The Painted Memory

Party Animal Thanksgiving

2011-11-21T20:57:00.000-08:00

A day that wouldn't be complete without the National Dog Show and John O'Hurley as the host. Even if you're not the dog-lover that I am, the beloved Mr. Peterman's commentary makes it well worth having on in the background of your Thursday festivities. Catch a few moments of his canine clowning and the obvious metaphors far from official will have you thoroughly entertained.
youtube.com - John O'Hurley

We have so much to be grateful for in America and my sister is good of reminding me of this. It's easy to take for granted, but just think, if each day you jotted down a thought of what you're thankful for or how you've been blessed, you would find a journal overflowing one-calendar year later and be overwhelmed reading each on Thanksgiving 2012.

Grey Hall Design
The Painted Memory

Opening Weekend at Keeneland - Begging for a Break in Tradition

2011-10-05T22:38:00.001-07:00

My horse betting strategy is very scientific! Always drawn to color and design, the rationale of black & white statistics in the day’s program are trumped by the power of persuasion during the paddock parade. Flamboyant silks and caps, plus a horse with spunk, become my top picks.

The evolution of the colored racing silks can be traced to the European medieval tradition of coats of arms associated with particular families and affiliations. (History of Jockey Silks)

The turf track is an equestrian runway. Coats of arms may be a medieval pastime. Design your own silk & cap with a contemporary twist and use fashion trends to modernize the apparel of the thoroughbred rider. http://www.championsilks.com/index.php

My inspired superfecta: Navaho, Pretty in Paisley, Eye Candy, Wild Safari
I think fashion silks are a winning bet

Keenland

Grey Hall

Grey Hall Design
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Inspired Brand

2011-09-28T21:14:00.001-07:00

A Cincinnati classic is the Camargo Hunter Trials. This happens to be my favorite entrance to Fall! Tailgating with a backdrop of horses and hounds. At such an event, it seems almost necessary to sport country-chic with a new accent piece...your own customized matchbook.

Today, each person is a brand. Facebook, Twitter, and all Social Media outlets create the framework of your brand equity, with newsfeed updates poising your brand essences. With trending simplicity and society's crave of the tangible, nostalgia's past creeps into today...revive the matchbox with your custom message.

What's your personal logo? Modernize your family crest with graphic iconography or invent a unique symbol to be debossed on a set of matchbooks. Next time you go to light a stoggie, you'll spark instant fan fair for your personal brand!

My recent theme party wouldn't have been complete with out the signature matchbox to light cigars in style when doled out at 1am!
For the perfect source, visit: www.foryourparty.com

Grey Hall

Grey Hall Design
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Over-the-Rhine 5 K + Historic Appeal

2011-05-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

Lace up your shoes and run OTR's 5k this weekend. A perfect way to breeze by Italianate buildings, cool new lofts and see the nation's largest, most intact urban historic district in the United States. You can't go wrong starting your Saturday in the Gateway Quarter. This artsy part of town has been compared to to the French Quarter in New Orleans and even Greenwich Village in New York City. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over-the-Rhine

Register today!
www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=187627584606293
www.gootr.org/

www.greyhalldesign.com
www.thepaintedmemory.com

To Be Tantalizing

2011-02-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of what perfume represents. The juxtaposed combinations of earth’s natural gems formulating the perfect elixir to the skin. The science behind combinations of citrus, fleurs, balsam, and oils interacting with one’s body chemistry to evoke just that...a spark from those who stroll by.

Fragrance is your escape to display pure attitude without equivocal conversation, not just an air of confidence, but carte blanche to be the pouty, flirty, or saucy vixen until it’s scent fades...and the magical spell is broken. A signature potion can slow the world’s turn and draw others into your intimate space. How do you define it? By season, mood, activity, seduction? Each pulsing heartbeat sends a surge into the atmosphere of those within the depths of your reach.

“Under her reign, perfume ruled Egypt. Banquet halls were perfumed. Sweets were perfumed. Baths were perfumed. Incense smoke filled the streets. And Cleopatra had the sails of her barge soaked with perfume when setting off to seduce Mark Antony.” -Encyclopedia of the Exquisite by Jessica Kerwin Jenkins

What signature scent do you display on your vanity?
In search of inspiration, journey to the isle of Capri to create your own concoction at Carthusia.

That’s right ladies, with St. Valentine’s on his way; spritz a little extra liquid allure.

Happy Valentine’s Day

www.greyhalldesign.com
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Cincinnati & Its Love of Chili

2011-01-31T20:29:00.000-08:00

Findlay Market recently hosted a Chili Cook-Off. For those of you with any familiarity to the Queen City know how passionate Cincinnatians are about their chilli, and know that any contest with this subject would have high stacks. Whether its secret ingredient is chocolate and cinnamon atop spaghetti noodles or Mom’s hearty ground beef in a tomato base, we pride ourselves on owning these unique combinations. Check-out their calendar for the upcoming Mardi Gras festivities or a good excuse to enjoy a lazy Sunday with live music, hot Belgium waffles, and authentic macaroons. Findlay Market Events Calendar
http://authenticwaffle.com/
This eclectic experience is multi-sensorial, and the perfect backdrop displaying the old-world charm of a German village in the heart of Cincinnati.
The scarf I'm wearing is Caribbean Escapade $118
(100% Silk in tangerine & coral, with hints of mango, amethyst and aqua)
Grey Hall Design
The Painted Memory

www.greyhalldesign.com
Www.thepaintedmemory.com

Going Behind the Scenes at Union Terminal

2010-12-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Walk the rotunda at Union Terminal. Plan now for your February 2011 adventure. Tours are scheduled on weekends throughout the month ~ reservations are highly recommended!

Its signature Art Deco Style is captured in my latest 100% silk scarf design in a luscious sorbet palette of pinks and oranges.
www.greyhalldesign.com

With such a feat of genius architecture in our backyards, take advantage of the one-month-a-year opportunity to go into the face of the clock on the Terminal’s façade and scale the rotunda! Along the tour learn interesting facts such that the Rotunda features the largest semi-dome in the western hemisphere, measuring 180 feet wide and 106 feet high. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cincinnati_Museum_Center_at_Union_Terminal

It’s every guy’s dream to dive inside the comics and fly alongside Superman. It’ll feel nearly that surreal... as though you’ve entered the Superheroes’ Hall of Justice headquarters (which was modeled after our very own Union Terminal) and been granted special access to its secret passageways!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_of_Justice_(comics)

Grey Hall Design
www.greyhalldesign.com
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Dreaming in full color - Riding Boot Sensation for Spring 2011

2010-11-30T21:33:00.000-08:00

The World Equestrian Games in Lexington brought horse lovers from all over the country to the Bluegrass State. Not only were the equine in spectacular condition, but fashions everywhere flaunted steed style. Thus inspiring me to take a fresh look at the past stallion attire I had created because of a “Pucci Trist” in hopes of influencing their Spring Collection.

Can’t you just see it now, patent leather riding boots in bold colors with a Pucci punch as the strap or accent!? What a statement that would make strutting down Madison Avenue.

Mare and mustang are no match!

Even if the boots I designed don’t yet exist, you can still sport your fashionable flair with an original silk scarf.

Equestrian Escapade - heroing the riding boot, velvet helmet, horse shoe and bit with a thoroughbred taking center stage. Bordered by an impressionistic fence in white, banded with soft tones of blue.

Each scarf is 100% charmeuse silk and measures 36”x36” square. The perfect accent to casually tie around your waist, wrapped around your head secured with a bow, over your shoulders or tossed into your purse to add spunk to a solid palette.

Starting at $118

(now available at www.greyhalldesign.com and Tulips on Erie, Hyde Park Square).

www.thepaintedmemory.com

Set Sail Toward Style - GREEK ISLES Silk Scarf

2010-11-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

Having sailed through the Greek Isles following my stint in Luxembourg before London bound, a 30ft schooner was the mode of transportation with Miami University girlfriends. The picture perfect, pristine white buildings against a backdrop of deep turquoise forever impressed me. The classic combination of blues romanced by white is a combination that never gets tired - always breathing life into any room aesthetics, and tailored class to any ensemble.
Be whisked away by my newly designed silk scarves reminiscent of a sailing venture, island hopping from Santorini to Porto, Spetses and Hydra. Interwoven into the design is the iconic Greek Key, and Mykonos windmill against a skyscape of whitewashed domed buildings nesting on arid cliffs.

Each scarf is 100% charmeuse silk and measures 36”x36” square. The perfect accent to casually tie around your waist, wrapped around your head secured with a bow, over your shoulders or tossed into your purse to add spunk to a solid palette.

Available through The Painted Memory: grey@thepaintedmemory.com
($118 each)

The Painted Memory – Grey Hall Design
www.thepaintedmemory.com

It’s a Tie – Rugged & Refined Collide at the Style Finish Line

2010-11-19T17:42:00.000-08:00

Cincinnati just got a little more hip. Artfully Disheveled http://www.artfullydisheveled.com/ introduces the Midwest to tailored class with an edge.

The new dress code of the Queen City gentleman – a pure silk necktie transforms the expected into a little bit of grit with the right touch of glamour. You can perfectly pair these ties with anything in your wardrobe no matter your destination - a football game at your alma mater or a client meeting at the office... establishing a “new traditional.” The Casual Friday is mundane and boring to the female eye. It tends to be over-done and underwhelming. Artfully Disheveled reawakens and reinvents the expected for a relevant, contemporary presence.

Read their story, and you’ll see the common thread of inspiration that stretches from the Renaissance era to the next generation of modern masculinity. http://www.artfullydisheveled.com/the-story/

On the heels of the resurgence of Mad Men classicism, you won’t want to miss their “Beg, Borrow & Steel” Collection. Join the movement and become the well-dressed rebel or tailored misfit.

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Business in the Big Apple

2010-09-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

While visiting NYC's grid-like streets with skyscrapers piercing the air, there's a sense of organized chaos. Day dreaming for a moment, I closed my eyes to imagine a veil of "apple and leaf" themed pattern cloaking the buildings. This whimsical, fleeting thought inspired my interpretation of the New York City skyline in this illustration.

Actually, a very cool idea if Apple were to use holographics to cast their branded image onto various facades of Manhattan skyscrapers.
Can’t you just see it now, apples growing in the concrete jungle!

Snapping back to reality, I was immediately in a business mindset again. Shortly after meetings, always knowing how to combine business with fun, dinner in The Big Apple had to conclude with painting the town red. Putting my thumbprint on the city that doesn't sleep, while walking all the way from Soho to Rockefeller Center, we detoured at Times Square. The jolt from sights and sounds at this famous intersection electrifies your pulse better than a Red Bull.

And if the weather isn't so perfect next time I decide to venture on a 31-block walk, I'm crossing my fingers that the taxi hailed will luck out to be the Cash Cab!
http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/cash-cab/

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

A Second Life for Old Furniture

2010-09-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Furniture fills a room - but it's the right combination of pieces that make a tasteful statement communicating your style to guests. What might have once been an old, nondescript item in a forgotten corner can now have new life and reason to become the conversation piece no one misses. Whether it's recovering the seat of a corner chair with a contemporary fabric mixing fresh newness with classic traditionalism, scouring antique flee markets for a shabby chic combination of elements, or hand-painting a themed composition or scene on the primary surface, my passion is reviving treasures of a bygone era for current living. It's amazing how a tired piece is transformed with a few brush strokes.

A favorite finished product of mine is the coffee table where I sanded the silhouetted sketch, painted my family's house heroed in the center, and after a few coats of varnish, applied gold leaf to the edging of the table as a special touch.

Subtleties were thoughtfully incorporated as a nod to my heritage. With ancestors having traveled from Ploos van Amstel to Cincinnati, it was pivotal to bridge this connection by including a tulip as the hierarchical focus. My childhood Glendale home was built and designed by the family over 100 years ago. Having discovered old, black & white photographs capturing its construction was all the inspiration I needed to fuel my decision, and begin painting.

Additional pieces I've painted include Springer Spaniels, vegetables and ferns. All begin with a thumbnail sketch washed in loose color before the real project begins!

Next personal project on the list, painting a destination scene on my headboard.

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

For the Love of the Game

2010-08-30T05:53:00.001-07:00

It's no wonder the word "Love" is a part of the Tennis scoring vocabulary because once you've been bitten by the bug, the eternal affair has begun.

This year's Tennis Masters Cincinnati Tournament offered me and my sister the opportunity to meet the Bryan brothers and Justin Gimelstob. I couldn't help but chuckle as a flashback came over me.

It was a decade ago when Christine and I queued at Wimbledon and enjoyed berries & crème on what wasn't yet known as Henman Hill. Camping out at the practice arena, we were seated immediately on the court's edge and so close to the players, we could have fulfilled the responsibility of the ball girls. It was here that I saw Gimelstob playing in person for the first time! In addition to the Williams sisters. Quite the thrill! Being at such proximity, you truly appreciate the pace, placement and skill of this professional level of play.

With Cincinnati putting a stake in the ground, publically announcing our love of the game, we will hold the honor of hosting a marque tournament recognized nationally.

Become blown away when you checkout the plans for what will be next year's Lindner Family Tennis Center. Touted to be a festive urban tennis garden.
http://www.cincytennis.com/expansion_plans_announced/

The improvements, officials said, will allow men’s and women’s matches to take place simultaneously at next year’s Western & Southern Financial Group Masters and Women’s Open. Those matches are second in size only to the U.S. Open. A huge feather in our cap for the Queen City!

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Celebrating life's journey through a map of personal icons

2010-08-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

Tell the story of your life in vivid watercolors.

The idea of creating a two-dimensional tapestry celebrating life’s sweet moments inspired me to offer Life and Wedding Maps.
It’s the perfect way of telling your journey through pictures of treasured spots or events.

The absolutely best part – hearing the background to what should be included in the final list, and then delivering the masterpiece and watching eyes light up as they scan the painting for discoverable details.

One in particular that stands out is – the Wedding map for dear friends, Paige and Brett, which was then used as their Save-the-Date.
An absolutely amazing fairytale wedding!!!

Enjoy!
The Painted Memory
http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Wedding-and-Honeymoon/Wedding-Maps/

Out of the Blue - Dayton Air Show

2010-07-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

A whisper rippled through the crowd with a hush settling as the Top Gun Anthem bellowed over speakers all across the airfield. Standing poised on the lawn of the Blue Angels VIP Tent, it was as though we are on the frontlines of a heroing display of American pride... jetting out of nowhere to maneuver death-defying stunts in our midst.

Rocking the skies, the Blue Angels’ six jets blazed trails at 400mph with precision flying; challenged by inverted courses and intersecting paths to miss utter collision by a mere 18 inches of separation.

When asked the question, “How much is computer controlled vs. pure gut?” the answer came back – SHEER GUT balanced with intuitive smarts from solid training.

The six pilots took to the skies in Boeing F/A-18 Hornet jets – painted in the Navy colors of blue and gold, guided by #5 Lead Solo, Lt. Commander Frank Weisser, a friend of my sister's. Thanks for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Lieutenant Frank!

The pictures say it all!!!

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

TAKING CENTER STAGE – DAAP Fashion Show 2010

2010-07-27T15:00:00.001-07:00

University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) - has become a creative force with which to be reckoned, receiving global acclaim.
http://www.daap.uc.edu/about/welcome

Attending the 2010 DAAP Fashion Show preview night elevated my senses to an ethereal realm – suspending disbelief of the unimaginable couture. The techno beat, electric haute lighting, and glitz & glam all around were pivotal in building anticipation. Expectations were exceeded off the charts!

Models featured handcrafted, one-of-a-kind ensembles by DAAP Seniors that were ideated from sketch to pattern creation, and then brought to life with needle and thread. Chic evening wear, lingerie, sports wear, and musical instruments sewn into future-esque garments were only a handful of themes that commanded attention on the catwalk.

Over-the-top styles made believers out of audience members that, for a mere 2 hours, Cincinnati was the new Paris, Milan, and New York City of fashion capitals. The Midwest Project Runway just trumped NYC!

DAAP boasts the success of grad Althea Harper, a finalist on Project Runway Season 6 and invited her back to grace the audience with her story to stardom. Making her mark in the fashion scene by using fluid fabrics to silhouettes the female form as strong and beautiful.
http://blog.altheaharper.com/

Walking out of the auditorium, it was as though a fountain of ideas were pouring through the right side of my brain. Immediately, I began my own fashion sketches, followed by a splash of watercolor to give a sense of color-way within my imagined Collections. Loving the idea of a conversation print & pattern that’s heroed within the lead piece and how this signature element influences the complimentary garments through the SCAMPERED Method – it’s this jazzed pulse I imagine that gives fashion designers a natural high.

As the night concluded, the crowd’s standing ovation was merely a hint of the excitement radiating virally from that moment on.
Cincinnati Bucket List – must include visiting UC’s campus to attend the renowned DAAP Fashion Show next Spring.

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

The Truth About Caricatures!

2010-07-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Caricatures are the true testament if you are a good sport with the ability to laugh at yourself or not! It's fascinating how polarizing they can be.

As a surprise valentine, I received a caricature of myself...flattered by the thoughtful gift yes, but at the same time, eye opening! Thinking the artist had missed the mark, even though there was some resemblance, I inspected the caricatures of others around me. Finding myself chuckling over their similarities, I couldn't help but smile when coming back to mine. Yep, it was actually executed with more than a hint of reality.

Sharing my self awareness with others verified a chorus in unison - "caricatures magnify imperfections"!!!

Interestingly, caricature stems from the Italian verb that means “to load” with its true purpose being to exaggerate certain features, pack as many into a portrait as possible while expressing the person's essence balanced with recognizability.

This prompted my curiosity of the origins.
In the 17th century, Caricature emerged as a distinct art form with the works of an Italian artist named Annibale Caracci. Caracci's concept was called the "antithesis of beauty." Rather than following the normal trend of the time which was to imbue subjects with as much beauty as possible, the caricature drawing was intended to produce a portrait that was loaded with meaning. This early form of caricatures was the province of the rich who had them produced for amusement.
http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Brief-History-of-Caricatures&id=455238

A recent party allowed for a second attempt (Thanks, Dave!) - much happier with the outcome, I'm here to tell you that it is possible to genuinely smile with the finished product reflection...

But, be sure to give the artist specific instruction, "ACCENTUATE MY POSITIVES" if you want to be happy with the end result!

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Performing Before Peacocks

2010-07-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine giving a serious presentation and after posing a question, you’re answered by a peacock!? Beginning in 1920, the Cincinnati Zoo was home to America’s second oldest opera company until 1972. During the 90th year gala celebration at Cincinnati Music Hall, international opera stars Sherrill Milnes and Carol Neblet recounted their memories of singing among the animals and in between breaths, silence was broken by the trumpeting of elephants or a tiger’s roar. With the curtain call at 8:45pm enough light remained during the summer solstice to anticipate the call of the wild to holler back during the first act before utter darkness silenced the breeds. That would have been the ultimate entertainment!
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20100613/ENT03/6130312/Cincinnati-Opera-s-family-turns-90

Discovering this fascinating history inspired me to do a peacock study. The eye of the feather is absolutely beautiful with it’s midnight center haloed by an electric blue just as striking as the glow of Capri’s legendary grotto – encompassed by a wall of vibrant chartreuse cascading to emerald green. Rich tones that would make a stunningly sophisticated wall-covering for a library or study when complimented with mahogany trim.

Perhaps your local arts have a surprising unexpected history worth uncovering!

The Painted Memory
http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Lifestyle/

Rooftop Toast

2010-07-08T19:19:00.001-07:00

I've never forgotten the philosophy of my geography professor. When studying in Luxembourg, he highly recommended for each new city venture to "get as high as you can get" - even though swaying toward hippie in nature, he clarified to his students that this rule of thumb is specifically speaking to a bird's eye view of the city.

Adopting this mentality gives a great lay of the land before exploring by foot. Even in Cincinnati one can appreciate the fresh perspective this provides. Taking advantage of Carew Tower observation deck is the perfect outlet to seeing our city's gems within a 360 degree spin at 574-feet up.
http://www.cincinnatiusa.com/attractions/detail.asp?AttractionID=83

http://thepaintedmemory.blogspot.com/2010/02/experiencing-chicagos-cool-winds-in.html

Photo Gallery:
http://www.pbase.com/piggiston/carew_deck

You Locals have no excuse so add it to your list!
The Painted Memory
Www.thepaintedmemory.com

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T14:41:00.001-07:00

In Ronald Reagan Style - Red, White & Blue pumping through my veins
I love the idea of celebrating our Nation's independence in America's small towns. The heart and soul of these communities dotting the map, in the tiny corners of our country embrace a down-home patriotism that is the genuine pulse of the USA. Evidenced by a sea of red, white and blue flags, bunting and streamers. Celebrating togetherness - cookouts, picnics, Cornhole (for you Midwesterners!), diving into a refreshing pool and bike rides along a parade route represent ultimate summer bliss. On a day such as this, a former president comes to mind who dedicated his life during 1981-1989 to protecting and strengthening these freedoms we salute on the Fourth of July.

Visiting the Reagan Library & Museum in Simi Valley, California was an invaluable experience to be reminded of a great man's leadership to restore prosperity within our country's borders and peace with nations abroad.
http://reaganfoundation.org/library-and-museum-overview.aspx
A pivotal point, in 1986 Reagan obtained an overhaul of the income tax code, which eliminated many deductions and exempted millions of people with low incomes. At the end of his administration, the Nation was enjoying its longest recorded period of peacetime prosperity without recession or depression. http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/ronaldreagan

President Reagan's principles are certainly worth celebrating with a bang! So when enjoying fireworks tonight at Ault Park, appreciating the patriotic message in the sky will be a symbol to all of our country's heritage and greatness.

Happy Birthday America!
The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Powered by 1.21 Gigawatts

2010-06-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

What I have yet to mention is the thrilling ride of going 90 miles an hour around the tip of South Beach. The whipping wind played havoc on the ocean’s surface as hinted by the multitude of whitecaps. Without a seatbelt in sight, the gals and I were willing to take the risk for the once-in-a-lifetime THRILL of a cigarette boat ride! (Thanks JVO & Noelle!!!) Blazing a watery trial, we were tossed like ragdolls into the air with each intermittent trajectory. Traveling at what seemed like warp speed barely allowed us to take-in this vantage point of SoBe’s magazine-esque shoreline. Only a sneak peak looking-in, behind the scene of hotel facades.

CIGARETTE BOAT Motor History/racing thrills up to 250 mph
The cigarette boat or go-fast boat is a small fast boat designed with a long narrow platform and a planning hull to enable it to reach high speeds. Originally these boats were called "Rum-Runners" because during the era of Prohibition they were used to transfer Rum from larger vessels waiting outside the territorial waters of the United States. The high speed of the Rum-Runners enabled them to avoid interception by the Coast Guard. More recently the term "Cigarette Boat" has replaced the term "Rum-Runner" when similar boats were used to smuggle cigarettes between Canada and the United States. The present era of Cigarette Boats, dating from the Sixties, owes much of their design to boats designed for offshore powerboat racing, particularly by designer and builder Donald Aronow. During this period, these boats were used by drug smugglers to transfer drugs across the Caribbean to the United States.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go-fast_boat

In complete contrast to our jaunt, JVO took her sleek 32’ silhouette down to a Stealth Bomber coast and glided into the dock.
The reality at a standstill was
1.) we were convinced we had just experienced Nature’s Spa, thanks to the salty air, a Mini-facelift AND
2.) After riding a Rum Runner, we were “required” to end the day sipping a Pain Killer ;)

Be on the lookout for this sport as it moves to a circuit racing style – also known as “Run What You Brung”!

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Finding Your Adventurous Side

2010-06-08T21:09:00.001-07:00

Road trips in the car were filled with story upon story of human survival. To keep my brother, sister and me entertained in the car en route to our final vacation destination, my mom read dramas in real life from Reader's Digest. Hearts pumping to the tails of white water rafting leading to towering falls of dangerous heights with fateful nemesis torrents, single-engine flights stalling over the Bermuda Triangle, or a ferryboat pulling away from the dock with it's hull doors left gaping open to ultimately be gulped by the deep, dark waters of the foreboding abys. http://www.rd.com/search.do?query=rafting&x=0&y=0

What's your adventure!? Create a legacy like no other marking your survival.
http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Vacation/

The Painted Memory
http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Wedding-and-Honeymoon/Honeymoon-Paintings/

Eye Candy Sorbet - SoBe’s Pastel Shades

2010-06-03T20:11:00.001-07:00

The epitome of Art Deco is pristinely encapsulated in South Beach – with no shortage of replicas idealizing the understated elegant glamour of functional modernism.

It’s nearly impossible to not pickup on its common themes without even an ounce of education. The minimalistic clean lines, series of 3s, chevron patterns, and sunburst motifs, are what’s noticeable from the peripheral view. However, studying the materials which give the illusion of higher quality substraights is worth an intriguingly closer look.

A recent business trip to Miami instantly reminded me of how much I learned and came to appreciate about its craftsmanship. Amazing - the ingenuity which birthed incredible resourcefulness during the Great Depression.

A few examples include:
Simulating fine Italian marble by way of crushing shells which were in no shortage along the Miami Coast, and loosely swirled through concrete-like material just enough to mimic veins.

Terrazzo was originally invented by Venetian construction workers as a low cost flooring material using marble chips from upscale jobs. The finished product is composed of marble chips sprinkled on top of wet concrete, then sanded to a perfect polish. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrazzo

Brain Coral railings and columns are not uncommon. Because of its densely packed composition, brain coral were utilized as a sturdy support with decorative appeal.

This era in history is perfectly encapsulated, and a reminder that things are not always what they seem. Certainly a charge to take a closer look at the world around us, and challenge ourselves to be entrepreneurial with our available resources.

The Painted Memory
Www.thepaintedmemory.com

A Star Spangled Memorial Day

2010-05-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

Growing up in Glendale, Ohio gave me a special appreciation for Memorial Day. All villagers proudly fly Old Glory in honor of the veterans marching by in the annual parade. We nostalgically explain it to others through an iconic metaphor, a Norman Rockwell painting, because it seems in addition to those who have honorable served our country that every neighbor, soccer player, cub scout, brownie troop, and dog participates in the festivities...leaving very few people to wave-back on the sidelines!

Fire trucks roaring kick off the parade and round up the rear, with the Princeton High School Band sandwiched in the middle holding the tempo as they play Anchors Away, The Caissons Go Rolling Along, and Semper Fidelis to name a few. Weaving through the hilly streets it’s a picturesque sea of Red, White & Blue.

The parade’s climax takes place at the final destination, the War Memorial, with words shared by a local Veteran, the student with the winning oration “What Memorial Day Means to Me”, WWII vintage aircraft flyover in the Missing Man formation, and the 21-Gun Salute with Taps filtering into the backdrop.

I’m thankful for a neighborhood that celebrates our flag at half-mast, and what has made our country great by freezing time in the heartland of America to appreciate the men and women who have so valiantly and faithfully risked all to serve the country they so dearly love to preserve ultimate freedom.

Kit Hinrich’s renown American flag-related collection Long May She Wave: A Graphic History of the American Flag Currently on display at the Cross Timbers Fine Arts Center in Stephenville, Texas through Wednesday, July 14, 2010.
Henrich’s unique banner beautifully compiles a historical montage of American flags that showcases the richness of design that encapsulated a time when American flags did not have a uniform design.

He states, “...as a designer, creating graphic symbols is an important aspect of my work. The American flag was a symbol I couldn't leave alone. Designers are continually challenged to come up with visual icons that evoke immediate recognition, emotional power, and universal meaning. By any standard, the American flag has brand value that every designer would envy.”
http://www.betterwall.com/bnr.php?bid=297
http://www.stephenvilletexas.org/community/eventdetails.cfm?eventID=3486&dateID=4231

Happy Memorial Day!
The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Mint Juleps to Derby Purses - Two things that make the ladies squeal!

2010-05-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Kentucky Derby offers the perfect excuse to indulge. Ladies wearing hats, gents in bowties, and freshly crushed mint floats through the air as juleps are passed. The nervous energy of horse-talk is channeled into betting. The perfect time of year to sport my equestrian-themed handbag.

A few years ago, I painted a cigar box for a jaunt to Atlanta’s Steeplechase event - it only seemed appropriate to imagine the scene of horses leaping over hedges and loosely capture in a painterly expression on the box façade, with bordering edges adorned by silks and jokey caps. Thanks to some help from my Dad to add a beaded wooden handle, instantly what was a simple rectangular container became a fashionable accessory. (My wonderful Dad - he’s such a good sport to lend a hand when it comes to all of my projects!)

But ladies, now it’s just as easy for you to recreate this same look! Last week at Michael’s Crafts, I noticed they have all sorts of boxes (rectangles, squares, trapezoids) that already have a closure – and better yet – handles!!! (Those are the hardest part to attach and tighten.) Just a few simple steps and you’ll be walking the streets with a one-of-a-kind handbag creation of your own, looking as though you’re hot off Madison Avenue.

1. Find a picture of a scene you’ve photographed, cut from a coffee table book, or even a postcard of a beautiful landscape (any subject matter that inspires you will be perfect)

2. If the picture is bigger than the box façade, trim the edges so it is perfectly flush (but do not yet attach)

3. Look for complimentary wrapping paper or decorative tissue that has a pattern that’s suitable as a companion to your primary image. Decoupage (Elmer’s glue that has been thinned down with water works too) the tissue to the outside edge of your boxes and back of the purse. It’s okay if the edges overlap on the front, you’ll hid them with your hero image and ribbon trim. Tuck the other end of the tissue over the edge into the interior of the box; this will be hidden by fabric or contact paper.

4. Now decoupage your landscape to the front of the box from Michael’s ( http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectsheet?pid=e09013) . If you’ve decided to use a photograph, make a high-quality color copy and use this (an actual photograph will warp).

5. Line the interior of the box with fabric or contact paper. Don’t worry if the edge isn’t perfectly finished. You can hide many imperfections with trim!

Happy Crafting!
The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Atlanta Arts

2010-05-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

The heartbeat of Atlanta – Buckhead’s rolling hills and famous streets are dotted by luxurious homes (each one is worthy of a magazine spread!) and is the perfect backdrop to an arts festival.

With spring arriving early to this part of the country, only a few magnolias still boasted their creamy-milk blooms, and a canopy of Irish green surrounded the tented trail at the Buckhead Arts Festival. Creatives both locally and across state-lines answered the call to showcase their talent. http://www.buckheadartsfestival.com/ LOVE the LOGO!

The variety of metalwork to lithography, handmade pet accessories to paintings kept each peek in the tent interesting. Among the range of artists, three in particular stood out as a style I admired.

KEITH ADAMS – Figures in Oil – www.figuresinoil.com
Loose interpretation of American folk captured as casual and approachable – seeming at ease.

Almost bygone era-like in expression - brought to life in vivid Technicolor.

Hero's genuine threads of the American spirit!

JAN HAVENS – Etchings – 615.297.2998
Clever originality is packed into every inch of her compositions.

Enamored by animals, she creatively gets inside the heads of dogs and cats to humorously interweave the heart & soul of their motivations into the background and foreground of each piece of artwork.

Zinc or Copper plates are etched, printed and then painted.

KYEGOMBE – Cityscape & Animal Oil Paintings – www.kyegombe.com
Bold colors saturate the canvas with abrupt brush strokes – a symphony of artistic chaos, yet all the while, magnetizing the eyes to its subject.

Realistic depiction embodies instinctual energy.

Definitely worth the visit – a leisurely stroll of cultural artistry – May 2011 be sure to visit the Georgia Peach!

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Chinoiserie Chic - I'm captivated!

2010-05-17T15:40:00.001-07:00

My recent exploratory of Chinese style lattice - sparked a quick sketch session. Bringing out the conte crayons from art class and a scrap of craft paper were all I needed at midnight to capture the idea-spring in my imagination swirl.

More than 3,000 years ago the Chinese began using wooden lattice designs in their windows. The smooth inside of the lattice has traditionally been covered with paper, which is replaced each year on New Year’s Day. In the 1920s and 1930s, Daniel Sheets Dye collected over 1,200 examples of lattice designs, and these were later published by Dover Publications in two books: Chinese Lattice Designs (1974) and The New Book of Chinese Lattice Designs (1981)
http://www.quiltedgallery.com/quilts/chinese/chinese_lattice_1.html

Principles of Chinese lattice are grounded in a rhythmic composition of geometric shapes, layering of lines with a consistent weight, and tailored embellishments without over-the-top flourish. A classic addition worth considering adding to your home as a piece of art, wallpaper or textile that adds interest and will stand the test of time.

A favorite book of mine that elegantly depicts Chinese pagodas with a stunning array of lattice interpretations.
http://www.amazon.com/Chinoiseries-Bernd-H-Dams/dp/0847830462

Enamored by the allure of textile creation, I translated this energy into a new repeat pattern suitable for a lovely powder room wall-covering - heroing pristine white, a painter's swish of light blues and taupe ribbons resembling streamers falling at an angle. The repetition of china urns checkered with an impressionistic landscape exudes a calming cadence – so pretty for window treatments or wallpaper.

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Pillow Talk

2010-05-10T15:39:00.001-07:00

Always in search of a project, my medium of choice may be paints and a brush, but the surface can vary quite extensively depending on my latest inspiration. This time, my success criteria called for dupioni silk pillows! Transfixed by the parrot tulip - and it's tiger-like stripes and lion's mane edge, I knew this would be the focus of my composition. I absolutely love the extensive range of colors and species. When creating a thumbnail sketch, the hardest decision consistently seems to be narrowing to which variant suites my interest in the moment. Although this time around, my decision was dictated by the established color-way of fabrics within my room. Smitten with corals and celery, this occasion would call for complimentary colors with bold pops for interest.

Parrot Tulips have petals that are feathered, curled, twisted, or waved. Besides this, the flowers are very large and brightly coloured. As a result, Parrot Tulips are extremely flamboyant. If you want dramatic tulips, these are a great choice.
Parrot Tulips were developed from mutations of certain late-flowering tulips, and from tulips in the Triumph class.
http://www.theplantexpert.com/springbulbs/Tulip10Parrot.html
Although tulips are often associated with the Netherlands, they are not a native Dutch flower! About four hundred years ago Europeans first discovered tulips in Turkey. At that time Carolus Clusius, a famous botanist, introduced the plant to the Leiden botanical gardens in Holland. Since tulips were extremely rare, and expensive, only Kings and Emperors could afford to plant them in their gardens. http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artdec06/bj-tulip1.html

A customized touch is to identify the flower on a sweet call-tag, or add your monogram with interlocking script.

After completing two distinctive companion executions, a finishing touch was needed to deliver the closure kiss. TRIM! A visit to the Design Center actually brought more challenge than anticipated to this decision. The many beautiful choices evoked artist’s excitement like that of Christmas morning!!! (You, interior designers, can understand the feeling!) The finale, a very simple and tasteful two-toned trim was selected to deliver understated elegance as to not compete with the painting itself.

This was such fun, that I’ll soon be painting a pair of Wedgewood-blue silk pillows for my sister – in a style I dub: Chinoiserie Chic meets Palm Beach Bliss

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

A Zest for Lemon

2010-05-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

Once back home from Capri - lemons have ever since exhibited a magician's power and I can't help but to be drawn to them. A favorite local bakery must be just as enthralled! Cincinnati's delicious BonBonerie creates the most elegant cakes with liqueur soaked layers, which makes for a devilish taste explosion. (Soon to be challenged by Bobby Flay in a Throwdown, I have no doubt!)

Such beautiful eye candy, that I snapped way too many pictures while enjoying the sugar coated lemons sparkle in the setting sun, and springtime daffodil confection complimenting the marzipan citrus.

Enjoy a different creation each month, along with the delicious standards that have placed our local bakery on the map as a worthy competitor nationwide.
http://bonbonerie.com/

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

The Capri Sun's Lemony Gift

2010-05-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Our day of planes, trains and automobiles - was surpassed by adding a hydrofoil from the Naples harbor to the enchanted island of Capri. Immediately greeted by the sweet aroma of jasmine at the Marina Grande dock, my memory of this fantastic vacation is now forever cemented with this idyllic scent.

With our ultimate destination, atop the limestone mountain, we boarded our next mode of transportation - The funicular - which charged up the 45-degree sloping silhouette at sunset. http://goitaly.about.com/od/capri/p/capri.htm

In search of our lodging, the gals and I exited the train and were immediately captivated by the scene onto which we stumbled at the path's first bend. It was like a Vogue photo shoot for a luxury, lifestyle brand. The warm glow, clinking glasses and company decked to the 9s required the girls to pinch me - bringing me back to reality. A scene perfectly described as 'Magic Hour'!

Aside from jasmine, bottled by the lovely Carthusia Perfumes (http://www.capri.net/en/c/carthusia-perfumes) -worth the visit to enjoy a scent-seekers carnival - Capri is also known for its citrus produce. However, these lemons are nothing like I've ever seen in our local groceries in the states. Their dimensions rival that of a cantaloupe and boasts a nubby rind - so it was only fitting that we celebrate in style with a toast to our arrival into a very 'Jackie O" vacation dream on what could mistakenly be called paradise island - with a sip of lemoncello.

Translating this watercolor into a toss-repeat pattern would make for such a fun and refreshing wallpaper in a kitchen! Don't you think!?

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

And yes, this picture has quite a story behind it!

Creativity in the Blood!

2010-04-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

The Junior League of Cincinnati - updated cookbook début features my sister, Page's creativity on the cover. Gorgeous, warm fall hues are the holistic threads within all surprise and delight elements of her beautiful tablescape. An absolute show-stopper with two-toned monogrammed linen napkins which compliment the chinoiserie china. Just a hint of her amazing design talent!

Enjoy full article:
http://cincychic.com/content/view/2587/1/

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Meeting of a Master

2010-04-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

William Yeoward’s visit to Cincinnati showcased not only his sparkling crystal, china, silverware, and textiles – but also his witty personality as the ladies in the audience were whisked away into his fairytale brush with fate.

Originally a noteworthy designer with a boutique on London’s fashionable Kings Road, a chance encounter in 1993 sprung William Yeoward onto a pedestal of global appeal. It was Irishman, Timothy Jenkins (third generation in a family owned crystal business) who walked through William’s door. Evolving conversations and a mutual love of antique crystal opened the floodgates to a tremendous challenge – Replicating these beautiful pieces from the 18th and 19th Centuries.

http://www.williamyeowardcrystal.com/

The kismet of their future partnership teetered on Tim’s ability to reproduce a square base for an elegantly etched wine goblet per William’s direction and sketch to accommodate. Apparently the most difficult attribute to achieve. However, it was mastered with absolute perfection.

Become charmed by the entertaining arrangements in his books, and gather a variety of old and new items to create your own rendition. A mix-matched combination makes your table setting that much more interesting – and gives varying heights and hues a reason to exist in harmony when no two pieces are an exact pair.

http://www.amazon.com/William-Yeoward-Entertaining/dp/1906094624

Thanks to Closson’s and The Cincinnati Antiques Festival for delighting us with a master of artistic design that delivers old world beauty balanced by sleek clean lines.
http://www.clossons.com/pages/
http://www.cincinnatiantiquesfestival.org/

The Painted Memory
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Painted-Memory/107542293645?ref=ts

The Gilded Age

2010-04-08T19:58:00.000-07:00

A favorite hobby of mine is to spend Saturdays hunting treasures! On the road to discovering antiques, I’ve crossed the Ohio state-line to visit Chatham, Atlanta, Lexington, and High Point - and not having returned disappointed, I might add! On one particular venture, my eye caught a glimpse of a smile’s reflection. And it was mine! Having spied an ornately carved frame bordering a nicely sized mirror, I carefully teetered many objects to slide this gem out from the darkness. Immediately, my mind leapt to the potential of what it could be.

Always in search of a project, this was the perfect opportunity to try my hand at gold leafing. Having gathered all the necessary materials, the final ingredient to jumpstart my task, a larger than expected BLOCK of time!

Gold is malleable that it can be flattened into extremely thin sheets (0.18 microns – seven millionths of an inch). To give some perspective, a stack of 7.055 sheets would be no thicker than a dime. It is not unusual for gold leaf sheets to be made of 23-karat gold.
http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/gold/incomparable/properties.php

Gold Leafing, also known as gilding, is quite an ancient technique which began 1000s of years ago. Traditionally, artisans would beat raw gold between pieces of leather until it was almost too thin to be seen.

According to some accounts, the ancient Egyptians were already manufacturing gold leaf around 2,500 BC, apparently the first to do so. They applied gold leaf to the pyramids. In Ancient Rome, gold leaf was used to ornament buildings. In Nanjing, once the capitol of China, the creation and application of gold leaf has been a traditional art for more than 1,700 years.

Interestingly, Kanazawa in the Ishikawa Prefecture of Japan, is known as the "City of Gold Leaf." Because Kanazawa has ideal climate conditions and water quality to sustain the production of gold leaf, this specialized industry has developed steadily since the sixteenth century. From around the nineteenth century, Kanazawa took the lead in the manufacture of gold leaf in Japan.
http://www.ehow.com/about_5325704_history-gold-leaf.html

And if you’re in the mood to expand your tastebud-palette, give this idea a try!

Apparently Italian nobility dined on risotto with edible gold during the sixteenth century. In sixteenth century England, the Elizabethans sprinkled edible gold dust on their sweets and fruits, while in Japan, it was served with sake. Gold leaf remains popular as an edible delicacy. In its purest, 24-carat form, gold is blended with silver, and the resulting product can be used to decorate cakes and other desserts or special dishes.
http://www.ehow.com/about_5325704_history-gold-leaf.html

After many hours preparing the mirror’s frame with a glue-like adhesive, I carefully rubbed small pieces of gold leaf onto its surface. Burnishing the edges with my finger and a paintbrush blended all seams. Next step in the process, sealing the finished product to protect from future tarnish. Pleased with the end result, an even bigger smile was then reflected as I inspected all facets.

The Painted Memory
(P.S. – The Necklace I’m wearing is still available!)
Mother of Pearl Petals & Yellow Quartz
http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Jewelry/A-Dozen-Roses.shtml

The Boulder Mystery

2010-04-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

Exploring the BVI Continued

The Baths on Virgin Gorda are a larger than life playground. A stunning natural attraction of the British Virgin Islands for tourists and locals alike. Volcanic activity gives some explanation to boulders strewn across the beach now nesting in piles. As a result of their clustered composition, exotic pools and grottos have formed enticing visitors to traverse over these mammoth boulders and then wade between the striated granite slabs which give the illusion of precariously resting.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147358-d147484-Reviews-The_Baths-Virgin_Gorda_British_Virgin_Islands.htm

Thinking in terms of human strength, it’s amazing to fathom the mobility of a boulder – some 2000 years ago this very day it was miraculously rolled away from a tomb near Calvary. The reason why we believe and celebrate Easter, the resurrection of Jesus Christ who lovingly accepted the past, present and future sins of the world and died for us so that we may be rescued.

God alone can lift us from the grave – to God alone belongs the highest praise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_a2gvVqhfs&feature=related

Happy Easter!

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

British Virgin Islands - Under the Sea

2010-03-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

When sailing through the BVI, snorkeling or scuba diving is #1 on the itinerary (only after raising a glass at Willy-T and The Soggy Dollar) - And this visit was no exception.
The Caribbean’s turquoise blue temptress called, and at every natural harbor we took advantage of the opportunity to discover the life below her surface. With its peacefully quiet lull, the underworld seemingly impairs some senses, while elevating others - forcing absolute focus by the eyes to absorb the activities around.

Just as one’s sight adjusts to the darkness, the initial plunge below hits you with intense saturation and blindingly vibrant colors. Minutes later, the acute awareness of a multitude of living organisms is ever apparent. Experiencing the exclamation of new discoveries with each blink.

Sea Fans swaying in concert with the current’s rhythm and speckled turtles lazily swimming by were just a small nod to the talent of an Almighty Creator.

My love for coral was tickled by the surprise exposition of the Elkhorn Coral. This king of coral some how had the great fortune of not meeting head to head with a dinghy's rudder, growing close to the ocean’ lip with a length of nearly four feet and width equally impressive.

Click to see examples
http://www.wunderground.com/wximage/viewsingleimage.html?mode=singleimage&orig_handle=skypilot39b&orig_number=72&handle=skypilot39b&number=70&album_id=35#slideanchor

The Elkhorn Coral reaches from as far north as Biscayne National Park, Florida to as far south as Venezuela with a great concentration in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida Keys. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/index.html?curid=11326705

Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) is considered to be one of the most important reef-building corals in the Caribbean. This species of coral is structurally complex with many large branches. The coral structure closely resembles that of moose antlers. These branches create habitats for many other reef species such as lobsters, parrot-fish, snappers, and other reef fish. Elkhorn coral colonies are incredibly fast growing with an average growth rate of 5 to 10 centimeters (2.0 to 3.9 in) per year and can eventually grow up to 3.7 meters (12 ft) in diameter. The color of this coral species ranges from brown to a yellowish-brown. This color is a result of the symbiotic zooxanthellae that live inside the tissue of this coral species. Zooxanthellae is a type of algae which photosynthesizes to provide the coral with nutrients.
http://www.freebase.com/view/en/elkhorn_coral

The Painted Memory
http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Vacation/

Roman Holiday

2010-03-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

The healing power of water is no shortage in Rome. With a total of 280 fountains tucked into all corners of the city’s landscape, it’s not hard to stumble across one more beautiful than the next. That is until you turn onto a cobble stone street leading to the heart of Rome’s historic center. Three corridors meet at a well-known aqueduct, Via delle Muratte, Via del Lucchesi and Via in Arcione culminating at the Piazza di Trevi (meaning three).

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque design and stands 85 feet high and 65 feet wide. The central figure in the fountain is Neptune, god of the sea. Neptune is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell that is pulled by two sea horses. Each sea horse is guided by a Triton. One horse is calm the other is enraged; each symbolizes the moods of the sea. To the left of Neptune is a statue representing Abundance, on the right a statue represents Health. The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. http://www.amoretravelguides.com/blog/trevi-fountain-in-rome.php

Its origins go back to Roman times and it was the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct commissioned by Augustus, which was used to provide water for the thermal baths. The water that flows here has two names: Virgin Waters and Trevi. The first refers to an ancient legend about a young Roman girl who showed the source of the spring to some thirsty soldiers; whereas Trevi derives from the old name for the area, which was originally called Trebium. http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/trevi.htm

Nearly a starlet itself having been the back drop of many a movie scene, including "Three Coins in a Fountain", “Roman Holiday” and "La Dolce Vita". Legend says that you must stand with your back to the fountain and throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the water to ensure that one day you will return to Rome.

An average of 3000 Euros are thrown in every day mostly in 5 cent pieces which gives you an idea of how many visitors come to see it. The money is donated to charity and it is always under the watchful eye of a policeman. http://traveltalesfromrome.com/2010/02/12/three-coins-in-the-trevi-fountain/

After throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain while studying abroad, my wish came true of returning to Rome. This time my girlfriends and I were not planning to toss two coins in the fountain as the song alludes to a brush with romance ;) Instead, we were more interested in a little wager. Knowing the Italian men spark to blonds, we kept a tally of cat-calls received by the blonds vs. brunettes! With an even playing field of 2-2, Cathie and I tried hard to stay in the running, but couldn’t compete!

The Painted Memory
http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Vacation/

Become Stopped in Your Tracks!

2010-03-03T12:37:00.000-08:00

Designers at Tiffany & Company have a magician-like talent for wondrously inventing window displays which hero their jewelry through a keyhole window to a make-believe terrene juxtaposed with the real and surreal. Each motif magically tips the scale of imagination to deliver the ultimate gold-standard of surprise & delight with hide-and-seek gems.

Although difficult to research the history of Tiffany & Co. display windows, I discovered many bloggers who were as star-struck as I with Tiffany’s incredibly expressive creativity. Snapshots of worlds in miniature, each window a unique scene combining the most stunning of jewelry pieces metaphorically positioned as props.

(Click on links below to enjoy scenes captured by others.)
http://www.butterflygallery.com/arts/tiffany.html
http://manhattan.about.com/od/newyorkcityholidayguide/ig/Lighting-of-UNICEF-Snowflake/Tiffany-s-Holiday-Window.--Ri.htm
http://nyclovesnyc.blogspot.com/2008/12/tiffany-christmas-window-display.html
http://www.americanpoems.com/members/tifaandco/tiffany-co-jewellery-display-in-windows/

Tiffany is credited with some of the most innovative merchandising ever seen by the retail industry. For example, the direction of visual merchandising was forever changed through the company’s artistic reinvention of the window display, initiated by Walter Hoving, controlling owner of the company from 1956 to 1980, and Gene Moore, window designer extraordinaire. Moore, known for witty displays combining magnificent jewels with unlikely props and paraphernalia, joined Tiffany in 1956 and remained with the company until 1995. http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/articles/pages/1836/Tiffany-and-Company.html

Best known for turning Tiffany's five little windows into head-turning attractions, the 5,000 or so windows Mr. Moore decorated for Tiffany & Company during his 39 years as the store's vice president for window display were testament enough to the scope of his imaginative powers, to fully appreciate the impact of his artistic genius you must take a stroll down memory lane, force yourself to stop in front of a typical Tiffany window of the 1940's and yawn as you regard a neat, linear arrangement of silver platters, bowls, candlesticks and the like.

Now fast forward a decade or so, retrace your steps and just try not to stop when, out of the corner of your eye you spot, say, a bird, its beak extended, pulling -- hey, that's not a worm, that's a diamond necklace! -- out of the earth. http://www.nytimes.com/1998/11/26/nyregion/gene-moore-88-window-display-artist-dies.html?pagewanted=1

Next time you’re in the vicinity of a Tiffany & Co., be sure to detour past its five signature windows to enjoy child-like wonder for a moment in time.

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Lexington’s Greentree Tea Room

2010-02-26T12:30:00.001-08:00

Always a lover of animals and fascinated by the beauty of horses, I never miss an opportunity to visit the “Thoroughbred City”. This particular excuse was inspire by my Mom’s idea to enjoy a ladies’ tea in Lexington followed by admiring unique antiques while browsing through the local boutiques.

Tea is the perfect solution to a cold winter Saturday, and the thrill of the “Horse Capital of the World” as our destination, immediately combined my two favorite loves.

In the 1920s, tearooms were the fashionable place for ladies; the Greentree Tea Room is no disappointment, and now the millennium’s well kept secret to enjoying this bygone era. http://www.vintagetearooms.net/

The menu itself is to die-for! Click on their link to read the latest calorie splurge offered by the Master Chef. It’s well worth the indulgence! http://www.greentreetearoom.com/

And if only window-shopping, leave your checkbook behind or you’ll discover “writers-cramp” very quickly! For the ultimate temptation, visit LV Harkness and Belle Maison Antiques. Discover teacup gems and other luxury goods to drool over!
http://www.bellemaisonantiques.com/
http://www.lvharkness.com/

The discovery and introduction of tea has an interesting history.
According to legend, the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung “discovered” tea way back in 2737 BC when some tealeaves were blown by the wind into his pot of boiling water. Now, whether Emperor Shen was actually boiling water under that tea tree or not, the fact remains that tea has been a part of Chinese medical and dietary tradition for at least 1700 years. It is first mentioned in a manuscript dating to 340 CE. Sometime around 400, folks started adding other ingredients to their tea. Some popular additions were orange, ginger, spices and even onion and garlic. http://www.articlesbase.com/food-and-beverage-articles/history-in-a-tea-cup-758964.html

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Experiencing Chicago’s Cool Winds in Cincinnati

2010-02-21T20:08:00.000-08:00

After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 immediate renovation inspired a rebirth of the city and spawned architectural innovation that has withstood the test of time.
Dubbed the emerging American Exceptionalism because of the grandeur displayed during the World's Columbian Exposition — also known as The Chicago World's Fair, American industrial optimism radiated.

As the cool winds blew further south, a thumbprint of Chicago was placed on the Queen City. Architect Walter W. Ahlschlager, known for Chicago creations such as the Uptown Broadway Building, The Sheridan Plaza Hotel and The Sovereign Hotel, chose Cincinnati as the next midwest region to make his mark.

Ahlschlager was the principal architect of John J. Emery’s Carew-Netherland complex. W.W. Ahlschlager & Associates with Delano & Aldrich, Carew Tower and Netherland Plaza Hotel, 1929-1932, Fifth and Vine streets. For more than 75 years, the Carew Tower was the tallest building in Cincinnati and in southwest Ohio. http://www.architecturecincy.org/Dictionary/J.html

Carew Tower is the tallest building in Cincinnati, Ohio. It stands 49 stories tall in the heart of downtown, overlooking the Ohio River waterfront. It contains the Hilton Netherland Plaza, (formerly the Omni Netherland Plaza), a national historic landmark. Palm Court, the former lobby of the hotel, and now the restaurant, is described by the hotel as the "finest example of French Art Deco architecture in the world."http://www.search.com/reference/Carew_Tower

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/uploadedImages/Cincinnati_Magazine/Articles/Features/2009/04-APR_09/APR09_MWilson_image_08.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/WorkArea/linkit.aspx%3FLinkIdentifier%3Did%26ItemID%3D75780&usg=__aaoviMJ8DrPPxYxVOYnFvE7Y-nM=&h=335&w=340&sz=126&hl=en&start=43&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=iJcwM6kM6Qr5oM:&tbnh=117&tbnw=119&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcarew%2Btower%26start%3D36%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1

1.383 million square feet (128,000 m²) of total floor area
9 miles of brass piping
15 railroad cars full of glass
37 miles of steel piping
40 railroad cars full of stone
60 miles of floor and window molding
60 railroad cars full of lumber
4500 plumbing fixtures
5000 doors
8000 windows (upon its completion in 1931)
15000 tons of structural steel
4 million bricks in the outer structure
http://www.search.com/reference/Carew_Tower

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Amber Light

2010-02-10T21:45:00.001-08:00

The surprise of spun sugar heros an unmistakable caramel glow.
Silken strands, frozen into stiff formations mirror sculptures of ambiguous shaped birds' nests, domes or cupped bowls. But why not delight in the unexpected by creating shapes that correspond to the holidays or seasonal events.

The recent snowfall inspired my amber creation! Boiling sugar and Karo began quite a production, and soon I was drizzling molten sugar into distinctive shapes of a variety of snowflakes. Challenged by its quick return to rock-hard glass, working as the confection cooled was an amazing obstacle. Shimmering blond tendrils stretched glaciated from the pan to parchment paper. (“Expect a messy kitchen.” should be written in the fine print!)

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://z.about.com/d/candy/1/5/F/5/-/-/croquembouche.jpg&imgrefurl=http://candy.about.com/od/sugarcandy/ss/spun_sugar_sbs_6.htm&h=400&w=300&sz=79&tbnid=GH_sHPXFvrO-FM:&tbnh=124&tbnw=93&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dspun%2Bsugar&usg=__u_mKWFnGUvpXLIId1ynFqrJQIAs=&ei=MIVzS6uwOdGUtgeivJTtCQ&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=6&ct=image&ved=0CBsQ9QEwBQ

Syrup's sweet mystery is beholden only to nature. Sap crystallized overtime within the trunks of trees is amber-esque and acts as a time capsule mummifying insects from ages ago.

Amazingly, amber is fossilized tree resin and was minded for its gemstone qualities since Neolithic times.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amber

A larger than life jewel box was the gift from Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm I to Russia's Peter the Great, when amber walls were given to form the 11 ft. chamber in what is dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World". The Amber Room in Saint Petersburg once boasted an entire room made of the gemstone.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/world-history/brief_amber.html

Visit The Painted Memory and capture life's unexpected moments.
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Sweet Tooth

2009-12-29T05:19:00.001-08:00

The Sugar Bowl is calling!

At the conclusion of cheering victory after victory through a “Blazing Ring of Fire,” nights of “Black-out” and snow blitzes of “White-out” – the time has arrived for the ultimate challenge.

Destination – New Orleans – for Bearcat Fever.

With the respectable wardrobe packed of red and black, University of Cincinnati fans turn the paddleboats South and head down river to battle the Gators on the Gulf.

.

www.thepaintedmemory.com

The Greatest Gift

2009-12-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

Wow – how has another year flown by? In spite of the swirling crowds, the Nativity brings a peaceful calm and moment of reflection. The true reason why we celebrate December 25th. I am so thankful for the birth of a baby in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago.

Like my dad, a favorite Christmas song, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, gives hope for peace.

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth,” I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Historical Note: This hymn was written during the American civil war, as reflected by the sense of despair in the next to last stanza. Stanzas 4-5 speak of the battle, and are usually omitted from hymnals:

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound the carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn, the households born
Of peace on earth, good will to men
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/h/iheardtb.htm

Merry Christmas!

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Thirsty for an Artistic Creation

2009-12-23T12:32:00.000-08:00

Standing in the middle of Fountain Square, head back, entranced by the freshly falling snow – time slowed as the flakes swirled in the air. The surreal sense of being shrunk in size and dropped into a snow-globe land, newly twisted and turned breezed through my head.

Imagine a topsy-turvy world with gigantic ice crystals. Big enough to appreciate the detail of raiser sharp edges and beautiful facets.

http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/photos3/photos3.htm

A scientific based art, Kenneth Libbrecht carved a vocation out of snowflakes. He provides insight into a miniature world through photographs of snowflakes on chilled glass slides. Revealing the truth that no two are a like. Glean a taste of their beauty before melting on your tongue or sculpted into a snow-cone! The Snowflake: http://www.amazon.com/Snowflakes-Kenneth-Libbrecht/dp/0760334986

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Light Bright

2009-12-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

Much like the Pyramids of Egypt and The Great Wall of China, the one-million+ LED bulbs illuminating the Cincinnati Zoo are sure to be seen from earth’s orbit. The Festival of Lights’ almost neon-like white glow even rivals Chevy Chase’s legendary house in Christmas Vacation.

Colored Lights set to music create a theatrical ambiance at Swan Lake on the path toward the Elephant House.

Reminiscent of the Taj Mahal, the Elephant House was constructed in 1906 to pay homage to the homeland of the Vanishing Giants, and is now an historic landmark.
http://wikimapia.org/991138/Elephant-House-Cincinnati-Zoo

This architectural mastery even inspired the creation of a gingerbread version at the Houses of Hope Gingerbread Contest benefiting the Shriners Hospital.
http://www.cincyhousesofhope.com/

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden opened its doors in 1875 – making it the second oldest Zoo in the United States. Although most animals were happily inside, the American Kestrel ventured outdoors. (The most common falcon in North America.) Too dark to appreciate his beautiful detail, I was in awe of his speckles that showed up in this picture.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/lifehistory

Definitely a festive stop to add to your Christmas activities!

Merry Christmas from The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Multi-sensorial Muse

2009-12-14T20:48:00.000-08:00

A blazing ring of fire lassoing the crisp night air welcomed guests as they arrived at the Historic Resthaven Barn in Mariemont. http://www.mariemontpreservation.org/

Kudos to the 2009 Starfire Artability committee for throwing a fantastic party for such a worthy cause. The second annual Artability event raised thousands of dollars to benefit disabled teens and adults to become active members of the community – an organization like no other I’ve come across.

A priority of Starfire is to impact social isolation by
teaching individuals with disabilities skills to become part of their community.
http://www.starfirecouncil.org/

A feast for the senses! Animated belly dancers brushed by attendees as they jingled and shook. Renowned chefs delighted with food demonstrations, pairing unexpected ingredients to towering works of art. And local artists showcased their handiwork, together in support of Starfire and its new university.

The Painted Memory was honored to be included as a featured artist. Perhaps the Resthaven Barn will become part of the 2011 watercolor calendar series ;)
http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Calendar/

And if you didn’t get a good look at the aquatic baubles, Page’s latest featured item, please feel free to email and ask about unique necklaces that marry freshwater pearls with a show-stopping shell!
grey@thepaintedmemory.com

Solar Energy

2009-12-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

Winter’s clouds are setting-in. If wishing for the sun, look ahead to vacation ideas for next summer and Provence may catch your eye! This southern region of France boasts of tall, golden sunflowers throughout June and July. The French name of the plant, tournesol or turn-sun, illustrates the fact that a sunflower, when young, orients itself according to the sun, which it symbolizes.
http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/provence/provence-tourism/sunflower-field.htm

Not only are tourists drawn by the Mediterranean climates, lavender valleys and endless waves of yellow fields, cyclists hear the siren’s call too. The Tour de France course winds its way through the rugged terrain, taunting riders by the challenge of the climb up Mont Ventoux, France's highest peak between the Pyrenees and the Alps – the most famous mountain stage of the race. http://www.diversedirections.net/tour13.html

However, in the peaceful quiet of the 1880’s, Van Gogh left Holland with the desire to create an artistic community and found himself in southern France, captivated by clusters of caramel petals stretching toward the sun.
The majority of Van Gogh’s sunflower series include the life cycle of the flower. Its fluidity and organic composition depict buds, flowers in full-bloom and petals turning brown at the tip…entranced by the fragility of life, sunflowers in a vase became metaphoric. http://www.vangoghgallery.com/painting/sunflowerindex.html

http://images.google.com/images?client=safari&rls=en&q=van+gogh+sunflowers&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=WOsbS-6CO5HdlAe05bjxCQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CCIQsAQwAA

If tempted by blonde to honey-colored carpeted fields swayed by a warm breeze, discover a Sunflower Festival whose geography intrigues!

Rosenhuben, Switzerland
Music & Flowers for the past 5 years

Sunflower Festival
Prescott, Arizona

Ukrainian Sunflower Festival
Warren, Michigan, Detroit area, since late 80s

Van Gogh Sunflower Festival
Mt Hood OR
http://mountainair-online.net/Sunflower/Festivals_around_the_World.htm

Gorman Farms
Reading, Ohio
http://www.gormanfarm.org/

Capture a memory of your travels or special experiences that lasts forever this holiday season. A custom work of art is an heirloom to pass from one generation to the next. For ideas and inspiration, visit The Painted Memory.
www.thepaintedmemory.com

The Pumpkin Patch

2009-11-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

Memories come in waves, with scent being one of the most powerful influences. The distinctive smell that accompanies digging out pumpkin seeds before carving immediately take me back to childhood. Autumn is synonymous with golden leaves and the search for the ultimate pumpkin. Crooked Run Orchard in Purcellville, Virginia is your destination for a picture perfect search! http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://crookedrunorchard.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/gourdians.jpg&imgrefurl=http://crookedrunorchard.com/&usg=__R0iCpPZUSn7CCYwsm6QIFW7neBo=&h=768&w=510&sz=460&hl=en&start=14&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=nH908mdjnEkSpM:&tbnh=142&tbnw=94&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvariety%2Bof%2Bpumpkins%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26um%3D1

Sketching always precedes setting up shop with an approach as meticulous as an architect, followed by surgeon-like steady! Before you know it jack-o-lanterns set houses a glow beckoning brave visitors, while pumpkin innards are the prime ingredients to Thanksgiving’s historic desserts.

The all-American staple is Libby’s pumpkin puree. “When Pilgrims first arrived in the New World, they discovered many new things. One was the Native American's use of pumpkin. Many people associate pumpkin pie with the Pilgrims, but in actuality their first pies were not pies at all. Early Americans would scoop out a pumpkin, fill it with milk and pumpkin flesh and cook it for hours in hot ashes, often adding spices and syrup to make pudding.
Pumpkin soon became a focal point for the Pilgrims' Thanksgiving festivities, so much so that one early celebration was actually postponed until the arrival of a supply ship carrying molasses — a vital ingredient for baking the much-loved pies.
Early American cooks soon found all kinds of culinary uses for pumpkin. This golden fruit of the vine found its way into breads, puddings and sauces. Settlers would also dry out slices of pumpkin and store them for later when the snow was high and food was scarce. Pumpkin still remains a staple in America's kitchens even to this day.” http://www.verybestbaking.com/products/libbys/history.aspx

Whether you’re using pumpkins and gourds as your centerpiece or for pumpkin bread and pies, they are merely accessories to the purpose for gathering. We are so fortunate to have celebrated Thanksgiving in America and enjoy the freedoms on which our country was founded.

Thanks for following www.thepaintedmemory blog!

Birthday Bubbly

2009-11-22T17:49:00.000-08:00

Birthdays crave the excuse to pop the champagne and celebrate. I love the idea of creating a customized card. Inspiration is never hard to come by! Quirky personalities, hobbies, and a milestone year are the perfect recipes for witty lines or unexpected delight visualized by a wash of color.

In the hustle of today’s busy schedule, the art of present wrapping seems nearly to have been lost. A beautifully packaged gift not only demonstrates you’ve taken the time to create something special, but it also begs to be unwrapped!

Detail is King. Ribbon makes all the difference. Even the plainest of papers become elegant, electric, or country-chic when dressed with a gross-grain, plaid, picot or dupioni silk tie. The accent of something natural sparks a multi-sensorial flair. It immediately makes the gift that much more tactile and impressive. A fresh sprig of greenery, a cluster of wheat sheaths, a twig of barriers, or dainty flower dimensionalizes the package – almost haloing it with a glow!

Even a small box wrapped with black & white polka dot paper plus an ivory & ebony plaid bow evokes simple sophistication with the inclusion of a white daisy with yellow center.

Carolyne Roehm is the queen of exquisite gift-wrapping, and surprises her readers with unexpected combinations of materials. When packaged together, they are a work of art!
http://www.carolyneroehm.com/books/book-presentations.php

In Cincinnati, we have no shortage of unique ribbons thanks to Margot Madison Creative Stationery on Madison Road in O'Bryonville. Margot’s fantastic taste in style and variety of ribbon will set your packages apart from the crowd the next time you wrap a gift. She also offers an incredible range of cards and stationery available as custom designs as well. Be sure to visit Margot Madison this holiday season. You’ll be surprised how much you now enjoy the wrapping as much as the giving!
http://www.margotmadisonstationery.com/

Give a memory that lasts forever this holiday season. A custom work of art is an heirloom to pass from one generation to the next. For ideas and inspiration, visit The Painted Memory.
www.thepaintedmemory.com

2010 Calendars - HOT OFF THE PRESS!

2009-11-22T15:38:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to feature newly painted watercolor scenes of some of Cincinnati's favorite sites and activities. They're the perfect host gift, stocking-stuffer, and treat for yourself.

The calendars are 5"x7" and include an acrylic frame for $26. Bring a splash of color to your desk or mail a reminder of home to an out of town friend.

They are perfect for the holidays! Please send me an email if you're interested. grey@thepaintedmemory.com
http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Contact-Me/

Happy Thanksgiving!
Grey

Keeneland Calling

2009-11-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

The hint of color atop the trees and at the fingertips of each branch lining I-71 is a tease of Fall’s arrival. October marks a horse themed month! A packed Land Rover filled to capacity with tailgating provisions kicked off our journey south of the Mason Dixon Line – destination, Keeneland with “Kitt” guiding each turn thanks to Knight Rider GPS ;)
http://www.keeneland.com/default.aspx

After passing through the puzzle-pieced stonewall of the Keeneland entrance and a parking spot claimed, spirits began to flow. I’m now requesting a showdown with Giada (http://www.giadadelaurentiis.com/) and believe even Carolyne Roehm (http://www.carolyneroehm.com/index.php) would have given her nod of approval to the considered details of the Autumn spread.

With a final toast to the winning bets soon to be placed, friendly banter based on faux rationale defending horse selections, and the echo of the opening race trumpets, persuaded our attention to investigate the favored horses from the paddock view. What a treat to be invited into the inner circle of the paddock fence and appreciate the beauty of such a magnificent breed merely inches away. (Thank you, Sarah!) This was definitely the highlight.

From a distance, a fellow painter caught my attention. A gentleman whose hands were smeared with oils, and brush busily filled-in a semi-blank canvas entranced me. Passersby transformed into blurred and quiet serenity as his talent transfixed me.

Soon the spell was broken. The deep saturation of jockey silks gliding by on horseback led us to various bets and shouts of celebration with each turf and dirt race. Our eyes glued to the finish line!

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Hyde Park Living - Spotlight Editorial

2009-11-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you Hyde Park Living for the complimentary editorial in the October Issue! Such a thrill to be featured and thanks to all for your notes and calls of enthusiasm. http://www.livingmagazines.com/hyde_park_living.htm

Be on the lookout for 2010 Cincinnati Calendars soon to be available! Special watercolors of your favorite spots, perfect for your desk or as a gift.

www.thepaintedmemory.com

Dog & Pony Show

2009-11-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

Velvety, moss-colored hills bordered with rustic wooden fencing paralleled the road toward what felt like an imaginative land tucked behind an unassuming cluster of stately homes. It was like traveling through a veil, hopping from a world of tricycles and tee-ball to the high class Camargo Hunter Trials. At the entrance stood the most breathtaking pony to greet us – milk white with chocolate splotches and crystal-clear periwinkle eyes. I stopped in my tracks. Her quiet beauty was like none I had ever seen.

The enchantment of horse and hound on a fox chase across a course with creatively arranged hurtles, hedges and ponds took on the essence of an impressionistic painting as the red coats bounded by.
In America, fox hunting is also called 'fox chasing,' as the purpose is not to actually kill the animal but to enjoy the thrill of the chase. A hunt is led by a Master of Foxhounds and may go without a kill for several years, despite chasing two or more foxes in a single day's hunting. As a rule, foxes are not pursued once they have 'gone to ground. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fox_hunting
http://blog.poplargrovecharleston.com/?p=47

Eager guests include neighbors and dogs, all intently transfixed on the athleticism of the participants. At a further glance, dotting the ring, enthusiastic tailgaters cheer and peddlers display their equestrian-type baubles and finds in great variety.

Wishing I had my easel and paints, I snapped pictures to capture the scene and translate to canvas. The goal being, to soon add a horse portrait to my pet gallery. http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Pet/

The Bees' Buzz

2009-10-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

The countryside's rhythm is supported by the subtle hum of bees' merriment as they flower-hop, collecting nectar. Their dance continues on a second trip from the hive, this time collecting pollen. With the transfer of contents between field bees and hive bees taking place in a collection of hexagonal wax cells, temperatures rise, and the warmed air moves as the honeybees' wings flutter...soon to be transformed into liquid gold. The cool, sweet glisten of glowing honey. What a satisfying delight it brings when drizzled atop a homemade biscuit.
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4567036_bees-turn-pollen-honey.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeycomb
http://www.beeswaxco.com/howbeesMakeHoney.htm

Soaking in the beauty of La Cienega Boulevard, an enticing breeze caught my attention. Sweet aromas were magnetic and drew me into a California confectioner's sanctuary. The Tiffany Blue interior and lush chocolate trim put one in the mood for buying and sampling! Pastels in luminescent color were like tinsel to a cardinal. Over stimulation of the senses brought many squeals of excitement. If in the area, you must take a detour to Boule Pastry Shop!!!
http://www.yellowbot.com/boule-pastry-shop-los-angeles-ca-1.html

As my finger followed the curved glass of the ice cream freezer-display, my eyes widened when reading, "Roquefort & Honey Holiday". This delicious balance of the unexpected was persuading enough to hypnotically lead me to place an order. An experience to be branded into one's memory from everything including the clean and fresh ambiance, the old world charm of Parisian baskets and baguettes, to unique gelato flavors only to be rivaled by Cincinnati's own, Madisono's Gelato. Matt Madison’s must try flavors include Lemon Basil, Bananas Foster (special for Nada atop chocolate soufflé) and even the Grapefruit sorbet which Nada has inventively added to their homemade grapefruit margarita laying a foam kiss as it melts, which is to die for! http://www.madisonogelato.com/

The Painted Memory interprets fond photographs as custom watercolors. An artistic impression of your adventures immortalized.
Visit http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Lifestyle/

Cinematic Symphony

2009-10-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

A visit to the opening night of Cincinnati’s Symphony series drew magnetic crowds to the 1878 burnt-red brick historic landmark, Music Hall. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_Hall_(Cincinnati)

All ages flooded through the doors of a sold-out production as the lights flashed and chimes sounded the arrival of piano talent, Lang Lang, to the stage. Hailed the “hottest artist on the classical music planet” by the New York Times.
http://www.langlang.com/us/biography

At age 3, Lang Lang began tickling the ivories. Natural ability propelled a skyrocketing career. And now, 24 years later, Lang Lang’s resume commands the respect of international dignitaries, maestros of renowned Philharmonic Orchestras across the globe, and jazz greats such as Herbie Hancock. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MQYhHpqD_A

As the evening evolved, his emotive expression gave feeling to each note. A rhythmic rainbow swirled from the piano cords captivating all in a melodic trance. With a crowd over 3,500 on its feet, cheering an encore performance worthy of Beethoven’s pride, the pop of champagne echoed through the halls calling all to celebrate.

The “Afterburn” party fueled excitement of mad chaos, glasses clinking and toes tapping to the beat of a great band. Reflections of a sensory explosion left attendees with a glazed smile at its conclusion.

The Painted Memory
www.thepaintedmemory.com

Artists of Agriculture

2009-09-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

As the earth warms after Winter’s solemn frost breaks, new life comes forth from hibernation pushing north through the cool ground towards solar goodness. Farmers from all stretches of the nation work harmoniously with till to soil, in an effort to nurture nutrition and offer their freshest produce to neighbors and friends.

America’s quilt is rich in history of cultivated goods for trade. Even beyond our coastlines, this notion of a Farmers’ Market is known as a traditional “mercado” in the Peruvian Andes and much farther east to Asian streets agronomist have gathered weekly for centuries to barter and sell produce directly to the public.
www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/

Receiving reenergized popularity in Los Angeles in 1969 invigorated seeds of this idea to be transplanted to big and small towns across our patchwork horizon.

Cincinnati’s valleys hold treasures of many varieties; German inspired Over-the-Rhine district is a particular gem that sparkles like no other. The neighborhood's distinctive name comes from its builders and early residents, German immigrants, many of whom made a daily trek across bridges over the Miami and Erie Canal which separated the area from downtown Cincinnati. The canal was referred to as "the Rhine" in reference to the Rhine River in Germany. So if one needed to go to the German part of town he or she would need to cross "Over the Rhine."
Over-the-Rhine, sometimes shortened to OTR, is believed to be the largest, most intact urban historic district in the United States. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over-the-Rhine
It is within this fold of downtown, where Findlay Market set root as founder General James Findlay brought to life his vision in 1793. As it stands today, Findlay Market is the only surviving municipal market house of the nine public markets operating in Cincinnati in the 19th and early 20th century. http://www.findlaymarket.org/findlay_market_history.htm

It’s hard for me to go anywhere and not want to set up my easel and get lost in a wash of color. Adding a Farmers’ Market location to your wedding map through The Painted Memory (http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Wedding-and-Honeymoon/Wedding-Maps/) gives a taste of the local beat and supports America’s entrepreneurial and resourceful backbone.

Hail To The Heros

2009-09-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

Let us never forget the lives that were sacrificed on 9-11. Amazing how time has passed and 8 years have lapsed. Having traveled to NYC a handful of months after the devastation, I was in awe of the sobering pit left behind. A lump rose in my throat as I turned to thank a row of fireman for their bravery.

I pray for the children who have grown up without a parent because of terrorist attacks on American soil. And the men and women who faithfully and courageously serve our country, fighting to defend our freedom and liberate those supressed across the globe.

We are a blessed nation. We enjoy freedom that came at a cost. Join me in honoring our troops, firefighters, and police on this day.

Tennis Trist

2009-09-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

The pop and ping of freshly opened tennis balls bouncing off racquets floats into my head on summer mornings. I can remember waking with a smile as the repetition of back and forth play next door at the Glendale Lyceum permeated the air. (http://www.glendalelyceum.com/) A hypnotic echo of felt covered rubber rhythmically penetrating clay is magnetic to me. Tennis has been a love for as long as I can remember. It’s as though forehands and backhands have been hardwired into my DNA.

With High School graduation came a surprise, a destination of discovery that was my choice. Newport, Rhode Island quickly rose to the top knowing the International Tennis Hall of Fame is home to the legends of tennis (http://www.tennisfame.com/index.aspx ).The museum built in 1880 showcases the history and legacy of the game, as its walls’ hero tennis icons.

Tennis originated from a 12th century French game called paume (meaning palm); it was a court game where the ball was struck with the hand. Paume evolved into jeu de paume and rackets were used. The game spread and evolved in Europe. In 1873, Major Walter Wingfield invented a game called Sphairistikè (Greek for "playing ball) from which modern outdoor tennis evolved. http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bltenns.htm

With the industrial revolution freeing up fortunes and leisure time through the 1870's into the 1880's, resorts of the Victorian era were a natural nesting place for the growth of the game. National championships were cropping up and attracting regulars. The upper class social scene was throwing decadent parties, giving them all a reason to return season after season and play. Soon there were enough challenging players in various regions of a growing number of countries to establish a level of skill that improved from one innovation to the next. http://www.driftwaycollection.com/history_intro.html
The conclusion of the museum drops you onto the edge of paradise.
Fine blades of grass manicured to perfection, newly painted lines, and the early rising sun casting its glow through the lattice of netting neatly hammered into opposite ends of each court seemed endless as though a kaleidoscope were being twisted before me.

Grass courts are the fastest type of courts in common use. They consist of grass grown on very hard-packed soil, similar to golf greens, which adds an additional variable: bounces depend on how healthy the grass is, how recently it has been mown, and the wear and tear of recent play. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_court
While some travel the country enjoying an all-American game at Fenway Park or Lambeau Field, I experience a similar magnetism when it comes to tennis.

It’s not often one comes across red-clay courts in the States; so stumbling upon this ruddy vermilion in Capri was like a natural high!
Red clay can be natural or, as at the French Open, made of crushed brick mixed with rubber and other materials. Clay courts slow down the ball and produce a high bounce[citation needed] when compared to grass courts or hard courts. This is because clay courts have more grab and when the ball lands there is more friction pushing against the ball's horizontal path, therefore slowing it and creating a higher bounce. For this reason, the clay court takes away some advantage of big serves, which makes it hard for serve-based players to dominate on the surface. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_court) www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Clay_court

Cincinnati’s heart beats strong in August when the ATP Tennis Masters series arrives at our door. The privilege of entering the grounds is like Christmas morning, and taking a seat when match play begins is better than opening presents.

If you’ve traveled to Flushing Meadows for the US Open or have found yourself on a vacation tennis court, immortalize this memory with a custom watercolor painting from The Painted Memory as a treasured keepsake. http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Vacation/

Irresistible Ice Cream

2009-08-26T20:32:00.001-07:00

Birthday confetti announces a decorative cake is sure to be savored. And this delicious confection is not complete without a scoop of ice cream along side, whose line blurs as the cream absorbs into a dense chocolate layer.

Why can’t wedding cakes be accompanied by such a delight? It isn’t uncommon to be served a multi-tier liqueur-saturated slice adorned with a tartlet, macaroon or petaled flower. Close your eyes and envision the most beautiful raspberry or orchid, then imagine it as a frozen piece of edible art! St. Clair (http://www.stclairicecream.com/) has mastered such molded ice creations that shine with a hand painted glaze, and make your wedding cake presentation complete.

Long before the two were paired, ice cream commanded its own stage in the limelight. Frosted cream boasting of a multitude of flavors, traces back to the rule of Emperor Nero of Rome (A.D. 37-68). He ordered ice be retrieved from the Italian Alps, an innovative mix of snow and nectar, plus fruit pulp and honey became his served dessert for honored guests.

Credit for pouring milk into the saccharine concoction is given to King Tang (A.D. 618-97) of Shang, China. And history was made as the mark of prestigious high fashion in Italian and French royal courts was not the icing on the cake, but a perfectly poised pedestal with frost rimmed glass, heroing a dollop of ice cream. http://inventors.about.com/od/foodrelatedinventions/a/ice_cream.htm

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson may have begun America’s introduction to ice cream, but today it is a mark of entrepreneurial originality with unique variation of ingredients and preparation illustrating the spirit of each small town.

Cincinnati rivals the very definition of ice cream with our local churn.
• Graeter's ice cream is made in a French pot process. The ice cream mix is placed into a chilled, spinning French pot. As the liquid freezes, a worker scrapes down the sides of the pot with a blade. For flavors that include chocolate chips, liquid chocolate is poured into the pot, and freezes into a thin shell on top of the ice cream. A worker uses a blade to break up this shell and mix it into the ice cream, resulting in Graeter's' famous huge dark chocolate chips. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graeter's
• Aglamesi's Brothers premium ice creams have been made with fresh cream, sugar, milk, honey and eggs, using old world recipes developed by the Aglamesi brothers in 1908. http://rodeo.cincinnati.com/ent2/entity.aspx?e=180624
• United Dairy Farmers Homemade Brand, founded over 20 years ago, offers a thicker, more buttery ice cream than the regular UDF brand, and has the finest Cookies & Cream you'll find. http://cincinnati.citysearch.com/profile/8159372/cincinnati_oh/united_dairy_farmers.html#profileTab-reviews
• Madisono’s Gelato ….but Italian ice is another topic for a future blog! http://www.madisonogelato.com/

It’s not unusual to look over your shoulder and see a friend or two gathered on the eastern hilltop of Ault Park (http://www.aultparkac.org/ ). Settling into the lush grass, watching airplanes silently glide to a peaceful landing in the distance at Lunken airport, (http://www.skygalley.com/history.html ) while entranced by each delicious lick of ice cream.

If seaside ice cream destinations are a favorite past time, or a present tradition with your family, capture this memory with a watercolor painting from The Painted Memory (www.thepaintedmemory.com ), an essence of your lifestyle that should never be forgotten! http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Lifestyle/

Outside Oasis

2009-08-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

What better way to enjoy pixie dust dancing, nearly suspended in the evening air than through the thin rice paper of Chinese lanterns. Outdoor entertaining becomes magical when its ambiance is cast with glowing warmth.

It’s not surprising, party entertaining and weddings now shimmer with such adornments as Chinese lanterns in an array of luscious sorbets. More recently, these paper luminaries have enjoyed increasing popularity.

Dating back to 230BC, scribes document early creations of paper lanterns in China, which made their impression on history when gathered in honor of the first full moon of the new year. This celebration became known as the Chinese Lantern Festival. Typically fastened to young bamboo, the decorative, hand painted oiled paper, gauze or silk fabric is assembled to the spherical scaffolding which holds a votive. The Chinese lantern symbolizes long life, and is the cat’s meow for good fortune.

Color and placement of these lanterns is very choiceful in China. They represent wires of communication to neighbors and the outside world. Shades of red announce vitality and energy, and if dangled over the threshold birth or marriage is publicized to passersby.
http://www.chinatownhi.com/?q=node/18’

When the Chinese Empire was divided into warring kingdoms during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD220) each military relied upon Chinese lanterns for strategic correspondence. Zhu Geliang quickly rose in power after establishing a warning system by way of the custom design on the lantern itself to neighboring ally communities.

Chinese tradition enthusiastically survives as scripted riddles glow forth on the lantern screen and decorators from across the globe appreciate their voguish.

Whether you’re embellishing an affair with Chinese lanterns, enjoy your favorite picture of the event as a whimsical watercolor painting from The Painted Memory, (http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Lifestyle/) or the beauty of hand calligraphy, inked in gold on rice paper envelopes. Visit http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Calligraphy/

Creative Cottaging

2009-08-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

Lost among 30,000 islands and never wanting to come home!

Recently back from a week's vacation with my family in Canada's Georgian Bay, cottaging in Pointe au Baril.

And to think, it all began in the early 1900s when my great-grandparents traveled North by steamer and came across the most majestic cluster of islands, smooth and rough granite rocks popping up across Lake Huron's glass surface. Each island dotting the skyline silhouetted in windblown pine trees as far as the eye could see. Immediately they fell in love, an island was claimed and generations later, family members still travel many miles north just for a brief encounter with paradise.

Pointe au Baril was named after the barrel on the point that originally (1870s) marked the treacherous entry to the main channel from the open water of Georgian Bay. As the story goes, early fur traders from Penetanguishene lost a canoe near the point. Their canoe included a barrel of whiskey that was found by stranded traders the next spring. After a drinking spree the barrel was left on the point as a beacon. French mariners were soon calling it Pointe au Baril.

(http://www.thepaintedmemory.com)

My parents have continued this vacation tradition with my sister, brother and me. And this year after crossing the Ambassador Bridge, we were dowsed by a rainstorm revealing a vibrant rainbow reaching across the sky, hugging what seemed to be opposite ends of the globe.

Yahoo Answers indicates: Rainbows are formed because of the process of bending light known as Refraction. Different colors of light bend at different angles when they refract. When light from the sun enters a droplet of rain, it refracts a tiny bit causing the colors of light to spread apart, the light then bounces, or reflects, off of the back of the droplet and refracts once again as it leave the droplet on the same side it entered. By the time the light reaches your eyes the refraction is so noticeable that you see all the colors of sunlight spread apart - creating a Rainbow
Source(s):
http://eo.ucar.edu/rainbows/
http://science.howstuffworks.com/rainbow1.htm
answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=1005120300016

Every time I see a rainbow in the sky, I'm reminded of God's tenderness and love. Genesis chapters 6-9 document the story of the great flood and Noah's faith in God and obedience to build an ark. God was saddened because the earth was corrupt and filled with violence. He opened the floodgates of the sky for forty days and forty nights. After the earth was cleansed and the waters receded, God painted a rainbow in the sky as an everlasting covenant with man and every single living creature that never again should there be a flood to destroy the earth.

The beauty of a rainbow and the Georgian Bay setting is like no other. Every August, I am still amazed by the peaceful glory of Ontario's untouched natural wonder. The boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and exploration from island to island (what we like to call "Island Hopping") are the adventure and renewal I work all year-round to experience!

Nature's color pallets are absolutely stunning, the perfectly refreshing getaway for an artist, and stimulation for the wedding maps section of The Painted Memory. http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Wedding-and-Honeymoon/Wedding-Maps/
The countdown has already begun till next summer arrives and daydreaming of Pointe au Baril begins!

Southern Chic

2009-08-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

With Atlanta being a hotbed for interior design and exuding such welcoming southern graces, I headed down in search of wonderful things.

From Miami Circle to Lamp Arts (http://www.lampartsinc.com/) and Boxwoods (http://www.boxwoodsonline.com/), enjoy sensorial overload!!! Then be sure to visit Lush Life (http://www.lushlifehomegarden.com/) and Erika Reade (http://www.erikareade.com/). And end your day at Piece of Cake (http://www.pieceofcakeinc.com/) for a sweet treat.

Host city of one of the countries biggest apparel marts, my sister and mom (fellow design consultants!), and I browsed for the latest trends and fashions, which might compliment The Painted Memory (http://www.thepaintedmemory.com). My sister, Page, has an eye for mixing and matching unusual things which have unexpected allure. In no time at all, she had arranged natural stone baubles into stunning necklaces. The latest featured necklace within the jewelry accessories (http://www.thepaintedmemory.com/Jewelry/Kiss-of-Maple.shtml is the hand selected African Opal. Each individual stone measures about two-inches in length, and is flat with beautifully polished facets highlighting the deep caramel and cream colored veins that run throughout. An absolute ‘must have’ for Fall! “Kiss of Maple” is only available for a limited time. Enjoy with casual sweaters or simple elegance, your perfect Fall accessory.

(http://www.thepaintedmemory.com)

Allure of Queen Anne's Lace

2009-08-07T13:39:00.000-07:00

I love summertime and one of its many glorious signals is Queen Anne’s Lace. One can’t help but appreciate its delicate, tiny white petals that make up clusters of miniature flowers to form the broader shape from a distance.

A few weekends ago, it was a cool, overcast day in Cincinnati, so we hit the road and headed to Williamstown Lake in Kentucky for The Painted Memory inspiration.(http://www.thepaintedmemory.com) Here I was captivated by watching the wind dance through a field of Queen Anne’s lace as horses grazed nearby. It was so enchanting that you didn’t even miss the sun!

THE MEANING & SYMBOLISM OF QUEEN ANNES LACE
Legend has it that Queen Anne, the wife of King James I, was challenged by her friends to create lace as beautiful as a flower. While making the lace, she pricked her finger, and it’s said that the purple-red flower in the center of Queen Anne’s Lace represents a droplet of her blood. Also called Wild Carrot (since Queen Anne’s Lace is the wild progenitor of today’s carrot), Bishop’s Lace or Bird’s Nest (for the nest-like appearance of the bright white and rounded flower in full bloom), in the language of flowers, Queen Anne’s Lace represents sanctuary.
(http://www.teleflora.com/about-flowers/queen-anns-lace.asp)
Lace is an essential accessory of the wedding day. It adorns nearly every bridal gown in some form or fashion, but even if it is not present on her dress or veil, it’s sure to be found on the garter, hidden underneath petticoats!

Recently, my sister and I found ourselves lost in a bye-gone era. We were very quickly whisked away to another time as we looked through our grandmother’s clothes. Among the long, flower patterned dresses, tea-length silk shifts, and feather bob-hats, we discovered a box noticeably older than the rest. When we removed its lid, we were in awe of discovering amazingly ornate lace from the late 1800’s. The handcrafted detailing was unbelievable. I can’t even imagine the hours dedicated to creating such perfection!

This quickly reminded me of my travels to Europe when I studied at the Miami University Dolibois European Centre, Luxembourg campus.
(http://www.units.muohio.edu/luxembourg/)
A weekend jaunt took my friend, Christine, and me to the pristine town of Brugge, Belgium. Not yet touched by tourism, it was here that we stumbled upon the original Lace Museum.

The origin of lace is difficult to locate in both time and place. Some authors assume that the manufacturing of lace started during Ancient Rome, based on the discovery of small bone cylinders in the shape of bobbins. The Middle-Ages is a period of history where little is known about the manufacture of lace. For firm evidence we have to look back to the fifteenth century when Charles the Fifth decreed that lace making was to be taught in the schools and convents of the Belgian provinces. During this period of renaissance and enlightenment, the making of lace was firmly based within the domain of fashion. To be precise, it was designed to replace embroidery in a manner that could with ease transform dresses to follow different styles of fashion.

Since these earlier times, many styles and techniques of lace-making have been developed, almost all of them in the Belgian provinces, which thus deserve to be named the cradle of lace. Today, two main techniques are practiced in the Flemish provinces of Belgium. The first, a needle lace, is still manufactured in the region of Aalst. It is called Renaissance or Brussels lace because it is mostly sold in Brussels. The second type, the Bobbin Lace, is a specialty of Brugge, a magnificent city located in the west of Belgium.
(http://www.trabel.com/belgium-lace-history.htm)

If you ever find yourself in Belgium, be sure to take a detour to Brugge. It has the charm of what one thinks of as the quintessential European town. And be sure to indulge in a genuine Belgium waffle! With your first bite, your taste buds will be in heaven as you savor each nugget of crystallized sugar cane folded into the center. Mmmm, I can still taste it when I close my eyes!

The High-Fashion Bride, Original Inspiration

2009-07-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

I have always loved beautiful things and the thoughtfulness of each choicefully made detail. Just flipping through wedding magazines, it is amazing how many options a bride has when creating what will make her perfect day.

My inspiration to paint wedding day bliss and develop www.thepaintedmemory.com was spawned by the bridal gown! Hearing a bride talk about her selected dress and all the beautiful embellishments from lace, to pearls, sequins and satin sashes, it is as though the dress itself mirrors the bride’s personality and her desired tone for the wedding day. I love when a bride says, “...wearing my dress was my very favorite part of the whole wedding”.

After hearing many newlywed gals say this very same thing, and a big nudge of encouragement from my sister, Page, I began painting a handful of friends’ dresses in watercolor as a whimsical keepsake, thus beginning my new adventure.(http://www.thepaintedmemory.com)

Once the gown is worn, it is swept away to be cleaned and boxed up for years before maybe it’s reopened for an inquisitive daughter to see and enjoy. I thought it would be such fun to create a wedding series of not only the dress, but the bouquet and church or gardens where a bride is married in hopes that she would gain as much pleasure from seeing them hang above her vanity as she did living such a magical day.

In the process of all my wedding research, I came across the most interesting facts on (http://www.eee.typepad.com)
Who knew that being a bride is almost equal to a full-time job!
* Once engaged, brides-to-be spend over 30 hours a week planning for the “Big Day,” practically as many hours as an average work week
* The wedding dress is the number one most researched item among brides-to-be
* The average wedding dress cost is $1,075, which is less than a 2% increase since 2006, when the average cost was $1,056
* 86% of brides make sure to wear something old, new, borrowed and blue

With this in mind, I see a new trend on the horizon... a watercolor painting of your dress as being a fresh twist to the familiar, framed wedding invitation!

Thank you for visiting my blog; I hope you’ll stop back for future updates, or visit The Painted Memory on Facebook!

(http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Painted-Memory)

Discovering Creativity in Chicago!

2009-06-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I went on the road in search of inspiration, and found myself at the Old Town Art Fair in Chicago with a couple of girlfriends from college. What a fantastic event worth putting on your calendar for next summer! Aside from dodging raindrops, we saw the most interesting variety and range of artistic talent featuring blown glass, sculpture, photography, ceramics, painting and more.

Along the way, I was soon at a stand-still when my eyes caught sight of the impressionistic oil paintings of Eddie Corkery (www.eddiecorkery.com ). His style is a magical balance of loose brush strokes with just the right shadowing and highlights. It takes great skill to master "not over working a painting" and just letting one's eyes connect the colors and fill-in the image. I'm excited to begin populating my "Baby & Child" page on www.thepaintedmemory.com with watercolor paintings that embrace a similar style and oils that make the canvas glow!

The legendary Old Town Art Fair celebrated it's 60th year, featuring 260 nationally acclaimed artists. There was such great energy and visual stimulation for over 50,000 visitors to enjoy. (http://www.oldtowntriangle.com/fair/general_information/index.html)

One aspect of the Art Fair Svea, Christine and I were most taken with were the charming "Gallery of Gardens". Urban home owners opened their doors and garden gates for art lovers to stroll through at their leisure. With such intrigue we wandered through small brick, slate, or gravel walkways and miniature patios where colorful flowers lined their border and boasted of the warm weather that had finally arrived in the Windy City!

What fun memories, and diverse inspiration. Please stop back for future updates featuring the world of design that is all around us!

Please visit my Facebook page and share comments! (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Painted-Memory)

December Wedding Bliss

2009-06-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

Painting a winter bouquet for my friend, Page, was such fun. I loved all the details of her special day, and capturing the whimsy of her dress and church made for the perfect wedding series.