Happy Halloween

David Lloyd painting, the Headless Horsemen

From the land of the Headless Horseman 

Happy Halloween.

to teach art

an apple comes to life, colored pencil, prismacolor

Today, I teach an after school classic drawing - art class to a dozen children.  I enjoy guiding them, listening to them and encouraging them to look and to draw.

Pencil, a student's still life, a fall gourd, some sunflowers, a small pumpkin.

To teach art is like sharing a secret, or giving someone glasses to help them see.  My class gives me the opportunity to stand back, to guide, to listen and to observe budding artists.  Amazed at with only a pencil and paper what one can do, to teach art.  Take an art class and learn to look, to listen and to do.  Surprise yourself with what you see and what you are able to draw.

orange soda bottle - a student's work of art

If you are an artist, teach or volunteer to teach a student or a class and be inspired to encourage others to create.  As a teacher, I feel like a Momma bird, flying to the class, bringing worms for each of the little birds, hungry to learn, eager to fly and "draw."

gratitude

periwinkle bloom gratitude note cards sent to me!

Gratitude is heaven itself.

                     ~ William Blake

I just had to take a moment and express my sincere gratitude to each of you.   As an artist and mother of three, my daily life is one of striving for balance and to please many.  Criticism and anxiety often side track me from reminding myself how truly blessed I am.  How fortunate to do what I love, to be close to raise my family and to build a business.  It is all so much easier when I have an "attitude with gratitude."

Never realizing the impact that the blog world would bring to my day, the amount of work streaming in and the ability to balance requires patience.  I ask those of you who are waiting for "artwork or lunch" to be made, to be patient and to know how eternally grateful I am for each of you.  

While on a job yesterday painting, my client reminded me, "There is a plan or a puzzle for each of us while we are here and we must not fail to see that the missing piece is in someone else's hands."  It made perfect sense.  I wanted to thank each of you for your amazing support and patience in helping me to solve my puzzle or striving to be the best Mom, artist and friend.   

A little "attitude-gratitude" is what I encourage each of us to try today.

true gift tuesday

True gifts spring spontaneously from one's pure compassionate heart with no thought of any return.     

                         ~Buddha

Today is "true gift tuesday" and I am doing a little give back to the first 3 commenters!  (not to worry if you do not make the first 3 as I will be posting a series of give back tuesdays!)

Last week I sent a box to Perfect -Beginning  to get the ball rolling for a "pay-it-forward."  

There is something special about getting a box in the mail.  Yesterday, a box of goodness was sent to Architect Design.

The requirements for the the pay-it-forward true gift tuesday are to be fun, thoughtful and simply something to make the person smile!  I want to thank la la lovely for sending me a box, a lovely chocolate bar, a pretty little soap dish and a delightful initial magnet which I love!  She has just launched something to remind us to be good and that each of us can make a difference.

this little doll is running to give her Mum something special.  

she dressed herself and I had to take her photo, what style!

I just love her "dora" boots!

So good things come in 3's.... May each of you go forth this true gift tuesday.  It is in giving that we receive.  Give something simple, make someone smile today.  Release your inner child and play along, pay it forward, "true gift tuesday!"   The top 3 must e-mail me, as to where to send!

visual gifts ~ virtual thanks

A lovely package arrived in the mail the other day.

Visual Vamp sent me this pretty package, inside, a book "Gotta Tango" along with an illustrated card that I drew for her and she printed.

Thank-you.  This gift made me feel like dancing!

cabbage galore

Voila!  Thought I would share a new photo taken with my new camera of my cabbage galore!

I am learning - so please be patient as I discover the world through the lens.

serendipity

pve design illustration for Sur la Mer, California

Nothing makes my heart skip a beat faster than a "boutique" or a "shoppe" full of international charm.  I adore the kind of place where you feel compelled to step inside because the sunny disposition is right there smiling at you in the window.  From the minute you walk inside, pleasantries are spoken, you are welcomed as someone special.  

Sur la Mer inspires the love of the beach inside with furnishings and accessories

Happy things eye you, silk pillows to jazz up your couch, chic lighting, or a gorgeous book and suddenly you find yourself in deep conversation with the shoppe-keeper, why it's as if you have known one another for a life-time. 

Sur La Mer design offers services to artfully prepare your home, inside and out!

You find out that you both love the art of creating and designing an artful home.  Both beach lovers, sunscreen users, travelers, love french things, a serendipitous moment, right!

pve design, illustration of topiary in front of Sur la Mer

Touches like potted topiaries, fresh cut flowers, the scent of a candle, and lovely music draw me in and I feel compelled to bring something home.  A new design book, a frame, a wonderful wooden bowl and a soft throw all seem to call my name, making me feel special, in a "boutiquey" sort of way.  The above illustrations were done for "Sur La Mer" - a lovely boutique in California.  Tell me, if you shop there?  What speaks to you, do you have a favorite local shoppe that calls your name?

creative zen

photo from creatives outfitter

Part of the creative process requires taking notes and creating lists in an organized process.

In my quest for organizing, I came across this site that offers some tools to outfit your creative thought for running a home or business with ease.  Cool sheets or note pads to write it down. Paper provides a spot to return to the well of ideas.

As you create your lists, pare down each project to what is essential to make the most of your time and effort.  Tools, such as this along with manilla file folders help to get organized.

The thing that is blocking you or getting in your way will suddenly be apparent and make more space to create your project.  Starting this process for any task will provide balance and time.

How do you make lists to find your time for creative zen?  Creatives Outfitter has great tools if you need help.

Picture this

Picture this, my brand new Leica Camera.  

I had been stalking this camera for some time and finally knew that I would be near the Paul Smith Store - where I had spotted this camera and was finally ready to make that commitment. A serious one, at that - but not as serious as this new fun and fabulous ring pictured below.

faboolosity lucite rings

Prior engagement, lunch at Souen in New York City with Faboolosity and Shore(house)Chic

dining on yummy macrobiotic food, natural beverages and fun conversation.  We agreed that we have to make this lunch a regular.  Faboolosity posted - seeking intervention with "watch" advice and agreed to give the top 3 a "prize", hence a fun lucite ring! ( Her mate makes these!)

take this ring and blog about it.

pve on the left and shorechic on the right

(note to self, moisturize)

I love my new ruby and pink rings and my new camera and new bloggy friends too.  Oh, and then when I arrived home several packages were waiting at the door, one was my new book "FLAIR."  What a picture perfect day.

classic calendar

A datebook or calendar is one way to stay organized and on task.  Remembering birthdays, and special events is one of my areas of expertise.  I simply keep a birthday calendar and try to remember dates for loved ones.  Growing up, we always had lovely birthday dinners with sweet items hand carried by Aunties.  People often remark, "Oh, how did you know?"  I simply reply,

"calendar."  Do you have a datebook, a calendar or are you a complete tech and have it all on your computer or hand held device.  

I still enjoy writing it on my classic calendar and then remembering important dates with hand made cards or something sweet.  

carpe diem

Smoothie from Martha Stewart

What the mind can create, the mind can achieve. - Clement Stone

In order for the mind to create and to achieve a productive day, begin with a breakfast creation such as the above picture, a smoothie, which consists of banana or strawberry, yogurt, honey and add some flax seeds for added goodness.  Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day.  How do you "carpe diem" your day?  What do you create for breakfast?

miracle network

Tune in, this morning I will be speaking on 100.7, WHUD as a "change bandit" on behalf of the Westchester Maria Fareri Children's Hospital.  My son was in this hospital for nine days in August.  I am forever grateful to the staff.  The greatest miracle is to see him come so far along with other children that I met.  Many children come from afar to this hospital and many do not have the means, nor the family to be there for them.  Please support this worthy program by giving some change.  Change truly makes a change.  I believe in miracles.  I hope you do too.

rock, paper, scissors & glue

A collage of the artist, by the artist Megan Coyle

Megan Coyle is a gal who rocks the world with collage.  Give this gal some paper, scissors and glue and a composition is created to produce a painting of sorts.  In high school, there was an art project that I did very similar to this and I loved the challenge.  In a way, a collage is sort of like a puzzle.

A collage by Megan Coyle

Finding your craft and your passion can be found at any age.  I am happy for  that she seems to have found her passion for collage at a young age.  I always admire those that find it, recognize it and honor what they love.  I also admire late bloomers too.
I could not resist to post this "great pumpkin."  The vibrant color and dedication to creating depth of field, shape and shadow speaks to me.  How incredible to have found magic in paper and glue.  Megan has many works for sale along with note-cards.  Please give a round of applause to this dedicated artist.  As an artist, nothing gives me more pleasure than supporting them through buying a work or bartering.  Think about sending Megan some paper or glue or simply leave a comment here for her.  

Megan Coyle in the del-ray show with her collage.

High Society

Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending a lunch for a Princess.  The Princess Grace Foundation is dedicated to the dreams and wishes of Princess Grace to support emerging artists in the fields of Theater, Dance and Film.  Each year recipients are awarded support and recognition.

Princess Grace has touched the lives of many artists yesterday as well as today.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to be included in many wonderful events as my sister-in-law is on the board of trustees for the Foundation.  My husband was raised in Monaco and has been friends with the Royal Family and remained in contact while raising his own family.

The luncheon was held at Daniel in New York City to honor the donors and supporters of this foundation prior to the evenings gala.  A pve design commissioned work of art has been donated to support this event, hence I was included in the lunch fit for a Princess.  The menu was a royal treat!  I had the pleasure of being seated next to some incredible women and to hear the stories of how they are working to support this foundation in memory of a loved one.

During this time of financial uncertainty, one area that always seems to suffer is the arts and it is so important that we realize this and continue to recognize and give to a cause that will support the wishes and dreams of those that have gone before in style and grace.

newsy

pve design newsy holiday wrap idea

Nothing like some hot news to give me something to "rap" about or visual display to inspire something newsy to my life.

It's a wrap at J.Crew - New York city window, photo from a design affair

Spotted this window while in New York City and thought it was newsworthy.  The J.Crew windows that were literally wrapped in newsprint.   I wonder if the visual display team scratched another idea in lieu of this thrifty idea given the current news.  

 all that is fit to print and to wrap in the window of J.Crew, New York

photo courtesy of a design affair

Love to know what you will use for your holiday wrap?  Oh, sorry, I know it is not even Halloween.  Can you blame a girl for planning ahead?  Soon this will be old news and something hot off the press will be here, which by the way reminds me of my own pressing, ironing that is.  My mother has always told me, "things have a way of pressing out."

by design

the dynamic duo -pve design and Architect Design

I never imagined that as a keeper of a blog, that I would have the fortune to meet and build friendships along the way.  Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting Stefan from Architect Design in New York City for a delightful day.  We both felt as though we were not meeting for the first time, there was a design connectivity and an appreciation for art, design and beauty. Truly, destiny, "by design" for a delightful day.

Atelier du viele Apt - an Earthenware cream pitcher $365 at Charlotte Moss

First we met at the Charlotte Moss Shop where I eyed this earthenware pitcher.  I have a penchant for "green" and there was something about this marbleized  finish that is so attractive.   There is a sale going on, as the shop shall be closing so that Charlotte can devote her time to design.  The pitcher did not come home with me as I am in a "saving mode."

Afterwards we had a leisurely stroll through Central Park en route for a bite to E.A.T -

I learned that we both love chocolate chip cookies.

Images from the "House Proud" Interior watercolor collection exhibit

Arriving at the Cooper-Hewitt Museum to view an exhibit - "House Proud" a collection of interior watercolors and other fine objects.   The attention to detail as well as the amount of patience was impressive.  I need to brush up on trying my hand at some of these sorts of works.

Firstly, I will need some brushes with fine tips in order to get the amount of detail.

Then upstairs for some more eye feasting.

a motif from a vintage wallpaper, from the exhibit

a modern fine line "frame" wallpaper, perfect for today - of course I would want to illustrate in each frame a work of art!  I loved this paper.

On the 2nd floor there are two other exhibits to view, a model for chinese affordable architecture 

 and a children's wallpaper exhibit with vintage designs, "Wall Stories"

a wallpaper sample from the collection, animal motifs are still charming today.

The finale was the Fifth Avenue promenade leading us to "Bergdorf Goodman" - for a little window shopping and a mad dash to Grand Central for my train, otherwise, I may have turned into a pumpkin!

By design, a super Saturday to blog about.

entrepreneurial spirit

Today is a holiday, "Columbus Day" and there are many parades in honor of Christopher Columbus.  One of my roles as a parent is to teach my children to never lose sight of what they might explore.  Can you imagine leaving on a boat, one of three boats, with enough provisions to last a year and then doing it again several times?  Some people refer to Columbus as a Captain or an Admiral and I simply think he had an "entrepreneurial spirit."

In New York City, there is a marvelous statue of Columbus - namely standing over Columbus Circle.  For those of you that are planning a trip to New York, you may want to explore the Shops at Columbus Circle, at the Time Warner Building.  

There are some fabulous shops and food should you not have packed such provisions.   A coveted circle of tastes such as Bouchon Bakery, Per se, Masa and Landmarc.

The Time Warner building is full of entrepreneurial spirit.

Celebrate the explorer in you today and venture out on your own maiden voyage.  Journey to discover something that excites you, be it in nature or in something that will give you a "vision" to take a chance and accept the responsibility of a plan, even if it is to make "reservations."

Feel the adventurer in you and take a moment to honor Christopher Columbus today. Celebrate the spirit of Columbus today with vision and tell me what you find!

flora & fauna

While on a morning walk, the sweetest deer came so close to me.  Birds were singing brilliantly and leaves fell gently.  Along the way, I gathered some lovely things to bring home for my table.

A basket full of fall goodness or a simple branch with berries to remind us of the bounty of autumn.  Enjoy the weekend and take time to honor the flora & fauna around you, where ever you are.  Love to know what is on your table?

take it outside

pve design Illustration for A.Tierney -calendar

When I was growing up, one of seven,  my Mothers favorite things to say was, "Take it outside" which meant that we were obviously getting  too rough or trying some sort of game that really in all honesty was better outdoors in the fresh air. ( A game of "touch football" or tag is a great way of letting off steam.)   I find myself repeating the words of my Mother and on "no-school days" - I order my kids to "take it outside."  What do you find yourself saying that your Mom used to say, with or with-out kids.  You know you must have something to say, in an "inside voice" - please.