Be sure to check out Sean’s feature article in the new Florida Design magazine this month. Grab the magazine or visit the Media page for a PDF.

As you can tell by my obvious discipline in blog posting (count the posts for this year…we’re not talking about it)…Moving on…

This petite project in April was just too happy not to show off. My PB clients have a fabulous view of the water…but had a less than fabulous loggia from which to enjoy it.

Designed in a Palm Beach vernacular, I developed a room within a constrained space to be happy, multi-functional and casually chic. First, the house was painted to an off-white to shimmer in the Florida sun and then the cement casings were fabricated for around the doors. The cypress ceiling was painted to cool & soothing blue and large vessels were purchased for around the pool. Not to forget…a few strategic trips to the nursery for additional landscaping.

We repurposed some original furnishings, like this modular outdoor sectional that I deconstructed and reupholstered (ultimately keeping a leash on the budget). The topiary stands were originally table bases. all of which can be seen on the final photo of this blog post in the “thank God it’s liberated”, before shot.

Adding the custom aluminum and marble console I designed, with an entirely open front, allowing for some chairs to tuck under for a private breakfast without taking the room of even a cafe table. Needless to say, it’s also great place to pour vino during a party.

The Sunbrella outdoor drapery was fabricated in yellow & white to echo the stylish landmarks of Palm Beach. On a more practical note, belt loops were designed to fasten to marine hardware fastened to the columns for billowing control, something we all may need from time to time.

A Balinese teak table was painted with brilliant white marine paint for effect and durability with a bit of style.

The day I finished, my clients threw a shin dig to launch their new space with wine, friends and laughter, which all were celebrated with abundance! Every single person was in love with this indoor-outdoor shag carpet in brilliant white. Totally comfortable and completely polypropylene and poly-fabulous.

This just becomes a distant memory of what shouldn’t have been. Sorry Mr. Builder and Bye Bye mustard house.

At the end of my exhibition in Atlanta, I will be teaching a two day workshop at Chastain Art Center

Dynamic and Emotional Figure Workshop

This workshop, will explore capturing a dynamic and emotional figures and portraits using a subtractive process. Methods for working back into pieces will be discussed and demonstrated. Working in charcoal and conté, this two-day workshop will focus on capturing the immediacy of a live model with a strong sculptural approach.

Material list

2 Lg. kneadable erasers
1 gum eraser (elliptical)
Lg. newsprint
Drawing paper — I like Strathmore smooth to medium drawing paper in 18×24 and 14×17; it has a distinctive bone tone
spray fixative
1 box of soft charcoal (we will use this the most)
1 box of medium charcoal
hard charcoal
drawing board
paper towels or cotton rags

Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty because we’re working with charcoal

See you there!

My Human Monochromes currently are being exhibited at the Jill Celeste Gallery in Atlanta. The exhibition of more than twenty works opened on May 15, 2008 and runs through June 30, 2008.

Visit the Human Monochromes to see more of the body of work.

If you’re thirsty for a wonderful glass of wine and a more wonderfulererer atmosphere to enjoy it in… I suggest The Palate Gallery and Wine Bar in Decatur, GA. This spring, I was introduced to Jill, the owner of Palate, around aperitivo hour, on her enchanting outdoor terrace. After about six hours of laughing and talking with friends, and realizing that I had drank her entire stock dry, we decided to hang a show.

Jill, a well seasoned gallery owner, seaming effortlessly spent the twilight hours seasoning her guests with vino and charm. Sitting on her terrace, I felt more like I was in someone’s home rather than a business. When it got cold in the early May evening, the fireplace was lit and Jill brought out sweatshirts and throws for her guests. The space that this ducky has carved out in the world is nothing less than sublime.
I truly believe this is one of the best ways for a gallery to show art, in a space where you can sit and enjoy it over an evening.

Installation photos

A successful opening at Palate.

A great evening of good friends, new friends, and a whole lot of martinis.

Rachael McCall and me

Rachael McCall, Dame Joyce Piersanti, a friend of Dorthy’s, Dorthy Burke and me

Ken & I going “green”