My mother-in-law Margot was an artist her entire life. From the time she could pick up a paintbrush until the time she could no longer–she was creating. “I’ve never been bored a minute of my life,” Margot would proudly tell you, “there has just always just been so much to see and do.”
A visit with Margot here in New York or us trekking out west to visit her in New Mexico wasn’t complete without a string of long afternoons outside painting. All of us- Margot, me and my kids happily working away plein air.
With her by our side our yards suddenly became exotic locations full of inspiration, the evidence of everyday life- a perfect vignette. For those wonderful hours I was able to do as Margot always did: devour the beauty around me, live in the moment and document it all with some pencil, paper and a quick swish of color.
Margot’s paint box, the one she used as a student at Beaux-Arts in the 1950′s. She gave it to me a few years before she passed away, full of half used paints and a color ‘cheat sheet’ taped inside….it is one of my most cherished possessions
While Spring cleaning the other day I came across some of those paintings. They made me smile and they made me long for her always larger-than-life presence. But mostly they made me realize something that Margot was always aware of: that an illustrated life–whether drawn, written, sculpted, composed, photographed, choreographed, acted out or designed– truly is one more colorfully worth living.
As a champion of the arts and fellow artists I know if Margot had been my contemporary she would have made one kick-ass, prolific and outspoken blogger– as well as a social media maven and a master of selling on Etsy…for sure.
She would no doubt be a fan, friend and follower (just like me!) of these 3 fellow—or as Margot would often call those she admired– “Maaarvoulous!” artists. Their blogs and paintings always give me a jolt of inspiration to move away from my screen and get out and enjoy my surroundings. I hope they do the same for you…
Patricia van Essche’s thoughtful blog and beautiful paintings always bring a smile to my face. Since PVE is a local NY’er, I find myself kin to many of her subject matters. From the fantasy of a Park Avenue stroll, a beautiful day at the magical Bethesda Fountain in Central Park or looking down at the loyal gaze of a beloved Westie (I have one too, PVE!)…every time I click over to her site I feel myself loving my locale and reaching for my own sketchbook.
Visit PVE’s Etsy shop HERE
My mother-in-law had the pleasure of living in many great cities around the globe during her adventurous life, embracing the people and the culture wherever she landed. And though she loved them all-Paris was forever her favorite.
“I’d rather be in Paris” you would often hear her say as she spun tales of life in the city where she studied painting, met her true love and mastered the art of baking a homemade baguette. I couldn’t agree more. After my own beloved New York there is no other city I would rather be strolling, sipping champagne and people watching the days away in.
Fifi Flowers has such a knack for capturing “the good life” (esp. in Paris). Her drawings capture that perfect moment in time, the scene you might stumble upon yourself that makes you say- ‘This would make a such a great picture”.
Her paintings make me want to pack my bags and set sail on adventure…and then sit back and soak it all in.
Visit Fifi’s Etsy shop HERE
Anne Harwell’s blog Annechovie is a resource of fashionable products, stylish wares and inspiring rooms. Through her art, she turns everyday objects like chairs, vases and plates into colorful 2-D masterpieces. A fabulous room becomes uber-fabulous with the stroke of her creative hand.
Her palette is simply refreshing and always fun. I think Margot would have been inspired to attempt a rendering of her own wedding china or one of the Chippendale chairs that followed her back across the ocean, after seeing Anne’s work.
“How clever to take what is already beautiful and make it even more so.”..I could just imagine her saying.
Visit Annechovie’s Etsy shop HERE
Who inspires you? Are you following someone online? I would love to discover them too!
All images property of the artists
I feel like Margot! I am never bored as I can always paint and take photogrpahs!
Love for you to take a look at my slide show on my blog for a sampling of my paintings.
Make sure to turn the music up!
http://tracisuzannemarvel.blogspot.com
:)~
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