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My obsession with artists continues which brings me to my next feature artist of the week.  Hannah Lynde is an incredibly talented photographer (and graphic designer) whose work speaks for itself.  Her abstract pieces of the reflections off water take my breath away.  Take a look at her collection and tell me you aren’t tempted to hang at least one of these in your house.  I am…and I will!

Visit Hannah’s website for more information!

I’m often looking for artists – photographers, painters, sculptors, etc. for my clients and it can be difficult to find the right style and the right fit for each individual client…But when I find an artist whose work I love and admire, I’m sure to show it to just about everyone I’m working with because I know someone will love it just as much as I do.  I recently met an artist at an event whose work is stunning, therefore, I’m sharing it with you.  Her name is Leah Durner and she lives and works in NYC.   You can view her full portfolio here and contact her for further information.  Below is just a small sample of some of her paintings that I love!

Martha Stewart and Omnimedia hosted a party last night for all the fellow bloggers who are in town for the BlogHer Conference this weekend and what a great party!  There were well over 400 bloggers in Martha Stewart’s office on 26th Street, mingling about, tasting recipes from Martha’s latest issue of Everyday Food, playing with the latest and greatest crafts products, getting fake lashes put on and blogging/tweeting while doing it all!  I myself passed on the fake lashes, but went straight to the crafts table to see what it was all about.

The punch around the page kit had to be my favorite!  How adorable is this hand-crafted stationary that take seconds to make.  It’s fun, cost effective and might even get your kids to write their thank you notes if they can have fun while doing it!

Want to paint your dresser or your wall in a faux bois?  It’s easy to do with Martha Stewart’s painting kits which are expected to hit stores in September.  Keep your eyes peeled and check her website for availability.  There are plenty of painting effects to choose from so whatever your style may be, I’m sure she’ll have the right tool!

Faux Bois

Herringbone

Now to the food..I was only able to sample a few things but can tell you everything looked amazing and well worth the time in the kitchen.  The first thing I tried was the Bistro Slider with pickled onions

Yum!

Grilled S’mores

So easy and fun for kids!

Another great idea for a party/dessert if you’re crunched for time or just want something different and fun – create an oreo cake on a cake stand for all your guests to pick apart.  You’ll of course want to have some milk near by..

Thanks Martha/Omnimedia for a great evening.  I look forward to trying new recipes and craft projects at home!

It’s no mystery why Sixx Design is so successful in designing their downtown chic homes in NYC.  The question is, how are they able to do it all with 7 kids?  If gut renovating, designing and flipping houses while raising a HUGE family in NYC is as easy as they make it seem, I think we’d all sign up.  Well, maybe not everyone.. but those who love design and kids!  Robert and Cortney Novogratz have stolen the spotlight on Bravo and have just about EVERYONE raving.  This family is certainly one to admire, with their cool and calm approach to both work and parenting.  I’d hang out with them, work for them and even watch their kids (for a day!).  Who knows..seeing as I live around the corner!  Until then, I can admire their work from afar.  Here are a few of my favorites:

This Thursday, April 29 Elle Decor and B&B Italia present an art SALE that will help ACRIA fight AIDS.  The sale will be held at the iconic Manhattan House at 200 East 66th Street (2nd ave) from 6-9p and is only $20 at the door.  The main event will feature a series of original signed works by an extensive list of artists starting at $100.  You can improve your home with beautiful art work while supporting a great cause at the same time.  It’s a great way to shop without feeling guilty.

Often times you’ll look around your room and wonder what’s missing.  The furniture is there, the window treatments are up, the rug is down and it’s feeling cozy but not quite complete.  Chances are you’re missing the one element that brings it all together.  ART!  I’ve been eyeing this one photograph in a small coffee shop on Bleeker Street and I’m just waiting for the perfect client to sell it to.  It’s by photographer Frank Louis and can be found in his Italy collection.

I also have a client who recently purchased a few David Burdeny prints from Lumas gallery in NYC which you can also buy online.  Take a look at his collection to see which colors work best with your decor.

I found a few addtional artists and photographs i also like from Lumas Gallery for those of you who want a modern edge!

I love this last series for a beach house

So, I was on one of my mad Craigslist hunts for a diamond in the rough piece for one of my clients (I love the NYC craigslist! You can find some amazing stuff, but that’s a different post)

….when I came across this image of an apartment of two young artists/designers who were selling off some of their furniture to pay for classes, books, and other college paraphernalia, and I was really, really impressed! I mean, this apartment could  be in a magazine!

…or at least a really cool blog! 

So here it is! This is the home of college students Jorge Gomez and his boyfriend Craig Warfield. They are an amazingly talented, young NYC couple whose futures are sure to be bright!

View of dining room. I love the green chairs against the leopard print rug and the contrast of the mod accents with the traditional French armchair in gold gilt on the right.  I also love how they aren’t afraid to mix the gold and silver accents.  I don’t know how many times I have told clients that, “YES! It’s ok to mix gold and silver!”  Here is proof! I’m saving this picture for the next time someone questions me!

Ok, so not only is their apartment way nicer than mine ever was when I was in design school, but  Jorge is also an AMAZING artist!  Check out some of his work below which is completely my style and I am definintely going to buy a piece!

…right after I finish renovating my really old house…might be a while

These remind me of all the old vintage Parisian fashion posters that I love with the style and color schemes he uses, but of course he puts a modern twist on them! Wow, I wish I was this talented!

l: “cote d’azur”
acrylic and swarovski on canvas
30″ x 40″

This one reminds me of the Material Girl’s Marie Antoinette caricatures! Love it!

l: portrait series [untitled 5]
acrylic, gold leaf, and swarovski on canvas
30″ x 40″
r: portrait series [untitled 4]
acrylic and gold leaf on canvas
30″ x 40″

l: portrait series [untitled 5]
acrylic, gold leaf, and swarovski on canvas
30″ x 40″
r: portrait series [untitled 4]
acrylic and gold leaf on canvas
30″ x 40″

And here they are!  Like I said…SO YOUNG! But also SO, SO, SO, so, so, so.. T A L E N T E D !

I can’t wait to see what these two will doing in 5 years! Good luck guys! (NOT THAT YOU NEED LUCK!)

Left to Right: Craig Warfield, 2nd year student at Hunter College, and Jorge Gomez,  Senior at Parsons.  Both are fine art students.

A few months ago I saw a story on the local news about an artist who does his work in the subway. Ok, so a lot of artists work down there but what was special about this artist was his medium. He uses the MTA Subway maps as his canvas and sharpies and paint pens as his medium. I Googled a few combinations and found several articles and images of his work. I know I’m biased because I’m a New Yorker but his works and story are impressive. Take a look:

I found a short bio on GalleryFront.com. Enrico Miguel Thomas is this talented artist’s name and he earned a BFA at my alma mater, Pratt Institute. It sounds like he had a tough childhood and hopes to one day contribute some of his earnings from art to other children who have suffered abuse.

I love you Enrico! And your art! And your cause! I’m so upset I haven’t run into you on the platform. Especially while waiting for the L at 14th Street. (Lord knows I’ve spent a lot of time there!)

I think what I really dig about his work is it’s energy. His use of the subway map is so perfect for his subject matter and style. Constant people and movement. Sometimes we lose ourselves in the chaos of life in the city. I know I have. “People are just going through their lives and they’re not really paying attention to the beauty around them. It’s my job as an artist to bring that to the table. To show people ‘hey look you are surrounded by beauty even if you are consumed by a 9-to-5 workday.’” Well said. And even if I haven’t run into you on the platform, thanks for making me stop and reflect.

You know what else I love? He’s made friends with lots of MTA workers who gladly give him the free MTA maps. (Uh-oh, I probably just gave the MTA another way to increase revenue!)

Which station does this guy work in?! He looks like the friendliest MTA worker I’ve ever seen! (Oh, I’m kidding! You’re all lovely.) You gotta love NY! It’s really unbelievable the amount of talent that is just wandering around, doing their thing, living their life.

The work above is of a homeless couple Enrico came across. There is brief description of his experience drawing them and an excellent article about Enrico and his life at the Sun Sentinel. Keep up the good work Enrico! I’m keeping you on my radar! And if anyone I know happens to need a present for me (Anyone? Anyone?), this is what I want!

Photos courtesy of GalleryFront.com, newsday.com, and the Sun Sentinel.