Love it / Live it: Mid-Winter's Sun

Today I'm loving artist Justin Siegel's bright yellow shapes layered over deep blues and greys. It gives a sense of sunshine breaking through a dreary Winter day. I woke up to that same effect in the sky this morning and after a week straight of rain and grey, I could not be more thankful for that brightness in the sky. So much so that I even got up early for a morning run around the lake! Oh the difference a little Vitamin D can make...

art by Justin Siegel / bag via Hyde SK

And you know I'm always looking for ways to bring neon into my wardrobe and this tote is the perfect mix of form and function....Enjoy!

Next year why don't you...

sources found here

Just a few things I'm meditating on for 2012...Enjoy!

Colored Daylight: 12.20.12

I'm loving this color palette today. It's the perfect mixing of citrus bright with industrial army greens, and a wonderful way to bring Summer brights into a Winter wardrobe...

images via Derek Root / Christian Siriano / Gerhard Richter / Sincerely Jules

I would wear this outfit in a heartbeat, it's perfect for almost any kind of occasion. Of course, I'd have to add in some tights if I wanted to wear it any time before May. Alright, it's back to the grind for me, chipping away on my never-ending to-do list that still includes more than a couple gifts to buy eek! Hoping you're enjoying lots of Holiday soirees and sipping on lots of Egg Nog [or hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps if you're like me] Enjoy!

GIFT GUIDE: For the Gallery Wall

Ok, I know we're only 5 days away now, but if you're anything like me, you're still hurrying in and out of shops and scouring the web for last minute deals and express shipping on the perfect gift. And needless to say, I am a firm believer in giving the gift or art. It is something that people don't often let themselves spend money on because it is not 'practical' for every day, but I beg to differ. For me, art feeds the soul...

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Not only are each of these lovely works totally affordable, but don't forget, The Daylight readers are being offered an exclusive discount on the first print from Ditty Drops. [ just enter THEDAYLIGHT15 at checkout ]  And for more great print ideas check out Strataflora's wonderful gift guide right here. Good luck on your last minute holiday shopping everyone and let's all spread copious amounts of yuletide joy!

Artful Interiors + a Ditty Drops DEAL!

Hi friends! Lately you can find me over on Design For Mankind on Fridays doing a little guest series where I pair gorgeous artwork with equally stunning interiors. This past Friday featured this stellar and affordable print from Ditty Drops aptly titled 'If I Could I Would Give You the Universe"...

And if you love it as much as I do, it is your lucky day! Ditty Drops is graciously offering all of YOU 15% off of the entire site for the next 6 months!! All you have to do is enter the discount code THEDAYLIGHT15 at checkout. A little Holiday surprise a few days early, thank you Meredith!! Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: Washed Out

Good morning! I spent the weekend getting caught up on a lot of things I've been putting off and it feels good to be nearing the new year with what feels like a fresh slate. And yes, I finally started my Christmas shopping and I must say, sometimes I forget how much fun it can be to shop for everyone else! And while I know this isn't exactly in keeping with the Holidays, I'm absolutely loving this soft hued, washed out painting by artist Julian Jackson. It reminds me of early Winter mornings running along the beach...

And I'm thinking these glass hurricanes that would make my mantle feel just as calm and light even on the greyest of days, miles and miles from the ocean...Enjoy!

Coco+Kelley GIFT GUIDE: For the Creative

Hello! In case any of you missed it, I put together a holiday Gift Guide for the creative earlier this week on Coco+Kelley in honor of my new series Curate Your Space. And let's be honest, I'd love any one of these gorgeous pieces to land under my tree this year...

watch / necklace / ipad case / skirt /  mug / business card holder / book /  / throw / camera / pillow /  paper weight / Soap 

Cheers to an inspired Holiday season everyone...Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: White Noise + Pink Graffiti

I'm feeling like a little white noise is in need today after yesterday's uber personal post. Though very exhilarating, hanging my art on a very public wall then pouring my heart out on the world wide web is emotionally exhausting and this bright white painting by artist Rob Nadeau is just what the doctor ordered...

image / clutch

I love the way the neon accents really bring the piece to life. And if I'm ever going to mix pink into my own wardrobe, you better believe it'll be tie-dyed and set against cognac leather accents...Enjoy!

MY DAYLIGHT: Art Show at Anthropologie

Happy Monday everyone! Last week I had the utmost honor of hanging my paintings at Seattle's downtown Anthropologie. It feels like a wonderfully rewarding culmination of years of both hard work and learning to let go. After years of painting still lifes and models, the moment I started painting exactly the way I wanted to, without worrying about what others might think, I found my voice...

Simply put, these paintings are about loving life. Less simply put, they are about honoring the life of my brother, Matthew. We lost him two years ago when he was my age, and though the tragedy of his death has forever changed us, I am who I am because of the amazingly inspiring life he lived. He was always a huge supporter of me following my dreams, and he continues to inspire me to persevere day after day even when the going gets tough.

Even after experiencing their worst nightmare, my mom and dad have continued to be the most kind, giving, and supportive parents I could have ever asked for. And my boyfriend has helped me through countless sleepless nights and been the first one to cheer me on in every one of my endeavors. So mom, dad, and Jake, thank you, thank you, thank you!

So if you happen to be in the area, the work will be up until the end of December and I would love for you to check it out. It is incredibly hard to photograph the gold finish so seeing them in person is really the best. But for all of my non-seattleites, I did my best to bring a bit of the show to you...

I'm also working on getting all the paintings up on my etsy shop, so bear with me, it may take a while, but I promise to keep adding everyday. And lastly, so much gratitude goes out to all of you. Your coming back day after day to read my little ramblings means the world to me...Enjoy!!

MY DAYLIGHT: Seattle Street Art

Happy Friday everyone! This has been a week full of excitement and anticipation for me and frankly I can't wait for the weekend to go off the radar a little bit and unwind. I'll be back on Monday with a peak at my show at Anthropologie downtown, but until then, I wanted to leave you with my favorite street art in all of Seattle...

This huge masterpiece scales the wall of a building in Seattle's Capitol Hill and every time I see it I just want to sit and stare. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, enjoy!!

GIFT GUIDE // For the Rock Collector

As you may have noticed, I'm a bit of a rock-lover. I have a serious weakness for anything made with agates. Add gold into the mix and I just don't stand a chance. So, to all of my fellow rock collectors[that's you, Amy!] this one's for you...

cuff / butter knives / amethyst soap / quartz votive / finial toppers / bookends / ring / necklace 

I would be over the moon to find any of these in my stocking this year but to be honest the things on the top of my wish list won't fit in a stocking, like extra time with my favorite people over wine and peppermint cookies...Enjoy!

Love it / Live [in] it : Catherine Ulitsky

I love this layering of neon geometry on sky photography by artist Catherine Ulitsky. There is something so interesting in the contrast between the fluid clouds and the bold straight lines...

And what a wonderful way to decorate a staircase? Sure, it wouldn't provide much of a guard if you were to slip, but it brings such a light and delicate element to the cold concrete staircase; the perfect example of a gorgeously curated minimalistic detail...Enjoy!

image

Beautiful Process [David Derksen Design]

Often as artists we tend to focus on the outcome of a composition, and not so much on the process. But when I saw what the fellows of David Derksen Design created while focusing completely on the art of a process, it made me think about the production of art in a completely different way. These gorgeous pieces combining natural and chemical processes in finely cut geometric shapes make way for a brand new art form; the oxidizing process of mirrors...

I love when artists give insight into their work and the planning that actually goes into it. It brings a more layered perspective on the art itself and inspires me to look at my own art with a more scientific and explorational eye. Here is a little peak into their process, check out the details here.

It's absolutely fascinating what beautiful natural processes occur without our even realizing it. Hope you all had an inspiring and rejuvenating weekend and are starting the week off with a bit of new found energy and optimism. I installed over 15 paintings at Seattle's downtown Anthropologie and it was absolutely amazing to see my work is such a stunning setting. I promise to share photos very soon! Until then..Enjoy!!

all images via David Derksen Design

Love it / Live it: Painterly Reading

I'm so excited (and honored) to be having a show of paintings at downtown Seattle's Anthropologie this month! I'll be hanging my work tomorrow, so needless to say, I've been doing quite a bit of painting lately and thus spending some time soaking in the inspiration of some of my favorite painters. Gerhard Richter is an artist I always go back to. His vast and broad body of work always inspires me to think outside the box, try new techniques and explore the color spectrum...

"Art is the highest form of hope" - Gerhard Richter  

And these lovely painted book covers are inspiring me to spend my evenings curled up with a novel instead of packing in extra hours working on projects and my 'to-do' list. Just one of the things I've been pinning lately. I can't wait to share what I've been working on with all of you very soon, but until then...Enjoy!

p.s. check out the room design I pulled together inspired by Gerhard Richter here

GIFT GUIDE// For the boys

Well seeing as the first of December is less than a day away, I think I better start my Christmas shopping before it's the 24th and I'm wondering where all the time went. So I'm starting with my man because I don't know about you guys, but I always have the hardest time gifting the ones closest to me. Though I know the homemade sentimental gifts are the ones that really matter, it's always fun to give extra goodies that they don't necessarily need...

iphone dock / ipad case / blocks / watch / shoes / wallet / bookman / hat / headphones / headphone amplifier / pine soap / jacket

Ok, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't happily borrow any of these items for myself too, but I know my man will be happy with any accessory made out of wood or garnished with a touch of Pendleton flaire. And let's be honest, what man doesn't feel a little manlier with the scent of fresh pine? Enjoy! 

p.s. have you entered the giveaway yet? It could be the perfect gift for the gold and feather loving friend in your life [hint, hint]

Art + Interiors: Lise Temple

Today I'm inspired by the abstract landscapes of Australian artist Lise Temple. Needless to say I love her choice of palette, but I also love the juxtaposition between broad and brash brush strokes and the tiny and intricate spacial detailing. It makes for a depth in the work that goes beyond the landscape or the page....

pendants / table / rug / glass / vintage vase / pillow / end table / pillow

I would never have thought to mix in terracotta with this palette but I think it brings in a beautifully warm contrast to the grey, green and blue that dominates each composition. And there is no better way to bring a color whole heartily into a room than to paint it on the walls. I've been wanting to use this green (#440B-6 Barnyard Grass by BEHR) somewhere in my home for months now, and I think it's time to finally pull the trigger. Hope your week is off to a wonderful start...Enjoy!

Jewelry=Art : &c.

This weekend I attended a geniusly curated event, the preview party for BLANC, a design pop-up shop that featured local designers and a range of their well crafted goods all in Winter white. One item that caught my eye and hasn't left my mind since is this stunning statement necklace from Etcetera Jewelry...

images via Etcetera Jewelry

And all of their pieces are just as unique. So while I usually post artwork and jewelry, these pieces of are so gorgeously composed that they are truly works of art themselves...Enjoy!

A Copper Affair

Happy Friday everyone! I have a confession to make...as you know, gold is my one true love, but I've been having a little affair lately with bronze and copper and I can't get enough of it. I want to wear it for the holidays, accessorize and decorate with it, and put it around my dining table...

images via knight cat, Garance Dore

pendants / chair / clutch / pillow / cords / skirt / ring

images via Desire to Inspire, Little Blue Deer

Oh yes, and I'd love a copper bathtub to replace the extraordinarily ordinary white one we have currently, is that so much to ask? Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Enjoy!!