SEASCAPING

Missing my beach time and dreaming of the sea...  I think these two pieces would be lovely additions to the home as little abstract reminders of that feeling of calm I get when looking out at the ocean...

*angela adams rug in gorgeous pile texture

*stunning and intricately layered paper artwork recreating the san francisco bay by crafterall on etsy

GLOBAL STYLE: JAMES NARES

Hello friends! Cristina from FujiFiles here, and I'm quite sure we all feel the same way about this Lonny living room. I know I had it on my Christmas list - in its entirety.
But for now let's narrow that (lofty) dream down to the two pieces responsible for the room's splash of color: the paintings.

Those vivid brushstrokes are the work of James Nares, a London-born artist, filmmaker, and musician based in New York. His paintings are like strokes of calligraphy, magnified and flowing across large format canvases.

To achieve the look, Nares suspends himself over the canvas in a selfmade harness, and paints one continuous stroke using large brushes he developed himself. 

"I found that brushes are like characters in a way: Each one does a different dance."  

Nares can go through hundreds of attempts before he's satisfied with a particular stroke (his assistant squeegees the paint off the failed attempts). With all of the work and ingenuity that goes into every piece, the final product has definitely earned its place on my art wishlist.

I love the bold movement and color they bring to every interior!

*images via Lonny, House & Garden, Google images

FRED SHAND FOR ANTHROPOLOGIE

One of my most favorite collaborators at Anthropologie is the designer Fred Shand - I'm completely enamoured by her graphic yet organic designs. So I was really excited to see this exclusive collection created with artists from Dehli, London and NYC...

The quilts (there are also pillows) are true pieces of art (and priced accordingly!). I wouldn't hesitate to hang one on my wall, if I could afford to! They're absolutely dreamy...


*see the full collection in 'the gallery' at anthropologie.com

GLOBAL STYLE: ITALIAN BEACHSCAPES

Happy New Year, friends! Cristina from FujiFiles here, and it appears I'm not alone in my post-holiday winter blues. How ever are we meant to brave the winter chill without the momentum of the holidays to get us through? By retreating into our beautiful, beachy abodes and sipping grapefruit mimosas of course! In the event that you (unfortunately) don't live beachside, however, I recommend large scale art pieces instead - fake it 'til you make it!  

These beachscape prints were taken by photographer Massimo Vitali, from Como, Italy. His recognizable Italian beach panoramas feature dreamy blue landscapes dotted with sunkissed beachgoers - one look and you'll forget the grey skies outside!  

Hang one of Massimo Vitali's large photographs on your wall and you'll feel as if you're gazing out the window of a resort hotel, practicing one of my favorite pastimes - people watching! 

images via canadian house & home, lonnymag

IF I COULD, I'D GIVE YOU LA LUNE...

So in love with this simple and sweet print... With so many of my friends having little wee ones in their lives, I'm constantly looking for pretty nursery ideas, and I think this one falls into that category! After all, who doesn't want to give their child the moon?

*available at double merrick

C+K GIVEAWAY: CUSTOM ART FROM ERICA ERIKSDOTTER

As this morning's home tour showed, collecting art is, in iteself, an art. Few of of us are lucky enough to invest in personal pieces, let alone commission a piece for our own home, but today contemporary artist Erica Eriksdotter is giving you the chance to do just that!

I used this room from Domino to illustrate how one of Erica's pieces could perfectly perk up and complete your bedroom (or living room, kids room, dining room...) with bold color choices in her current favorite subject...

Florals! Of course, some of her subjects have a lovely soft side too... 

So, here's the scoop! Pop over to Erica's website to browse her artwork, then head back over here to let us know which piece was your favorite, or what you'd commission her to do! The winner will receive an original piece of art in acrylic on paper in the size of their choice (12x9, 12x16 or 16x20).

Framing is not included, but a free consult from yours truly is! If, as the winner, you're in need of a little artistic assistance in choosing a subject or colors for your piece, then I'll be ready to assist!

Extra entries for becoming a fan of Studio Eriksdotter on Facebook (don't forget to leave a comment!) !The winner will be selected this weekend... good luck!

HOUSE TOUR: ARTFULLY ENCHANTED

If there's one thing I enjoy seeing in other people's homes it's their choice in artwork. Art is so personal and unique that it's the one thing that doesn't always have to relate perfectly to the room. So, when I stumbled up on the home of designer Eric Cohler (as featured on New York Social Diary a few weeks ago) I nearly died...

Can you imagine walking into all these walls - and windows(!) - of so many beautifully selected pieces on top of this gorgeous interior?





... And that's just the living room! (Notice the cute little library corner too?). As if that wasn't enough there's also this cozy escape...

The richness here makes it such a lovely contrast to the rest of the home, but it still has that same collective feel. If it were all my own, I'm not sure I'd ever need to leave!

A Pretty Party

With the sun out, the weekend around the corner, and the countdown to the end of summer ticking by so quickly, I'm wanting to revel in every single moment.

Would you join me in donning one of these Sophie Theallet frocks, gather around a fanciful table and celebrate, oh I don't know...what should we celebrate...




art by Janet Hill via oh joy!

...how about we toast to the fun of being a girl! Whos's with me??

SERIES SUBMISSION: ARTIST DU JOUR

You may remember that while I was sunning myself in beautiful Mexico (feels like ages ago) I posted submissions from bloggers applying to be regular series contributors here on coco+kelley. Well, this week I'll be posting round two of these posts, starting with a piece that I think would be a welcome focus here from Michelle LeClerc - a series focused on highlighting artists of every kind!

A...
is for awesome. That's the first thing that comes to mind when I see the work of Typographer and Illustrator Jessica Hische. Hailing from Brooklyn New York, Jessica's hand-drawn letterforms are so sweet I want to sprinkle them on my cereal with a side of chocolate milk.
It's no secret that the deep indentation created by letterpress printing over soft cotton paper is a must-have for wedding announcements. Jessica's Hendrix Invitation Suite takes this time-tested technique to another level, accenting it with calligraphy so precise, the only word to describe it is criminal. (Available through www.bellafigura.com) These printed posters are a gorgeous tribute to type specimen pages. Highlighted by a wooden frame or alone, the color combination is welcome in almost any living room or office palette.Other highlights from Jessica's store include letter-pressed Viney Alphabet posters and individual Daily Drop Cap prints. Whether decorating your wall or paired with a red velvet cupcake, these pieces of visual candy are certain to cure any sweet tooth.

*Images via jessicahische.com & bellafigura.com

Don't forget - you, my readers have a voice in this process. I want to hear what you think of every post and series idea, so comment away! And, thank you Michelle for highlighting a lovely artist!

C+K SPONSOR: DOLAN GEIMAN

I love artwork in a home. And yet... I am horrible when it comes to exploring new artists online or in local galleries. It seems to be one of those things that I can never quite find the time for. So, when I received an email from Dolan Geiman, I was thrilled to have the chance to support him and his artwork with this little post!

Dolan hails from the south (Virginia to be exact) and resides in Chicago, so it's no wonder that his art has been described as having a "folk art tradition infused with a contemporary, urban style." The artist creates his mixed media pieces to be beautiful and earth conscious, using salvaged wood, found objects, and other recycled materials for his original paintings, collages, and constructions.

And, while Dolan definitely favors birds and other 'woodland creatures' it's his seaside pieces that I'm loving most. Not just the sailboats above (a part of his 'minis' collection), but this big guy too...

A quirky little whale made entirely from leather scraps cut into scales. Seriously, amazing! He's kinda cute, huh? For more inspiring pieces (and there are tons more!) visit Dolan's etsy shop, or view the entire portfolio on his website. Getting the urge for a little redecorating yet?

PS - There is a 2010 wholesale catalog available for retailers – apply online http://dolangeiman.com/wholesale.php. with every opening order, Dolan Geiman plants 10 trees through Trees for the Future.


Artwork: Carolina Cabinet (2010) – acrylic, silkscreen, found paper collage, and found objects on recycled wood. Coastal Collection Sailboats - archival reproductions of original Dolan Geiman illustrations printed on poplar blocks. Whale Collection (2010) – available from Thinkspace Gallery – recycled leather (baseball gloves, jackets, purses) on wood.

OIL + INTERIORS

What could be better than the gorgeous inspirational photos we get from our favorite shelter magazines? Art inspired by those photos of course...
There are rooms that I've come across that I would seriously consider framing if they weren't tear sheets (not that that's ever stopped me), but these gorgeous works by Page Laughlin take things to a whole other level. Their sophistication and classic style still has an element of the modern to me, making them a perfect addition to the walls of any home.
The texture is stunning! And I love the way the fabric has become the focus in this one while everything else is more muddled. For more insight into the work itself, though, you should absolutely read the artist's statement... it's quite interesting!

*found via a new favorite blog discovery: table tonic

LOVE FEST

Darlings, it's Valentine's Week, and in honor of l-o-v-e, LOVE, we'll be celebrating with lots of pretty things making my heart go pitter patter at the moment...
Like the gorgeous, gorgeous artwork from Vanessa Briggs (discovered at Revival Home) whose entire 'Sunsets' series has me swooning.
Oversized florals in this fresh and simple dining room by Chris Barrett (via House Beautiful) - love the color of the glass bottles!
And a totally 90's inspired rug that makes the best of some seriously fun colors (by Matthew Williamson for The Rug Company).

SPONSOR POST: COLORFUL LIVING WITH LAURA TREVEY

If you don't know Laura Trevey, you must not have a blog. I swear that every time I go to leave a comment on a post, Laura's already been there, spreading her enthusiasm and encouragement. She has such a passion for all things colorful and lovely, it's no wonder that her shop motto is, 'Bright, Bold and Beautiful!' And her paintings are just that...
Laura's main subjects cover two of my favorite things ... the first being travel! I'd gladly take to this Italian shore or the beach below right now...
Laura also creates some beautiful floral watercolors that I admire for their unique color and great texture...
And, since I already mentioned previously this week how I think small pieces of art can make for wonderfully thoughtful gifts, why not try these?
Laura's fun and colorful dress collection would make for a unique keepsake gift from bridesmaids to their BFF! Each gal can sign a dress and leave a message to the bride. You can select from the ones in Laura's shop, or she'll happily create a custom piece for you!
Or, for the beach house or chef, how about a pair of these simple and fun crab prints? I really actually adore them... wishing I had a beach house right about now too! Be sure to check out Laura's new website and browse more of her lovely creations.

HOLIDAY GUIDE: GET ARTSY

Art is personal. I wouldn't recommend hopping into a gallery to go pick something out as a gift unless you know the recipient (and their home) very very well. However, with these small, personalized options, you can rest easy knowing they'll be fully appreciated...
First off, the gift I haven't stopped hearing about this year is the Kate Spade calendar collaboration with artist Bella Foster... monthly art all year long? That's a gift you can't go wrong with! 2010 wall calendar at kate spade. $18.

Homes come with so many memories... perhaps it's time to capture them in a new way? Whether it's the first house for a new couple, or the home you grew up in, commissioning a sweet sketch - of the inside or out - to keep for years to come is a truly original gift. house portrait at artquirk. $120. interior renderings by michelle moreland. starting at $350.

And, here's a thought. Instead of getting the chef or foodie in your life the usual kitchen gadgets, why not a simple watercolour of their favorite ingredient or dish? Jamie Shelman's fruit + veggie series is hands down my favorite. I'm loving the strawberries, but the 'cinque pomodori' would be perfect for my parent's kitchen. strawberry watercolour at jamie shelman. $60.

On The Wall: Amanda Hughen

During my visit to San Francisco, I shared with you that we had stopped into a shop called Propeller Modern. Well, in that shop were these two pieces, side by side, placed over a couch, creating this beautiful, barely there landscape...
I was immediately drawn to their subtle coloring (neutral lover that I am), the incredible details, and the use of graphite and gesso on a wood panel to create the 'scenery'. Upon returning home, I immediately googled the artist, Amanda Hughen, and was just as intrigued by the rest of her work!
As a part of a series Amanda did back in 2002/03, she used wood panels from Ikea (talk about Ikea hacking!) as her 'canvas' for many pieces of work like the ones above. Her more recent pieces are the ones below, the first of which is my absolute favorite...
The color palettes she creates are simply amazing! And how beautiful do they look side by side? For more of her work, please see her online portfolio - it's absolutely full of inspiration! I could only be so lucky to own a few pieces someday to hang on the walls of my home.

Good Design, Great Pop!

How cheery are these prints from Good Shape Design?
What a perfect pop of color! Especially loving the coral red and yellow against grey. So unexpected, and so perfectly 'now'.

Giveaway! Susan Najarian Artwork

If there's one thing I can never have too much of, it's beautiful artwork gracing the walls. (Well, that and throw pillows...) So, I am thrilled to be having my first artwork giveaway here on the blog! Even more thrilled that that artist, Susan Najarian, is a Seattle local who does absolutely fantastic pieces.
Her encaustic (beeswax and resin) paintings are just so lovely, they would lend inspiration to any room! Wouldn't they make a beautiful little housewarming or wedding gift too? A piece that's not too big can always find a place in someone's home.

You know the drill lovelies. Please visit Susan's Etsy shop and let us know what your favorite piece is by leaving a comment below. The winner be drawn on Monday, and will select their favorite 5x5 painting as the prize!