Fourth of July

One of my favorite American Impressionist artists, Childe Hassam, created a series of paintings inspired by the increase of nationalistic of flags in New York, as a result of the First World War.  This oil of Fifth Avenue lined with American flags embodies all that we cherish on this July 4th.

Childe Hassam (American 1859-1935), Fourth of July (The Greatest Display of the
American Flag Ever Seen in New York, Climax of the Preparedness Parade in May)
oil on canvas, 36 x 26-1/8 in, 1916
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, special exhibition
Childe Hassam, American Impressionist, June 10-September 24, 2004

Happy Fourth of July!

{image via The Met}

Summer Solstice

Gifford Beal (American 1879-1956), Sailboats in Harbor, oil on board
Auctioned at Grogan & Company, May 21-22, 2011
price realized: $1495 (including buyer's premium)

How I wish I could be out on one those sailboats...happy summer solstice!

Friday Fave

We're currently in route to Connecticut to spend the long weekend with my parents.  Memorial Day is one of my absolute favorite holdiays.  Growing up it was always marked with our local pool opening, a town-wide parade, an amazing party thrown by my parent's close friend and artist Cindi Mullins and of course my mom's famous deviled eggs.  (I'm still trying to redeem myself from the year that I dropped the deviled egg plate walking into the party...ruining not only the eggs but the plate as well!)

While Memorial Day has evolved from my childhood, I still love holiday- the patriotism, the unity and of course the unofficial beginning of summer!

Jasper Johns (American b. 1930), Two Flags, mixed media on canvas
Auctioned by Sotheby's in New York on November 8, 1989
price realized: $12,100,000 (including buyer's premium)

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

{image via AskArt}

Monday Inspiration: USA

After last night's incredible and surreal news,  I thought what's more inspiring than our own country.   These rooms embody all that is traditional American style and decor and of course our signature colors- red, white and blue. While theme rooms can sometimes be overwhelming or hokey, these interiors allow the Americana to shimmer and the culture of our nation to radiate in a chic and stylish manner.

{image via Apartment Therapy}

{image via Coastal Living}

{image via Coastal Living}

{image via Coastal Living}

{image via Coastal Living}

{image via House Beautiful}

{image via House Beautiful}

{image via House Beautiful}