Living with Art // Loving Pinks & Reds

Valentine’s Day celebrates love. The day is closely associated with the color red, from soft pinks, rose to hot magenta to classic red. Why is that? The color red says passion, energy and love and the softer hues from pink, to rose and deeper are closely related but in a gentler way. Artworks in these ranges of colors are the same, they can provide a hint of warmth or speak loudly and carry a room. Here are some examples of how a variety of artworks in the red spectrum can have a beautiful and strong impact in interiors. Flare Series ll, by RE artist Anne Raymond,

Pure red makes a big statement. I have written about the meaning of red and the energy it conveys. Abstract Expressionist Mark Rothko is identified with his many red paintings, recent sales have broken records. The TV show Mad Men is closely identified with how it represents the style and design of its period. This fun illustration places one of Rothko's iconic paintings of the 50's on the show's set.

RE Artist Andrea Bonfils took her cue from these works in her layered encaustic painting, Rothko Pink Window.

This large scale red painting brings contrast and drama to the quiet, elegant furnishings in this Texas home, in Luxe Magazine.

Interior designer Jennifer Post uses the painting's color and composition as a focal point in this soft blue and white modern bedroom

Fashion designer Lisa Perry’s homes have the same 60’s vibe as her modern, pop-inspired clothing. Primary colors, an integral part of the sixties are echoed in “The Beach House",  her Hamptons home. The two red paintings are by Ed Moses, along with a Damien Hirst dot painting.Outside Perry's home, The Rings, by Zhu Jishi, appear to be rolling around the lawn.

In these two kitchens, the red and white artworks bring pattern and warmth to the minimal interiors. Designer Joe Mimram’s NYC apt, with artwork by Ohad Memory,

and this playful abstract canvas,

RE Artist Claudia Mengel has a wonderful sensibility for color, her artworks, whether quiet or strong use unexpected color combinations that create a beautiful harmony. Red,

RE Photographer Shelli Breidenbach contrasts strong background color with the regal portraits of her horses, Noblesse,

This stunning living room by Steven Gambrel was recently featured in Architectural Digest. He incorporates a stunning modern art collection into the rooms with an eclectic mx of furnishings. Cecily Brown’s large scale painting filled with pinks and reds presides over the elegant and layered grey living room.

 Another project by Gambrel uses red in an unexpected way. The hallway gallery of red frames makes a great visual statement.

Interior designer Kelly Wearstler is known for boldly mixing color and pattern in projects. In her office, she creates a strong but feminine mix with hot pink chairs and a striking large-scale painting by Lana Gomez.

Pinks are present in RE photographer's Stefan Radtke’s new First Light Collection. The images capture the striking colors of winter's early morning light on the water.

The Drippy Heart Series by RE artist Kerri Rosenthal's has brought smiles to a number of clients. This heart installation takes on another look, sweet and youthful in ballerina pink for a young NYC girl.

Valentine's Day wouldn't be complete without flowers. Artists interpret them in a myriad of ways. RE artist Deborah Falls’ classic paintings on silks represent the incredible varieties and colors. The Red Clematis

The Red Tulip

"Toning down the passion of red with the purity of white results in the softer pinks that are associated with romance and the blush of a young woman’s cheeks", according to Kate Smith of Sensational Color. In addition, she notes, pink is "the color of happiness", the lighthearted color is the 'go-to' choice for flowers. RE Artist Mary Morant paints a variety of traditional and impressionistic florals. Here Pink Roses, are captured on canvas as a special memory of a bride's wedding bouquet.

From the Submerged Garden Series, by RE's Andrea Bonfils, a long-stemmed rose.

A striking installation from the same series,

An abstract floral, Suburban Jungle Pink, by RE's Kerri Rosenthal

And pop art, by Alex Katz, Red Roses with Blue

From pink to red, modern to pop, abstract to traditional, artworks in this range of colors can suit different tastes and interior styles. They can provide color, warmth, and energy. Fill your home, like your life, with artworks that bring you joy and love.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Living with Art // Making it Personal

RE works with clients to select artwork that is well-suited to them and their homes. We work with designers, retailers and clients to bring original art into their homes that reflects their taste, budget and how they live. Here are a few examples of how we have sourced artworks in the past year for several of our clients and some ideas of what to think about when you are considering art. We talk, we listen, and we work together to find what speaks to our clients. Before the Split, by Kit Kittle Photography in a Westchester family room.

We consider the space, room or areas our clients are looking to find artwork for. As this client was looking to update their beautiful home built in the early 1900's with some modern and new touches, we were consulted to introduce artwork. This client was referred to us by home furnishings retailer Nest Inspired Home in Rye. We work with Nest to provide artworks that are sold in the store and work alongside them to source art for their clients. As they updated the rugs, accessories and some furnishings, we focused on the art.  Our client immediately loved Never Late, an abstract painting by Anne Raymond and liked the fresh contrast it brought to the traditional decor.

In the entry, she was very decisive about the Yellow Drippy Heart, by Kerri Rosenthal, because it, “makes her smile” every time she walks in! We love to hear that! We also love the contrast and crisp color of the pop-inspired painting in the home.

This Westchester client was interested in artworks for her master bedroom, recently redone with soft mauves and grey. She wanted something that would suit this quiet corner. This painting from Rosenthal's Flower Bomb series worked perfectly

Sometimes a client is looking for artworks that will provide color and contrast in a room. This client had just completed decorating her living room with Mara Solow Interiors and was looking for artworks to compliment the beautiful luxe room they filled with artisanal furnishings and textured fabrics in neutral colors. She loved Kit Kittle's Chelsea Bubble, for it's fun composition and color and framed it in a warm, textured frame to compliment other materials

This client came to us specifically looking for a painting by Kerri Rosenthal. She was interested in also bringing color into her neutral home. She selected Sagg Harbor, the graphic pattern and color are a great accent to the warm browns and gold that were created as a soothing backdrop to their hectic family life.

I love this view from the kitchen, contrasting the architectural details with the movement of the painting.

Sometimes the contrast of black and white is preferable to color. This client wanted to complete their newly redone family room. They were interested in something to compliment the warm neutrals in the room. This triptych by Kerri Rosenthal added just the graphic element the client was looking for.

This elegant grey and white room, designed by David Hammond Design called for black and white to compliment the tonal grey decor. The clients both love nature and were drawn to the graphic large scale sunflower by Michael D Anderson. The large scale and unexpected sideways orientation create a modern installation in the transitional room.

Art can evoke a memory or reference to somewhere particular. We talk with clients about what they like to do, where they travel, what their happy place is and what brings good memories? Artwork creates a connection, its fun to bring into someone's home a piece, whether it's a happy heart, or a seascape that creates a warm and comfortable feeling. We worked with NJ designer Carolyn Botz of Fountain Interiors and her client to find a focal point in this comfortable open family room. Orange Reflections, by Andrea Bonfils provides a reference to the ocean and beach that the family enjoy together.

This newly redone Westchester home was designed to feel like Aspen, a place our clients love. Mara Solow Interiors filled their home with warm materials and rich colors to accomplish that. To complete the clean-lined breakfast area, they were interested in a photograph that echoed the design, and brought them to the western outdoors. They selected Libertad, by Bonnie Edelman Photography

Another client wanted to bring memories of  her home in South Carolina to her elegant Northern Westchester home. John Duckworth, a Charleston-based photographer artfully captures the coastal light and colors in his Abstract Landscapes.

I have a particular interest in artworks that combine old techniques with a modern twist. Designer Debbie Gottlieb of Finelines Interiors was updating her own dining room when she called to revisit artworks we looked at for one of her clients. She was mixing her grandmothers' furnishings with modern decor, wallpaper and lighting to create a fresh eclectic mix. She selected a piece from the Sophie’s Lace Collection, handmade paper by Wendy Shalen that she embossed with her  grandmother’s vintage lace. The natural artisanal piece, framed in all-white looks fresh and modern above the mahogany buffet

A client I am currently working with is selecting artworks that have a personal connection to both she and her husband. When I learned that Maggie was her nickname, short for Magnolia, I was thrilled to show her artist Mary Morant’s stunning magnolia paintings, which for the artist are reminiscent of her Southern childhood. Here are a few mono prints that will go in the master bath and they will select one of these paintings for her dining room. This is a recent RE Instagram collage of the various works

This was fun, as a client discussed artwork for her guest room, we found an image appropriate for those times that you have guests, especially after the holidays, when you feel like you're running a hotel! My client chose from Hotel Composition, a selection of hotel signs photographed around the world.

Finding appropriate artworks for our clients is a process, it's always fun and interesting to see where it will lead. We ease the search for art, by editing the choices and together, we uncover what speaks to our clients.

Warm Happy Holidays // Art Inspired by Nature

“Great art picks up where nature ends.”  - Marc Chagall Art is a visual creative expression of an artist’s moods, feelings, experiences. Interesting how so often it reflects the beauty of what they see and then capture around them. I often reference the influence of nature on the various work of many artists. These select artworks reflect a few artists’ interpretations of nature, their wintry blues and browns touched with gold accents - they feel like the holiday and winter season - filled with warmth, family, friends and some holiday sparkle!

When I saw this photo recently of a jaguar in photographer Shelli Breidenbach’s home, I was drawn to the graphic and stunning image. Shelli captured the animal, its movement and its beauty. Aztec is from Breidenbach’s Big Game series.

It made me think about how animal prints have been used in fashion and home decor for a long time, a bit of a zebra or leopard pattern make a strong visual statement. This began in the 18th century when Europeans brought back exotic skins  as trophies while they were colonizing Africa and Asia. They remained a status symbol of sorts. The brown, black and white patterns, created from nature easily blend with all styles. I recently browsed through many Pinterest boards, here is one by interior designer Carolyn Williams filled with great pics from fashion and decor.

This is a more serene image, of an abstract sunset from John Duckworth’s Landscape Series. Duckworth’s “photographs are infused with an intimate knowledge of nature, a passion for pure color, and a rhythm drawn from life itself.” His images of the South Carolina coast have a universal appeal.

There has been much interest recently in abstract land and seascapes, as they bring nature inside in a way that is familiar, easy and calming.

Kerri Rosenthal’s abstract paintings reflect the artist’s here and now, she is always adding new work to her different series.  Kerri gives names to her work that lets the viewer into her world, one that’s informed by many stylistic viewpoints, from art, to fashion to decor to nature. A recent series is all about the season, Winter Chic, 40"x40"

and Winters Dream, 48"x48"

Artist Andrea Bonfils recently introduced the Submerged Garden Series. This is an extension of her underwater photography and mixed media work. In her previous series, she captured people, their movement and forms through water. She is now exploring the color and shape of flowers and the way they transition from crisp to blurred under the water line. Blue Hydrangeas 

The images are stunning when printed large and mounted in plexi as in a recent installation.

In photographer Barbara Erdmann’s Abstract Series, she focuses on the repetitive patterns she finds in nature. This graphic image, Hubris, brings back memories of pulling dandelion weeds from the ground, making a wish, and blowing it through the summer air.

Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season filled with warmth & sparkle...and hoping your wishes for the season and the new year all come true!

The Timeless Gift of Art

How nice would it be to give a gift that is personal, creative, thoughtful and timeless and is available in all prices, types and sizes? Consider the gift of art.

When I work with clients, I talk about and look through images of different types and genres of artworks with them, to see what they respond to. I look around their homes, at their furnishings and personal style. That’s something you can do for the people on your list. Think about their homes and offices, what they have on the walls, or type of furnishings they have. Let that be a guide.

Think about who you are buying for.

Do they like color? Is it in their home? Do they wear it? I have written about artist Kerri Rosenthal’s happy art and the wonderful positive feelings she puts into creating it. My clients who like her work and have brought it into their home respond to the bright color and energy.

When Kerri started painting, she drew upon her background working for the Dutch apparel company, Oilily, and painted tulips, it was a natural for her and has become a staple in her collections. She has just introduced Bite Size, tulips in multiples, layered and each creating it's own color story. Here is a brief look with more to come in Spring 2015. Small tulips, above, are 12”squares  Small Bites No.3 is 20"x20"

and One Million Tulips, 60"x60"

Do they like animals? Many people respond to images of animals, and horses are possibly the most popular. It may seem as though it’s been a recent trend, but the love of animals is age-old and perhaps a reflection of our interest in and protection of our own families. Holiday is a great time to reflect this in our gift-giving. Photographer Shelli Breidenbach, is world renowned for her horse photography. In her collections are a variety of images, Athos and Gambler

or a beautiful close-up

Do they like nature, being outdoors? A trend I have noticed, is an increasing interest in abstract landscape and seascape photography. The beauty of nature, the quiet of the ocean, a farm or field, the serenity of the colors and the horizon take many of us to a special place. These images evoke memories of time spent with family and friends. Photographer Stefan Radtke has created a collection of Atmospheric Landscapes. It is especially nice that he photographs on the LI Sound, making his work appealing for Westchester and CT residents who can relate to the locales. Moved #6

He “creates painting inspired photographs of landscapes, devoid of detail, capturing an atmosphere rather than an explicit reality and opening for the viewer the possibility for interpretation.” Moved #10, in a beautifully composed vignette at Nest Inspired Home in Rye, NY

For artist Andrea Bonfils, “Most of my artwork has a connection to nature and my interactions with it. I like for there to be a sense of joy or emotion similar to what I was recalling when painting.” A recurring subject is moons, the round sphere appears in many of her paintings and prints. As with photography, prints can be a more affordable gift,  purchased either framed or unframed. Pink Leaves Orbit

or Pink Moon, reflecting a nighttime view through the trees

Do they travel? Kit Kittle’s Bubble Collection is fun because the images take you around the world via his views through a bubble. This photograph was taken in the Gulf of Thailand  where “islands leap straight-up from the clear turquoise water.”

or be transported to Laos, and this incredibly colored yellow bubble

Do they like abstract art? That may be a difficult question to answer. Many abstract artists paint their interpretation of what they see, a landscape, seascape, portrait or even a still life. The response to abstract artwork is elusive, it may be a response to the color, form, shapes or combination of all. Claudia Mengel’s “work comes from not looking, but experiencing the world around me, and then translating these visual and emotional perceptions.”

The beauty of Claudia’s work is enhanced by her exceptional use of color, as seen in this large-scale painting, Heartbeat,  which is 72"x60"

Where have your friends lived? I often get requests for images of New York City. For people who either live in or have left the city, it’s fun to have a photo that recalls a favorite spot. I like the abstracted images of New York, you feel the energy, see the lights, the cabs. Barbara Erdmann looks for interesting graphic patterns in her photos, like Urbane

or City Cab by Kit Kittle

Why not give a gift certificate? Take the guesswork out of selecting the gift of art, a gift certificate can be used towards the purchase of any piece.

As the holiday season begins, I hope these suggestions inspired some thoughts of gift ideas, fine art that can be personalized for the people and spaces in your life… or consider treating yourself!

Give the Gift of Art. Timeless.

Living with Art // The Beauty of Black & White

Black and white speaks strongly to me, I have always been a fan of the contrasting beauty of the opposite colors. In artwork, black and white starts with simple line drawings, and progresses to photography and on to stark and high impact abstract paintings. Depending upon the genre, and the use of grey, which softens the contrast, the beauty of black and white artwork is that it suits all types of interiors, from traditional to the most modern, from serious to playful. I feel the same about using black and white in other ways, from clothing to accessories, the use of black and white is timeless and works with all styles.  

Charcoal, a natural material was the first medium to be used in art. An artist’s training begins with pencil and charcoal, learning to draw. The classic beauty of a line drawing, a portrait, or a nude, stands alone as an artwork or is great to pair with other types of art. It can live comfortably in all types of interiors. Artist Claudia Mengel creates beautiful color-drenched paintings, but I am drawn to her classic figure drawings, Conversations ll,

and also large brushstroke paintings on paper

Black and white photography is always classic and timeless. Through the lens, the photographer is capturing an image, a form, that has clarity in black, white and the spectrum of greys in between. The use of grey softens the contrast of black and white. In this traditional home, Connecticut designer David Hammond used a tonal palette of soft greys and whites. Our client selected Michael Anderson's large scale black and white sunflower which adds a modern touch, due to its size and sideways orientation.

We see color based on light absorption. Black absorbs all light, whereas white reflects it. When together, there is graphic impact created by being opposites of the spectrum of light. Zebras are a natural example. In interiors and clothing, animal prints are often used as an accessory, the touch of nature's patterns, compliment traditional to modern decor and dress. Photographer Stuart Zaro's Two Zebras, framed in plexi is at once modern, natural and classic. Shown here in Nest Inspired Home in Rye

Horses are a much-loved subject of photographers and as a choice for interiors. The incredible physical beauty of horses is best captured in black and white, like this intimate portrait from the St Moritz Series by Shelli Breidenbach

There is much symbolism associated with the dualism of black and white. In Eastern culture, “The black and white halves of the Yin-Yang symbol are similar to the two sides of a coin. They are different, and distinct, yet one could not exist without the other.”  In Western culture, they depict opposites, good and evil, light and dark, white hat and black hat.

This series of feathers, by Michael Anderson, shown in reverse, black on white, white on black, plays on this dualism.

Artist Andrea Bonfils' work is influenced by her love of nature. In her new print collection, she created variations of a favorite subject, Aspen trees. A black and white version, printed on handmade artisanal paper accentuates the abstracted form of the trees.

Kerri Rosenthal, known for her colorful paintings, always has black and whites works in her collection. She “enjoys painting in black and white because it its the most extreme of contrast… they may just be the best two colors as they allow all the other colors of the room to shine....the most neutral of color combo’s, the Switzerland of colors, and can help with layering in homes - usually they go with any other paintings in the room,  no matter what the color scheme or the design plan.” From small paintings on paper, as this one recently featured in the NYTimes Home section, (thanks to the framing of Simply Framed!). The crisp artwork looks great contrasted to the mix of materials and color on the natural wood desk.

to large bold canvases, like Timeless, which displays the influence of Abstract Expressionist painters. The painting brings this room together, the large sale balances the natural stone and the details of the Missoni chevron fabrics within the large space.

The clean look of black and white works beautifully alone, but it's also a great choice to among other elements, it can compliment a colorful wall, artwork or fabric. It doesn't mean the absence of color, but rather used to calm and balance a colorful palette. Our client was looking for something to work with Chelsea Bubble by photographer Kit Kittle and the natural textures and colors in her living room,  designed by Mara Solow Interiors. Kerri’s small black and white painting, framed in an elegant metallic frame is a visual counterpoint to the larger colorful photo and the furnishings.

This fun installation by Kerri, an abstract wall painting makes a bold statement in an otherwise quiet white bedroom

Bold, fun, stark & serious, all describe different black and white artworks and their accompanying interiors. There is a quieter side, when grey is used to soften the extremes. Artist Xanda McCagg takes a break from her usual colorful works to do studies in black, white and grey

Photographer John Duckworth creates abstracted landscapes of his local South Carolina coastline. I first saw his work at a Holly Hunt showroom. Here are two different grey to black vertical pieces hanging side by side, the effect is dramatic but subtle.

Whether using the contrast of black and white alone, or softened with greys, artwork in the black-white spectrum is appealing and comfortable to live with. There is something easy about the choice, calming and classic, but not boring. It is natural, crisp and a timeless choice when selecting artwork.

Bubbles & Buddhas // Kit Kittle's Inspiring World

The photography of Kit Kittle inspires, from the images, the colors, the subjects to the stunning locations. Kittle’s two recent series, Bubble and Enlightenment are a culmination of his years of travel and exploration as both a commercial and fine art photographer. He lived for many years in India, his first indulgence in his interest in different cultures, people and religions which he has continued to explore through his photography.

Both the Buddha and Bubbles Collections, convey the contrast between the expected and unexpected. Kit tells how his wife brought a Buddha statue home and he was immediately drawn to it and how the composure of the Buddha could immediately change the way a place feels. And so he began, carrying the Buddha from place to place and photographing it in different environs, starting in the back woods of Greenwich, where he lives, Buddha and Dandelions, 

to East Hampton and other beaches he has visited. Buddha and Waves, © Kit Kittle 2014

to Manhattan streets - Kit speaks of the contrast, “This Buddha reflects the light around it.  Its physical presence in a scene often reflects the irony of a place.  Sometimes it’s the peacefulness that can be found in commotion; other times it’s the loneliness that can be found in crowds, but each place is changed by the sitting Buddha”.  Buddha on Spring Street

Since the 25 lb. porcelain statue fits nicely in his bag, it joins Kit for a drive, Buddha and Mercedes

We talked recently in Kit's studio about his motivations in this project. Another aspect that compelled Kit, is a "visual non-theological view...this Buddha's image of steadfast composure puts our fast-paced lives on pause, and brings us into a world where clarity might just momentarily exist.”

In recent years, it is not uncommon to see a Buddha image or  statue in stores and homes.  It is an accepted icon of calm and composure.  In Kit’s studio, the statue sits among small tabletop versions of his photos mounted in lucite.

I enjoy working with Kit and showing his limited edition photos, both the Bubbles and Buddhas, as they make people smile.  The Bubble collection began when Kit saw a NYC vendor selling bubble machines.  He became fascinated with the floating bubbles and watching as the fleeting colors were captured for a moment when the light rays are bent in the fluid of the bubble, in the split second just before its gone.

Kit started blowing and photographing bubbles in the woods of Connecticut and on the Long Island Sound. A favorite image is Before the Split, the Double Bubble, an image captured off the Rye beach in Westchester. The quiet image is at home in a clients' comfortable family room

The bubble machine started to accompany Kittle on his travels to Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, England and Germany.  He loved “watching a single bubble move across a landscape.”

Chelsea Bubble, is a colorful reflection in a double-decker bus of bustling London. The image provides color and energy in the warm neutral living room designed by Mara Solow Interiors.

Kit’s love of travel started early, studying Sanskrit and Buddhist philosophy in Varanasi, India at 16. He returned there soon after graduating on a travel assignment for Air India. Each photo in Enlightenment is accompanied by a short quote, about life and art that have been on Kittle’s mind since these years of study.

For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.

                                                                                                                      - Vincent van Gogh

  His work as a travel photographer has taken him all over the world, he has thousands of photo credits in hundreds of magazines including Time, National Geographic Traveler, Outside, Smithsonian and the New York Times. Through the years, he also became a film director, and has directed films on four continents while simultaneously pursuing his fine art photography. At this point, he is more focused on his personal visions.

Kittle’s work makes you stop, look and reflect. His first book, Roughnecks, was published in 1985 at the same time he was also photographing Drag Queens in NYC. Both collections, recently exhibited in Chelsea, NY, are portrayals of two different types of male cultures. The Buddha and Bubble Collections are a different portrayal, more personal and introspective for Kit, as well as the viewer, making the viewer look, and look again, at how the Buddha’s presence alters it’s environment or how the Bubble exists for just a moment.

Kit’s work is inspired by the shapes, colors and beauty that he sees throughout the world. He likes the contrast of the statue or the round bubble, it's unexpected in a world where, “everything is flat and square”. He loves to “create the electrically colored sphere, there’s something cool about creating something and letting it go in to the world”.

Kit isn't the only one enchanted by the colorful spheres!

He completely fell in love with bubbles once again, for the first time since I was four...bubbles are startling in the way they move, immune to gravity, and the way they so suddenly disappear – poof!”

It’s fun to be inspired by seeing things in a new way, to alter your perspective, fun to feel like your four again!

- Please join us at Nest Inspired Home on Sept 10th, 7-9 pm for Bubbles and Buddhas. Kit will be signing Enlightenment and a portion of the evening's sales will benefit The Rye Nature Center.  The Buddha collection will be on exhibit through Oct. 9th.

Living with Art // The Beauty of Summer Color

It is the beginning of the end of summer. One more week, Labor Day weekend, and we officially close the doors behind us and step into our busy fall mode. Before its over, there’s still time to enjoy all that we love about the summer...the natural beauty of the long days and nights, warmth, the sun, the sky, the water, mountains, beach and how it all makes us feel.

Have you noticed how full Facebook and Instagram feeds are with our friends’ pics of their special place, in the morning when the sun comes up, during the day when they're outdoors and again at sunset? Regardless of what your “place" is, the colors and feel of summer resonate with us all. My blog series, Living with Art, started last month with Soft Summer Color. This month it’s about The Beauty of Summer, from natural colors to richer deeper tones.  An insta pic from our RE feed that I took on a July night when the light was picture-perfect at the marina in Sag Harbor

I often receive positive responses to artwork that reflects the season and the lighter way that we feel. People react to the colors of nature, all shades of blue and warm natural tones. I felt fortunate in the past few months to work with clients who chose artworks that “feel like summer”. Artists’ inspiration often comes from what they see and the individual beauty comes from how they interpret it.

Visiting John Duckworth in his South Carolina studio, my friends and I were overwhelmed by the array of his Abstract Landscape collection, and the creative way he presents it.

Each image has a story, a particular creek, a river or coastline, the time of day or the position of the moon. John captured the Super Moon, those rare nights when the moon is at it's largest, last August in Charleston. This striking image captures the light of the moon's reflection against the sky, and is perfectly suited for our friends' Kiawah beach home.

Wanting to bring the beauty of my friends' native Charleston to her NY home, the deep richer colors of the sunset at Church Creek are a stunning compliment to the light-infused blue and gold interiors.

Photographer Shelli Breidenbach also explores the abstract beauty in her natural subjects, her Abstract Seascapes and the Abstract Shell Series are inspired by time spent at her home in Sag Harbor. Abstract Shell No. 6 is one of 6 large-scale images revealing the remarkable details, shapes, curves and colors naturally found in different shells.

Printed large and mounted in acrylic, the graphic image is a great addition to this master bedroom designed by Mara Solow Interiors. The colors and depth in the photo are a beautiful compliment to the subtle color, pattern and texture in the room.

The entry to this Hamptons home lets you know that it’s time to relax, welcoming guests with the warm combination of wood and natural colors of Abstract Shell No. 5 in this large scale 50”x50” image

Photographer Stuart Zaro  finds inspiration close to home. He lives in an idyllic spot on Cobamong Pond, which he photographs all year, through the seasons. This is a favorite summer image, Boat on Cobamong, to me, it is calm and quiet.

Abstract painters interpret the summer very differently. Artist Kerri Rosenthal speaks of her love of the beach and ocean and how it informs the colors in her work. The deceptively simple stripes of color, turquoise and marine blue, concisely tell her story of summer, a modern twist on nautical stripes, the canvases are fresh and fun. Stripe on Stripe No. 2

and in a pair

Kerri's time in the Hamptons a few months ago inspired a series this summer. The soft blues and browns of Sagg Main found a great home, bringing contrasting, but subtle color, to the neutral browns and golds in our clients' comfortable family room.

I love the view from the kitchen, the painting is beautifully framed within the architecture of the doorways

I recently enjoyed meeting artist Claudia Mengel at her Connecticut studio and seeing the breadth of her work. I was struck by the compositions and clean colors, especially the blues in her abstract paintings. Waterfall, 60"x30"

Mengel explained the reasons she paints in blue, “Growing up on the water of Long Island I have always been inspired by the colors of the ocean. With the changes of the seasons and time of day...by how the color blue had such range...it is very nostalgic to me, it's very present in many of my paintings. It can have a peaceful aura or it can have strength and energy. It is a color that I love to have partner with any other colors in my composition. It seems to be the color that always fits.” A recent triptych, The Seine, in Claudia's studio, illustrates this well

Summer, the beach and ocean, sand and surf are what Christine Wexler of Bramasole Photography photographs. She is often out east, on the beaches of Montauk and elsewhere through Long Island. Christine’s photos are not just for surfers, this image and many others have been installed in homes in order bring the beauty and feel of summer inside all year long.

One look at any of these artworks and you’re there, you step right into your special summer “place”.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, it’s not over yet!!