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Saturday, August 1, 2009

Cottages & Bungalows

Welcome, I am so glad that you stopped by. Recently I received an e-mail from Hillary Black, editor of Cottages & Bungalows magazine regarding my "Summer Breezes" painting. She felt my art would fit in with the Summer Cottage theme of the magazine's Retro Shopping column. Needless to say I was thrilled that my painting was featured on the retro shopping pages along with other delightful and colorful art.











Summer Breezes



I thought it would be fun to share with you the inspirations behind the summer painting . Pour a cool glass of lemonade and come along with me and Bentley, my helpful studio assistant, as we look for summer inspirations.


Finding Inspiration . . . .




Bentley




I am often inspired by my surroundings and every day objects that I live with.





Here . . . . .





Nothing says summer more than a flag blowing in the breeze.



There . . .





Climbing Red Roses





Looks like Bentley found sunflowers to show you.




Everywhere . . . .






My garden hats show up in most of my paintings.








I call this garden hat my "Scarlet O'Hara" hat as it has such a floppy brim. This is the one in the "Summer Breezes" painting.



My very favorite summer inspiration is the painting my aunt, Maureen Riley, painted in 1945 of my grandparents beach cottage in North Carolina where my family spent our summers. The house had big wrap around porches and a yard that went down to the water where we swam, fished, and water skied. Aunt Maureen's painting was painted right after the cottage was built. Later my Grandmother, who was an avid gardener, planted flowers and rose bushes in the front yard.


Thank you for stopping by. I love hearing from you and sincerely appreciate that you have taken the time to follow my blog and leave me a comment. Please let me know if you have questions or would like to see me paint something special. Have a lovely week. Blessings, Erin

12 comments:

Patty's Stitches said...

Congratulations! I adore your work.
Blessings,
Patty

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Oh, Erin...how exciting! I can't wait to pick up a magazine! I'm so proud of you and happy! You paint such beautiful colorful paintings! Everything is so alive and happy! And you are so generous to share your techniques with all of us! Thank you!

kathi said...

Congratulations on the publication!
That painting is one of my favorites!
Your yard is very inspiring - so many pretty blossoms and bright colors!

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

OH~~~ I'm so excited for you. Your paintings are beautiful and people do need to see them.
Have a wonderful day,
Ginger

Stacey said...

Erin, congratulations! Your paintings are so beautiful you definitely deserve to be front and center in a magazine!

Unknown said...

Oh, congratulations on being featured in the magazine. I am not surprised. Your work is gorgeous. I love the vibrant colors and this summer breezes is especially lovely.

Karen

Anonymous said...

Erin,

How wonderful that more people can see your fabulous art. The summer painting makes me was to go to the beach for a vacation.
Love ya,
Jane

Phyllis said...

Hey Erin,

I haven't visited in a while :(

Congratulations for being published in yet another magazine! And thanks for the lavender tutorial; I appreciate all of them very much.

Ruth Welter said...

Congratulations to you Erin...that is so exciting...

Ruth

Daisy Cottage said...

Oh Erin!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
That is wonderful! Woohoo!
Sooo happy for you!

Please give Bentley a hug from me and Maggie and I really had the BEST time catching up with you here today - everything, as always, is as lovely as ever and simply BEAUTIFUL.

Love,
Kim

Debbie Petras said...

I absolutely LOVE your paintings. I've been to Monet's home in Giverney and love impressionist style of painting. You capture such moments on canvas that bring a smile to my face. And I always love that Erin. Thank you.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Congratulations! What an honor. Oh that beach cottage looks like such a wonderful place to spend time. laurie