joie de vivre

Have you found your "joie de vivre?"

How do you create or find exuberance?

What brings you joy~

Is it your garden, taking care of your home, your family, your work?

Could it be cooking, creating a meal or baking?

Mine is capturing moments in time and then sharing it in my art.

Mind you life is pretty energetic around here at our home.

I am happiest when I capture artwork in a loose fashion with energy.

When I labor over something, it suddenly looses fervor or spontaneity.

It's like someone working too hard to sell you something.

Places. Parties. People. Pets and Posh things.

I work with a local framer who is passionate about framing my art.  

He really rocks when it comes to framing.

This one I had sent to Joni at cote de Texas a few years ago because I know her passion is all things french.

If you could have anything illustrated by me, what would it be?

Tell me what subject would bring joy to your life in a pve work of art?

corner me

I grew up on a corner. Therefore corners have a certain appeal. I love corner, nooks and crannies and here is a new JMcLaughlin shop opening on the corner of 72nd and Lexington in Manhattan. If you happen to be on the corner nearby, pop in and see what you need or want to need. I know something will corner you!

at the ocean

A memory for a Mother carrying her twins, walking along the shore. A keepsake of a fleeting moment with wee tots and a special vacation at the ocean. What sorts of memories are you making this summer? Any plans for walks at the beach?

tuck me in

Tucked by a cozy window, ensconced in a good book with plenty of warm light and my feet up is my idea of the perfect morning weekend. The above vintage illustrations is one of my favorites, by R.Wilcox.
Fast forward to an adult sitting pretty sporting this lovely top which I found on etsy and it sold.

Off to the fabric shop and to make a pretty top with tucks. The delicate floral in tandem with the pretty pin-tucks adds a femininity to jeans. I love sewing pin-tucks. Tuck me right in that window seat with a stack of design magazines, and I will be happy. Care to join me?

Happy weekend to each of you.

Nutcracker fun

One of my favorite scenes from the Nutcracker is the dance off against the Rat King and his comrades. How touched was I when the above illustration arrived. This was a gift to me from artist, Maia Chavez Larkin. She illustrated my daughter Amelia and titled this "Amelia takes a stand." If you know my girl, this work captures her fearless smiling self. I can just see her laughing during this dance as she protects the Nutcracker. Surely, Rat King has no idea who he is up against.

Enjoy the first weekend in December.

Meet Sandy

Meet Sandy the dog. A recent commission done of this lovable funny dog. The owner told me that she is extremely friendly and outgoing, loves to play, run and roll around in the grass, find any puddle or any hole to dig! Given that her coat is white, one can imagine a dirt covered dog, not a pretty picture. Her favorite toy is "ducky" which is a stuffed mallard that she loves to run after and fetch. When not in motion, Sandy can very often be found sleeping on the cool tile floors in the kitchen. I love getting to know my subjects. Who would not love this adorable dog?

boys will be boys

"boys" -a commission - pve design artwork, watercolor on arches aquarelle paper, 16 x 20,

These boys posed for a "candid" shot and they were less enthralled to be there - I loved working on this one. I got lost in the old adage, "boys will be boys." You can imagine how hard it (was) to get three boys, one lizard, a cat and a dog to pose in harmony. I love the nonchalant attitude of each boy that I was able to capture.

This art will be used for a holiday card. I hope that this will be a nice memory for them as a 4th little bundle of joy is en route to rock the world of boys, and we are hopeful for a girl to add some sugar and spice.

pretty things

Make Lemonade, pve design artwork, sold.

I made time to go to my painting class and painted these pretty things. I love taking time for pretty little things. I also love fine lines, but sometimes feel the need to step out of my box.

pve design, water-colour, small work of art, sold.

This was my first attempt, then I went back to my fine lines. Which one do you prefer, with the fine lines or without?

Thanks to each of you who took the time to look carefully and to leave me a comment, both works of art have been sold and I am so thrilled to know that my work will be loved as much as I love painting. Thank-you!

at home with SM

It is with great pleasure that I introduce SM Home, Sandra Morgan Interiors to you.

Sandra Morgan

Sandra will represent my artwork in her fabulous shop, located in Greenwich, CT.

Thursday, September 24th from 6 to 9

the 2nd annual "at home" will be celebrating an evening of Design and shopping

I will be there creating petite "live" artworks for sale.

...a tiny "gesture" to take home

Sandra Morgan interior from Rooms with a View

Sandra provides clients with an array of services for Interior Design. How lovely to come home to a bathroom with a slipper chair, a fluffy stack of fresh towels and even a fire-place. Sandra has a light touch and a penchant for utilizing color and arranging exquisite tasteful objects with a Swedish flair. My artwork will be another offering, clients may have custom artwork for their homes, of interiors, homes, objects, pets, and keepsake treasures. Custom framing is available.

Please come by, meet Sandra, introduce yourself to me (if we have not had the pleasure of meeting) and have a glass of wine. I look forward to meeting you "at home" in the Sandra Morgan Shop located at 70 Arch Street in Greenwich, CT.

A Devine life

pve design illustration for The Devine Life, Michael Devine, Interior Designer, Lifestyle extraordinaire!

Today is a divine day. Firstly, the artwork for The Devine Life is up and I like a proud parent am so proud (of my illustration) which you can see over here. Take a look at the shop for you will surely find something wonderful for your home. Thank-you Michael.

The Devine Life Home Shop located in Kinderhook, New York

Secondly, today is the first day of school for our village and I am so excited to begin a new year.

The back packs are full of freshly made lunches and labelled supplies, there is even a slight chill in the air this morning.

The ever debonair Mr.Devine Life, standing outside his shop

Thirdly, I have some exciting news this month which I look forward to sharing with each of you~ and I want to thank you all for your support of my artwork and my blog. 

The glorious garden of Michael Devine

I am off to spend the morning at a painting group and then to spend a little time gathering my thoughts and looking ahead for a year full of new growth and new designs.

just in time

pve design -original water colour ( for sale)

Just in time to throw a Summer soiree to celebrate the end of Summer or the beginning of a new Season. Sundresses, Halter tops, linen shifts, chunky accessories and a perfect setting for a swell party. Enjoy these last bits of Summer while there is still time.

"shagreen" and bear it

pve design artwork ~ shagreen clutch for j.mclaughlin

Nothing like having a little shagreen accessory to clasp onto.  Shagreen has such a pretty look, and I have always admired it from afar.  Why don't ya "shagreen" and bear it?  Do you have a shagreen snuff box or clutch?

she takes the cake

"Take the Cake" Wedding Cake

"Take the Cake?" Would you love to have a slice of this sophisticated cake? Not only was it artfully created, but incredibly delicious. I had the pleasure of tasting a sliver, one slice of carrot cake and the other was my favorite classic white wedding cake.
Although my sketch looks a bit washed out, it was not, blame it on the lighting. The tables were skirted with a gorgeous cypress green crinkle and really added an elegant touch. This baker really takes the cake for baking not only an incredible creation but a tasty one at that. Rumor has it that this baker (Mary) takes the cake all the time!

gracious gowns

The bevy of beautiful maidens wearing gracious gowns - pve design wedding illustration

The bridesmaids wore the most gracious gowns, in a black orchid silk, from the back some had bows and others a layered sash detail.  Each wore a glorious head-piece made of fabric inspired to look like a flower, with silky tendrils hung ever-so-lightly, topped with a chic net for a very glamourous touch. How wonderful and gracious of the bride to select a silhouette in black that perhaps these gorgeous gals shall might actually wear again.  

                      Do you have a gracious gown at the ready for a special event?  

This gracious gal has all the perfect tips for living an artful life, and "lucky me" is featured today.  Thank-you Mindy Lockard for including me this week which is all about living graciously as well as tasteful tips.  Mindy is all about sharing manners each month!

the whirlers

Please meet the "whirlers."  

Are these flower girls not the fairest maidens?  Don't you just love their beautiful dresses, the floral pomanders gathered with elegant cypress green satin ribbons, the floral laurel wreaths and the sheer joy in their eyes to be part of a fairy tale event is something every girl can cherish.  Give it a whirl...girl...

As  I gathered them to pose for me, they were each "twirling and whirling" in their lovely dresses.  One whirler's head piece flung off.  Oh dear me.

My head felt dizzy and giddy with delight to capture the whirlers in this brief moment, and then they were off, moving twirling, and being little girls, full of sugar and spice.  Can you feel their mischief?  The younger little ones have that look of "let's whirl again" while the elder one lead the way with a more "appropriate" behavior of acting like the "big" girl on campus.  Now really, what girl could not resist a spin in a dress like that!

Alright, fess-up and tell me, are you a "whirler" when you put on a party frock?

I know that I cannot resist that temptation to whirligig when I don a frothy fairy god-mother sort of dress.  If only I could find my magic wand.

Do you feel more magical when you whirl?

happy fourth

Wishing each of you a Happy 4th of July. May your weekend be full of fireworks, family, friends, flowers, floppy hats, flirty sundresses, flip-flops and fireflies. Be back Monday!

happy mail

At last, my happy little postcards arrived and I have been busy sending them out. Be kind enough to e-mail me your address and I would be happy to send you a post-card.
e-mail to pve at pve design dot com. I love sending mail out as much as I love getting happy mail! (nothing like a little shameless self promotion!)
Happy monday.

park avenue

pve design illustration for A.Tierney

Having lived in the city with wee ones, a favorite memory was a stroll to Central Park, crossing Park Avenue in Full Bloom.  The flowers and greenery planted in the median immediately brings color and elegance to the expansive Boulevard running North and South.  Growing up in Kentucky, neighborhoods with medians and lush plantings and flowering trees always attracted me and I imagined neighbors scheming up plantings and play dates.

How about you, do you have a favorite median where you live?

fainting room

pve design illustration for visual vamp, to present to bayou contessa

There seems to be lots of chatter about day beds lately.   I did a little research and found that during Victorian times, women sporting tight corsets would retire to the 'fainting room" for a little rest.  Can you imagine trying to wear a corset all day?  I feel faint just thinking about it and at the same time positively dizzy over the thought of having a little room to go to, perhaps for a little air, or a room to read in or paint.  Do you have a fainting room or a day bed?  

to the museum

A trip to the museum is always such a special place to visit at any age.  I encourage you to take a child and see it from their perspective.  Expose them to artwork and also review proper museum etiquette.  Keep the visit brief and focus on a few works of art. 

Many museums have family tours which are wonderful.  They usually are first thing in the morning which is a great time, while minds are fresh and the energy level is good.

Several weeks ago I took 2 girls to the Moma.  I love hearing how they view the work and what they deem "good" art.  

Do you go to the museum, which one and how often?  Did you go to the museum as a child?