COME To THE OGDEN next TUESDAY!

CLICK HERE for more details

I'll see you there!

Preview the work of two the three speakers below

MELISSA RUFTY

LEE LEDBETTER

And I look forward to finding out more about Carol Simon and her design ideas.

pARTy

As I stepped into the steamy steaminess that is October 30th, I was reminded that I hadn't posted pictures from another night of high humidity. Back in September, I had an art party that included the work of Los Angeles artist Tyler Ramsey. We cranked down the a/c and cranked up the music by DJ Minor Strachan and had one really sweaty fun night. I'm quite certain there was even perspiration on the windows as well as each partygoer. The photographs are compliments of Patrick Christovich.

CB2 to the RESCUE!

I have been dying to have an official desk for the back room of my studio for some time now. Finally, I decided on something from CB2. I ordered two of the Fresca consoles and put them together to form one almost five foot long desk. Because I ordered the Trig rolling filing cabinets from there too, I was certain that they would fit underneath. There are even hidden casters on the consoles themselves too. I really loved the option of using them as one desk or two tables later for a party or whatever. I am so happy sitting here typing away at my very new sleek desk. Some filing might actually get done too!

1022 GALLERY OPENING and PHOTOS by PATRICK CHRISTOVICH

Two Saturday nights ago, my good friends Hannah and Chris had their first opening at their new frame shop and gallery. My work, and the works of Tim Trapolin and Robert Moreland were all featured. It was a packed house! Each body of work was given a separate room and the space worked great for the flow of the crowd.

Here is the photographer/semi-professional golfer/realtor/and good friend Patrick Christovich. Patrick is readily available to photograph any parties you would like documented. I can't tell you how happy I have been to have his thoughtful and excellent photographs after many events. Usually, as a host, you are too busy to take pictures and you can't rely on your guest to do it either. Patrick is so nice to have a around and the best part is you have great party pictures to keep forever. I can't believe all of the art openings that from which I had no photos. Really, he would love to come photograph your party!

A fun picture with Hannah, Jessica, Chris, Saliha Staib, and me in front of my eight foot diptych.

And saving the best for last, the always supportive and beautiful Bayou Contessa! The show will be up for another two weeks so stop by and see everyone's work. The gallery is at 1022 Lowerline.

LOUISIANA ARTWORKS

PRINT LAB

Meet MEG TURNER printmatrix extraodinaire!

Meg just relocated from Providence, RI on her own to move to the city that stole her heart. She is running the Louisiana Artworks printing press. Have you ever seen such a beautiful perch to make prints?

I took so many printing classes that I came close to a double degree but I think I forgot everything! I'm going to take classes and refresh. Meg is going to post a class schedule soon on the Lousiana Artworks website and you will also be able to rent studio time.

I went down to the Artworks building to register for an workshop they are having this weekend and I felt so out of touch. First of all, the building is 93,000 square feet of artists studios, ceramics laboratory, glassblowing lab, printmaking studio, and metalsmithing studio. Whoa! It's all for artists and for anyone wanting to take a class. Their class schedules are just getting going but I will be posting some of their future events to get more of you involved.

Sign up to take the next instructional print workshop here led by artist Francis X Pavy

NEWMAN'S REYNOLDS GALLERY

I am really excited about a show that I have hanging at Isidore Newman School's Reynolds Gallery for the month of October. My work is sharing space with the work of ceramic sculptor Bradley Sabin. I was very excited to see our work together and the show totally surpassed my expectations. It looks amazing! I can thank Katheryn Scurlock for her amazing work in organizing both the Newman Exhibition and the show in Alys Beach. Stop in and view the show this month, it's also a beautiful gallery space.

NEILL and O'BRIEN

Lighting Designer Julie Neill and Interior Designer Shawn O'Brien had the brilliant idea to join forces and create an amazing line of furnishings. They have imagined fixtures, sconces, tables, chairs, curtains, and much more into a gorgeous reality. I have the pleasure of knowing both Shawn and Julie personally, and I love the way their new pieces reflect both their sense of fun and modernity.

The new shop Neill and O'Brien is located on Magazine Street. You really should stop in and see some of the details of the new pieces in person. I love their use of white!

The sconces are all jeweled and unbelievably beautiful. It's pretty hard to decide if you want to wear them or hang them on your wall...

Look at this beautiful jeweled detail on a silk slipcovered table. So innovative!

This is one of Julie's shadowboxes. Every single thing she puts into her boxes is purposeful and contributes to it's overall meaning. They are so fragile and beautiful.

I was lucky enough to receive one of Julie's special shadowboxes for my birthday this year and I get to see it everyday on my dresser. She showed me why she put each item into my box and why it was relevant to my life.

These are just a few of their awesome creations. You really must see them in person!

Do they look ready or what..? I can't wait to see what they are coming up with next!

DRESSed FOR SUCCESS

Last night I attended an event at the home of Francine Ballard. The donations from the partygoers went to the Dress for Success organization. They aid in preparing women to enter the workforce through counseling and obtaining proper workplace attire.

Here is Francine modeling a fabulous Prada bag. Francine started her own handbag and accessory site called Designer Social that offers new and vintage bags. I recently bought this silver metal Calvin Klein box clutch from Francine and love it! Her site is so fun and who doesn't like buying designer discount!

A classic vintage Chanel bag anyone?

Angelique Short brought clothing from her boutique Angelique and fabric started flying! All of the pieces she offered were under $200. My favorite were the AG jeans that act like leggings--she said they just can't keep them in stock.

Below is another vintage Chanel bag from Designer Social. I think Francine may have trouble letting go of this one!

Designer Social also has accessories such as Ted Rossi python cuffs, Alexis Bittar bracelets and earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane, and lots more beautiful baubles.

REBECCA THOMASON

New New Orleanian

I recently had the pleasure of meeting the amazing Rebecca Thomason. I knew right away that she was a genius, that is because she decided to make New Orleans her new home! Rebecca just moved from Chicago where she worked for the auction house Leslie Hindman. And when I got a chance to look at some of the amazing catalogs that she put together for Leslie, I got even more excited. I asked her to help me put together an invitation for a show I am having in Houston at the home of Courtney Elias. She did an amazing job! Now that we know that Rebecca is both beautiful, talented, and brilliant, let's see if we can find her some more work. We want her to stay!

ALYS BEACH

Last weekend I visited Alys Beach near Seaside, Florida for an art event. My friend Katherine Scurlock organized to bring the work of four female New Orleans artists to Alys. Raine Bedsole, Karen LaBorde, Nicole Charbonnet, and my paintings were all featured. The amazing architecture and natural setting creates a magnificent backdrop to present modern art.

Above is one of Raine Bedsole's beautiful vessels

Each home is built using green construction techniques with environmental sustainability in mind. The use of walled courtyards are not only beautiful and private but also storm resistant.

Rainwater travels down these chains and falls into this natural water receptacle

I just love the shape of this small screened porch

It is so relaxing and beautiful just to be on a walking tour of the property

My friend Susannah Rice, who was on a 15 mile bike ride to Santa Rosa Beach, stopped by to take a picture with me.

Above is one of Nicole Charbonnet's multi-layered paintings. I love the punch of color in this alcove

One of the homes was filled with furniture from SOM (South of Market). I loved the minimalistic feeling and the industrial flair of the interior they create.

This is the entrance to the community pool. Isn't it amazing?

Most of the homes have a courtyard and a rooftop living area. It just makes sense to use all of your space, including the roof, for entertaining and for utilizing the unbelievable vistas.

This living room is separated from the rest of the house by a courtyard. I really liked that idea for guests. They could be in this fabulous living room with a fire and cocktails without disturbing anyone in the main house.

a sitting room on the second floor

A snapshot with artist Karen LaBorde in front of her work.

This is one of my paintings hanging in the courtyard of one of the homes. It's a small outdoor area but it shows you that small spaces can be so much more functional than wide expanses.

Wouldn't you love to come out to this porch off of your bedroom in the morning?

I would just love to just move in........If you are in the area, the show will be up for the entire month of October.

A LITTLE UNDERPAINTING

WATCH THIS

JUST ME, JOAN, and LEE

Still taking color inspiration from other artists work, I picked up a Taschen book on Abstract Expressionism that had been lying around my studio. The first painting above is inspired by the color and energy of the amazing Lee Krasner. Her piece is titled "Bald Eagle." I was also in a bit of a snit the day I chose her painting. I identified with the raw emotion and masculine energy in her piece. It let me cut loose. My painting is on a six foot piece of paper and I really got to channel my anger into a more productive form. It felt great and I think that energy was totally translated. The second piece is inspired from Joan Mitchell's "Hemlock." I loved the green, black and white, with touches of blue and very intense as well. My drawing is about 50" and has lots of pencil details and charcoal as the base. I video taped the process of making that piece and I will post the clip as soon as I can edit it down from 10 minutes to 2. I'm still figuring out how to use a fast forward program. I made both pieces in the same day. Now, if I could just be that creative every day, maybe I just need to get mad more often!

CHASING The CLOUDS

Yesterday, I was heading out to walk the dogs and I was struck by the most amazing clouds. I just kept walking and taking pictures until they all but disappeared.

BUCCI INSPIRED

The work of Mississippi painter Andrew Bucci is fascinating to me. Yesterday, I was procrastinating by searching the internet for some color that would spark a bit of creativity. Andrew Bucci was on my mind because his work came up in a conversation the day before. I found that spark in one of his yellow paper pieces from 1964. I was not only fixated on the color of his piece but in his use of graphite pencil. I used graphite in mine to out line shapes on the top of the composition. I ended up creating a pair of yellow paintings that now I love almost as much as Andrew Bucci's. They kind of make you want to sing zip a dee doo dah! Not so bad after a week of rain everyday with more rain coming tomorrow.

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE

de la Nouvelle-Orleans

A few weeks ago, my friend E. Lee Jahncke Mead, told me she was working on a Showhouse for the Alliance Francaise on Jackson Avenue. Unfortunately, was ill-informed about the building and it's unique history. The Alliance Francaise has a twenty-five year history of teaching French to New Orleanians. Our chapter is part of an international organization that started in Paris in 1883 and is one of 60 teaching AF chapters in the the States. They not only teach French but offer programs that brings lecturers, music, and many interesting events to the city for both children and adults. If you stop by be sure to meet the very beautiful and kind Alexandra Stafford, the AF's Board President. Maybe, if you're lucky you might get to hear her speak in French!

I would begin with pictures of the building's bottom floor of but I'm still learning how to use this program, so here goes from the top down....

The AF enlisted the aid interior designer and fabulous epicurian Nadine Blake, who returned to New Orleans five years ago with her husband Simon Blake. Nadine's room was designed for a boy who draws inpiration from a young lad with "the curiosity of a young Charles Darwin, and the creative streak of a budding Picasso."

The French flag wall is just too perfect and I am in love with her John Robshaw bedding. If you need to pick up a set--swing by Nadine's shop in the French Quarter. Just, FYI John Robshaw dust ruffles will spoil you forever. They are made with three flat panels that can be neatly tucked in with out the aid of a second person to help lift a mattress. I'm not convinced I will ever have any other style of dust ruffle again.

The shelves were constructed of cardboard and are filled with interesting objects such as, National Geographic Magazines, toy cars, shells, and varying sized globes. I thought the mixture of personal objects in the young boy's room was fascinating.

The view above is from the second floor window of the building--you can even see our very own top of the Eiffel Tower! So very French!

Below is a photograph of the upstairs vestibule with before and after pictures of the stairway. Both spaces were beautifully transformed by decorative artist Sherry Haydel. I just love the double footstools and her great-looking burlap screen in the corner.

Next door to the young man's room is an equally gender friendly petite girl's room. Trudy Hurley of Green Parrot Design styled out this posh pad complete with a pink French Toile and monogrammed linens. I just love the handpainted floor!

This is the before picture of the beyond fabulous workroom by Grace Kaynor and Jennifer Flanders. Grace and Jennifer worked together in New York before Grace returned to her native New Orleans two years ago. She thought it would be fun to bring Jennifer in to collaborate on two rooms for the Showhouse. I worked in a fabric room for eight years and it NEVER looked this inviting. I love the idea board, the chandelier, the beautiful round worktable, and I could go on and on. Too bad Jennifer and Grace can't pop in anytime and use this as a design consultation room! And FYI the girls used Benjamin Moore 039 for the wall color and BM 1231 for the original trim color. Jennifer told me that she and Grace feel that this combination is a peek at the future in color-trending. I think it's way ahead of the curve too!

The modern art is so compatible with the classic French Antiques and silk shades.

This is a room by Roy Malone of Roy Malone Interiors. I didn't get to snap a before shot but he painted the entire room and turned it into a stylish reading escape ensconced with antique French daybed and desk. Roy better watch out, I'm thinking about sneaking away his handsome chocolate brown Bergere...

Hate your cabinets...? Let E. Lee come over and give your kitchen a complete makeover. She did an amazing job turning this below average kitchen into a space fit for creating a Provencale feast. I was thoroughly impressed with how she was able to use existing elements and painting techniques to fool even the keenest eye. She, actually, painted the trompe l'oeil tumbled stone squares onto linoleum. Then she painted blue French tiled accent squares in between each one. Hard to believe....

Before

Here she is in her cute overalls making it all look so easy, that is if you are E. Lee.

She researched creating her own plaster chandelier for the kitchen. The typical existing brass chandelier was beyond hideous. I think hers totally lightens up the entire room.

Look, she even repainted the front of the dishwasher. I was amazed at how she was able to make the small space both inviting and elegant.

This is another room by Grace Kaynor and Jennifer Flanders and is it ever stunning. This a before picture but it's already looking pretty good.

This is the only picture I took that you can see the chartruesish green ceiling, which inside sources told me was B Moore 371 and the walls were specifically mixed to match the silk curtains. I also love the contrast of the yellow door from the downstairs vestibule. I would have never thought to use the beautiful blue color she used for the paneled walls. It just looks so perfect in the space.

I'm totally in love with this room! Grace said that she used a Filiki or Turkish rug woven from a blend of angora, linen, and wool.

These small works really stand out on the painted walls. The idea of placing small works everywhere in an interior just looks so smart. Grace chose to use art that was all created by important Louisiana artists.

Cocktails anyone..?

She added smoked mirrors to the door that lined one side of the room. Genius!

This is sort of a "before" of a Ned Marshall interior on the first floor of the house. He painted the doors a sunny yellow and white. (On the other side of these doors are the smoked mirrors from the paneled room) The French console in the center is a stunning piece. Ned's apartment on Second street is featured in House Beautiful and is one of my favorites. I'm always trying to catch a peek in his windows when I'm walking my dogs.

I think this room is so elegant and liveable. The colors are alive and filled with energy.

I mean really! This is modern French style!

Ned, you really hit a home run here.

Oh, and not to forget the very talented antiques dealer Peter Patout. He designed and planted all of the plants in the beds for the front of the building. I've seen Peter's green thumb in action before and he knows more about plants than anyone I know. I'm sure it is going to grow into a beautiful garden. I hope you get a chance to stop by the Alliance Francais, if not for the Showhouse then at least for a French lesson or two.