The Power of Appreciation: Melt My Heart

On route home from a wonderful vacation, toting a few hidden treasures (ssshh) in my suitcase and a nasty cold that I picked up while sharing some rather tight living quarters. So off to the allergist I go, for some asthma meds, and the hope of feeling better soon.

Britt's Fine Art

With meds in hand, I return home to find a package sitting on the kitchen island, patiently awaiting my arrival. What is this? It's a note from the Art in Bloom artist, Britt Daw, thanking me for my interpretation of her Friesian Horse painting, along with a print of her painting, matted and ready to go. I was speechless. Such a heartwarming, thoughtful, unexpected homecoming surprise!

Britt's Fine Art

It's moments like this that stop me in my tracks, force me to forget about how sick I'm feeling right now, and remind me about the power of appreciation. It melts my heart.

Now, where should I hang this gorgeous piece???

Art in Bloom | 2014, part deux

As promised. Some final pictures of my Art in Bloom design, positioned next to its inspiration, and a couple pictures taken at home!

After a fun night talking-shop with local artists and floral designers, I'm already looking forward to next year. If you didn't have the chance to read my behind-the-scenes-inspiration for this equestrian-themed design, painted by Britt Daw, click here.

Art in Bloom | 2014

Art in Bloom begins tonight, with the usual opening night reception, followed by the opportunity for participating artists and floral designers to talk about the inspiration(s) behind their designs.

In thinking about MY inspiration(s) for this year's Art in Bloom design, I began with a day out at Mount Holyoke , where my "best girl" rode her way through the Interscholastic Equestrian Association Zone Finals. My husband and I could not be more proud of our girl's unyielding dedication to riding, sincere adoration for these loving creatures, and her strong determination to excel in the show ring. So, needless to say, if I couldn't find inspiration to interpret this beautiful Friesian Horse by Britt Day after a day spent surrounded by horses, then I have a problem.

So after many years of interpreting artwork with florals (nine years to be exact), I have become somewhat immune to the temptation to interpret them literally. Along with experience, comes the confidence to take artist risks, and since there is never a right or wrong way when you're talking about the art of interpreting, it's all good. So here goes!

finished details - not shown

Starting with a custom-made container, thanks to my hubby, makes my jumping off point easy. The color, weight, and texture of this amazing container does most of the leg-work for me. But what should I fill it with, you ask? Having been an equestrian myself, and having ridden in a few open fields during my teens, provides me the ability to draw on a little personal experience, and this is where the flower selection comes into play. Transporting myself back, I visualize an expansive field from an elevated position. I can hear the calm hush of silence, the warm heat rising from the tall grass as it brushes my fingertips, and the sweet smell of hay in the air, all leading me to my decision. I decide to create a miniature field, with mixtures of flowers that mimic the varied landscape of a field, where I imagine that I can catch a glimpse of this majestic Friesian, leisurely grazing.

Artwork for this event is provided by the Lynnfield Middle and High School, and members of the Lynnfield Art Guild. This will be my ninth year interpreting a painting, and I have to admit that I enjoy the process more and more every time, not to mention that this is the second time that I have had the honor of interpreting a piece by Britt Daw. Thanks Britt!


Come by tomorrow, to see the final design pictures and details.

Art in Bloom: Design Approach

Spring has sprung, and although you could have fooled me, it doesn't change the fact that Art in Bloom is right around the corner. After photographing all the artwork for Art in Bloom 2014, and having the opportunity to see the submissions ahead of time, I knew this painting was mine from the start. My girl, the equestrian, qualified for Regionals and Zones this year, and she wasn't about to let me pass on choosing this beautiful Friesian horse as my inspiration. We all know who runs the show around here.

I often talk about my design approach to theme-based projects like this, and it almost always starts with a container. This year is no exception, except to say that the backstory on this container choice is a good one, so listen up. While off on another design-related adventure together, I had a "container conversation" with my husband that went something like this.

Me: Do you have a metal-like container at the Transfer Station that I could use for my Art in Bloom project? I was picturing something long and rectangular, you know, like a trough.

Husband: I can just make you one.

Me: Make me a container? Are you serious?

Husband: Yes!

Me: You do know I can be rather persnickety?

Husband: Yes, I know! Really...it's no big deal. I can have one of the guys whip it up, you just need to provide me with the template, and more details about your vision.

Me: Well all-righty then...where should I begin? I want the container to be long and rectangular in shape, gray/black in color, very rustic looking, with leather straps and rivets.


So at this point, I have provided my hubby with the template, and we shall see. I might be wise, however, to work out the rest of the design details on my own end, to avoid the possibility of being upstaged by a container!

Shane Connolly Meets The Dutch Masters

I had the honor of meeting Shane Connolly (an Irishman living in London), this past weekend while taking his floral design class at the MFA during Art in Bloom 2013. Shane (we're on a first name basis now), was most recently chosen by William and Kate to design their Wedding at Westminster Abbey. You know the infamous Field Maple Trees, and the Lily of the Valley bouquet? Yup, that's him.

Shane was engaging and unassuming, as he spoke to the group. He asked to remain in the next room during his formal introduction, not wanting to hear all the wonderful accolades being spoken about him. Following his demonstration he spent the remaining time walking around helping to guide, and compliment us. I really enjoyed his teaching style.

With the current trend in floral design being of a natural and organic nature, it wasn't hard to identify with his particular design style. We would be making a mantel design for a formal space, not unlike a Dutch Masters design in both style and color. His instructions were to throw caution to the wind, and get a little wild. He encouraged us to follow our own design course, and that rules need not apply in this case. Since that's the way I like to roll, I had no issue with the plan.

We used varieties of fruits and veggies which were fun to work with. The brown fruit on stems are called Longan, which grow in tropical parts of Asia. A fruit of which I was not familiar with, but one that I would definitely use again for its draping effect.

I learned some great mechanical techniques about how to make a tower-like design, strong and supported. I ran into Jeff Sawyer of Verde Floral Design in Mashpee, who I had met (and sat beside) last year, at the Paula Pryke class. 

This is my design after a hot, and bumpy ride home from Boston. It really makes a nice presentation (love the height), don't you think? I will definitely use the techniques that I learned from Shane, and incorporated them into future designs. Thanks, Shane. 

Until next time...L.

Monet's Water Lily

artist | Dana Landry

Picturing a scene right out of Monet's water lily paintings helped me to envisioned this single bloom floating in the reflection of the Japanese Bridge. The artist behind this inspirational painting is Middle School student Dana Landry, who creates this beautiful oil pastel.

Capturing the natural appeal of Monet, and creating a home for my artist Dana's purple bloom will be my inspiration. Selecting flowers that drape and cascade will provide movement in the arrangement and create the perfect backdrop. An enchanted garden of sorts for those who happen upon it.

Mercury glass creates the feeling of water and reflection also seen in Monet's paintings.

Peonies... the French Impressionist Manet's favorite flower, and the focal point of my artist Dana's purple bloom. The tiny Buddha is representative of the Japanese bridge, and doubles as an architectural element often seen in the gardens of France.

It seems hard to believe that this is my eighth year participating in Art in Bloom. Where has the time gone? Hope to see you tonight at the opening night reception.



Until next time...L.

Inspired Florals

Tropical Blue | Dana Landry

Lynnfield Village Garden Club presents

 Art in Bloom 2013

March 11 - 15, 2013 

This beautiful oil pastel is the inspiration for my Art in Bloom interpretation this year.


See you Monday... L.

Art in Bloom at the MFA

After my master class with Paula Pryke, my friend Maura meet up with me in the cafe. Refreshments (wine and cheese), were necessary before embarking on our Art in Bloom tour. The first stop on our tour was this contemporary piece interpreted by the Weston Garden Club. The shape of the Calla lilies was absolutely perfect for capturing the essence of the inspiration.

Protea seemed to be a running theme this year for Art in Bloom, and for my master class. The interpretation pictured above has an open feel created by flower choice, and placement. The wispy, swirly style throughout the design, picks up on the beautiful pattern of the inspiration.

This interpretation depicts the movement seen in the inspiration. Strong colors support the heavy feeling of the marble carving, and flower placement helps us visualize the moving caravan.

This interpretation was designed by Bill Graham of Beautiful Things in Salem, Mass. Bill has been a guest speaker at my garden club, presenting his infamous Little Black Dress workshop. If you ever have the chance to attend one of his workshops, I highly recommend going.

My friend Maura and I loved the pairing of baby pink and aubergine flowers in this interpretation. The contrast was stunning.

This design had such a natural appeal with the use of moss, succulents and a piece of fan coral. The arrangement was designed using two separate containers. An up close view, shows how the Canton Garden Club was able to join the two effortlessly.

This is the inspiration...

and this is the design. Done in the style of Ikebana, a Japanese floral art form which focuses on a minimalist approach, emphasizing shape, line and form.

With tangerine being a hot design color right now, it was an ideal color choice for this particular piece. The flower and fan placement mimic its inspiration, beautifully.

The deep colors of this interpretation help to support the paintings strong color palette. The curve of the flowers, helps to demonstrate the shape of the ladies fan, and the circus ring in the painting.

This was my favorite interpretation. I loved the angles of the design, and how the flowers where placed in groupings. The inspiration for this design was of a ship in motion. Unfortunately, I could not get the painting and floral interpretation all in one frame. The use of folded leaves create the waves lapping against the ship's hull.

Spending time with a good friend while doing something you really love, is the recipe for a perfect day. Thanks, Maura.



Until next time...L.

Art in Bloom | 2012

Artist: Britt Daw

Tonight is the opening night reception at the Lynnfield Library for Art in Bloom 2012. I am finally ready to interpret my painting for the second, and final time. I will be designing with fresh flowers, yippee.  My fresh floral interpretation will be on display at the Lynnfield Library from March 12-16, 2012, along with my fellow garden clubbers. I wanted my approach to be completely different than the silk interpretation that I had done for the window display. Demonstrating that there are many ways in which one can interpret a piece of art. Even if it is done twice, by same person.

I found this interesting lantern at none other than, HomeGoods. It was love at first sight!  I believe that the shape, color, shading and architectural feel of this lantern will be the twist I need to make this interpretation different from the last. I will not have to be concerned with size, like in the library window design. The lantern will represent the significance of the Eiffel Tower's size that I had wanted to represent in my design.

Who doesn't love the look of a great nest? This one I had on-hand, and it reminded me of all things french. It speaks of a stark winter with leafless trees, seen in the painting. Something a little unexpected to suggest a touch of softness (feathers), which will be in contrast to the towers cold metal exterior.

Floral elements for my design are tones of white to play on the winter scene, roses, lilies, pussy willow and Arabicum.

A close up of the flowers positioned inside the lantern. I adore the reflection of the lights against the glass. Not willing to change my original plan of having the arrangement inside the lantern, adjustments had to be made to make it fit. And, what seemed impossible this afternoon, worked out fine in the end.

The nest tucks in nicely against the burlap backdrop.

Thanks goes out to Britt Daw, whose beautiful watercolor of the Eiffel Tower was the inspiration behind all of my designs. Until next year...




L.

Art in Bloom is...

Art in Bloom is... the concept behind my window design for the Lynnfield Library. Telling a visual story about the "art of interpretation."

I think this design speaks for itself, or at least I hope it does. The story begins with a little burlap of course, to set the stage. I envisioned mini chalkboards with descriptive words to help the viewer visualize the artistic thought process. I improvised with black paper and chalk to achieve the look, aiming for a french feel all around.

My silk interpretation as the final visual for this stories end.

This design will be on display for the month of March at the Lynnfield Public Library. I hope to see you on March 12, 2012 for the opening night reception, as I will be interpreting this painting for a second time using fresh flowers. Details available on Lynnfield Patch.


Until next time...L.

Art in Bloom = Silk Design

watercolor by Britt Daw

Today I set up my window design in preparation for Art in Bloom 2012, coming to the Lynnfield Library on March 12-16, 2012.  I chose to interpret my artist's painting with silk flowers as part of my window design. Creating a focal piece/point for visual effect will helped to support my design concept. Art in Bloom is...

As I mentioned before, interpretation is an individual thing. This painting spoke to me, as I have fond memories of visiting Paris, and the Eiffel Tower as a teen. I love the winter scene of this painting with its stark muted tones highlighting the Eiffel Tower's shape and structure. It's easy to picture yourself standing in Paris after a snowfall, admiring this massive creation.

As I was designing, I needed to keep in mind the size of the library window. My silk design would need to be on a smaller scale, and therefore I would be slightly limited on container choice.  I found this amazing french-inspired wire basket at Jacobson, in Boston. I knew that the basket would help to show the towers architectural structure, and that the color was an ideal choice.

I had some birch on-hand from my yard, which proved to be handy. The piece above just slipped right into the basket without any modifications. The birch texture symbolizes the trees, snow and the mottled sky which is depicted in the painting. The birch also hides the Sahara brick foam used to hold in the silk flowers. It is a win, win all around.

Here is the beginning process of my flower placement. I chose seeded eucalyptus as my filler for its unique color. The muted green, and multi-textured appearance of the eucalyptus would provide the perfect backdrop for my silk design.

White roses symbolizing freshly fallen snow, and tallow berries to represent the leafless trees.

Lotus flower pods were added last minute, as they provide some weight and dimension. Picking up on the street lights that lead up to the tower.

Look for me at the Lynnfield Library on March 12-16, 2012, my final interpretation of the Eiffel Tower painting will be on display. I will demonstrate how to re-interpret the same painting with fresh flowers using a completely different approach. Stay tuned.



Until next time...L.