10/31/12

Bird


MR. will tell you that there's nothing

stronger than an impassioned Texas woman.

He should know - he's been married to

one...for a long time.

 So it warmed my heart when I came across

this wonderful article

by Rebecca Christian at the Traditional

Home Companion ~


"What a pleasure it is to be reminded of the

grace and warmth of Lady Bird

Johnson..."Traditional Home

Thank you for reminding us of the impassioned spirit & beauty this First Lady spread across the great state of Texas.
Enjoy the article ~ 


 
XO Lisa

10/18/12

Claude A. Simard - Inspiration

Every now and then we’ll chat via email. When he’s at home, conversations are about summer & winter, gardening & grandchildren, Windsor & Newton, Labradors & life on the lake.
Garden  Courtesy, Claude A. Simard
His Cultivated Garden.
Supplies purchased in England. Courtesy, Claude A. Simard His Supplies.
Flanelle at the lake.  Courtesy, Claude A. Simard
His Labrador named Flanelle.
 When he’s traveling, conversations vary from market day in St-Rémy-de-Provence to his preference of Châteauneuf du Pape over champagne and he’ll always include a beautiful sketch or a snapshot.
“Here is proof I've been working hard in Paris for the past two weeks. Claude A” 
Courtesy, Claude A. Simard
This one, most likely taken by his muse, his beautiful wife Huguette, at a café where he recently spent his days sketching the beauty of the city. He wrote,
“No Eiffel towers, I promise!”
Courtesy, Claude A. Simard
In the Spring of 2011, his beautiful new book arrived at my doorstep. I was flattered by the expression of such a kind gesture, and at the same time humbled by the sincerity of the handwritten note inside. Thank you, Claude.
Inspiration by Claude A. Simard
The book, titled Inspiration is an observation of life guided by the heart, seen through the eyes, and painted by the hand of Claude A. Simard.
Claude A. Simard from his book Inspiration
A delightful foreword by Alan Klinkhoff and illustrated with 125 color plates, this collection of paintings & tales of travel are both elegant and charming!
Huguette in Blue | Claude A. Simard  Courtesy, Claude A. Simard | Inspiration
Huguette in Blue | Claude A. Simard
Acrylic on canvas 2001, 30 x 36’’
 
 
Barberino | Claude A. Simard  Courtesy, Claude A. Simard | Inspiration
Barberino | Claude A. Simard
Ink and watercolor on paper 2007, carnet d’Italie


His paintings borrow the soft lavender of the countryside. Shades from buff to whitish-gray are reflected in the architecture.
Roadside House | Claude A. Simard  Courtesy Claude A. Simard | Inspiration
Roadside House | Claude A. Simard
Watercolor on paper 2010, 8 x 11’’
 
 
The rich ochre of an ancient farmhouse atop a beautiful hill overlooking vineyards under a big blue cerulean sky.
En marchant avec Rosalina | Claude A. Simard  Courtesy, Claude A. Simard | Inspiration
En marchant avec Rosalina dans le vignoble de Montalpruno | Claude A. Simard
Ink and watercolor on paper 2002, carnet d’Italie
 
Mr. Simard’s Inspiration animates his vision and gives the reader much more than a casual glance at his subjects. This man is also quite the raconteur.  His lively stories of sojourns with family and friends & his charming character had me sitting at his table and ordering another glass of Châteauneuf du Pape!  Artist, Claude A. Simard
Claude and I became acquainted a couple of years ago when he emailed to say, “Happy Holidays!” and tell me that he was a new reader!  I clicked the link to his website & instantly fell in love with his work!  I was thrilled when he agreed to sit down for a visit with TLPC so that we could learn more! You can read my in-depth interview with this most charming man here. 
 
click to visit 



Click to order Inspiration by Claude A. Simard
Thank you again, Claude, for continuing to inspire us all!
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10/12/12

Green Envy

Last week I had my eye on three beautiful green bookcases in the lovely Vermont home of Phyllis Trevor Higgerson of Henhurst Interiors.  I was also admiring this incredible green library by designer Charles SpadaI seem to be crazy for green lately!
Charles Spada
This morning I was visiting Michele Ginnerty of My Notting Hill where she was posting on the 2012 Richmond Show House. I saw these custom shelves, painted in Pickle No. 37, and I about fell over! You must see her gem of a post. 
via My Notting Hill
I also popped in to see Renee Finberg where she ‘TELLS ALL’ in her blog of her Adventures in Design and had to sit down.  Her post today on benches started with this gorgeous lacquered entry!
House Beautiful via Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her blog of her Adventures in Design
Love this amazing combination of greens pulled together by the darling Blair Eadie. In fact, I love everything she pulls together! Stop by and visit her at her personal fashion blog, Atlantic-PacificShe’s got terrific style & I hear she is so nice! 
You’ll want to raid her closet!
Atlantic-Pacific
This would make for a speedy get-away don’t you think?
1952 Jaguar C-type via Google Images
Yes, I’m already missing the color & the scent of summer. This reminds me to call Nancy Toon & order my favorite Privet from Hound Hill Design.
My Privet Candle from Hound Hill Design
Guaranteed to fill the house with the scent of a freshly trimmed privet in the dead of winter!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
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