Mothers & Art // 12 Artworks That Celebrate Motherhood

In honor of Mothers Day this week, I took a look through history at a variety of artists’ portrayals of motherhood. This Sunday, we celebrate our mothers, the women in our lives, the strength, fortitude and joys that motherhood brings. While looking at paintings, drawings and sculptures of moms, I found the artworks range from filled with awe and respect to some fairly disturbing imagery. As with all subjects, motherhood evokes a broad range of emotions…and creative results. Last year I posted about the history of Mothers Day, which dates back to the early 20th century. At that time, James Whistler had just painted his famous Whistler’s Mother. This painting is identified as an American icon. Ironic, that James Whistler’s 1871 painting has been at the Musee d’Orsay in Paris since 1891.

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Mary Cassatt, an American artist, lived in France and became one of the most recognized Impressionist painters. She was friends and exhibited with Degas, Renoir, Monet and others. Writings claim that her creativity and talents were influenced by her mother and she is known for her many paintings of mothers and their children. Additionally, she is credited with influencing the careers of many female artists.

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The beautiful paintings of Degas’ dancers included the mothers of the young girls, watching, observing and probably worrying about their daughters. The Dance Class, 1874

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Van Gogh was introduced to art by his mother Anna, who was an amateur artist while raising six children. Her love of nature, flowers and plants influenced Van Gogh's development as an artist and the subject matter of matter of much of his paintings. His first works were copies of his mother’s drawings. Portrait of Artist’s Mother, 1888

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Artist Alice Neel is considered, “one of the greatest portrait artists of the 20th century”. Her expressionistic work was largely centered on themes of motherhood, after the loss of her daughter. She went on to have other children and often depicted mother, child and familial relationships. Neel was one of the first artists to work for the Works Progress Administration during the Depression. Mother and Child, by Alice Neel, 1926

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Photographer Dorothea Lange was also employed by the government during the Depression. She documented migrant workers escaping the dustbowl for the Federal Farm Security Administration. This photo, Migrant Mother with Three Children, became symbolic of the hardships that migrant mothers and their families faced during those years.

Figurative artist Lucien Freud is known for his psychologically filled portraits examining the relationship between artist and subject. He painted a series of eighteen portraits of his mother over the course of ten years. It is suggested that these intimate portraits were his way of helping her cope with the death of her husband. The Painters Mother, 1983

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Sculptor Louise Bourgeois’, Maman, is an unexpected tribute to her mother. This large bronze and stainless sculpture is over 30’ high and 33’ wide. There are 6 in the series that was created in 1999 and is in museum and public collections worldwide. The spider is a common theme for Bourgeois, as she said,

“The Spider is an ode to my mother. She was my best friend. Like a        spider, my mother was a weaver. My family was in the business of tapestry restoration, and my mother was in charge of the workshop. Like spiders, my mother was very clever. Spiders are friendly presences that eat mosquitoes. We know that mosquitoes spread diseases and are therefore unwanted. So, spiders are helpful and protective,  just like my mother.”

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In 1991, this photo of Demi Moore was controversial. Annie Liebovitz’ cover for Vanity Fair of the naked and pregnant Moore was considered very risque at the time. Leibovitz, a mom of two, provoked a change in the perception of a woman's pregnant body as she prepares for motherhood.

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Photographer Laurie Simmons is known for the fantasy dollhouse worlds she creates and photographs, filled with dolls, finger puppets and ventriloquists. She is also Lena Dunham’s mom and is credited as the influence of her breakthrough film, Tiny Dollhouse. Simmons' portrait of her daughter,

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I had the pleasure of attending a memorable exhibit last year by my friend and artist Wendy Shalen in Chelsea. Shalen’s show was inspired by the birth of her granddaughter, her daughter entering motherhood and the aging grace and beauty of her elderly mom. She captured the generations of women in her family in her exquisitely rendered drawings and paintings. Sam and Mia,

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I couldn't have been happier for Shalen to be able to celebrate the 4 generations of women and motherhood in her family. Mom at 101,

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Artists have their singular and unique ability to convey their relationships with their mothers or children through their art. For the rest of us…whether remembering a mother, grandmother or celebrating with your children, as I will be, I hope you enjoy the day set aside to acknowledge the wonderful experience of motherhood!

Have a Happy Mothers Day!

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The Many Shades of White // in Art and Interiors

March is a month of transition. We are tired of the cold, and the flat colors of winter, grays and browns. We're waiting expectantly for spring to arrive, and with it the beautiful colors of the season. Before we get there, I have been thinking of white, and its many shades. White is associated with light, freshness and new beginnings. As we anxiously wait for the new season to arrive, a look at white and how neutral artwork looks great in a variety of interiors, especially as part of an all-white decor, layered with texture, fabrics and variations of color.

During the winter, it's always refreshing to wear or see someone in shades of white. Winter white is a warm color, with yellow undertones. There is an elegance to white clothing, especially in contrast to the black, or dark clothes we usually wear in the fall and winter months. A preview of classic winter whites from Ralph Lauren’s new Fall 2015 collection

I recently read on GOOP about the redesign of Gwyneth Paltrow’s music room in her Hamptons home by designer Windsor Smith, and loved this white room. It works  beautifully because of the crisp dark contrasts and layers of color, including the abstract painting.

The crossover between fashion, interiors and art is particularly clear with color trends. Windsor Smith Interiors puts together inspiring collages on Instagram showing the parallels and influence across the different disciplines. The clarity of white has always appealed to modernist artists, from Mondrian to Barnett Newman, and also to architects, from Le Corbusier to Richard Meier. I loved this recent Instagram post, classic architecture paired with a new sculptural design from Prada.

The beauty of white in the various arts is that you can create interest and complexity by using different shades together to create an interesting neutral color scheme. The hues and intensity of a white vary depending on how much of other colors, red, yellow, grey are in it, from cool and crisp white, to warm beige, ivory, linen, cream, vanilla and more. In a recent article, The Insiders Guide to Decorating with White, in Country Living Magazine, I read that Benjamin Moore offers over 200 shades of white.

Various interior designers discussed their preference for using white, from paint to furnishings to artwork. Darryl Carter said, "White rooms are more complex than they appear, because there are no distractions. Every choice becomes critical.” This white room is warm, especially complimented by natural woods and the addition of an all-white artwork

Designer Suzanne Kasler says its her “liberal use of ivories and creams — plus loads of natural texture” that gives her classic rooms their casual, contemporary appeal. Her home is all whites and natural colors. The design and layout of the collection of artworks by Kris Ruhs add pattern and interest to the neutral living room.I have collected a number of all-white rooms, many with tonal white artwork on my "White" Pinterest board. The style, look and color white of these rooms vary. From this crisp contemporary white room by Eric Cohler accented by warm woods with a large scale white painting

to designer Jill Stuarts’ cool sleek bedroom, with a large modern painting, White on White, by Julie Olitski

to Vicente Wolf’s dining room with a mix of materials and whites, complimented by a sculptural triptych of white artworks which adds depth to the space

RE photographer Shelli Breidenbach’s large scale Abstract Shells are the visual centerpiece in this yachts stunning interiors

The color white is versatile, it's many shades, from warm to cool, can vary and change the mood of a room, whether in the paint color, fabrics, accessories or art. White artwork, with nuances of color, texture or pattern, beautifully compliments and enhances a white palette. The large scale plaster bas relief by artist Mark Beard in this tonal room by Victoria Hagan brings a quiet drama to the elegant space.

Here is our selection of RE artworks in the many shades of white. These can be the starting point in creating a personalized white on white space. Photographer Barbara Erdmann creates graphic images by capturing patterns in nature.  Mesh looks great alone or is striking when used as a diptych or triptych, with it's varying shades of whites and beige

Another of Breidenbach's Abstract Shells, No. 3, these graphic images work as a grouping, as in the yacht, or alone

Artist Andrea Bonfils' underwater photographs have an ethereal quality, especially Joy, of a woman floating in a diaphanous white dress. Installed by the artist at her clients' light and airy white home

In Winters Dream, artist Kerri Rosenthal captures the nuances of whites in her abstract snowy landscape

For horse lovers, Shelli Breidenbach's portrait of Flamissy would be a great addition to a room with the contrast of warm woods and natural fabrics

The beautiful serenity of the sea and sky in Stefan Radtke's Sound Portrait #1, with its subtle gradations of cool color, would be the perfect beginning for a quiet peaceful room

I look forward to the transition to a more colorful season, and the natural beauty of the grasses, trees and flowers that will (hopefully) soon be blooming. Color is always an option in the coming months or you can opt for white on white, even in flowers, as in Morning Blooms, by Kerri Rosenthal

Looking forward to the change of season and color...happy (almost) spring!

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.