Highlights of the week

The girls are starting back to school next week and my new series "Daydream" will finally get completed. Resin is time sensitive and shouldn't be rushed, layers need a few days to dry in between coats. I will have more time in my studio soon and I'm looking forward to it.

I've already decided the theme of my second series and animals will be featured. I have an amazing photograph of Zebras I'm excited to play around with. It seems Zebras are a fun subject matter for several artists as I see them everywhere now. Artist Anna Church has done this piece "Party Animal" above and has several other stunning prints on her website. You should check her out, she is currently living in Toronto. http://annachurchart.com

Design Sponge has a full studio tour of Light Lab online, it is a must see! This seating area is gorgeous. I want to pretend it's my house, I love it that much. http://www.designsponge.com/2016/08/studio-tour-light-lab.html

While I'm creating art or making dinner we always have Spotify playing in the background. The girls love to dance around the house, and discovering new artists is half the fun. I've been listening to Band of Horses on repeat for a while, you should check them out....so good. Roosevelt came on the other day, I was immediately drawn to the ombre effect on this cover as it reminded me of my current body of work. https://youtu.be/ToyuZwTO068

The lovely Emily Henderson & I share a Birthday which happens to be today. Yesterday she did a blog post about getting older, it was a good read. I'm the big 39 & she is turning 37! I like to think if we were at the same Flea Market we would meet & instantly hit it off. She's a fun gal & I love her style. https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/turning-37

Studio Scenes

When I stand in front of a canvas nothing is planned out, the brush strokes are spontaneous and come together to form a layered composition. For the photo based series I'm currently developing I'm looking everywhere for inspiration.  Experimenting with new techniques and materials is very structured and precise. I'm enjoying the creative process and can't wait to see where it takes me. 

I've had these photographs in an envelope in my desk for years. They capture my Mother's parents back in the day. Even though I was not born when they were taken, they still allow me to reflect back on memories and see things in a different perspective.

When my second daughter was born 5 years ago I took out my sketch book and started to journal my ideas about doing a photo based series with vintage photos and collage. This series has never been made but it has led me to where I am today. I am finally making the time to explore a photo based collection and trying out various mediums on the images themselves.

Playing around with spray paint and shadows.

A photo taken from the plane on my recent trip to Boston. Right now I'm into landscapes with fluffy clouds that have a daydream blurriness to them.

Experimenting with chalk pastel, and my love of pink.

House Feature - Kim Merritt

Kim's style is the perfect example of timeless minimal design.  Located in Sonoma County California, this modern home sits in the countryside on several acres. Kim and I began an online friendship a year ago, both sharing an adoration for art and interior design. Even though we have never met in person, I value her critiques and advice. Now let's dig into these stunning photos shall we!

The warm wood tones help this design blend in with its natural surroundings. They moved into this brand new house a year and a half ago. Kim is an artist and also works part-time, her husband Rob is an architect. You can check out her website at www.artstudiokm.com and her instagram at https://www.instagram.com/artstudiokm/

"Most people ask if he (Rob) designed our home but no.  It’s a lot more modern than both our styles.  It's our home for now but we hope one day we can design our own place.  I would say our top styles for our home would be more rustic modern inside and out. Most likely 2 level and just a bit cozy.  But you can’t have it all."

The structure on the left is the main living space. To the right Kim is lucky to have this gorgeous space to create in. I'm jealous of all that natural light!

The outdoor dining area acts as an extension to the main living space.

A great spot for entertaining and relaxing with friends and family.

One of Kim's favourite things about her home are the sliding doors that are all along one side of the house. They open it up and enjoy a fresh breeze and amazing view.

Lets step inside and see the interior shall we!

One of Kim's beautiful paintings is reflected in the mirror.

The space is filled with warmth and texture, the neutral colour scheme allows your eye to travel from one vignette to another seamlessly.

The simplicity of Kim's styling and the cacti print make this wall come to life.

The addition of plants and flowers add so much to this minimal design.

 The rooms are calming and uncluttered, she is curating every piece in her home with intent. Her husband and her have designed a clean-lined space that’s still infused with meaning and character. Kim tells me that her taste five years ago was the total opposite. She is quite content living with fewer material objects and has no problem waiting to find the right pieces to add in. 

"Growing up I loved to decorate my room and I would decorate with so much stuff. I have changed since then and now enjoy purchasing only things I really love and keeping my home as decluttered as possible."

Bringing natural elements into your home is an easy and inexpensive way to add texture.

The transition from one room to another is subtle. There are no bold or graphic elements from details such as wallpaper or ornate floor coverings. Allowing the floor plan to feel more open and inviting.

The family dog Ollie gets comfy on the slipcovered sofa.

"I do have several items I would like to add to our home.  1. An overhead light for our dining table 2. We still need 2 more dining chairs 3. More light fixtures — love Schoolhouse fixtures 4. Cowhide rug for dining room.  It’s nice to know it doesn’t have to all get done at once though.  I like making a home come together over time.  It really makes it feel more special. Not like you just went to West Elm or Crate & Barrel and just bought it all." 

The kitchen is functional and stylish with a neutral palette.

A single bloom adds the perfect pop of colour.

 "I enjoy many styles of decorating and right now my home is just more modern.  My main goal is to add a couple decor antique pieces + some items when we go to New Mexico in September.  I am really loving that ethnic feel.  I want to add a touch of both of these."

Layered textiles help add that coziness Kim loves.

A peak into Kim's private work studio. Her inspiration wall is filled with inspirational photos and quotes.

A relaxing spot to sit, enjoy a cup of tea and enjoy the sunshine.

Just looking at her surroundings allows me to feel a tranquility and ease that is hard to describe.

My taste is quite the opposite of Kim's. I love colour, pattern and lots of collectibles. When I opened up her email and saw the photos of her home I was blown away. I wish I could live in a home like this and surround myself in nature. I can't wait to one day come and visit in person.

Highlights of the week

Just returned home for a few days, after a few days away, before we fly to Boston next week. I thought I would share some of my favourite parts of our road trip to Rochester. 

We stopped here for drinks and a quick dinner with our kids. The food was yummy and the atmosphere was contemporary and casual. No complaints from this gal!

A flight of beers. 

We enjoyed an interactive exhibit at The Strong Museum with butterflies, fish, turtles and birds. The Star Wars exhibit was enjoyed by all, the girls have already decided who they want to dress up as for Halloween!

This is a detail of a series of wall hangings that caught my eye at The Science Center. The colours were gorgeous and the textiles are amazing in person.

Established in 2012, Atelier Stella is an ever changing collection of unique ceramics hand made by Stella Baggott in Brighton, England. I purchased this amazing vase at West Elm, its got a retro vibe that I adore. I love how they collaborate with artisans and makers all over the world. It's already found a new home in our living room.

"My work is modern, stylish and brings a smile! I lovingly design, hand build, fire in my kiln and glaze small batches of work to give you a truly unique, one of a kind work of art, so if you like a piece grab it while you can! I design pieces for those who like vintage finds."

A friend who I met though Instagram who is from the area told me we had to eat here. We did and it was so delicious!

Glen Edith Coffee Roasters had a great atmosphere and the decor was a great mix of natural and modern elements. My tea was GOOD and the girls had no problems making themselves at home on that sofa.

It's a long weekend here in Ontario...enjoy!

Summer Getaway

Next week my husband is taking time off from work and we are heading with the girls to Upstate New York. Hopefully the stops at Target and Trader Joe's will make the driving short and sweet. The itinerary consists of lots of activities for the kids, but we will try out some hopefully great restaurants and breweries.

I can't wait to explore and capture photographs that I can use in my new body of work. If you don't follow me on social media I'll fill you in. I'm putting the paint brushes down for a bit and developing a new series which explores dream like landscapes and movement.

This pretty much sums up my next adventure if you take away the Bikini top & add in flip flops, no beaches...but lots of walking.

In August my husband is travelling to Boston for work and I don't have any art classes to teach for a few days so I'm tagging along. I plan to visit local art galleries, design shops, cafe's and the harbour. Eating a meal in silence that I didn't prepare is going to be so exciting for this mom!

We are not staying at the The Envoy Hotel, but I'll be visiting for a cocktail I guarantee. The photos of the lobby have me excited and we haven't even left!

One of my favourite things to do while on any vacation is to purchase artwork. A little reminder or souvenir of the destination we visited. While in New York City a few years ago, I purchased four pieces from a photographer in Washington Square. I wish I had his card, or could read his signature they make me so happy every time I look at them. 

This is one of the photos that has such a cool retro vibe. If you know who the artist is I would love to hear from you.

Now on to the not so fun part...packing!

Design Inspiration

It's no secret that I love Interior Design Magazines & have a nice collection to browse when I need some inspiration. I was recently looking at the Summer issue of domino and fell in love with a company and thought I would share more details about them.

Concrete Cat is a Canadian atelier established in 2007 based out of Edmonton Alberta. They explore the use of concrete with a focus on colour, pattern and form. We travelled on a family holiday to Edmonton when I was a kid, maybe it's time to go back and check out the design scene. Here are a few of their products, get ready to drool!

This is still on new stands, grab yourself a copy and thank me later!

Oracle is a technique for creating marble like patterns in vibrant colours in cast concrete. Concrete cat is the only studio in the world with the technology to create this pattern in concrete. The piece on the right makes me want to head to my studio and create something in this palette.

Octavia Pico is an incense burner that is available is so many patterns. This small bowl would also be perfect at your front entrance for change and keys. Or on your bedside table for your favourite earrings and rings. It was hard for me to choose just one to share. My new body of work is photo based, with moody landscapes and clouds. This is such an inspiring jumping off point for me.

This camera is a conversation piece for sure, I love it!

Atlas Bookends would be a unique addition to your library or bookshelf. They also carry some lovely vases that would look amazing as sculptures even without flowers in them.

Creative Director Shawna Heide had some lovely words that I wanted to share. " Recognizing authenticity make take an instant. However the layering it takes to create something authentic takes time. Materials that age well are critical to inspire the visual awe that we all crave."

A detail from a work in progress. I can't get away from pink.

With this new body of work, I am sharing a part of myself that I have wanted to express for several years now. I'm going to put it out there and see what happens. As long as I am creating all the time I am continuing to grow as an artist. I'm excited to put the paint brushes aside and go back in time to memories and photographs that I've collected over the years.

All opinions are my own. Check out www.concretecat.com they have retailers all over the world.

Scandinavian House Feature

This is the lovely home of Line Fiil Anderson. I first discovered her through Instagram last year. She is an artist and her abstract paintings caught my eye right away. Not only does she work in a style that I enjoy, her pieces are often styled in her home which allowed me to see vignettes of her impeccable style. Located in Randers, Denmark; Line describes her home as a typical Danish home built in the 1970's. A unique thing about the structure is that it was used as an exhibition home for the first two years. Line and her boyfriend purchased it from the original homeowners in 2009. Since that time they have started a family here and come to love the space they call home. Her sons, Anton and Bertram, are similar ages to my two daughters, and keep her busy when she is not working or in her studio creating.

Before we go inside I want to share some photos of the gorgeous courtyard and terrace with you.

The layered textiles really make this outdoor space feel like an extension of the interior. I love the simplistic style often seen in Scandinavian design & Line has mastered it. This Hazel tree looks like a sculpture itself.

Line loves spending time here and having friends and neighbors over to sit and enjoy a glass of wine with. There is a river nearby that she often walks to, finding a lot of inspiration for her paintings from nature.

"We loved it from the time we stood in the hall – and it just felt like home, even before we saw the rest of the house." As a person who enjoys architecture and interior design I am usually drawn to a space for a specific reason. In this home it is a combination of the furniture, art and accessories that speak to me. We have similar taste and love a great bargain!

"I love to be surrounded by things that not everyone has. I am drawn to the northern European style in combination with Bauhaus and Eastern/Middle East ethnic things and objects." So many pieces in the home have a story to go with them, my eye is continuously travelling from one thing to another.

"The first furniture my grandmother bought (before she met my granddad) were designs from some of the greatest designers/architects in Denmark from the 1950´s. I have inherited some chairs and a cabinet from her. I love furniture (especially teak) from the 1950´s but also German Bauhaus interior." The eclectic collection of artwork throughout the home is amazing. I will never tire of a good gallery wall, we have several in our own house. The original stained glass is the perfect addition to this corner. Those colours make me smile.

A great spot to relax and enjoy a drink. I am so jealous of that chair!

When they moved into the house they decided to renovate the kitchen.  Line loves to cook and it was a small dark room that was not very inspiring. By tearing down the wall that divided the two rooms, they created a large open concept space full of natural light. Now they have this fantastic space for cooking, entertaining and allowing the boys to play.

No hardware has been added to the cabinetry, this helps to achieve a modern and timeless design. The addition of plants and warm wood tones help the space feel welcoming to friends and family.

One of Line's painting's adds a graphic element to this corner in the kitchen.

A view of the dining area from the family room. The boys Wheely Bug is ready for a ride! How great are the 4 pieces of original art? Each member of the family created their own masterpiece with paint and a straw. Simple modern frames create a unique collection.

A great piece of furniture can not only anchor the corner of a room, but also add as extra storage in a small space. Cupboards and drawers are great at hiding away kids toy's & books when not in use. I'm an expert a hiding clutter, the built-ins in our living room are full of my daughters collections and craft supplies.

I love this corner and the simple white shelving that displays some of Line's favourite collectibles. I have always wanted a Danish mid century bird, these two caught my eye as soon as I saw the photo. Talk about a statement light fixture! You are not going to find that at a big box store folks. Gotta love a house with a stack of interior design magazines to browse, the European ones are always my favourite...even if I can't understand what they say.

"We are going to Berlin for a summer holiday and I hope to find some stuff at one of the wonderful flea markets in the city. I love going to flea markets here in Denmark, to buy unique objects for our house." This eclectic home is full of treasures, I don't think I can pick a favourite room it's all so good. I also love to thrift and find the treasure of the hunt so exciting. Once my husband & I travelled to Pittsburgh, instead of dreaming about seeing Falling Water the next day I was thinking about chairs I had seen earlier at the Salvation Army. I know right...my husband is a good man & we went back for them.

This is styled perfectly. You can't go wrong with black and white, and that pop of yellow! I have a thing for font. I'm one of those people.

Line's grandfather was a cabinet maker and hand crafted this chair for his wife. After she passed, this family heirloom became a special addition to Line's home. Her colourful artwork makes this corner in the family room so welcoming.

Line and one of her gorgeous paintings.

A peak inside her studio space. Lot's of room for storage and books.

Bertram following in his mom's footprints.

Stacks of original artwork and a collection of pottery...dreamy!

Line's home is the perfect mix of old and new, and has a cozy/casual vibe. Collectibles, artwork and furnishings are influenced by Scandinavian design and have me wanting to head to the closet flea market. Check out more of her incredible artwork at https://www.instagram.com/linefiil/

Local Art Scene

I often think I should get out more and see what other local artists are making and, what is happening in my local art scene. I've taken a break from painting for the last few weeks and did just that. I was able to volunteer for several class trips and take some time to sit, relax and think about what I would like to pursue next. Taking a break helps me get inspired and makes it that much more exciting to get back to my studio and create. I usually teach art classes on Friday evenings but I lucked out and was free to attend the opening reception for Sarah Gibeault's latest show. It was amazing to see her work in person and her colour's are so inspiring to me. The exhibit is on until July 8th so you still have time to stop by and check it out. I gravitated towards the landscapes that had a touch of pink in them. Today my daughters were out of school for the first day this summer, guess where I took them? After the library we walked up the street to the gallery and I loved that they asked if they could sign the guest book...too cute!

www.christensenfineart.com

All photos were taken on my cell phone and the colours and quality may not be accurate representations of the original work.

Her Land Series explores forms from nature and depicts abstract shapes and patterns in bold colour patterns.

Each painting on paper is matted and framed in a simple modern frame. I left a few weeks ago telling myself I needed to save up to purchase one for my own art collection.

Sarah majored in drawing and I think that is evident when you look at the loose gestural lines in her painting.  Each one is a mini narrative I want to jump in and explore.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery is just a 30 minute drive from my home. The extensive contemporary Canadian art collection was wonderful. It was my first time at the gallery and I was not disappointed. It was a bright modern space that was child friendly as well.  My girls were in school when I went last week, but I will definitely be back with them this summer.

www.rmg.on.ca

The reason for my trip was to view the new exhibit by local artist Laura Madera. Her watercolours are so dreamy and whimsical, I could stare at them for hours. I only took a few photos so you have to go and check out the rest of the pieces on your own. You will thank me I promise.

This is comprised of three large panels of paper that appear seamless to the viewer's eye. I asked my mom to snap a photo of me in front of it to show the scale.  

I would like to think that I am that cool that I planned my outfit to match the art in the photos. Reality is that I threw this on in 2 minutes as my mom honked the horn in my driveway and I tried to eat my breakfast and get dressed at the same time. I remembered to brush my teeth before I left the house so I had that going for me! Life before kids was a different story folks.

This is a detail of the bottom of the painting.  I am still in awe at how Laura created this, I think it is amazing!

This painting was maybe 20x24" and there was an entire wall full of these organic images.

Another large painting on paper that reminded me of being at a cottage on a secluded Island filled with trees. Her palette reminds me of my own, these colours are very calming to me.

It's a long weekend in Canada (and the United States), go out and explore your city. Even if you are not an artistic person take your kids with you, they will enjoy the exhibits as much as any adult would.

Artist Feature

When interior designers Susanna and Elaina emailed asking if I would be interested in being the artist of the month for their blog, I didn't hesitate. These sisters who travel between their homes in Southern California and Bali have great taste. I love design and they have mastered the look of an eclectic/boho interior. Check out my interview and then continue to browse their site, it's filled with inspiring photography and interiors that will make you wish they could come over and re-design your dream space!

http://design4corners.com/blog/2016/06/22/featured-artist-holly-young

Back In The Day

I often wonder what other artists were making in the early stages of their art practise, and how that style has developed and evolved. Lots of creatives are self taught, and many I follow studied another major while attending University or College. I myself did not know what style I wanted to focus on while in art school & dabbled in a bit of everything. 

My parents have lived in the same house I grew up in and my mom has kept all of my artwork. Since I moved back to my hometown almost three years ago I've been asked several times, "When are you going to come and get your things out of the basement?" Well today I finally went with an empty trunk to gather some of my old stuff. I didn't take everything, but I thought I would share with you some pieces that I made approximately 17 years ago. When I say that it really seems like so long ago, but I can remember the feelings I had when I created some of these pieces.

I experimented a lot with water colours, I'm not really sure why I chose this medium as no other class mates were into them. Even then I was drawn to the same colours as I frequently use today; blue and green. 

Stacked rectangular compositions were my go to. I was influenced by artist Mark Rothko a lot during this period and his colour blocks. Each individual form was comprised of a few lines, mark making was quite simplistic for me. Adding water to the paint created a tension that I can still remember today. Looking at them now they appear to reference a landscape in some way.

Here my process was more fluid and abstract. I used a straw to push and pull the paint around the surface. The forms appear like sea creatures dancing across the paper.

I liked to work big, details were then created drawing the viewer into the piece.

This installation hung on the wall, the brackets are on the back of these books that I painted from a thrift shop. This was an assignment (not sure the topic), I had the idea that I wanted to have a photo of an angel inside one of the books and travelled to a cemetery in my hometown to find this. For a while I was into discovering unique decorative statues, I even asked my husband to come to a cemetery while we were on holiday in Cuba. These are dated 1999.

This assignment was a self portrait. This is one of a triptych. The first focuses on the eyes. The second on my eyes and nose, and lastly my entire face. I remember that I did quite well on this even though I did the entire assignment the day before it was due.  To be twenty again!

A close up of the crosshatching I used to vary the shades of pencil.

Being a creative has always been part of my life. My child hood was spent drawing and colouring. Today it is no surprise to me that my daughters are finding joy in the same kind of things.

Mid Century House Feature- Laura Browning

I have a love for architecture, interior design and mid century homes. When I have free time away from my artwork, the kids and my new favourite show "Silicon Valley", you can find me online browsing homes of people who live in incredible spaces. Sometimes the eclectic decor choices or artwork get me excited. Or if I'm looking at an issue of Dwell magazine, then it's the clean contemporary lines & the structures themselves that I find the most appealing.

Today I'm so excited to share with you a wonderful space that my new friend Laura lives in with her husband, her adorable son and their family pets. I met Laura through social media and was captivated by every image I saw of her artwork & her home. I have a thing for vintage chairs and love to collect them. Laura paints the most gorgeous oil paintings of iconic designs and retro styles. You will see some of her original work throughout the tour, but she also does prints as well. Check her out at www.laurabrowningart.com

Laura and I chatted on FaceTime a few weeks ago, I loved hearing all the details about their Eichler neighborhood and asked her to share more about how they came about living here. This is what she had to say; 

Lincoln is ready to give us the tour, I told you he was the cutest!

Our California Modern home was built by Joseph Eichler in 1963. Eichler was one of the nation's most influential builders of modern homes during the mid 50’s through mid 60’s.  A typical Eichler features walls of glass, post-and-beam construction, and atriums at the center of the house. 

We initially discovered Eichler homes while driving around the Bay Area trying to decide where we wanted to move.  We were planning a big move from Southern California up to the Bay Area and had flexibility with where we settled.  I’ll never forget the first Eichler we toured: it was a similar model to ours, and as I walked through the front door I could see all the way through the house to the backyard…my jaw dropped.  My husband and I were hooked. 

My jaw is dropping as I look at this view!

The most major project we took on would have to be our floors.  When we moved in our floors were a mix of linoleum, carpet and VCT tiles.  After we had the old flooring removed I spent 30 straight days working myself to the bone grinding down the concrete and patching the holes left by the carpet tacks, cracks, etc.  I then applied a semi-transparent stain to mask the ghosted pattern left behind by the tiles.  5 years later and our floors still look lovely, are super durable and were well worth all the effort. 

We spent over a year actively trying to purchase an Eichler, it was a tough market with lots of competition.  Over time, it became too difficult to drop everything and travel to attend the open houses, so we would ask my parents who live about an hour away to check out any Eichler that came on the market.  This house that we bought was a foreclosure and we actually put an offer on it and got into a little bidding war without even seeing it first.  At the time, it felt crazy and so risky but it has worked out so well for us. 

This photo is taken in the backyard looking into the dining area and atrium.

Another shot from the backyard. Those windows are what every house needs!

The mix of organic materials used complement the sleek mid century style of the home. The original ceiling details are stunning!

Another project I tackled was refinishing the mahogany walls in the living room portion of our house.  Ours were in pretty bad shape, likely not cared for much since the house was built. I see many Eichler homeowners that opt to replace their wood walls so I knew that would be an option, but first, I wanted to see if I could refinish ours and save the time and cost of replacing the wood.  I sanded the old finish off the walls, did some patch work and then coated the wood with some Danish Oil and finished it with wax.  Now they’re soft to the touch, and totally gorgeous. 

The decor in our home is all very significant to us.  We travel a lot (by exchanging our home with other awesome modern homes around the world) and wherever we go I love to pick up pieces that will end up in our house.  Most of the pieces don’t necessarily look like they’re from someplace exotic… a white vase or a simple gray bowl that looks like it could be from anywhere… but I have this very specific memory of where we were when I bought it (and sometimes the crazy effort that went into getting it home!) and that brings us both great joy in our every day lives.  When we need something and haven’t already found it during our travels, I always head to Etsy to find something that has been thoughtfully crafted (and so we can support other artists). 

I would love to visit Laura one day, I can imagine us now sipping cocktails in the atrium while we discuss art and design.

The perfect spot for an afternoon nap.

Lincoln's playroom is furnished with a modern table and chair set, as well as a spot to camp out and get cozy.

I think any guest would be happy waking up to this natural light.

The office and studio space where Laura paints showcases some of her oil paintings and collectibles. "My work is inspired by the classic California dream and timelessness of modern design from the mid 20th century. I focus on luminous color interactions, and iconic shapes that give glimpses of the idyllic California lifestyle."

I mentioned to Laura that I know we would hit it off in person as we have the same art books filling our shelves. I adore the pendant that hangs above her easel & this painting truly captures the California lifestyle that Laura is inspired by.

We have a talented friend & neighbor (redneckmodern.com) who I worked with on a number of projects around our house including new interior wood doors and hardware, new front door. Most impressively the amazing zebra-wood built in desk for my office/studio. 

Her paintings express a combination of texture, light & shadow so well, it's hard to choose a favourite.

The master bedroom with a clear view to the pool. Laura worked so hard to refinish the floors, I'm glad they have not been covered by area rugs.

One of Laura's paintings adds a splash of colour to the neautral palette.

A painting by Philip Barlow is a focal point above this vintage dresser that belonged to Laura's parents.

There was a lot of work to get the house in fully functional condition, so we spent the first few years taking care of all the major issues that surfaced (plumbing leaks, electrical problems, new foam roof, pool leaks, broken pool equipment, etc).  In the past few years, we have finally been able to focus on areas of renovation that we can actually see and appreciate.  There is still a lot of work we have planned (kitchen!) but are able to really enjoy our house as it is now.  

Lincoln's bedroom is a great example of a timeless design that will grow with him. The colourful modern rug softens the space and creates an area for play.

The Pantone book of Colors is wonderful, it makes a great gift. Parents will love it as much as the kids. Who needs a rocking horse when you have an Eames Elephant!

A great chair to curl up and read a bedtime story.

Is it crazy that I'm jealous of a toddler's bedroom. The Eames Hang-It-All hooks are the perfect pop of color on this dark grey wall.

There are 70 other Eichler homes in our neighborhood, and two other Eichler neighborhoods in our city.  The best part of living in an Eichler was a huge surprise to us, but I’ve since heard it’s pretty common in other Eichler hood’s as well.  There is an enormous sense of community here, people that have been brought together by their shared passion for their homes and mid-century design.  Most of our neighbors I consider good friends and spend time with on a regular basis.  One family hosts an open dinner on the first Sunday of every month, other groups get together regularly to hike or craft, or get like aged kids together for play groups. Just last weekend we had a huge block party, and we have yearly celebrations on major holidays like 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  

The atrium in the evening really puts this glass home center stage.

Laura and her husband have done so much work on their home, now they can enjoy this space with family and friends.

I look forward to seeing what direction they choose to go with when they design the kitchen. My husband and I have vacationed in San Francisco, looking forward to our next trip so we can see this beautiful family home in person.

Art Exhibit - Gallery In The Attic

Saturday is the opening reception for my show at The Gallery In The Attic. As I hung the painting's on the walls today I really noticed the character and charm that the space holds. Most galleries have white walls which showcases the artists' work quite nicely, I chose the room that has a feature wall with original brickwork. There are still some white walls, don't get me wrong, I just thought that the brick detail adds a textural quality to my paintings. This reminds me of the influences street art has on my creative process.  What better way to display this collection than in an indoor space that has the same aesthetic? I'm really excited about this body of work and I look forward to sharing more images with you from "Wonderland".

The gallery hours are Tuesday - Saturday 12-5 if you are able to stop by.

There are nine paintings in the show. Here is a glimpse at two of my favourites "Casual Party" (30"w x 24"H) and "Make Some Noise" (36"w x 36"h) Isn't the wall amazing!

Do It For The Process

Magic doesn't happen every time I pick up a paint brush, I wish it did. I am like many other artists out there who paint and hope the outcome will be something they are proud of. I haven't made a body of work, or collection in a long time. Every painting I have shared on my website or social media in the past is a creation that stands alone for the most part. Not too much of my work has been repetitive in subject matter.

This brings me to the present day. Several paintings have received adjustments or do overs after I thought they were finished. I have now completed the pieces for the exhibit that I will hang next week and I am very proud of the results. A style and ease has started to take shape and I feel comfortable and confident in my work. I know that I will continue to develop this style as it just feels right for me. 

Of course I want others to enjoy and purchase these pieces, but if nothing comes of it I won't be disappointed. I know I put myself out there and did something that took a lot of my time & creativity. That makes me a happy artist/mom/wife...all of the above.

The other day I got a chance to paint outside which was amazing. Our winter was so long!! My husband took a fun video of me during the process of this piece the previous day. I am almost finished it in this photo.

Artist Crush

Someone recently told me that they had an artist crush on my work. How flattering is that?! I'm far from popular in the art world I realize, it didn't go to my head...don't worry. You know Pinterest, well I once made a board I titled Artists I love. Instead of you looking for hours at random recipes you'll never make, I thought I would save you the trouble & post a few favourites here. Some of these artists have been on my radar for awhile, others are newer to me since joining social media.  

If I won the lottery, some originals by these folks would be added to our art collection.

Paul Davies' paintings are mid century dreams. The colour palettes he uses are so unexpected and perfect in every way. He is Australian which makes me love him more. I have found so many creative artists and designers who are from down under. Check him out on Instagram @pauldaviesartist

I've been reading the blog of this talented artist Michelle Armas for so many years I feel like I know her; she is so down to earth. When she first acknowledged my work on Instagram, I told my husband that she was really awesome & funny!! If you have the chance, listen to some of her interviews online, they won't disappoint. She keeps it real & tells it how it is, and we both like Arrested Development so I know we'd hit it off in person. I feel like everyone knows who she is already, but if you don't check her out www.michellearmas.com

Looking at the body of work that painter Jessica Hess has produced, made it very difficult to choose one image to share with you. Her landscapes make me do a double take, they are so realistic to a photograph. I love grafiti art & she captures every detail with her brushstrokes. You need to see what else she has created. Go to www.jessicahess.com

I am fascinated by the paintings of Guy Yanai. His linear brushstrokes have such precision & his colour combinations are not on my typical go to list. His collection of mid century homes are beautiful, complete with sprinklers! Check out his work at www.guy-yanai.com

Surfaces

When you hear this word you think of texture. Is the surface smooth, rough, bumpy...I could go on. As an artist I see ordinary things/objects every day & find inspiration in them. Lately I've been carrying my camera with me when I go for a walk, or driving to work with it beside me. I'm that person who will pull over on the side of the road & start taking pictures of random things. When I paint I love adding multiple layers of paint to the canvas. The texture is what I'm drawn to the most lately. Yes the colour and composition play important roles in the final piece, but the layers get me excited. I thought I would show you some images that are an example of this.

I often walk my dog by this garage. The faded mint green paint and the chipped aluminum is eye candy to me. 

This is on a large scale wall downtown that has graffiti on it. I always drive by and recently decided to get out of my car and take a closer look. The actual images that were painted did nothing for me, but the fact that the paint also went onto this piece of wood were delightful.

I was doing errands one morning and spotted this large dumpster behind a secondhand shop. I pulled my car into the parking lot and grabbed my phone to take some photos. The old metal reminds me of my trip to Cuba and all the colourful buildings. A man opened the door expecting a donation and found me. I told him I was an artist before he could say anything. Instead of him acting weird his response was "Do you have some photos of your art I can see." This interaction & that dumpster made my morning. It might seem small, but it's the truth!

I need to tell you that this photo has not been edited to alter the colour. Those bricks are AMAZING!! When I got out of my car and saw this building with those drips of paint, I instantly became giddy.

I was driving in the country on my way to work and I stopped to capture this photo. The side of this house was so textured, the cement was starting to deteriorate. I'm not sure if someone actually lived there.

I got rear ended a few weeks ago and my van needed a new bumper. The day I pulled into the parking lot at the body shop this wall was in front of me. I snapped a quick photo on my phone & then went inside. This pattern is so retro and if you didn't already know I enjoy anything mid century. The architecture of the building and the furnishings inside were from the 70's. The front desk was walnut strips with olive green formica. Even though the whole experience of being in a car accident sucked, at least I smiled every time I pulled up.

The green shutters on this house are in need of a new coat of paint...but the green is what caught my eye.

That baby blue and the mix of horizontal and vertical lines is perfect.

Artspace Gala

I'm very excited to be participating in this annual community event in town. This evening will be lots of fun and I look forward to meeting other local artists whose work I admire. The kids are having a sleep over... date night!

This 8x 10" photograph on wood panel with resin is one of my pieces that I have submitted.

"Islands" is a 12x12" acrylic painting on canvas that is also available in the 50/50 draw.

I went to the preview evening last week and snapped a few photos of the space to show you how many submissions they actually received. I was informed that this year has been the best yet, what a great artistic community!

A large selection of paintings, drawings and photography.

Another gallery wall.

How fun is that modern still life? I love the graphic punch of black and white.  The two pieces on the bottom right are by my friend Lucky Jackson. We have several of her pieces already in our home. 

This is one of her pieces I bought as a gift for my husband at Christmas. Who doesn't love Biggie? 

These are the details folks. If you are local come support Artspace & say hello!

Artist Spotlight + A Giveaway!

I'm excited to share this fun interview I did for an amazing design blog called "Room for Tuesday." We have also included a giveaway for an original painting of mine. The contest rules are all stated at the end of the interview. Good Luck!

http://roomfortuesday.com/artist-spotlight-holly-young-a-giveaway/

I've been experimenting painting on wood panel, turns out I really enjoy this medium. This original 8x10" piece titled "Who You Are" would look great on your wall!

Uniquely Women Post

After our home was featured on Apartment Therapy a few months ago, Nicole asked me if I would be interested in doing a post for her blog Uniquely Women. If you want to know my secrets on: finding great vintage pieces, keeping all our girls stuff tidy & organized, as well as adding original artwork into your space. Then read my interview!

http://uniquelywomen.net/mid-century-vintage-home-tour/

These cupboards are hiding books, toys, games & camera equipment. Thank you to the previous home owners for ditching the fireplace and replacing it with built-ins!

Highlights of the week

I have a lot of things to chat about...where to start? On Instagram I recently joined a group of artists who do artist pen pal exchanges. We are to mail something handmade that is small maybe 4"x4" along with a note. I received my package the other day all the way from New Zealand! The artist Helen Dean made me a wonderful abstract painting. 

The colours are lovely & it looks perfect in this simple white frame.

I've been painting a lot lately. While creating this new body of work I've discovered a few things. My youngest daughter is very interested in gems, geodes, and rainbows. These images keep repeating themselves in my paintings, without premeditation. A relative recently bought them some FANCY crayons & before they lose their shape I took a quick photo.

The brand is Kid Made Modern if you are interested.

The sun has finally come out in Ontario & Spring is in full effect. The chalk is back & rainbows are where it's at.

I've been teaching a lot more art classes lately which is keeping me busy. This set up is in a local restaurant in town.

If you are local, stop by & say hello at Burrow on Hunter St. in Peterborough Ont. Wednesday April 20th they are hosting a Meet the Artist event from 5-7pm. Drinks & treats will be provided! I've made some new pieces on wood panel that will be the perfect gift for Mother's Day. 

All of these original pieces are 8x10" & will be available at the event for a promotional price of $60. After this date they will be regular $75. Don't miss out!

I just finished this painting right before I wrote this post. It has been on my easel all week & feels so good to finally have it complete. In the next few weeks there will be 3 giveaways I am taking part in. Yes I said 3!! If you love my art then start following me on Instagram so you don't miss out on these contests!

Mid Century House Feature

If you read my previous post on Pittsburgh then you know that I have an interest in architecture. One of my favourite styles is mid-century design. I've worked in several furniture stores that sold classic styles such as Eames & Bertoia. If I was to choose my dream home, it would not be a mansion with a triple car garage. My taste leads me to a horizontal home with angular features such as a slanted roof and a car port. Think "Brady Bunch" exterior with a "Mad Men" interior.

Social Media has allowed me to start online friendships with people who live all over the world. On Instagram for example, I often check to see who likes or comments on my artwork. Perhaps they have similar interests and tastes?  A few weeks ago I came across Audrey, a free lance writer living in Seattle. After browsing through her photos, I was drawn to her design choices and her stunning home.  I'm not a shy person and if I lived near her I would invite myself to see it in person...it's that good! I asked her if she would be willing to share some photos on my blog and she was up for it.

As I look outside & see snow falling onto the ground, I will just close my eyes and picture myself in her dreamy yard.

Audrey and her husband are DIY professionals in my opinion. They have already tackled the exterior, modernizing it with black paint and building the most amazing upper/lower decks and fences. They are currently finishing renovations on the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and backyard. Busy I know...and she is also home schooling their two sons. I asked her to share a bit about the house and this is what she had to say:

This looks like it's out of an issue of Dwell magazine! Her husband has incredible carpentry skills.

Those angles get me excited!

"We moved into our home two years ago. We had been searching for our home for almost a full year after looking, while we were renting. We really wanted a mid century modern home, specifically a Burrows home. He was a well known contractor in the 1950's who had moved to Seattle from California. He had absorbed the styles of Eichler, Neutra, and Alexander and wanted to build homes like that in the Northwest. After searching the slim active listings, we found our dream home built in 1958 by John Burrows."

The details such as the wood ceiling & brick work surrounding the fireplace are original.

For $20 Audrey purchased this 4x8 piece of Douglas Fir from a local Lumbar Yard & created this simple mantle.

"The home owners were retiring and wanting to move out of state. I immediately contacted them by email and waited on pins and needles until I heard from them the next day! Our style is eclectic. I tends towards mid century and Scandinavian modern, with a dash of bohemian thrown in."

This corner is full of texture. Her Fiddle- leaf fig is thriving in this natural light...I'm jealous! 

I can't pick my favourite element in this room, the puppy...the light fixtures...the wall of windows...or the view into the yard? It's all so good!!!

This hallway leads you to the bedrooms. Audrey recently painted this cross on the wall & wasn't sure if her husband would like it. He came home from work & helped her measure to make sure it was perfect. True DIY love people! 

This area of the kitchen has already been renovated. Don't we all wish we could look out those stunning windows while we did the dishes.

Open shelving & a black and white colour scheme add to the modern kitchen.

I had to include this photo as the view out that window is breath-taking. 

I hope that Audrey will share more of her home with us in 6 months or so, to see what projects have been crossed off the list. I'm excited to see what those bathrooms are going to look like as we also want to re-do ours.  I haven't been to Seattle, but if I go please note I will be stopping by for a tea.