Still-life

I came across the artwork of Holly Farrell in the Sept/Oct 2009 issue of Frankie Magazine that Ana B. of On Dressing Up so graciously shipped over for me several months back. A self-taught painter, Holly Farrell creates exquisite and stunning still-life and portraiture paintings of common everyday items (often of the vintage variety).

I love how when I look at her paintings it seems as if I can reach into the canvas and feel the real texture of the subject. Each piece of work is so lifelike, so vivid. Oftentimes at first glance, my brain is tricked into thinking it's looking at a photograph instead. She's that good. Among some of my favorite pieces are those that feature vintage wallpapers and juice glasses, like the following that were featured in Frankie:

A few others from the artist's website that have delighted and tickled my fancy:

Head on over to Holly Farrell's website, have a look through her archives and let me know which paintings you like!

Photos 1-3 are my own. Photos 4-8 can be found here.

A dose of pretty imagery

photo sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Saturday Morning Cup of Coffee

This morning I am sipping my coffee from this delightful mug featuring the cover of the February 20, 1926 edition of The Saturday Evening Post. The title of the illustration is "Cup of Coffee" and was done by Scottish born magazine illustrator Penrhyn Stanlaws. I acquired this newly favorite mug of mine from a small department store's Summer blow-out sale. I can't remember exactly what I paid, but it wasn't much more than $1.00

Below are a few of my favorite illustrations Penrhyn Stanlaws contributed to The Saturday Evening Post during the 1920s and 1930s. Images are sourced here.

Cup of Coffee February 20, 1926 | Cup of Coffee March 24, 1928

Purple Posey May 22, 1926 | Pink Rose Bouquet June 18, 1927

Snowball Fight February 18, 1928 | Girl and Water Lilies September 7, 1935

The Right Tights

I came across these beauties while browsing at UrbanOutfitters.com
♥

I love their whimsical array of dancing color and feisty floral wonderment!

It would be appropriate to wear them here, would it not? Yes, yes!
This cozy little structure is akin to the cottage of my dreams.

(Photo courtesy of WikiMedia)

No cottage is complete without a garden.
If I could live in a Claude Monet painting, this would be the one -
The Artist's Garden at Giverny.

(Photo courtesy of WikiMedia)

Wearing Artwork

This is a ring I have worn nearly every day for a number of years now. Given as a gift while I was in my teens, it features part of the cherubim detail found on Raphael's early 16th-century painting the Sistine Madonna.


While the recognizable cherubim have become a pop culture mainstay, I have always preferred to admire the painting as a whole. I love the grace that radiates from Raphael's work, replete with soft lines and soft color. It was during my teenage years that I proclaimed Raphael as my favorite Italian Renaissance artist. I have been fortunate enough to see some of his unmatched mastery in person while on a trip to Italy in 2003. Housed in Room 26 of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a small collection of paintings owing their existence to this great master. A revelry for my eyes, I strolled from painting to painting making sure not to forget the moment. I haven't, and often look back on my delightful afternoon with the Uffizi with laughter. You see, I was only 17 at the time and under strict orders to "remain with your group at all times!" and "remember you are in a foreign country!" Well, as my group casually strolled past Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, I remained transfixed there under the painting's majesty for nearly 15 minutes - I couldn't help myself nor give up the opportunity to view this encyclopedia page come to life. It was then, after the Botticelli-admiring portion of my soul was full, that I made my way, alone, to see the works of Raphael entrusted to the Uffizi. I hope that someday future travels will lead me to other museums and galleries where his paintings are present.

Do you have a favorite artist and/or period in art history? A favorite painting? Let me know, I love to see what moves people!