An Artful Weekend // Tobias Tovera

Lately I've been inspired by the layering and transparent qualities of watercolor. Artist Tobias Tovera has a whole body of work exploring these exact properties. His 'diffusion of pigment' series explores tonal hues moving organically in and out of each other. I love the raw and rough edges juxtaposing the soft washes of greens and blues..

Hope you're having an inspired weekend..Enjoy!

An Artful Weekend: Galaxy Eyes

Happy Sunday! I'm off to Los Angeles today to help open our brand new Santa Monica Free People and I can't wait to be beach-side. There is just something about salt water, sand and clear blue skies that is just good for the soul. These gorgeous prints from Galaxy Eyes are like a little dose of that for your wall...

 

 

I hope your weekend was full of blue skies, or whatever your version of that may be...Enjoy!

 

 



Love it / Live it: Serenity NOW

Happy Friday everyone! I've had quite a bit on my plate lately and some new endeavors in the works and while it is all exhilerating, there is a lot of anxiety and anticipation that goes along with it. So before I loose any more sleep wondering about the what-ifs of every situation, I'm going to take a moment to put the breaks on a little bit and find some serenity ASAP...

This dreamy painting by Alison Yip is just what the doctored ordered today. Soft ocean blues in sky blending into horizon with just a touch of movement, and of course a chair to match...enjoy!

Art + Interiors: Everyday Beauty [Paul Cezanne]

"We are all given 24 hours a day. It's the only fair thing; it's the only thing that's equal. It's up to us to determine what we do with those 24 hours. We can waste them, or we can choose to consistently fill them with good."

I sincerely believe that every day is a gift but we all know that with work, school, homework, commutes, or even when we just didn't get enough sleep, loving life can be a challenge. For me the work of Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne is a colorful reminder that beauty is everywhere and that everyday is what you make of it.

"Genius is the ability to renew one's emotions in daily experience"

-Paul Cezanne

"For an Impressionist to paint from Nature is not to paint the subject but to realize sensations" -Paul Cezanne

From top left, end table Arteriors, Wallpaper Architonic.com, vases Mermaid Hut, chair Arteriors, wallpaper Graham & Brown , end table Arteriors, chest Four Hands, chair CB2

This look is complete eclectic indulgence. I simply collected pieces that attracted me in a palette that energizes me. I love pulling from the hues of nature and turning up the volume a bit. The repetition of circles and squares ties the mix of pieces together for a look that is fun, lively and completely unique. Just what I need today for a little attitude adjustment :) Hope you enjoy!

Guest Post: Fluid Tranquility [Destiny Womack]

 Hello there!  It’s Amy from strataflora and I’m so excited and honored to be doing a guest post over here at Love the Daylight!  As a fellow art/design/nature enthusiast, I love Laura’s approach to design – fusing all the worlds together for a unique, rich, cultured look.  I live by the same method, soaking up inspiration from my surroundings, whether it is in the form of art, fashion, nature or people.  There are so many beautiful things to take in and appreciate everyday, and I love sharing them with my readers…and now you!




I came across these gorgeous paintings by artist Destiny Womack and promptly fell in love with the vivid colors and unique marbled look.  The dreamy, flowing textures created by the complex layers of color almost remind me of an oil slick on a rainy day.  Her paintings have a rare duality; they are tranquil yet energetic, static yet fluid…it’s a special quality that really draws you in. 

1.) Rainbow Abalone Mirror – motherofpearl-tiles.co.uk/MotherofPearlCraftItems.aspx 2.) Wegner Wishbone Chair – www.roomandboard.com 3.) Teso Table – http://hivemodern.com  4.) Daum Crystal Peacock Figurine www.neimanmarcus.com 5.) Purple Brick Votive Holder –http://www.neimanmarcus.com 6.) Veli Ceiling Light – www.ylighting.com
7.) Platner Lounge Chair –www.hivemodern.com

Referencing the color palette and dual nature of the paintings plays out very nicely when translated into an interior...I love a combination of sharp, structured pieces mixed in with soft edges, and a variety of textures. The translucent furniture and accessories make a statement, but don’t compete with other elements. Reflective surfaces, like a high-gloss finish or metallic varnish brighten and expand the room (like this attention grabbing abalone shell mirror!)

I hope you enjoyed my little guest post…to find more from me, stop by www.strataflora.com. Have a lovely day!

Art + Interiors: Thinking outside the body [Yves Klein]

Millions can learn to draw and paint, but those that are remembered for decades and decades are those who take risks and think outside of the box, who think conceptually and value the artistic process as much as the end result. It is always encouraging to me to study such artists, it is a reminder to continue to pursue what I believe in and a shot in the arm for my own creativity. Yves Klein is one of these artists.

For Klein, the color blue embodied the freedom of the sky. In 1960 he raised eyebrows with his 'Living Brush' series. Nude models would apply blue paint to their bodies and to the sound of a single note being played by an orchestra and under Klein's instruction, would transfer the paint to the canvas stretched across the floor. Though more than a little quirky, Klein's work represents the fusion of conceptual and performance art with stunning end results.

There is so much energy in these pieces and the thick, saturated blue adds depth that just pulls you in.

Live in it...



http://www.abchome.com/

I couldn't resist these multi-faceted end tables. Whether you choose one color or spring for all three, it is a great way to add interest and depth, I love the way they reflect the light like oversized diamonds. They're an instant modern twist with a futuristic edge. Enjoy!

Art + Interiors: An oldie but a goodie [Van Gogh + Kelly Wearstler]

It is hard to deny the influence that Van Gogh has had on the art world. He was not afraid of color, he was not afraid to paint what he saw rather than what he knew to be accurate, and most importantly for artists for years and years to come, he developed a style that was all his own.

I love the energy in his work. The fiercely bright colors in constant motion create an atmosphere that is both vibrant and alive.

Live in it...

There is one Interior Designer that for me possesses many of the same qualities as Van Gogh's work, the one and only, Kelly Wearstler. Much like Van Gogh, she has boldly developed a style that is all her own. She has paved the way for designers to use vivid colors, play with scale and contrast, and let their personality be expressed through a space. She also happens to decorate with as many shades of turquoise as Van Gogh painted with...

photos via http://www.kwid.com/

Greens, blues and yellows tend to be the palette of colors I live in so I would post up in these spaces any day. Though I've never been lucky enough to be in one, Wearstler's spaces seem to just envelope you in a work of art, and for me, that is what its all about. Enjoy!

Art + Interiors: Into the blue...

There is something about the color blue that is incredibly reflective. Being the color of the sea and the sky it can remind me of the clearest day or deepest pain. It definitely has a calming effect and in a world full of chaos and constant motion it can be a relief for the eyes and the soul.

edtajchman.wordpress.com 

This piece, Blue #2 by artist Ed Tajchman invokes all of that and more. The watercolor creates endless depth in all the varying hues of blue and while there is a lot of motion the soft edges and lighter blues seem to smooth everything over into a quiet rhythm.

Live in it...

Living Etc. Magazine

This dramatic room done by designer Paola Navone uses every blue in the spectrum and more. While it is a lot of one color, the varying shades and textures balance each other out in a beautiful way. Haven't we all dreamed of having one room to retire to where we can be alone with our thoughts? Whether it be for meditation, reading, napping or reflecting, this room would be the perfect getaway. And if there is one color that speaks to you, why not treat yourself and envelope yourself in it?

flickr image by zocalo2010