Last week, Fred took the day off for my birthday. We had a great time as well as a fabulous lunch! We headed to Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B.) – We both ordered their wonderful meatballs served on top of polenta with a side of green beans. I opted for a side salad, and Fred ordered a white bean soup. Both were fabulous!
Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) Meatballs over polenta!
This was kind of like spaghetti and meatballs on polenta instead of spaghetti. It was out of this world good! I wasn’t sure how it was going to be. But SNOB’s polenta is wicked creamy (I just know there can’t be cream involved, right? Probably skim milk 😉 ha ha)… It was tremendous!
Where do you like to eat when you’re in Charleston? We have so many wonderful options! Where? What do you order? I love to know the scoop! hee hee…
Hmmm, this would be HOW NOT TO SEND A GIFT, don’t you think? Ha ha… No, this watch wasn’t stolen… it was sent from a department store… I ordered it (I love this Timex Ironman watch for walking as well as so I know what time it is when I wake up in the dark)! The band on my old one is shot and this arrived just in the nick of time, but… we called the store to see if we could cut the “safety device” off. They said NO… drive it to Columbia, SC and a store employee would remove it… over 2 hours? Hmmmm, not happening…. OK, then drive it to Savannah…. another 2 hours?? Yep, not happening… We finally just reordered it and returned this one. So much drama, ha ha…
So if you’re ever going to give a gift, make sure one of these aren’t attached 😉 hahahahahahaha!
Aimee Erickson. Wonderful artist! Just look at the light and texture in this painting! Very nice! “Sarah” was awarded BEST OF SHOW at the 2014 American Women Artists national show at Addison Art Gallery in Orleans, Massachusetts – exciting!!
Aimee has a great website, check it out, both her studio paintings as well as her plein air paintings! Aimee was also featured by Southwest Art Magazines ARTISTS TO WATCH, a great article!
Paris-born, Portland-based artist Aimee Erickson is an oil painter in the realist tradition. Trained as an illustrator, she has a BFA in Visual Communication Design and has also studied with Sherrie McGraw, Burton Silverman, and Joseph Paquet. Aimee is the first woman artist to paint an Oregon gubernatorial portrait, that of Barbara Roberts in 1997. She teaches at the Multnomah Arts Center, Sitka Center, Creative Arts Community at Menucha, and in her studio.
“My interest lies in the essence of things, in the beauty of nature, and in cycles of consciousness. My paintings include all sorts of subject matter–figures, landscape, still life–with draughtsmanship and design as a foundation.”
Sweet cottage isn’t it? This is the Poet’s Cottage (NC0022)designed by Allison Ramsey Architects out of Beaufort, South Carolina. They have quite a reputation for excellence. It shows in each and every one of their house plans. Just look at the character in this house. I love the roof lines! This plan is 1,768 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. This is a plan that will appeal to the masses!
So many wonderful features… a front porch. Ahhhh, who wouldn’t love that? Then you walk into a generous size living room complete with a fireplace, from there you walk through the dining room (or head up the stairs to the second floor) and into the kitchen, with a powder room tucked between the dining and kitchen. Do you see what I see off the kitchen? A porch!! I would screen it and when cooking keep my kitchen door open to let the fresh air in. In the back of the house is the master bedroom and bathroom with a walk in closet.
I love the upstairs, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a sitting room! Very generous bedrooms for sure! This is a great plan tucked into a nicely sized footprint. Not too big, not too small, it’s just right!
Daniel Robbins… I love his work, it’s always so striking and stands out in some unique way. His paintings keep your eye because you don’t want to leave for some reason. There is so much to see, and if you’re like me, where every picture tells a story, well then… I get carried away imaging the story behind his paintings… Like this painting, “3:45” for instance, is that a friend, spouse, girlfriend… why is she sleeping at 3:45? Ha ha, not that any of the answers matter, you see what I mean, you keep looking, because you’re interested. This is so well done, I love it, the fabulous light coming through the red curtains. Fabulous!
Painting by Daniel K Robbins
This is a painting that Daniel posted on Facebook: The Art of Daniel Robbins I think it’s fabulous. It reminds me of an area of Michigan when I was a kid. I love those big trees. There is a story here! Daniel Robbins is an amazing artist, I especially love his interiors, precious few people paint them… I know he was a guest artist at Robert Lange Studios in Charleston, SC – quite an honor I would say! Check him out, his work is fabulous!
Daniel Robbins grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia and he has always wanted to create art. During grades 4-8 he was enrolled in the Old Donation Center for the Gifted and Talented, and in high school he continued his study of art at the Governor’s School for the Arts. For college he moved to Richmond, VA to study in the Communication Arts department at Virginia Commonwealth University. While at VCU he received multiple awards for his artistic and academic achievement, including: Most Outstanding Junior and Senior in Communication Arts, Dean’s List, and a scholarship from the New York Society of Illustrators’ Student Competition.
After he received his B.F.A. in 2006, Daniel started to teach drawing and painting as an adjunct faculty member in the Communication Arts department. He has also exhibited his paintings in galleries in New York, Virginia, and North Carolina. Daniel has received numerous honors and awards including: Best in Show at the “Virginia Artists Juried Exhibition,” in Hampton, VA; Virginia’s Finest Artist at the “Boardwalk Art Festival,” in Virginia Beach, VA; Winsor and Newton Material Award at the Salmagundi Club in New York City; and he wrote “The Road Not Taken” for the Artists on Art publication.
His thoughts on his work:
In my work I explore the world around me. Art gives me the opportunity to analyze both the physical properties and psychological effects of my subjects. I focus on the honest experience of seeing. I do not observe something simply as unique or beautiful, but allow my mind to think, question, and respond intellectually to the subject. To focus on beauty alone denies both artist and viewer the full experience of observation and intelligent response. My art represents this process of seeing. The final result of the work is not a representation of one idea, but a multilayered response spawned from repeated observation.
Daniel Robbins continues to live and work in Richmond, Virginia.
CHARLESTON, SC – recently named the 2014 Friendliest City in America by Conde Nast Traveler! Not to shabby, eh? Charleston is a magical city to live in. I wasn’t born here (GASP), I’m from Michigan, but I have lived here for over 25 years! So I know a little bit about what I talk about. There is so much to do in Charleston. With the close proximity to the beaches (yes, not just one beach, but many beaches), great food, and I do mean everywhere, gorgeous historic homes that make you proud to say you live in Charleston!
Ok “y’all” let’s keep up the good work and try for next year as well!
FRIENDLIEST CITIES: #1. Charleston, South Carolina
Several visitors praised this “quaint and special little gem” for embodying Southern hospitality at every turn—so much so that they “would consider living there full time.” The historic town earned accolades for its blend of “undervalued local culture,” history, and natural beauty, as well as the “incredible food” and Charleston City Market, with its boutiques and art galleries. In short, Charleston is the total package, landing it atop the list for the second year in a row.
OCTOBER 22 – 26, 2014 NEWNAN, GA WORKSHOP WITH KEN DEWAARD AND GREG LAROCK!
Do you see what I see? A workshop by two amazing artists… a 2 FOR 1 workshop! Ken DeWaard and Greg LaRock – If you’re going to be anywhere near the Newnan, GA area, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Two highly respected, award winning artists who will guide you through learning how to to take your paintings to the next level. I love how they’re starting this workshop with a meet and greet dinner, so that participants have a chance to get to know each other, as well as Ken and Greg – this is where the information gathering will take place! Key to a good workshop!
I would love to see the side by side demo by Ken and Greg of the same subject matter. I think it’s so interesting how artists all see things a bit differently, that makes it so interesting! I have not personally met Greg, yet… but I do know Ken, and he is as nice as they come. Full of information that he is more than willing to share. This will be an informative, enlightening and fun workshop!
I envy those of you who are able to sign up for this workshop! If you’re thinking about it… don’t hesitate, space is limited and October will be here before you know it!
If interested contact Millie Gosch: EMAIL: milliegosch@gmail.com or call 770.301.0674
Botany Bay (Edisto), South Carolina. Stunning beauty everywhere you look! Winding paths, wildlife, birds, water, gorgeous old oaks, palm trees, unspoiled beach. You just can’t beat it!
Summer is so good for fresh food, isn’t it? Do you take advantage of your local farmer’s market, or do you have a garden? Oooh, there is just nothing like fresh produce! This was a fabulous dinner, grilled chicken topped with a mango salsa, some great cucs and scrumptious tomatoes bedazzled with a little olive oil and vinegar… and some home made slaw… with vinegar instead of mayo, and for dessert… corn on the cob! Pretty isn’t it? Enjoy your summer time meals while you can!
Me and Fred… got married 22 years ago today… best day ever!
This is a photo from our last visit to San Fran in 2005 (need to get back there!) on the ferry to Sausalito to check out the art and grab a burger. I’m a tad wind blown, ha ha. Good times right from the beginning. I’m super blessed and I know it… I don’t take this man for granted. It’s rare to find the love of your life I think. And he… is mine!
Flatfish Island Design… a cool architectural firm based on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina. Many of their plans have wonderful porches where you can spend time and appreciate the beautiful area that we live in… For living in the South, these wonderful porches would also help keep some of the heat at bay so that the strong sun isn’t beaming in your windows warming your home up even more. This is a very attractive plan both inside and out. I love this one! The Curlew Cottage is 1,922 square feet and has 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms!
This plan has a first floor master suite, which is located in the back of the house. Perfect! The living, dining, kitchen is all located in the front part of the house and is an open plan. Look how open! Can you imagine the ways you could change your rooms around when you got tired of them? The possibilities… ENDLESS!
The upstairs has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a laundry. For just Fred and I personally, I would try to have the laundry downstairs (stackable perhaps??) and one bathroom upstairs, maybe two guest rooms and storage! I love storage, ha ha! That’s the good thing about Flatfish Designs, they will work with you to make a plan work for you and your family. What’s not to love?
Be sure to check out their other HOUSE PLANS, and their FAQ! Do you love this house plan, but you don’t need the upstairs? Check out Nippers Escape house plan! It’s basically the first floor… Also check out their Facebook page: Flatfish Island Designs great photos!
Read a bit about Flatfish Island Designs from their website, they seem like a really cool company – check them out!
At Flatfish Island Designs, we believe that comfortable living begins with great design, and that great design should be accessible to everyone. This sounds like a simple concept, but bringing those two aspects together has been difficult in the past.
Great Home Plans are not often Accessible
Great design is certainly available. There are capable architects in every city that can design a house plan to truly suit your lifestyle and your location. Of course, this takes extra time, effort, and cost. So, for many potential homeowners, this option is out of reach.
Accessible Home Plans are not often Great
Accessible, affordable design is also available, if you don’t mind making lots of compromises. At any home center you will find an entire wall of house plans-for-purchase. Or, you can choose from your homebuilder’s limited inventory of generic home plans. Unfortunately, there is very little connection between these cookie-cutter house plans and the people who will live in them. Until now, you have had to choose between skilled, personal design and accessible, affordable design. Now, one home design team offers both.
Introducing Flatfish Island Designs
For years, Stephen Herlong and a team of talented designers have been creating exceptional quality custom homes for clients from around the country. Our team has worked through every detail of both the exterior and the interior of each house plan. This experience has given us an ingrained sense for purposeful design – that is, design for the way people live in their homes. Today, Steve has created Flatfish Island Designs, a compilation of house plans for sale that capitalize on this experience. Each home plan in this expanding collection offers beautifully detailed architectural style and superior livability, without the significant investment of time and money that a truly custom home plan requires.
Flatfish Island: Purposeful, Livable, Accessible House Plans
So, whether you are looking for a cozy cottage house plan, a breezy bungalow beach home plan, or an expansive luxury open floor plan, there is a Flatfish Island design for you. And, if you don’t find precisely the house plan you desire, you are free to make modifications to your home plan using skilled Flatfish Island home designers, or the architect of your choosing.
For a truly livable, purposefully designed home plan that fits your personality, your lifestyle, your neighborhood and your budget, choose Flatfish Island Designs.
We invite you to view our Designs Gallery of house plans. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Elizabeth Pollie. Amazing person. Stunning artist. Just look at this image of Charlie, our Jack Russell… in his favorite position looking out the sunroom windows… watching for those “kitty cats” that make him run from room to room having a big time!… Elizabeth had seen this photo and asked if I could send it to her, if it would be OK to paint a study of him. Absolutely! She called them studies. I called them masterpieces! Each one was so spectacular it truly boggled the mind. Clearly Charlie and Elizabeth have a connection!
Study 17 (Charlie) by Elizabeth Pollie
Meet “Study 17” by Elizabeth! Whoa, right! I’ll never forget when she posted it on Facebook. We were speechless. At first I thought it was the photo, and then I noticed the background which I love so very much! This is SO CHARLIE, isn’t it? She captured his very essence without ever meeting him! Look at the hair! How? Isn’t there a magical quality to this painting? Charlie looks like he could turn his head and look at you, doesn’t he? The background is so stunning. I love how Elizabeth eliminated the clutter and left the heart and soul… We will love this painting forever and ever!
Elizabeth is an amazing person, if you ever get a chance to meet her I highly suggest it. She is full of life. If you’re in the Harbor Springs, Michigan area, she has a gorgeous gallery there ELIZABETH POLLIE FINE ART. Please do stop by and say hello!
Recently she was on blog talk radio for ARTISTS HELPING ARTISTS with host Leslie Saeta… I listened to the interview. It was fabulous! For those of you who love art, I highly suggest listening to the weekly ARTISTS HELPING ARTISTS show, and if you can’t listen to it live, they archive the programs, so you can listen later! Artists Helping Artists is the #1 Art Show on Blog Talk Radio! It’s easy to see (or hear) why!
A short post today… taking my birthday off, woohoo!
It’s funny, the older you get, the older “OLD” is! Hey, it’s true!
When I was young I thought “old” was around 30, and then 40, then 50, now it’s 99+++! I imagine that number will keep going up as long as I’m alive. I still don’t feel my age, and for that I am thankful!
Celebrate the good times! Catch you back here tomorrow!
Jacalyn Beam. I really like her paintings. This painting, Dusk, has that wonderful moody sky. The stark tree against the stunning sky with the cool building makes for a great painting! I love how dramatic the sky is!
One more, because this is one I just fell in love with… image from Chadd’s Ford Gallery in PA – just look at that tree… I LOVE THIS!
Nap Time by Jacalyn Beam Image: Chadd’s Ford Gallery
Jacalyn seems like a cool lady. I haven’t met her but we have emailed back and forth. She’s got great stories about painting plein air, like the time she was all set up and painting in DC and a road crew showed up and started jack hammering. Yow! They gave her ear plugs but that just wasn’t enough, she then moved on to a Georgetown Canal and painted a stunning painting!
Jacalyn painting at Biddeford Pool, Maine – stunning, eh?
Jacalyn Beam was born in Chester County, PA. Her early training in art was rooted in the history and beauty of the Brandywine Valley. She holds a B.S. in Music, M.Ed. and Ed.D. and has always held a passion for painting. The Wyeths, Sorolla, Sargent, Sotter, Schofield, and Thayer are a few of her favorite artists.” I paint outdoors because the world is rich with beauty and it’s the optimal way to see three dimensional objects, the subtleties of light and shadows, atmospheric perspective, and ?real’ colors. Plein air painting is also a lot fun! You meet new friends – animal and human, have fleeting conversations with bicyclists and joggers, and experience the sounds and smells of the outdoors.”Jacalyn is a member of the American Impressionist Society, Oil Painters of America, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Society. She also serves on the Board of Directors at the Chaddsford Historical Society and chairs the annual Winter Plein Air Event. Recently, Jacalyn was selected by state officials to draft and edit National Core Performing Arts Standards that will reach performing arts teachers and students K-12 across the country.Jacalyn is included in the book “100 Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters” published by Schiffer and scheduled for release in 2014. You can find her art at the Chaddsford Gallery in Chaddsford – PA, Peninsula Gallery, Lewes – DE, Strode’s Mill Gallery in West Chester – PA, the Station Gallery in Greenville – DE, and in 2014 a New England Gallery.
Hee hee… I love weather. I love a good storm or at least cloudy skies during the hot summer months. While I know that cloudy skies make some people sad they put a smile on my face!
Everything in moderation… sun included 😉
Have a great Sunday and I’ll catch you back here tomorrow!
ARTFOODHOME.COM 