothes that you can paint in. I wanna wear cool stuff! Booo

Perfectly charming and lovely. I am already sick of winter.

What I am not sick of though, are winter colors. Can you even stand the lovelyness? No, you can't.

Kristi's Friday Fixations: Craftcation

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

That's right, folks. Two geniuses, by the name of Delilah Snell and Nicole Stevenson, have decided that it was just about time to combine two of my favorite things in the world: crafts and vacation. And thus, Craftcation was born.

Craftcation: Indie Business & DIY Conference is a three-day indie business and DIY conference featuring panel discussions and DIY workshops with leading industry professionals on art, craft, and food-centered small business. Craftcation features more than fifty workshops, panels, lectures, and events over the three day period and is led by over thirty presenters, including people like Aida Mollenkamp (from Food Network's "Ask Aida"), Jenny Hart, Cathy Callahan, Christine Haynes, and The Urban Craft Center. This fabulous conference will take place in the lovely Ventura, California from March 22-25, 2012.

I think that the idea of this conference is amazing, and that the inspiration behind it is, well...inspiring! Snell and Stevenson were motivated to provide a forum for indie business, small businesses, and crafters alike. Delilah Snell, owner of her own environmentally friendly emporium of global goods based in Santa Ana, California, called The Road Less Traveled, says "I've always wanted to inspire fellow business people to take that chance and just do it!"

"Our objective is to ignite the entrepreneurial business spirit and strengthen skills and abilities of seasoned business owners and newcomers to indie craft business. This is an opportunity to network, communicate and share." -Snell and Stevenson

I don't know about you guys, but I want to go! Maybe if I start combining some of my other favorite things, I can find a way to market and sell them, thus having enough money to fly across the country and attend this exciting conference. Let's see...chocolate and puppies? Cardigans and watercolor pencils? Eggo waffles and hydrangeas? Don't worry, I'll think of something!

-Kristi

How I wish I were dressed today

2012-01-12T09:30:00.002-05:00

The Proper Stranger, via Dilly Dallas
boots (they are perfect aren't they?!!)

Hello again

2012-01-10T15:02:00.002-05:00

Why hello there. Here we are on the flippety, and doesn't it feel good. A whole new year laid out before us, all shiny and new and with no wrinkles in it.

Today I am at the studio listening to Dylan and getting all soggy about everything and nothing. I feel like I have cultural and emotional whiplash, actually. Our trip was wonderful, but visiting Spain is always weird for me, on account of I feel so at home there. I always thought it was my spiritual home...

This time was different...I was way happier to come home than I ever thought I would be. But there it is isn't it? I am a different person this year aren't I? I guess that means I act different too.

I need some sleep and way more time with my puppies so that I can feel normal again, I guess is what I am saying. Maybe turn off the Dylan and turn on some Snoop...ahhh thats better. I got some killer photos for you, and I know y'all wanna see em. Honestly, if I see another piece of ham I am gonna turn into a Ham Hulk...you wouldn't like me with some Ham....

Kristi's Friday Fixations: Out With the Old and In With the New

2011-12-23T21:00:00.000-05:00

Why hello there, everybody! I'm Kristi and I'm the newest addition to Michelle's team!

Yep, that's me! I'm going to be chiming in every now and again to give you guys the latest and the greatest in art, design, food, and all things fabulous and beautiful. Are you ready? Are you excited?! Me too! Let's jump right in.

For those of you who don’t know, Pantone is essentially themaster of all things color and color-related. They even regard themselves as,“the world-renowned authority on color.” This is typically the point where Iwould poke fun at their egotism and immodesty. But I can’t, because it’sactually completely true. They really arethe world-renowned authority on color. And I’d love to see someone try todebate otherwise. Go ahead. Try. I’ll wait.

Every year, Pantone releases it’s “Color of the Year,” whatit believes will be the most influential color that year in design, art,children’s crayon drawings, whatever! I always wonder if the colors that theychoose become so popular because they chose them, or if it’s because they weregoing to be popular anyway, and Pantone just always seems to pick up on itbefore anyone else. Guess that depends on how much “authority” you think theyactually have. Maybe you don’t really like turquoise, maybe it’s just becausePantone decided you were going to like turquoise (when it chose PANTONE 15-5519Turquoise as 2010’s “Color of the Year”). Think about that for a minute!

Anywho, since Pantone has already decided what color I’mgoing to like best in 2012, I figured I’d put together a little mood board for2011’s “Color of the Year” while it’s on its way out. Goodbye, PANTONE18-2120 Honeysuckle. You were a delight.

And hello, Pantone 17-1463Tangerine Tango. Pantone describes you as being, “sophisticated but at thesame time dramatic and seductive.” Ooh-la-la!

Bad news: Snooki’s skin tone may actuallybe the true inspiration for Pantone’s choice of color for 2012. Yikes!

-Kristi

See you on the flippity flop

2011-12-22T09:59:00.002-05:00

Peace Out

This girl will be off the grid until Tuesday, January 10th. Since I will be celebrating the New Year five hours in the future, I will send a message back if aliens come or something, mkay.

My version of Christmas cheer, or an Australian guy shouting at his mate. OY 36x48

One of my happiest, I think. Can you guess what I was listening to? So mortifying. Night Bus 36x18

I look at this and my brain says: Pump up the jam, pump it up...Wait, there's jam? Does this mean I live in a world where I can eat toast! Get the foink out of my way, there is toast to be had!!

hair

2011-12-21T10:58:00.003-05:00

Something like this is happening to my head later today. Damn straight. Via.

2011-12-21T10:57:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all. Remember that Wednesday evening, the 21st is the last day to order anything for it to arrive by Christmas. You have to make a note too please when you order stuff, on account of why did you wait so long dude? Get your act together, sheesh.

New Year's Eve

2011-12-16T11:08:00.003-05:00

I just called Spain today to reserve dinner for Osh and I here. I am super excited!

It is sometimes hard to figure out how to celebrate a major holiday in a city you don't know anyone in. We are going to make the very best of it though.

Ronda, Cordoba, and Hain

2011-12-14T14:53:00.002-05:00

Three new pieces that look so great together, I hope someone takes them as a group. psssst, I also extended the 20% discount to Sunday at Midnight. YOULLTAKEYOUREYEOUT

2011-12-13T12:46:00.002-05:00

I sent one out today folks. With a discount code....

If you want 20% off until midnight tonight, at checkout enter YOULLTAKEYOUREYEOUT

Nebula Poster

2011-12-12T10:02:00.002-05:00

Some better photos of my poster! I love it, I want another one now.

These images are not styled, I just walked by and took these photos. I have garlands and candle and all sorts of festive malarky draped all over the place now, plus that plant is at the studio (every time I look at him, his name is Craig according to the friend who gave him to me, I think of some old indian guy with super long finger nails. ew.)

Harry

2011-12-09T11:39:00.001-05:00

This really cute mood board over Snippet and Ink reminds me of my new painting...

Harry, 48x48

Its that Co Coziest time of the year

2011-12-08T14:36:00.001-05:00

Remember when I got that poster printed? I promise to take better photos soon, this was just an accidental snap shot. Still, it looks pretty cool huh. Jordan included it in her gift guide, I suggest you consider getting this frame for it, so cheep!

Elka print in Adore Mag

2011-12-06T14:26:00.001-05:00

Hi there Elka print. Remember when I painted you? It was a snowy week in Brooklyn, I was probably eating scones, I bet you got some crumbs on you. I was also probably watching South Park...
Nice to see you doing some traveling, quite a great little room you got yourself fixed up with. I am so proud.

Charity Auction

2011-12-05T11:27:00.001-05:00

Check it out, buy some art, do good!

All of these items, and more, are available this week here! My friend Khristian rounded up a bunch of great artists blah blah blah, 100% proceeds go to charity, via Charity Choice.

New York Citay

2011-11-28T14:10:00.001-05:00

O and I celebrated our three year wedding anniversary, and eight years of being snuggly by taking a short trip up to New York. On the agenda: visit the old hood, act inappropriately around famous people, drink our weight in tequila, take a blustery sail around the island with some giggly Nordic types, and take epic walks culminating in late night room service cappuccinos. All accomplished with the dignified aplomb of two people who needed an effing vacation.

Our hotel was tasty. We giggled when we ran into Queen Latifa in the elevator. She is so pretty!

We visited Just Scandinavian. Pure bliss. I bought a pillow.

There were stunning trees all over the place.

That one up there is form Prospect Park. Oh Brooklyn, you are just as hipstertastic as ever, proof in the form of my hipster photos. A generous part of our tequila drinking occurred here.

The highlight? Apart form visiting the Neue Gallery again....and having fancy coffee while gazing out the window onto 5th ave and the park.... sigh...Sailing!

Tourist!

Two happy campers.

Skor

2011-11-15T13:12:00.001-05:00

Still wet...while listening to Snoop Dog! I know right.

While listening to Etta James: Sunday

Beso

2011-11-08T09:14:00.002-05:00

Thanks Sunset Magazine Style Editor Miranda Jones! for choosing my Zombie Jeeves painting in your round-up. I am currently wearing a Virginia Johnson shawl, and a chambray shirt, and eating my breakfast out of a Weck jar....for reals.

Check out some other great round-ups at Beso!

New Paintings!

2011-11-07T15:29:00.002-05:00

in the shop...

In other exciting news, I have an Etsy shop too. This is where you will find all of the 12x12 paintings in the future, along with a regular assortment of paintings and prints.

2011-11-04T11:19:00.002-05:00

So pretty on a sunny day, our house is best in fall and winter, the light!

House of Fifty

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you House of Fifty for including me in the Blogs We Love section!

cozy

2011-11-02T09:45:00.000-05:00

This is where I want to spend the whole day, my "parlor" as it is a dining room, slash library, slash lounge area, slash work station.

New paintings and prints are in the store now. I am sending out a newsletter on Monday, so sign up!

Anthroparodie

2011-11-01T08:30:00.004-05:00

Teehee.

from here.

Downy Street Events

2011-10-31T10:48:00.001-05:00

How cool! I got an email this morning from a very talented lady named Emily who turned my painting All Night Diner into a mood board for a wedding! Neat.

Deeelishus

2011-10-27T17:38:00.001-05:00

/////////

Winners for Fifi Runn

2011-10-26T15:02:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all you snazy people who wanted a doggy collar badly enough to write about Harrowing Poop Disasters.

Winning comment:

Higgins is a rescue dog that I swooped off the streets of Miami four years ago. He's big in all the wrong places and has scruff for days which makes him look like a distinguished old gentleman. In fact, by default, many people start calling him "Professor" or "Mr"-Higgins without prompting. Speculation is that if he could talk, he'd have an English accent and demand a cognac immediately.

He, like the Most Interesting Man in the World, has never had an embarrassing moment. He likes to create those for me-as a pup he had worms, unbeknownst to me, and was pooping everywhere. He had the uncanny ability to poop RIGHT IN FRONT of hot guys. One day we were walking on the main drag in Fort Lauderdale where he decided he needed to go, IMMEDIATELY. Thing is, we were outside of a crowded bistro and there were people eating outside. I'm trying to drag him away from pooping right in the middle of someone's brunch, when a table of dudes snickered, "how would you like it if someone ripped you off the toilet while you were going?" Um, would you rather my dog shit at your feet?

Also Winning comment: (also very fitting for the upcoming holiday)

We adopted Kouga from a local rescue group. He is so sweet and loving unless you're a tennis ball because he pops them in one bite.
His most embarrassing moment was when he was dressed up in a grass skirt complete with a coconut bikini top, and a long haired wig for the beachware contest. He didn't mind too much because he won the big basket of dog goodies and a gift card to the local dog bakery.

Seriously though, dog owners have to deal with some pretty gross stuff. I loved the comment about the dog who pooped on the kitchen counter. What? How do you react to that, too funny.

You will get an email ladies, so Shari can send you your...um I mean your dog's new collars.

Last day for Fifi Runn Giveaway

2011-10-25T07:35:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to see the show on Friday. It was such great fun to meet everyone, and I am pretty sure I talked to every single person there. I am still tired. I will post photos as soon as I get them from my dad, he was so great, took photos of everything. He did teach me how to paint after all...

In other news, dude, I am almost still asleep right now, I had a dream where I was solving a crime (with Leslie Knope) for a woman from the 40's in a portrait who could talk. She was sad because in the end I bazookaed all the bad guys rambostyle. She wanted to do a trial or something I guess. I am such a badass in my dreams ya'll.

In otherother news: today is the last day to enter in your pet's most embarrassing moment so everyone can cover their mouths and point to the computer screen and laugh in slow motion, of course. NO, so you can win a sweet collar for you or your pet.

2012 Calendar

2011-10-20T11:25:00.001-05:00

It is here! Featuring my Trellus painting. Whenever you get sick of looking at the dates, just snip them off, and you have a print! FYI, it fits pretty perfectly into a square Ribba frame from Ikea.

Some of my new pieces

2011-10-19T21:31:00.001-05:00

Here are a few of my favorite new pieces going up this week for the show at Gregg Irby Fine Art. (Gregg is a girl). If you are interested in them, they will be available after Friday, contact info in the listing on the shop.

Crazy Steve, 48x48
I was just painting this, chatting with Buff, my shipping specialist/awesome assistant. When it occurred to me that this painting has a name...and his name is Steve. His friends call him Crazy Steve though.

Pumkin Bread, 48x48
Yes, I know it is misspelled, but that is totally my prerogative yo. Doesn't it feel cozy to you? I painted this on a sick day. I just couldn't sit around and not paint, so I spent like, all delirious day on this puppy.

Dingy, 24x24
I like to think of that orange scribbly line on the top left as the painting's mustache.

Resist, 48x60
Named after the t-shirts O designed a bajillion years ago that has a resistor on the front with the word Resist under it. I love hanging out with him when he is wearing it, you can totally tell who the major geeks are b/c they get it, and smile to themselves. If I were going to name this painting off the top of my head based on what it reminds me of it would be: "Underwater Stained-Glass Cotton Mouth."

Packbien, 24x24
I was totally listening to Harry Potter and the somethingorother when I was painting this. I would name it "Harvey Birdman" right now though. What the heck is a Packbien?

Hi there painting!

2011-10-19T13:33:00.000-05:00

Its always so fun to see my paintings in other people's spaces. Thanks Amanda and Joy!

Fifi Runn Giveaway

2011-10-16T22:12:00.002-05:00

My friend Shari is about as cool as they come. Seriously, she always knows the haps, and keeps me updated with the latest and greatest. In this case, the latest being her very cute and original dog collars. They all rock zippy colors and fresh motifs with an urban bend, I just love how cool they are. I know you agree on account of how fabulous your taste is. Want one?

Here is how it works: Leave a comment about your dog. Lets see...tell me what they would say to you right now if they could talk, like right this second. Or maybe tell me what your dog's most embarrassing moment would be if he could tell you. Just put as much effort into it as you would say a college entry essay, or your taxes. Yeah, that sounds about right. I will pick one to get a sweet-ass collar.

These would make a seriously cool Christmas gift y'all. Plus, 10% of proceeds go to a doggy charity every month.

Bed linens

2011-10-12T08:42:00.000-05:00

Before I got my studio, our master bedroom served as my base of operations. We still have heavy duty shelving in here that is going to be moved later this month. So we slept in another bedroom. The primary feature of the room, aside from the mahogany four poster, was the piles of canvases. Anyhoo, the room was depressing with a capital F! So, I though making the bed cozy would help. Now that our bedroom is back in its rightful spot, it feels even better!

Pillows and linens come from Les Indiens, and John Robshaw. Lamps are from Room and Board. You may remember I included them in a little fantasy post for my friend Jane. I couldn't stop thinking about them. To me they are perfect; soft light, love the fabric all over look with the sharp pleating, great size, nice proportions, on/off switch on the cord so no reaching up at night to turn off the light. Plus, they were on sale! Wandering Pods pillow from Furbish.

Love tons of patterns layered all over the place, it feels cozy to me. My rules are: Pattern should be repetitive, and geometric but not machine made. Block printing is perfect. Range of proportions is key, and I don't really worry about color, b/c I tend toward muted colors I think, and I like when things don't match. I prefer an eclectic, collected feel, with the luxury coming from quality, and texture versus flash. I chose this quilt b/c of the cotton batting, essential! Another great option is Virginia Johnson, btw.

Complex Geometry Murmur dress

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I am sort of embarrassed by how much I love this top/dress/tunic/thingy. It is so unique! I would pair it with a long necklace, some leggings, and a pair of boots, personally. (Maybe some korkease in the nicer weather.)

Maryam's Paintings

2011-10-09T17:55:00.002-05:00

I did some paintings for Maryam's guest house a few months ago. I loved seeing the photos of the room in progress, that floor! This reminds me to revisit that color palettes...

Weekly shop udpates

2011-10-06T08:13:00.001-05:00

So I have some new small paintings in the shop that are a bit different than my usual style. Sort of spare and with a 50's illustration vibe. I hope you like them.

This is happening

2011-10-04T15:27:00.001-05:00

So stunning! You can download huge, high res images of these amazing nebula-scapes from here.

I have that blue one at the printer right now, 45x45 inches baby.

New stuff in the store.

2011-10-03T09:14:00.001-05:00

From now on, my new assistant Kristi will be updating the shop almost weekly! Hurrah. Some particularly juicy bits of love for you this Monday Mornin.

Ben Pentreath

2011-09-28T21:05:00.001-05:00

Perfect blend of prints, texture. So cozy. Just feast your eyes if you please. Meanwhile, I will be working my patooty off. I orated for O all I had to do this month and his mouth fell open. He told me I was being crazy, this coming from a man with endless, bounding energy who works all day, works out, does his honey do list, and cleans the kitchen just cuz, and finds the time to be my business coach. I will just take more rests throughout the day, and still get everything done. That is my plan, and also just pretend I am sitting in this living room by a toasty fire. Or, as my very pregnant friend Ruth said to me the other day: "Birth plan? What birth plan. I am just going to listen to some Eminem and tell myself I can totally do this thing!"

I have already subscribed to and stalked all of the archives of Ben Pentreath's blog, and shop. Via Katy Elliot.

Archive blog

2011-09-21T16:10:00.000-05:00

I have created a new blog, to house all the of the sold out paintings. Holla

Insomnia

2011-09-21T07:21:00.001-05:00

Thanks world, I am pretty sure my studio assistant needs have been filled! Thanks to all of you who sent me your info. Get ready for a lot more art from me.

Last night was the first one in about a month that I enjoyed seven hours of un-interrupted sleep, without drugs, or sobbing in the middle of the night with panic "why can't I just sleep already!" I went to see a specialist yesterday, he basically gave me great advice, no drugs (good news!). I can't believe it, I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. A lot of people I have confided in have admitted to also suffering from occasional, debilitating insomnia (really? you too? Oh thank you for sympathising with me...soooobbb). Do you? What do you do to help yourself?

I am so looking forward to painting today, can't get to the studio fast enough.
1/2

Studio Assistant

2011-09-13T20:12:00.000-05:00

Listen up world, I need a studio assistant. A nice person who will work hourly, about 10-15 hours a week. They must know PhotoShop, be competent with a camera, Google docs, social media and be willing to learn all kinds of malarky; I have big plans, and need someone flexible and excited to work on new things.

This person must be self starting, go getting, trust worthy, detail oriented, and willing to have impromptu dance parties. Are you interested? If so, then please email me your resume, or list of qualifications, and we can take it from there. armas(dot)design@gmail.com

Australia Painting

2011-09-12T08:24:00.002-05:00

This is a commission I painted for a client in Australia, it is a 30x30 size. I sent it to her un-stretched, rolled in a tube; this way she paid only 50usd for shipping (to send something this size, stretched onto a frame to Australia from the US would cost many hundreds of dollars.) Her handy boyfriend attached the canvas to a frame himself!

I painted lots of extra inches around the edges, so it was easy to get a clean look, with the edges looking like an extension of the painting, wrapping around to the back; easy! The paint is not harmed at all by doing this. Isn't this the cutest office? This is where magic happens.

Commissions: updates on policy

2011-09-08T14:02:00.001-05:00

I have been working so hard these past several months, and I am truly loving every minute of it. Thank you so much to all of you who support me by buying my paintings, and talking about me on your blogs, and recommending me to your friends. I just can't tell you how much I appreciate you, and lovelovelove having you out there to chat with.

Lets do some more chatting, as I have decided to change some of my policies about how I work, and I think this is such a great way to talk about it. I have amended some policies, and these are the new things to think about.

Commission fee: I have agonized over this decision, but I really feel good about it; there is a 25% fee to order a custom painting, otherwise known as a commission. I simply takes so much more time to paint a custom order. Not to mention thought, I really do my hardest to deliver exactly what you want when I paint for you. Sometimes I have to go back several times to make changes before you see your painting. Most of the time they are minor changes, and I am happy to do that, because like I said, I want it to be perfect. This brings me to my next change.

Pricing as of 2011
18x18, 16x20, 200usd; 24x24, 600usd; 30x30 800usd; 24x36, 1000usd; 36x36, 1200usd; 30x40, 1000usd; 36x48, 1500usd; 48x48, 1600usd; 48x60, 2000usd

Other considerations about pricing: If you want a custom order, Yippee! I am super happy to do that, it costs 275 extra b/c I have to (naturally) order special parts, and pay someone to put it all together to make sure it is square, and sturdy, you know, all the usual crap. I am not making a profit on this, it is what I am charged by my framer. Always better to go in even numbers when sizing, by the way.

Two alterations allowed: Yup, two times I will go back and make changes to your painting after I show it to you and you consider for a while. Now, let me be clear, if you specify you want lots of blue, and I don't put any blue in your painting, do not despair, I will obviously not count my error as one of your alterations! Also, of course I will allow wiggle room. This policy has to be in place for people who ask me to make change after change b/c they don't actually really know what they want. It also forces both of us, you and me, to be very clear about what you expect from your painting, instead of waiting to see what I do, and then asking for a different look. Not that you guys do that as a rule! I am just noticing a trend of people who are not really paying attention, and this is very disrespectful of my time and efforts, and I think this is the best way of addressing this issue. On the other hand, if I am not clear about what you really wanted in the first place, this process of changes can go on and on, b/c my brain is too scattered to really focus on your painting, and that has happend before, and I feel that is disrespectful of your time and money!

Cancellation Policy: This has not happened before, but I expect it will at some point in the future. If we can't find a happy place with your painting, I will offer a refund, and re-sell your painting. Now, I don't charge anything for the effort, but if this becomes an issue, I will come back and start charging a cancellation fee of 25% of the cost of the painting (in addition to the commission fee, which would not be refundable if I had to resort to canceling our work together. Good Lawrd I hope this doesn't have to happen.

Turn Around Time: I am running about 4-6 weeks, and I won't let this time frame grow any more. Its just too hard to keep track of everyone in that kind of time frame. Most of the time is spent by me painting the commissions of everyone else who contacted me before you. It doesn't really take too long to paint a canvas, but there are so many others, not to mention the gallery, and the shop to paint for. Plus, ya'll know I like to layer, and I need a few days to stare at your painting to be sure I covered all the bases. Not to mention, shit happens! I get painter's block, or a cold, or my wrist starts acting up, or my insomnia...no more bitching, ok, I'm done.

Paintings in the Shop: Sign up to my newsletter if you want to be one of the first people to know when new paintings are up in the shop. I know they tend to sell out fast, I do try to keep it all updated and neat and fresh. Starting October 1st, there will be many more paintings in the shop to choose from, I am hoping that by charging the commission fee, more people will want to buy something from my shop instead. I am hoping this means I will have more time to paint for the shop. This really is the best way for you to get new ideas, and techniques and the coolest color combos I can think of. I can't make new cool things if I spend all my time painting custom orders. I will offer all sizes, and as the months go on, more and more paintings will be available! I have high hopes for this new arrangement.

Retail and wholesale: Contact me if you are interested in selling my paintings in your store. I offer two levels of discounted pricing, and you can order right from the store. I only choose about three or four places in the US to sell via retail, and this year I have met my quota already. Also, I like to be sure that the shops that sell my paintings are places that I love, and would shop at myself. In other words, I like to control how my paintings are perceived, that is basic brand maintenance, so I reserve the right to decline to sell paintings to stores on a case by case basis. Unfortunately I don't do retail offers for international sellers. I would have to paint on an un-rolled canvas, and this means I would have to essentially paint on commission, and this is too much to deal with when I am accepting a lot less for the painting than I would on a regular commission. I hope you all understand! This reminds me, my turn around time is higher for retail orders (of course, unless you buy something directly from the store), because I make my commissions my priority. One more thing, I don't work with third party sellers, so if you have an on-line gallery, I am not interested, but thanks anyway.

All of these stunning images are saved in my "color inspiration" folder, and come from This is Glamorous tumblr account.

I am supposed to be in Pilates right now...

2011-09-07T17:39:00.001-05:00

I don't feel like doing Crap A. Shite-burger. Sigh.....

My Heath dishes, yipee.

Nimrod Wildfire

2011-09-06T10:50:00.001-05:00

Hmm, what do I have to tell you today? Today is the first day I don't want to cry from the heat, on account of it being rainy and misty and cozy; look for leather boots online! My latest painting, well sort of. It might be bought by a store, if not, then it will show up in the shop! Speaking of which, am making a few changes to my policies here soon, the way I do commissions and run the shop. This is fun! There will be a detailed post about those changes coming soon.

I am trying not to eat carbs, which means I dreamed that an eclair asked me to dance at a ball, and I put my hands through it's yummy cream center on accident. I killed it, and I was too horrified to eat it. Can you imagine! Eating a giant eclair that you just killed at a ball on the dance floor!! While everyone looks on in disgust. I guess it means I am a prude, damn shame.

Hot Pants

2011-08-29T05:28:00.000-05:00

I'm Back Baby! And ready to go. There are some hot 'n sexy paintings in the shop right this second...

Gone Fish'n

2011-08-18T11:29:00.009-05:00

Ya'll, it is time for a break. I will be gone-no email-no phone calls-nothing! Going to the beach with my sweet honey. What? I can't hear you, I'm eating my weight in shrimp-butter thankyouverymuch.

If you order something, it will ship out after Monday the 29th. I will also be sending a newsletter on that day, so stay tuned!

I got these photos on the interwebs a while ago, sorry don't know who took them.

Ok, wait, one last thing. Stop right now, and make these effing cookies. They are the most delicious cookies I have ever made, not that I have an emmy or anything, but you know.

Recipe adapted by me from a great one over at Orangette

2 cups almond flour
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda¼ tsp salt
around 1/2- 3/4 a bag of good-quality semisweet chocolate chips, such as Ghirardelli
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt. Stir with a whisk until well mixed. Add chocolate chips, and mix well with a spoon.

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large mixing bowl), combine the butter and sugars. Using the paddle attachment (or the regular beaters of your handheld mixer), mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and pale in color about 5 minutes. Add 1 egg, and mix to incorporate. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula; then add the remaining egg and the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until incorporated, about 1 minute. The batter should look very fluffy, almost like frosting. Remove the bowl from the mixer, if using, and scrape down its sides again.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold half of the dry ingredients into the batter. After the first half is fully incorporated, add the second, and continue folding until all of the flour has been absorbed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 4 days. [If you can convince yourself and your husband not to just eat it all raw, cook them as fast ast you can. What are you waiting for? For the Love of God, put them in the oven.]
When you are ready to bake the cookies, position a rack in the center of the oven, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cook them until the edges are nice and brown, and the center is just puffy and smooth. Yumalumadingdong

Lady Power!!

2011-08-16T10:47:00.001-05:00

Hey internet, how are you? I am struggling to concentrate today, have not really slept well in over a week. I dreampt (drampt? dreamded? Droomed? ) last night that I invited John Oliver over to my house (I lived in a pizza kitchen, and was Turkish, go figure). Anyway, I guess we were friends, he got into a fight with Ron Weasly...and there was a mac product you could have hover over your sink to keep it clean. I drooled a lot.

I wish it was last Friday evening again when my "sisters" came over to have a little partay in my studio. Awww, lady power is the strongest power.

Cutest Nursery!

2011-08-11T09:08:00.000-05:00

I have a bajillion blogs in my reader, and one that I always skip right to is Elements of Style. I love Erin's taste in almost everything. It isn't exactly like my taste, but that is what I love about reading her blog, I am introduced to so many cool new things.

Anyway, this nursery she posted from one of her readers this morning is perfect. PERFECT. I admit to quite despising the pastel and baby motif room, why can't it be as stylish and cool as the rest of the house?

Note to self, buy some freaking Josef Frank pillows already!

Right this minute

2011-08-09T15:20:00.001-05:00

This is what the studio looks like from my desk. I have a headache because I ate an entire Almond Horn cookie from the farmers market, sheesh.

Preview of photos and paintings for the newsletter coming very soon! Sign up here if you are not already one of my extra special cool friends.

I am trying to fight that feeling that I must be productive for every second of every day. It makes me a miserable person, a dismissive wife, and an absent friend. I am not going to feel bad about going home and maybe skipping my workout (why do I feel like I have to be impressively fit for my trainer, who is training me to be fitter? WTF!) Perhaps even having a glass of wine. I know I will end up in my home studio (knook) and paint...I can't help myself!

Happy Weekend

2011-08-05T04:32:00.000-05:00

Here is a little preview of what I am working on for a show called Favorite Things over at Gregg Irby Fine Art. Save the date, October 21st. Such a cozy time of year.

pretty

2011-08-04T12:00:00.001-05:00

For me, the best part of having a yard: cut flowers. Love the random nature of picking things form the yard.

I like the ocean, can you tell? That's all, carry on.

Working

2011-08-03T09:39:00.002-05:00

My latest commission. I don't know if the client likes it yet, but I do!

Adore Home

2011-08-01T09:13:00.003-05:00

I love Adore home, it is so happy and fresh and lively (like the people who work there, who let me tell you are super cool as far as I am concerned). Not surprisingly, it is out of Australia, my spiritual home it seems.

There are tons of amazing spreads in this new issue, but I wanted to thank them so much for the lovely artist's profile they did of me, with interview. Check it out peeps!

pssst: they have a great blog too.

Stuff no one needs, especially me...but is pretty anyway

2011-07-30T07:35:00.001-05:00

Some things I love from Net-a-porter browsing late at night...

I always want stuff I see by Raquel Allegra, but this dress...is really intriguing to me. I know my mother is cringing "she looks like she is wearing a giant t-shirt and squatted into some bleach!" I can't help myself, I like it!

Who pays 2k for a frigg'n sweater! Go to hell sweater.

Come to momma big chunky sweater that will make me look 20 lb heavier...oh yeah, I am gonna stuff some tissues in those pockets. A fab fart blocker I can see too. This one gets a 10 from me, and about a 2 from O, winning one point cuz it is big enough for him to borrow, and one point for that fart thing.

Wowza

2011-07-29T05:14:00.000-05:00

Superb color story.

Hump Day

2011-07-28T05:02:00.000-05:00

Lulie Martin Paintings

2011-07-27T05:59:00.000-05:00

Lulie Martin is one of the other artists that Gregg has in the gallery here in Atlanta, and I always check out her stuff when I am doing a drop off. I like her style, her colors too, they are so chic and happy. Some of my very favorite pieces of hers.

These all happen to be 36x36, one the easiest and best sizes. I think that last one has a perfect color palette, I am going to be totally inspired by that this week, alas I wanted it for my bedroom, but it was sold, so sad. On a not sad note, I did buy the top one, Spring. I love those colors, I am totally having a love affair with peachy pink (like you and your momanem most likely) right now, and that pattern and the quirky lemon and texture in the blue shadow, it was just too cute.

Dior

2011-07-26T11:22:00.001-05:00

54x54 inches. Huge!

Rebecca Chair

2011-07-24T16:45:00.005-05:00

I have loved this chair for a long time. Finally, it was a floor sample! AHA! A bunch of butts have broken it in for me, now she lives in our kitchen.

WHAT? Your Kitchen? Yes, shit, don't yell.

O said we had to have a chair in the kitchen (for him to lounge in while I cook, or for me to sprawl myself out and sigh repeatedly and heavily while he is mixing me a drink). So I accepted an Ikea chair in there for a few months, but enough is enough already. There are a lot of places to sit in our home, we take our lounging quite seriously.

Serena and Lily Bazaar

2011-07-22T12:47:00.004-05:00

Fun! I recognize my painting there, hi little buddy.

Don't forget to check out the Serena and Lily Bazzar to scoop stuff up before it goes. Also there are new things available at Gregg Irby, next post...next post.

FRIDAY!!!

2011-07-22T07:57:00.002-05:00

So I am putting the first touches of love on the studio these days, and I ended up choosing the Atoll Mirror from Ballard Designs for over my desk. It came to the house and I was so excited I unwrapped it asap. I kinda love the antiqued glass look. It is sitting in our bedroom right now.

I ended up buying it from the Florida retailer, b/c online they are not available until late October, poop. Have a nice weekend loosers.

Stuff

2011-07-20T07:25:00.001-05:00

So my computer at the studio has started acting strange, and as I wait for some back up equipment, I have to blog at home, on the lapton, on the kitchen island. (I am there right now....wow.)

I love this dress, isn't it neeto? I am totally obsessed with it!

2011-07-18T12:19:00.002-05:00

Ok, even more new work now. Do you ever get the feeling like you just take in so much information that your brain aborts mission and...I think my brain hit the eject button and is now gone forever....

2011-07-16T13:59:00.002-05:00

I painted some more folks, go check out the new batch. Also, I am sexifying the studio, can't wait to show you how it looks so far...stay tuned.

New paintings are available now

2011-07-10T12:47:00.005-05:00

Go check out the store lovely people.

Introductions...

2011-07-05T09:49:00.000-05:00

My first day in the new studio! Really digging the energy here.

Meet Pablo, my studio assistant. I got him as a Christmas ornament, but he arrived well after the holidays, so I kept him around to chill with me. Pablo likes strong coffee, long walks in the woods on a cool day, crispy pizza with extra cheese, and me of course. We get along so well!

He and I are going to go grab some coffee and have a chat about what needs to happen next for us, we have big plans!

Commission Love

2011-07-01T08:25:00.001-05:00

Two sweet sisters commissioned paintings from me earlier this year, and they turned out great. Mostly because they both love their paintings, and I love having happy clients, it feels great.

Isn't she adorable! She had her piece framed, it looks great there too.

Big sister Mary's house.

Stools

2011-06-30T14:34:00.000-05:00

I drove into Timbuktu last night, rocking out to eighties songs in the Golden Buddha (my gold mini van, it has no back seats, it needs flame decals!!) Anyway, this little beauty is mine now, and will serve as a place for Buff to pack up paintings, and for having lunch and for serving up cocktails at parties...sooooo

Help me pick out some counter height stools, I went the vintage shop route, and I can't find anything around here, so online it is...I love online shopping.

Of all the options from Overstock (3$ shipping, a girl can't resist), these are the perfect height, and are purdy. $89 for two. Would four look too crowded under that table?

Is there something that is prettier and a better deal? I think they would look great with lambswool over them...or a bright pillow (printed in custom fabric from my new and still un-designed fabric line...)

Ya'll...

2011-06-28T17:02:00.000-05:00

this shit is dope, via here.

Su Su Studio

2011-06-27T11:20:00.000-05:00

My big news is that I am moving into my own studio, in Decatur, and will be having events, shows, sales, you name it! Local art lovers rejoice, everyone else also rejoice, I demand it.

It is a loft apartment, in a quiet building built as a factory in the 20's, near lots of yummy lunch places and a great place to walk the doggies, who will be hanging with me here every day. I have tons of room, and LOTS of storage. I get to hire another helper! Also, we now have a free room in our home for a future creature to inhabit, that is a close as I am willing to get to the baby in the future issue, since I know all of you thought I was going to post big baby news.

My inspiration photos. I want neutrals, light and airy and texture from wood, glass, leather...you know the deal. Perfect for creating and displaying art.

Requirements for my own little slice of heaven: 1. record player!!! 2. Bar, old fashioned bar a la madmen 3. Sexy lighting 4. A place to nap. 5. Chocolate Mouse in the fridge at all times.

Purdy

2011-06-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

I wish I could live in San Francisco...that is what I thought every second of every day that O and I were there last week. I didn't take a lot of photos b/c I didn't want to drag around my giant camera, but now I am sad about that...

I just got this photo of a client's darling nursury with a commission piece 24x36 that she ordered a few months ago. Doesn't this room look wonderful!

I have some potential HUGE news (well, at least it is for me...) soon...so soon.

Painterly Votive

2011-06-02T09:05:00.001-05:00

I simply love this idea. I admit that when Emily from Once Wed stopped by to pick up a few things from my studio, I was surprised that she wanted my manky old brush cup. She saw the beauty of it. What a great example of how smart she is! (Her adorable photographer was with her, but I don't remember her name, just that she was the cutes preggers lady ever!)

"The glass Michelle uses to clean her brushes inspired us to paint the insides of these votives for some colorful candlelight. They couldn’t be easier to make. Pick up a case of glass votives from your nearest floral wholesaler or local Target. Scribble watery paint on the inside of clear glass candleholders and don’t try too hard…if you mess with them too much you’ll just make brown. If you’re having a hard time with this project you may need some more wine to help you loosen up. ;) When they’re dry, plunk in a votive. Done!"

What a great idea for a wedding! You could have little paintings for everyone, or for your table numbers, could use some abstract decoration on your place cards...Why didn't I think of this for my wedding? Jeeze

Stunning over at Once Wed

2011-05-31T14:56:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I sent some paintings over to the intrepid females at Once Wed who used them in a photo shoot. I have not seen the images yet, so I thought I would pop over and see if they had put up yet. This little teaser just happened to be posted! Oh goody, can't wait to see how it turned out. Stay tuned to Once Wed for more...

2011-05-31T10:47:00.000-05:00

Thank you Fossil blog for writing about me (and editing me, I sometimes cuss too much).
Also, I sent a newsletter today to let all my favorite people know that I have some new things in the shop. If you want to be in the know, sign up on the left over there, it is easy.

Lets meet some of our new players shall we?

This is Lacy Panties, I just call em like I see em ya'll.

The Last Drop, 18x18 inches, 200 usd.

Newest biggie, Dr. Riversong. Anyone know where I got that name? hmmmmm? No googling.

Kitchen DONE!

2011-05-24T10:02:00.002-05:00

...well almost. Went with a fireclay farmhouse sink, as you can see (my folks are re-doing their kitchen so they bought the double bowl apron stainless number from us, I am kinda jealous.) Faucet is now discontinued, it is surprisingly hard to buy a bridge faucet that doesn't have a goose neck, and doesn't cost more than the whole kitchen. Still looking for receptacle covers that don't suck, and still need to paint under the cabinet where the lights are. Note: This is the one place I wish I had paid more attention when my contractor was working on cutting out the sink area. I wanted the counter to be flush with the edge of the sink, when I saw that he made it wider, my heart kind of sunk. I still wish I had been more clear, but after it was done, there was no point in making a big fuss. I still love it.

Tile is from waterworks, grout is called oyster grey, counter tops got three coats of satin Waterlox (go with the best man, the best.) I sealed this baby with one hand, as we put in the counter tops about two hours before I stabbed myself, and I was so impatient to have my kitchen back, that I spent hours doing it with one hand. Walls and cabinet are Grant Beige by Benjamin Moore, as you can see we still have some touching up to do, whew, will do that later dude. Shout out to Katie at H2 Design and Build! She is a client turned buddy, and she recommended the Grove Tile, and helped me get them. I love them Katie, you are the best!

Here you can see how my contractor did the corner, I especially like how it turned out. I wish I would have thought to ask the tile guy to use white grout in the corner. Learn from my mistakes. I still have to change those black plug covers.

This view is what sustained me for those three long months. I knew I would lay back on my sofa with a view of the sweet new kitchen...aahhhhh. You can see we are using bed pillows on the sofa. Covers from Les Indiennes and John Robshaw. You also get a great view of the pendant in the kitchen here, I love how it looks. Note: The cabinets and walls are the same color, but the cabinets are covered in oil paint (thinned with penetrol). The color is very different due to the way the pigments bond with the oil. Coooool.

Here is a close-er up. There are already dead flies in it though, hmmm, didn't think of that. Note: You can also see the open cabinet, boy is there a story there. We bought cabinets that were supposed to be the same as the ones we have, they arrived, but they were the wrong ones. Back they went. A few weeks later the new ones came, but the doors were different! They covered up the whole front instead of having a two inch space like my original doors. Hmmmm, what to do. Make it an open cabinet, contractor put in bead board on the back to make it look intentional, and built in a permanent shelf out of wood so it could be painted. I love the final result, although again, I have not styled it at all, that is exactly how it has looked since the painting was finished.

Moved a bunch of stuff around in the dining room, so we could have a lounging nook with books, and let the server breath a little, I love my server, it needs some accessories.

Painting on the wall is a commission that is drying, sofa is great...why didn't I take better photos of it? Sorry. Sofa is the Cynthia from MGBW.

Chairs are temporary, I just wanted to see what it was going to be like space wise when I do add chairs there...something kooky, can't wait to start looking for them. Nothing is styled, (we have king sized pillows on the sofa for something to lay on) and everything is changing, naturally. However, big FAT sigh. Done! Fuck Yeah! I need to just rest for a while before I start taking this room to the next level.

Painter: William Greer, 678.886.3267
Contractor: Scott Waldrop, 404.831.4778
Tile: Shawn Coleman 404.429.5396

Next: Exterior reno of the gable, images to come later this week.

Update on Samantha's painting

2011-05-23T19:46:00.000-05:00

Remember Samantha? How could you forget. Well she wanted her painting to have more coral in it, so this is the final product. It is on the way to her as I type, I hope she sends me an image of her painting in her beautiful bedroom! Can't wait to see it!

So you want to Commission a Painting....

2011-05-16T05:42:00.004-05:00

Cue peppy 50's era music and narrator...

Here it is, demystified and laid plain; how commissioning a painting works. Lets use my client Samantha as a case study shall we? She contacted me a few weeks ago about a "large coral piece" FUN!

Samantha sent me a few photos of her bedroom, where she intends to hang her piece. Her accent color is coral! That stunning chandelier is our inspiration point, as well as that dusty blue bamboo chair off in the corner there.

Look at her space, pretty nice huh? This little vignette lets me see more of her style. (how dope are those lamps!) I can see she likes a bit of glamour, symmetry and texture! Since I know that her painting will lay over this wallpaper, I am already thinking of composition ideas; I think there should be big shapes, lots of layering but chunky and scribbly to balance the linear-ness all over the place.

Step one: graphite "grid guides." I guess b/c I did graphic design in another life, this is how I always start. You can kind of see how the canvas is divided into three parts long wise.

She totally agrees, in fact two of her favorite pieces of mine are Float Away and Astragal. She tells me that she likes the drama of Antonia and Caspia, but wants her coral colors to not be so red, oh and also pops of black. Oh yes, no yellow! We determine that she has a loose time line, so I can take my time. I usually need between two to four weeks to complete any commission, but sometimes I can do it right away. It totally depends on my work load.

Step two: I decide that light gray and blue with a bit of brown should be the base layer. Lots of texture here, but not too much dripping.

Step three: I like to use scribbles in the beginning stages in this case b/c I want the overall painting to feel layered, but not be too busy, and I want some larger shapes to layer over the scribbles. Start playing with corals and pinks.

Step four: Go sit in my chair and put my feet up to ponder....hmmm the left side is too dark, make a mental note to layer over that orange...needs more movement and blue on top....

Step five: Some more drips. I throw some liquid white paint and some army green in there...looking good, do some other stuff and let it sit there for a bit...

Finished! I am so happy with it, I secretly hopes she hates it so I can keep it! Just kidding...not really. I send her an email with this photo attached and explain my motivations for composing this piece and wait.

"I am so excited," she writes me two days later. Uh oh, I think, she might not like it. I am not worried though, I think this whole process is so much fun! Its a collaboration and my gut feeling is there might need to be more coral here...She gives me a call and we have a nice little chat. Her husband loves as is, but she says we need more coral! MORE! Yummy. No problem, I will add some, without sacrificing the dusty blue she loves on the bottom and top right of the piece. That will happen later this week after I get back from New York!! I will send her photos and then go from there, promise I will show you the final result.

Shipping: "Samantha" is 48x48 inches, a pretty large piece so we must go with Craters and Freighters to get it across the country to it's new home. This photo is not of her painting, but it is an example of the kind of custom crate that will be built to contain it and safely transport it! I can't tell you how much I love this company, they are the most professional shippers I have ever worked with, and the only shipper I use for large paintings. It ain't cheep, a painting this size will ship for around 400 usd. I will need your full mailing address, and phone number.

What if my painting is small, 36x36 and under? I will pack it up and ship it myself, via USPS. Usually around 100 usd.

Shipping to far away places: I can paint your piece on an un-stretched canvas, and ship it to you in a tube! Super cheep shipping, and you can have your local art shop stretch your painting for you (I leave you plenty of extra canvas for stretching and wrapping), and it does not alter the painting at all. Plenty of clients have taken this option with great success! Bravo.

Price: Ahah! Price is per size. Samantha is 48x48, that is 1600 usd, see below for a list of prices.

Mystical shit: If you want something, buy it because if you don't, and you call me and say hmmm, I like this then someone else in the universe will hear you, and buy it before you do. I don't understand how the universe works, but I do know this happens, it is for reals yall.

This list has been Updated here.

Commission fee: I have agonized over this decision, but I really feel good about it; there is a 25% fee to order a custom painting, otherwise known as a commission. It simply takes so much more time to paint a custom order. Not to mention thought, I really to my hardest to deliver exactly what you want when I paint for you. Sometimes I have to go back several times to make changes before you see your painting. Most of the time they are minor changes, and I am happy to do that, because like I said, I want it to be perfect. This brings me to my next change.
Pricing as of 2011
18x18, 16x20, 200usd; 24x24, 600usd; 30x30 800usd; 24x36, 1000usd; 36x36, 1200usd; 30x40, 1000usd; 36x48, 1500usd; 48x48, 1600usd; 48x60, 2000usd
Other considerations about pricing: If you want a custom canvas size order, Yippee! I am super happy to do that, it costs 275 extra b/c I have to (naturally) order special parts, and pay someone to put it all together to make sure the frame is square, and sturdy, you know, all the usual crap. I am not making a profit on this, it is what I am charged by my framer. Always better to go in even numbers when sizing, by the way.
Two alterations allowed: Yup, two times I will go back and make changes to your painting after I show it to you and you consider for a while. Now, let me be clear, if you specify you want lots of blue, and I don't put any blue in your painting, do not despair, I will obviously not count my error as one of your alterations! Also, of course I will allow wiggle room. This policy has to be in place for people who ask me to make change after change b/c they don't actually really know what they want. It also forces both of us, you and me, to be very clear about what you expect from your painting, instead of waiting to see what I do, and then asking for a different look. Not that you guys do that as a rule! I am just noticing a trend of people who are not really paying attention, and this is very disrespectful of my time and efforts, and I think this is the best way of addressing this issue.
Cancellation Policy: This has not happened before, but I expect it will at some point in the future. If we can't find a happy place with your painting, I will offer a refund, and re-sell your painting. Now, I don't charge anything for the effort, but if this becomes an issue, I will come back and start charging a cancellation fee of 25% of the cost of the painting, or something like that. Good Lawrd I hope this doesn't have to happen.
Turn Around Time: I am running about 4-6 weeks, and I won't let this time frame grow any more. Its just too hard to keep track of everyone in that kind of time frame. Most of the time is spent by me painting the commissions of everyone else who contacted me before you. It doesn't really take too long to paint a canvas, but there are so many others, not to mention the gallery, and the shop to paint for. Plus, ya'll know I like to layer, and I need a few days to stare at your painting to be sure I covered all the bases. Not to mention, ship happens! I get painter's block, or a cold, or my wrist starts acting up, or my insomnia...no more bitching, ok, I'm done.
Paintings in the Shop: Sign up to my newsletter if you want to be one of the first people to know when new paintings are up in the shop. I know they tend to sell out fast, I do try to keep it all updated and neat and fresh. Starting October 1st, there will be many more paintings in the shop to choose from, I am hoping that by charging the commission fee, more people will want to buy something from my shop instead. I am hoping this means I will have more time to paint for the shop. This really is the best way for you to get new ideas, and techniques and the coolest color combos I can think of. I can't make new cool things if I spend all my time painting custom orders. I will offer all sizes, and as the months go on, more and more paintings will be available! I have high hopes for this new arrangement.
Retail and wholesale: Contact me if you are interested in selling my paintings in your store. I offer two levels of discounted pricing, and you can order right from the store. I only choose about three or four places in the US to sell via retail, and this year I have met my quota already. Also, I like to be sure that the shops that sell my paintings are places that I love, and would shop at myself. In other words, I like to control how my paintings are perceived, that is basic brand maintenance, so I reserve the right to decline to sell paintings to stores on a case by case basis. Unfortunately I don't do retail offers for international sellers. I would have to paint on an un-rolled canvas, and this means I would have to essential paint on commission, and this is too much to deal with when I am accepting a lot less for the painting than I would on a regular commission. I hope you all understand! This reminds me, my turn around time is higher for retail orders (of course, unless you buy something directly from the store), because I make my commissions my priority.

Le Sigh

2011-05-11T09:33:00.000-05:00

Maryam Nassir Zedeh via Shinny Squirrel, always my go to blog for the best shoes and jewlery, always, bags, scarves....art...she is super cool (and very beautiful.)

Rachel Comey On sale! 190 usd (but I feel like maybe hard to walk in)

Ericksson Beamon brass cuff, booootifull

Faux/Real sooo badass!

Painting

2011-05-10T14:23:00.000-05:00

Back at it today. Ahh, feels good to be doing something normal again. Also, anyone wear this cuff? Is it super heavy? I prefer it in rose gold...but it seems like a real clunker.

From offspring number one

2011-05-08T05:23:00.001-05:00

Holly shit this has been a shitty week. Ya'll it has been epic. You know I stabbed my left hand right? Well it didn't heal too well, and in the process of doing everything with my right hand, I somehow sprang my wrist...and I got a major cold (you know, fever, chills, the persisting pooping problems) and I got my woman troubles all at once. Lets just say I spent Friday evening toilet weeping, a phenomenon where by you sit on the toilet and weep and get sick. Yup. Awesome.

I called my mom and she comforted me. My mom is from Argentina, so she is very opinionated and dramatic (that must be where I get it from) and quite funny, even if she doesn't always mean to be. I have some very priceless memories of her from when I was growing up that make me laugh every time I think about them. In honour of Mother's day...

I have that exact same hair cut right now.

On the occasion of my wanting to subscribe to YM magazine (young and modern, btw.)
"What? YOUNG MALE! No way, you can not subscribe to Young Male Magazine, you are too young."

On the occasion of thinking I had a stray tampon floating around in my lady parts when I was quite young and laying on a table in stirrups in the emergency room while a very cute and young doctor plumbs my insides (plus my best friend Lindsey knew this girl who's cousin had a sister who totally died from tampon poisoning...oh youth)

Well, she didn't really say anything, how could she? She was snickering and giggling too much. If I am ever in her shoes I hope I am cool enough to do the same.

Yup, probably wearing a pad here. I remember being sooo jealous that my friend Lauren couldn't swim that day on account of just having her hair permed! My mother wouldn't let me perm my hair (damn straight! look at that girl, she is waaayyy too young for hair damage.)

Lets see, she made me wear a pad to swim practice when I started my lady troubles (she assumed correctly that I was too scatter brained to handle tampons).

"You are totally pulling that off, no one can tell you have a giant pad in your bathing suit full of water."

Not true mother! You gave yourself away snickering when I turned around, and waddled away to sit somewhere and sulk.

She totally let me buy and wear a white jumpsuit with giant palm trees printed on it against her better judgment.

Some high school dance bull honkey

She waited a whole year of me wearing only my grandfather's old cardigans, men's shirts and khaki pants to school to ask me if I was a Lesbian. Nope, just really really ahead of the curve on the menswear trend. Like Duh mother.

On the occasion of me talking back to her one time.
"Thats it MICHELLE! This is the monkey that broke the camel's back!" I got a lot of extra grounding b/c I busted out laughing, it still makes me laugh...monkey...teehee

Christmastime! (ahem, man's shirt) We look so much alike!!!

It always cracked me up that I was not allowed to say "fart," "crazy," "crap," or "boogers" because I was not to "talk like a truck driver." The thought of a truck driver saying boogers really tickles me pink, I must say. I guess it didn't work b/c I shared my toilet crying story with you guys, do truckers toilet cry? They must, they drive trucks all day...

Awww, my cute mommy

Oh mom, you are the best. Happy You Day! I was not an easy one to rear up, but you did a great job and love me so very much even though I talk like a trucker and voted Democrat. I love you too, thank you for making growing up such an adventure, and I am looking forward to sharing all the crazy malarkey my daughter does with you when she is driving me crazy, and posting random stuff about me on the interwebs. I lovelovelovelovelove you!!

-offspring number one

Commissions are cool!!

2011-05-05T10:17:00.000-05:00

I painted this commission for a client in St. Louis named katie, and I love how it looks over her sofa. She also decided to go with a floating frame from Franken Frames, my favorite source for very affordable, great quality wooden floating frames for paintings. She chose model number 2008 btw.

My Morrocan RUG!

2011-05-04T10:56:00.000-05:00

Whew, this has been a killer couple of weeks. I stabbed my left hand, needed stitches, finished the kitchen, had my birthday, got a rug... (and new bed linens, things are happening in the bedroom, but that is a tale for another post) So many, I am not sure where to start. Well, thats not true, lets start with the rug...

I contacted Maryam from My Marrakesh, I started reading her blog in 2007 when I first learned about blogs. Anyway, I was like hi, um, you wanna do a trade? Well she said yes, I painted three pieces for her, in exchange for some of the price of the rug. In short, I got a killer deal, it shipped in about a week and it arrived all fluffy and purdy. 'member when ya'll voted? Well I chose the one that won, as you can see.

For my bday I decided to buy a ton of flowers, since I had not had any in the house for three months, why bother when the house is such a disaster? These tulips went ape shit. Boy do I have a lot of catching up to do!

My Sinistra painting

2011-04-25T20:16:00.001-05:00

Making internet friends is fun! Especially when they are good with a camera, and are so freaking cool. From Linda at Lime in the Coconut. I shared some dark secrets with this woman.

Kitchen lighting decided

2011-04-21T11:20:00.000-05:00

I finally...finally chose a light fixture for the kitchen...Behold the Large Amphora Bell Jar pendant from Circa...50% off! I think maybe with cool bulbs.

these, or these?

In the studio

2011-04-20T09:41:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, listening to the workers tear my kitchen apart, a nice rain is coming, my assistant, the beautiful Buff is here today; life is good.

I have about 15 rose plants in our yard, most of them climbing (photos to come, fun!) and some of them very fragrant and giant right now, so I helped myself. They smell soo good.

2011-04-12T09:13:00.001-05:00

I just keep adding small items to the shop every week or so, they sell so nice and quiet now, so peaceful....Off to do taxes.

I just love giving money to my government! OOOhh goody, who are they going to bomb with my money next? yeah! What kind of weapons deals are they going to make with Kadafi with my money? Maybe they will use it to research a giant microwave they can aim at middle eastern countries who deserve democracy, you know, on account of how much oil they got under them their's feet there. In all seriousness, with my taxes they can hardly pay for the state issued "official banana clips of freedom" Hillary Clinton uses on state business.

Black Family Tree

2011-04-09T20:38:00.001-05:00

Been trying to find a photo of this scene in a Harry Potter movie I saw once, such visual amazingess abounds, isn't it so pretty. I wonder who got to design this, I am jealous.

....a cake patronus, teehee. okok ok OK. I laughed really loud and Coco fell of my lap.

2011-04-07T17:26:00.000-05:00

So I was taking some kitchen photos for you....and then sat down to ponder....and then saw my oven mitt....and saw how burnt up it is and said! Oh I know! I will get another one...

And then I thought FinnSyle! Cute prints abound in there...blamo! cutest Marimekko print evah! Great as a table cloth b/c it is pvc coated! Great for a long outdoor table with graphic chairs against it.

Some planters with lacy plants and small flowers. Oh hell, go whole hog and outfit the whole thing in HEATH...drool.

Little rustic grill wear,

Nice cold bear, tee hee, no really.

High Gloss Feature

2011-04-07T10:54:00.001-05:00

The second issue of High Gloss is here fellas. Way cool! They fixed some of the graphics issues that they had last time, and it looks very buttoned up and fresh and has some Hot and Sexy features. Including one of yours truly. Enjoy daaaaalinks (that is me making fun of bloggers who call their readers darlings, or ducks or whatever...I am sticking with dorks cuz you know you are a dork, dork.

If you are here for the first time from High Gloss...Welcome! You are are now a dork.

Friday Night

2011-04-01T13:24:00.001-05:00

Dude, what a week. I am more tired of this remodel now than I was when we had sheet rock dust and broken bits of tile in our lives every day...this has got to end, and soon! At least it is Friday, although I have to say it still feels like Tuesday for me.

Ya'll can't be say'n I ain't got notin to buy in my shop now ya hear....it full up right now, you go tell your momanem.

In other news: Waterworks tile in Sugar White is a go. Hollah!

Large paintings!

2011-03-29T06:53:00.000-05:00

I painted so much this past week that I had one of those stress nightmares where you..well I don't know about you, but I have these dreams where I keep painting instead of talking and I just keep trying to paint and every color I put down is wrong...and no one knows what I mean.

Anyway, been meaning to upload these new things. Currently in Charlotte with Gregg Irby for a show, although if you are interested, you can contact me, as always.

Float away, 48x48 I just had to make a subdued, mellower painting. I personally would choose this one for my own home. I love the colors together, but they are so cozy.

Cave, 36x36 Loving deep dark blue and green together. It reminds me of what it must be like inside a seed getting ready to burst in the ground and grow. Also, you can't tell, but there is silver shimmering on the deep blue, purdy.

Girlfriend, 48x48 This painting makes me want to sunbathe on a yacht...for some reason.

Lantern, 24x24 Orange and pink and green! Fun!

Ecco, 48x36 I love the movement in this one, it feels deco to me, and I am digging the deep green.