Provence Beckons

This post is an alert to faithful readers that my newest collection of paintings has just been uploaded to my website.  It's titled "Provence Beckons", and it features scenes from Provence that have inspired me over the years.

"Luberon Clouds"

6 x 6, Oil on Linen, Mounted on Board

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

(SOLD)

This year, for the second year in a row, the painting workshop In Provence with Maggie Siner was cancelled due to COVID.  I've only missed three summers there since 2011! To ease my longing for the fields and villages that I have come to love, I visited them through paint.  I worked from drawings, photos, and plein air studies.  Even memory and imagination played a part.  All of those ingredients went into the new collection. 

I discovered that painting Provence is the next best thing to being there!  If you too have wanderlust, I hope that you will enjoy looking at the new collection.  You can see all of the paintings by clicking here.

"Welcome Home"

9 x 7.5, Oil on Paper, Mounted on Art Board

(c) Lesley Powell 2021

And in case you wonder how one of the paintings might fit in your home, I'm illustrating this post with shots of a couple of the paintings in situ at my house.  The opportunities are endless for paintings this size.  And they make great gifts for art lovers or Francophiles. Enjoy!

When the Price is Right

 

A friend who is an interior designer advises her clients that original art can greatly enhance their homes.  One of her clients posed this question: "How much should I expect to pay for an original painting?"  Hmmm. We all have widely divergent budgets for home decor and also for artwork. My friend mulled over the question a bit, and replied: "Well, it all depends, but as a rule of thumb, certainly more than you pay for your throw pillows!"

"Esterel"
Felix Vallottton

I thought this was a great response, and it has really stuck with me. One can easily pay big bucks for a pair of custom throw pillows in a designer fabric.  Even more if you add some special trim. And yet pillows wear out. They get stained or faded, and go out of style. On the other hand, art lasts forever. Despite these facts, people can be reluctant to spend as much for a painting as for their decorative accessories.

"Lungfrauenmassiv"
F. Hodler

Here's another quotation worth keeping in mind. This is advice from the great artist Felix Vallotton: "A mediocre painting is ALWAYS too expensive; a good picture can be expensive at its price; while a very good one is NEVER too expensive."   

"Aloe at Cassis"
Henri Manguin, 1912

Vallatton should know. He was a guiding light for Hedy Hahnloser, as she and her husband assembled a remarkable collection of paintings. They purchased these works during the first quarter of the 20th century--often from artists who were relatively unknown at the time, but are revered today. In fact, some people credit the Hahnlosers with ushering French art from the 19th into the 20th century. I have illustrated this post with paintings from their collection. 

"The Sower"
Vincent van Gogh, 1888

Alas, not all of us have budgets that allow us to assemble a museum-worthy art collection. But if we look, we all can find art within our means that speaks to us, that quickens our hearts and enhances our homes.  

**Some things are worth repeating:  parts of this post appeared previously in this blog.

The Gallery Wall

Wall by Artspace

Some ideas never go out of style. The gallery wall is one of them. It's one of my favorite ways to display artwork. A gallery wall can be created to suit the minimalist (see above), or it can be "over the top" (see below), or anything in between. You can create a gallery wall from work you already own, or you can start one and add to it as you collect over time.

Gallery Wall by Jeffrey Bilhuber

Sometimes hanging art in this manner is called "salon style", because it first became popular in 17th century Paris, in the days of the grand salons. Here's a bit of history, from the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College:

Image from Somerset House, London

"The “Salon-Style Hang” is a method of hanging and displaying paintings that originated in 1667 with the beginning of the annual Royal Academy salon in Paris. The major entertainment events of the year, salons were juried showcases exhibiting the best of the best work of the year, by both students studying in the Royal Academy and by established masters. Because so many works were to be crammed into the exhibitions, walls were hung floor-to-ceiling with paintings on many scales and of many different genres. Usually the largest paintings with the grandest subject matter (history and religion) were hung highest on the wall, while more intimately-scaled work like still lifes were hung at eye-level or below."

Photo from West Elm

Well, over three centuries later, the style is still with us--and it has recently taken the decorating world by storm. A recent article in the Washington Post interviews experts on various approaches to gallery walls. They discuss using a subject matter theme, or a consistent framing theme, or even abandoning all rules and just hanging what you love! I like the interesting color theme in the grouping just below. It really sings.

Gallery Wall from Ace of Space

Whatever your personal preference, don't be afraid to give the gallery wall a try. It's not as hard as it might look. And it's a wonderful way to make a big statement, without breaking the bank on a single huge painting. You can even incorporate objects other than artwork, such as mirrors or sconces. Let your imagination run wild!

Photo from Better Homes and Gardens

Reprising the SMALL GEMS SALE

A patient supported by Arts for Life

Good News: I'm bringing back the Small Gems Benefit Sale! I have not held the sale for a few years, so it's fun to start afresh. This year, the Gems will take you on a journey of the places I've been and the things I've seen over the past year. And I am donating ALL--yes ALL, 100%--of the proceeds to Arts for Life. Nothing makes a house a home like original art--and the Gems benefit a special cause, so it's a win-win.

My personal experience working on art projects with a young cancer patient has left a lasting mark on me, so I am especially thrilled to serve on the Board of Arts for Life. Our mission is to bring the arts to kids in the hospital. We let young patients forget their fears for a few moments. Instead

Pretty, Please

Interior by Courtney Giles; Photo from Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles

It's been over a year since I've written about paintings in the context of interior design. Some people refer rather disparagingly to art that is "merely decorative"--that is, meant to look pretty in your home, and be pleasing to the eye. They consider that sort of art to be less meaningful than, say, art that is intended to "make a statement", or "make you think", or "get you out of your comfort zone". 

Photo: House Beautiful

I might beg to disagree. And I would be in good company. William Morris, who was a major influence behind the Arts & Crafts movement, famously said "Have nothing in your house

Framed!

Painting: (c) Lesley Powell 2018

I recently ran across a wonderful description of the role of a picture frame: "The art world equivalent of Ginger Rogers--in the sense of making the main attraction look good." (Thanks, J. Peder Zane and the New York Times). Zane goes on to note that the frame is the painting's "essential, but often ignored partner".  He points out that frames subtly shape the viewer's experience of the painting. I might say that sometimes the influence is NOT so subtle.

Painting (c) Lesley Powell

I must confess that I love painting paintings, but I hate the decisions involved in framing them. Would it be better to keep it very simple, or does the painting need a little bit more heft? Should it look rustic, or a bit gussied up? I might know how I would frame a painting for my personal viewing, but if the painting is going to a gallery, I wonder how it will fit with the other works there. And I wonder whether the frame will be a plus or a minus in the eyes of visitors to the gallery.

Painting (c) Lesley Powell

And then there are the whims of fashion and design to consider. As Zane notes, over time, each generation has selected its own frame style to match its sensibilities. Nowadays, the style switches occur far more frequently than once a generation. Sometimes it seems like constant flux. As Heidi Klum says on Project Runway, "One day you're in; the next day you're out." Sad but true.

Example of frame for a work on paper

I suspect that I am not alone in my dread of the framing process. There is something about the life of a painting on the easel that comes into jeopardy when the framing starts. To quote Elizabeth Easton (Director of The Center for Curatorial Leadership):  "In some ways, a painting never looks more beautiful than when it is on its easel, and the artist takes his brush away for the last time. And the frame is part of leaving that moment".

Painting (c) Lesley Powell

So the struggle goes on--to select the Ginger Rogers of frames--just the right one, the one that will enhance the painting, rather than detract from it. To find a frame that  keeps the painting alive, rather than smothering it. I'm illustrating this post with photos of frames I have loved over the years. It's always a thrill when a painting seems to be elevated by its frame, a synergy for which I am constantly striving.  I'd love to hear your own thoughts about framing...

Bloomsbury, Part II

Clive Bell's Study at Charleston

I knew I wanted to write a follow-up on my recent post about the Bloomsbury Group, and decided there's no time like the present! The earlier post seemed somehow incomplete without an exploration of "Charleston"--Vanessa Bell's country house in England, where she and her Bloomsbury friends hung out. And believe me, they did more than just hang out. They decorated virtually every surface of the house with murals, pictures and designs. Look around: walls, mantles, bookcases, door panels, furniture--no surface was spared! They even made their own pottery tablewares.

Dining Room at Charleston, with stenciled walls and pottery by Quentin Bell

Charleston is located in the Sussex countryside. The original reason for going there in 1916 was rather practical: Duncan Grant and David Garnett were conscientious objectors in World War I, and to be exempted from fighting, they were

So Very Bloomsbury!

Photo of Study at Charlotte Street Hotel,
courtesy Charlotte Street Hotel

On my recent trip to London, I stayed in the Bloomsbury district. My hotel, Charlotte Street Hotel, featured interior design inspired by The Bloomsbury Group, who lived and met in the area, and took their name from it. Staying there, I definitely started to get the Bloomsbury vibe! 

A loose confederation formed in the early 20th century, The Bloomsbury Group (or "Bloomsberries", as they sometimes called themselves) included artists, poets, writers, economists, and intellectuals of various stripes. Radicals and Bohemians all, they mounted a full-fledged rebellion against all the conventions of the Victorian era--political, religious, sexual, philosophic and artistic. 

Painting by Vanseea Bell, in Library at Charlotte Street Hotel

"Basket of Flowers"

Vanessa Bell

Scratch the surface, and you will find a thousand connections among the Bloomsberries, and some familiar names as well. One prominent member, Vanessa Bell, was the sister of the

How Much?

A young friend of mine who is an interior designer told me that one of her clients posed this question: "How much should I expect to pay for an original painting?" Hmmm. We all have widely divergent budgets for home decor and also for artwork. My friend mulled on the question a bit, and replied: "Well, it all depends, but as a rule of thumb, certainly more than you pay for your throw pillows!"

"Esterel"
Felix Vallottton

I thought this was a great response. One can easily pay big bucks for a pair of custom throw pillows in a designer fabric. Even more if you add some special trim. Throw pillows wear

Propped Up

I often paint in a smallish format--works whose largest dimension are, say, 14 or fewer inches. Sometimes I paint larger, but my heart eventually returns to the little ones.  But make no mistake: a painting that is small in size can be monumental in artistry and impact!

So what can you do with a painting that is not designed to fit over a mantle or a sofa? Lots! In fact, a recent issue of House Beautiful caught my eye. The cover featured a beautiful little painting propped on the mantle. That's one of my favorite art placements. It speaks to me of abundance and plenty, as in "Gosh I have so much beautiful art that I've run out of wall space, so I'll just prop this one here". And the casual placement exudes ease and relaxation.

Photo: Suzanne Kasler

Photo: Suzanne Kasler

Here are more examples of art propped on a mantle, from Atlanta designer Suzanne Kasler. In the top image, I think the propped artwork gives a bit of a bohemian atelier feel to this otherwise quite formal living room. And the second image---well, it's definitely drool-worthy, and the painting propped on the mantle is the piece de resistance.

Photo: Traci Zeller

And of course a mantle is not the only perfect place to prop a painting. Bookshelves are always enhanced by artwork. I recently spotted this great bookcase styled by the inimitable Traci Zeller. Love it!

And let's not forget the humble kitchen counter. I love seeing a painting tucked under the kitchen cabinets. It takes an otherwise dead space, and completely enlivens it. Here's what the talented folks at Huff Harrington did in their Paris apartment:

Photo: Huff Harrington Home and Paris Perfect Rentals

The moral of the story: Small is Grand!

It's All in the Mix!

Jamie Drake/Architectural Digest

There are many different approaches to painting, and there are probably as many different "styles" of painting as there are painters. The key for a painter is to find his or her unique voice and approach. And I believe that the key for a collector is to find what speaks to him or her, and to assemble a collection of varied styles that speak to each other.

Suzanne Kasler for Kravat Fabrics

Too many paintings of the same style in one collection can become repetitive. This dulls the magic of the collection. But collectors who can master the "art of the mix" will be rewarded. 

Pantone's Color of the Year 2016

Well, it's not exactly breaking news, since we are three weeks into the New Year. Nonetheless, it's time to take note of Pantone's "Color of the Year" for 2016. This year's choice is "ROSE QUARTZ".  I should note that this year, Pantone actually named two colors. The other is a baby blue, called "Serenity". As some pundits have said, 

Preview the "Small Gems"!

A patient supported by Arts for Life

Thursday's the big day: the official start of my Sixth Annual SMALL GEMS benefit sale. I am very excited about this year's collection, and wanted to offer my blog readers a sneak preview. The Gems are my favorite small paintings, specially selected and priced for holiday gift-giving. You can see all of the Gems on my website here. To purchase, just click the "Contact the Artist" link at the bottom of the artwork page, and I will respond. Prices start at $150. Nothing makes a house a home like original art--and the Gems benefit a special cause. See details in italics at end of post.

This year's beneficiary will once again be Arts for Life. I have considered many options, but honestly none touch my heart the way that Arts for Life does. My personal experience working on art projects with a young cancer patient has left a lasting mark on me, and I am thrilled to have found an organization whose mission is to bring the arts to kids in the hospital. I could not say it better than their logo does: "Inspiring Courage through Creativity"!

Half the price of every Gem sold before December 25 will go to Arts for Life. We know that arts projects help make long days in the hospital seem shorter, and give young patients something to look forward to. In addition, evidence suggests that art actually exerts a healing power, Arts for Life is positioned to bring that power to thousands of young patients. Please join me by participating in the Small Gems sale and bringing a bright spot into the lives of these kids and their families.

If you have friends who may be interested in supporting the cause, please forward this post to them--thanks for sharing!

Design by Barbara Heath

Should you need inspiration for using Small Gems in your home, check out the photos  in this post (one of these is from my own house!). I love the small paintings grouped on the left in the photo above--they play so well with the large abstract piece. It doesn't matter whether your style is traditional or contemporary, elegant or rustic--a Small Gem is a way to make your space sing, and to help bring joy to kids facing serious illness!

Photo from Vogue

This one in my own house!

Decor by Phoebe Howard

Photo from New York Social Diary

Decor by Phoebe Howard

DETAILS: Each sale is "Satisfaction Guaranteed"--if the painting doesn't work in your home, you can return it within 10 days, no problem. Purchasers outside NC--no sales tax, but you pay UPS shipping. Check preferred, but credit card possible. Sizes and prices are on my website, in the description of each painting. Gems are priced with and without frames. I will gift wrap too! Click the "Contact the Artist" link on the artwork page to make a purchase. Thanks!

Find Me If You Can

Home of Elizabeth Mayhew's client
Photo by Annie Schlechter

I recently read an article in the Washington Post about displaying art. The author, Elizabeth Mayhew, is an interior designer and author of a book (FLIP for Decorating!). She wrote in the Washington Post about the challenge of decorating for a client who is an art advisor. This particular client is a serious art collector who believes that the art should be the main statement in her living space. In this client's opinion, furnishings, fabrics, paint colors, and accessories

In Praise of Art and Artisans

"The Lacemaker"
J. Vermeer, 1670

I have intended in the past to write about the value of hand-crafted things--particularly original works of art. Somehow I never found the right words without them seeming rather self-serving. Then I read this in Design*Sponge. It is one of ten statements of values that they hold dear. They call these statements a "manifesto of sorts", which lays their beliefs squarely on the table. This one says it far better than I ever could!

We believe high quality work takes time and is worth investing in: Design*Sponge began with a simple goal - to build a platform for handmade design. Now that "handmade," "DIY" and "indie" are words we see in mainstream catalogs, our goal has shifted toward helping all of us understand, or at least respect, the prices makers have to charge for their time and materials. Do we believe that everyone has to shop this way? Absolutely not. 

But we believe that, in the long run, investing in pieces that are made well and have a personal connection to you and your community will lead to a longer life for the objects in your home and a more meaningful relationship with them.

       From Design Sponge blog Dec 2014

Sneak Preview: 2014 "SMALL GEMS"

SMALL GEM: "San Giorgio II"
8 x 16, oil on linen, (c) Lesley Powell 2014

I can't believe that another year has gone by, and I am announcing my Fifth Annual "Small Gems" sale!  I am very thankful for my blog readers, and especially for those of you who take the time to let me know that an occasional post has had a special meaning for you. As a way of saying thanks, I'm giving you this sneak preview of the 2014 Small Gems.

Faithful readers know that I will donate half the sale price of every Small Gem to a favorite charity. This year, the donation will go to