Back To My Brushes

The studio at Chateau Relaxo has been idle for a few weeks, as I dutifully focused on my studies.  With the 'Principles of Real Estate' coursework behind me and broker interviews in the weeks ahead, I have a narrow window of creative opportunity before me.  

A wonderful, new waterfront shop is opening in the Smithfield area -- just in time for the holidays -- and they want to feature my coastal artwork!  Yay!  As a result, I may even be ready to part with a few of the quarterboards that I painted this summer.

Feels like old times, as Maddie dog and I jockey for prime floor space around the studio.  My beloved four-footed colleague would love to claim its entire footprint as her own, but my wares demand plenty of room as I work.  In a labrador huff, she protests and reluctantly seeks solace elsewhere.  

It seems like ages since I've played in my paints.  There's something about the smell of waxes and glazes and the tactile feel of paint brushes and putty knives.  For me, it's like spending time with old friends.

Colors and finishes, all experiments and unplanned self-expression.  Loving what I'm seeing and most of all, how it all feels.  Such a simple thing, but it somehow resonates within me.  I'm back to my brushes and I'm having a ball.  

Literally.

Lovingly offered up by my sweet Maddie dog, I am unexpectedly presented her tattered, stinky tennis ball.  Plopped it right in my lap.  Needless to say, I set the paint brush down in response to her unselfish gesture.  "You're right.  It's time to play fetch, old girl."

If you can, try to carve out a moment for yourself today.  Maybe even share it with a favorite friend.

Breathe.  Play.  Putter.  Do whatever you love to do.  It's worth the sacrifice of time.

 

Plein Air Painting: La Deuxième Partie

It takes courage to paint outside... out where people can watch and lurk as you work.

It's kinda odd... I know this firsthand.

Where I'm blessed to live in the city -- on a shady corner lot in a seriously Leave It To Beaver type of 'hood -- well, the neighbors are always outside.  There's no real privacy.  Whether they're walking doggies or out for a morning run, I fear hearing their "hey, Tam, whatcha doing...?"

Who could blame them?
It's a pretty curious sight when I paint en plein air.
My easels are multiple sawhorses -- and occasionally,
a V-8 truck.

My canvas is usually a reclaimed wooden board or paneled door fragment that's as tall as I am.  And my brushes aren't always artists brushes.  Sometimes they're straight out of aisle #7 at Lowes.  Lengths of chain may also be involved.  A girl's gotta get her aggression out somehow.  Lately, my favorite way is through 100 grit sandpaper -- and it definitely shows on a manicure!
 

Such unusual tools produce a distressed, relaxed result that I find appealing.  My coastal artwork and quarterboards aren't pristine and crisp.  Think rustic.  Textured.

Like antique signs made daily.

"But, um, is it finished...?"

That's how very polite Mary queried me recently, with her impatient Jack Russell terrier exploring about.
Indeed it is finished... and complete.  The chippy, aged patina is quite deliberate.  See the hand rubbed wax finish over the lovingly distressed paint treatment?  It's done in several thin, careful layers... and it takes hours to complete, believe it or not.

I understand her perspective, to be honest.
Where I live, it's more like the oriental rug clad
pages of 'Traditional Home' magazine.
Though the James River is our neighborhood's
beautiful backyard, it's not that
relaxed river living I've come to treasure
up on the Northern Neck.
Here, it's Colonial Williamsburg
furnishings blended with mother's antiques.
Perhaps the person with the greatest number
of Chippendale mirrors wins?
Since I only have 3 at this point,
I guess I'm not in the running.
Disqualified even, because I
painted over the mahogany finish
of one of 'em.  That's so me.


It's all good.
I'm learning to blend
my weekday and weekend worlds.

My preppy city furnishings
look more relaxed and happy
with a few touches of
coastal artwork and b&w photographs
 tucked here and there.




Some decorators call it 'juxtaposition.'

For me, it's merely the result of

a little plein air painting,

Chateau Relaxo style.

(To learn more, visit tammythrift.com today!)

East Beach Road Trip

So much planning and packing went into today's trip to the beach...

Adirondack chair, check.  Beach towels, check.
iPad, check.  Diet Coke, check.
Camera, check.

Crab pot buoys, check.  Vintage croquet mallets, check.

(Huh?)

Coastal artwork the size of surfboards, check.

(Say what?!)

Yepper, it was photo shoot day at lovely East Beach, the site of Coastal Living's Ultimate Beach House!
Though bright and hot as a summer day ever dared to be, my sister Debbie and I still had plenty of fun being 'on location.'  Sweat beads perched on our brows, as we casually styled my artwork and beachy accessories into playful vignettes.

Here's a sneak peek at one of my smaller beadboard designs, with the
beautiful Chesapeake Bay tucked in the background.
(This one simply begs for a chance to hang above french doors or an outdoor fireplace!)

I'm now in the process of editing dozens of photos for a Chateau Relaxo style guide and eCatalog.  Things are quickly ramping up and it's getting pretty exciting!

Remember, it's never too late to make YOUR dreams a reality.
It just takes some planning, a little resourcefulness and a bit of sweat on the brow.
Dare to live without those 'woulda, coulda, shoulda' regrets.
Give it a go.  In the end, it's truly worth it.

In fact, it looks like my designs and photographs will soon
be displayed for sale at one of Coastal Living's 'Love It' destinations!
(Ahem, not in some fancy-shmancy tea and crumpets art gallery... oh no, no, no!
It's a place that's *very* Chateau Relaxo.  More details ahead!)