I wrote a few days ago about my desire for a cow. Not the cud munching, bell wearing, milk producing sort. I had fallen in love with this inspiration painting and yearned for one of my own. I asked my friend, Laura, to paint one for me. I requested she work off the inspiration painting, but make it her own. And she did a fabulous job. Here’s a sneak peek…
I’ll say outright that it’s not what I expected it would be. I expected something more realistic and traditional. That said, I have totally fallen in love with it. It’s soft and the colors and shading are exquisite. It’s an original oil and it was painted just for me and I totally love it…more and more each time I steal a glance at it. I’m expecting my husband to stop in mid conversation as my eyes are drifting off to the wall above our fireplace, “You’re looking at the cow right now, aren’t you?”
Now, for the cherry on top. Another artist came forward when I posted about my desire for a cow painting. She shared a link to her fabulous portfolio and I was smitten. Her work is soft and traditional and lovely in every way. She sent me an inspiration picture for a cow painting she would like to paint for me and it looked stunning. I am about to burst with anticipation to see it completed and finally have it hanging on my wall. I also picked out a landscape and a nest painting of hers that caught my eye. So, within the span of a week, I went from having zero original artwork pieces to having four. Well, one in my possession and three coming soon AND I get two fabulous cows. One for the family room and one for the living/dining room.
I will definitely post links to both of these artists when they’re ready for me to, so you can order paintings and/or prints from them if you’re interested. Both ladies are so talented and their work is very reasonably priced.
A couple of days ago, I purchased a frame on clearance at Hobby Lobby that is the perfect size for Laura’s painting. It had a strange peach looking finish, so I just worked on gold leafing it today. I think it will be the perfect finishing touch on her painting.
I also made some moss topiaries this afternoon to place on my mantle on either side of the painting. These were cheap and super easy to make, but have a high-end look to them. They’ll frame out the painting, without detracting from it. I want the art to be the star.
This is the fabric I purchased to use for the family room curtains. I knew I wanted blue and white, but I wanted to choose a casual, geometric print that is more appropriate for an “everyday” space. It’s a bit more modern than most of my fabric choices, but it will be balanced with antiques, grain sacks and distressed furniture, so it will still be very “me.”
Speaking of grain sacks…I just got some new ones in the mail. Love them.
So, can you see it coming together?
I love the curtains you chose!
Love that fabric and can't wait to see the whole cow!
well as an artist I know that sometimes what we see and to whom we're painting for are sometimes not in sinc,, but that said you were most gracious to be pleased with her or his work,, I think its lovely,, I do,
Its great that you are taking time for your own home. You have been so busy over the past months. I love following your blog. Looking forward to seeing the whole cow in its new setting.
-ps how is that bathroom coming along?
– Joy
I have a swatch of that blue fabric in my purse. No lie. I think I am going to use it in my kitchen…can't wait to see your curtains. Get busy!
Why is it that I now want a cow painting? lol That is just beautiful! I am partial to that fabric as well…I have a whole bunch of it in my closet wondering what I will do with it…
Hi Marian! The fabric for your curtains was actually the same fabric I used to reupholster the chairs from my very first dining set redo! It was an antique dining set, but I wanted a fabric to offset the dark wood. Plus it had a vintage feel to it so I knew it would "play" well with the antique look. I'm so happy to hear that you feel the same way about it!
By the way, I was so nervous that no one would "get" me and my look when I tried selling the table, but found out that it sold in 2 days at the shop I consign with! Definitely an achievement for me as I'm new to the refurbishing game.
Anyways, if you get a chance I'd love for you to see my dining set and my blog. You're my blog and furniture heroine :).
Sincerely,
Emily
http://lovelybeasts.blogspot.com/2011/04/blue-boy-dining-set.html
http://lovelybeasts.blogspot.com/2011/05/lovely-beasts-made-its-first-sale-and.html
With art school in my pocket I tried my hand at painting some pears and my husband loved them, they need more work but staying creative is the key. I love that others want to give you their talents. Enjoy the bovine.
oooooh… I cant wait to see everything! Loving your cow. im sure the second one will be JUST as amazing! youre a lucky girl, Marian!
and that fabric is NOT you- I thought that before I even read what you wrote. but youre right- it will be very YOU when youre done 🙂
on a side note- I bought a sewing machine recently. I have NEVER sewn anything and havent the first clue how to use it. but I WILL make *something* with it. Im hoping eventually to make curtains for the living room. we shall see. 😉
Love the cow! Did you know they have white cows in France? I love that special memory…
Look forward to seeing all your new art but the cow is so special…and seems to be whispering to me!
Thanks for sharing!
Wow – the cow painting is just lovely… the colors are beautiful and I love how it is slightly impressionistic in style. How unique and special to have this original artwork created for you! Will you name her?
those grains sacks are exquisite…can't wait to see them in the reveal!
I'm loving all of your blue accents! And the cow? Sigh!
I can't wait to see your cows!! How wonderful that you are getting your dream cows!!
Marian the cow painting is simply amazing and I adore it. The fresh palette is perfect as well as the style!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
I have an Great Giveaway from the Artisans at Novica. You will love it!
Wow! That cow painting is really beautiful! Laura did an amazing job, those colors are to die for, and it really has a special dreamy quality to it, quite impressionistic. She is really talented. *LOVE!*
I'm pretty sure I know who the second cow painting is coming from! She is also amazingly talented and her cows are along the lines of traditional/classic and just so wonderful! I'm in awe of the talent out there!
Those grain sacks are wonderful as is that fabric. I'm a huge fan of blues myself, specifically aquas/turquoises. Those colors are so peaceful and serene, yet classic as well.
Cannot wait to see what you've got cooking!
Best,
Kimberly
Can't wait to see what the artists are doing! How fun! Love that fabric. I have been thinking of doing similar in my office, which is mid "redouxing". Fabric choices next.
it feels like a plan is coming together… i just love that. xow.
Ich liebe diese alten Mehlsäcke auch sehr und habe sie in verschiedenen Ausführungen – auch mit den schönen gestickten Monogrammen. Es macht Freude, diese alten Säcke zu verarbeiten und sich zu überlegen, welche Geschichten sich dahinter verbergen könnten.
Ich bin schon sehr gespannt, wie Deine "neuen" Möbel mit dem blauweissen Stoff aussehen werden.
Herzliche Grüße aus Deutschland
schickt Jacqueline
Your colour palette for your room is devine ! We have an origional piece of art in our living room that we purchased when we were married. Its a harbour painting and I am just the same as you. I NEVER tire of looking at it!
Love the glimpse of the grain sacks, how I wish I could find some. Not something that has "caught on " in the UK too much, but I adore what you do with them.
Can't wait to receive my tags from you xxx
Karen xx
The curtains and the grain sacks will be perfect with each other.
Love the cow painting. Can wait to see the other paintings you have been blessed with!!
Hugs
SueAnn
LOVE the cow painting!!! I want it! The fabric and topiaries are great too.
I know the second artist Marian, and when I read your post I was going to send you to look at her cow paintings on her online portfolio…but then I saw you had commissioned a painting. She is a pal of mine, and when she told me, I was so happy because I thought that this is the perfect artwork for you! The world is wonderous sometimes.
Love it all!!!
Our hobby lobby has been carrying that same blue fabric and I keep thinking about ways to use it! So glad you bought it!
Trish
Yes, yes, yes I can see it coming together, Marian. I like that the cow is a little less traditional. I can't wait to see the unveiling and all of your original art, you lucky girl! Hugs, Kim
Wonderful! The colors are beautiful. I love the idea of a brighter more modern look but having your frenchy blue grain sacky look with it. Hey I think you are creating a new style!!!!! Love the material for the curtains. Have a great day. As I sit here on my computer at the dental office I work at I'll be wishing I was home designing and painting.
Mary
RENONFL@YAHOO.COM
i see, i see! and how did your artist friend pull that off? she actually painted what i consider a 'beachy cow.' I LOVE BEACHY!!!!
i love that you're collecting original pieces and indirectly inspiring others to do the same because original art should not be reserved for an elite group. i began collecting and creating pieces a few years ago and am hooked.
those grain sacks! drowning in lovely over here!
michele
http://solongfarm.blogspot.com/2010/09/long-overdue.html
scroll down and you'll see a cow [in stocks] I photographed at the Fair last year who looks alot like your painting…
What is it about cows that we love? From this girl that lives in the country, but used to think that the way you could tell the difference between a bull and a cow was the bull had a ring in his nose, I find them intriguing. I've started carrying pictures of cows in my store. There's just something calming about a cow. What a beautiful post!
I LOVE the cow painting (at least what I see of it). Gorgeous! Every house should have some original art in it. And the best way to pick original art is to pick something YOU love. It has to speak to you. The way that other cow painting did. Because, after all, you're the one who will be looking at it everyday.
Beautiful painting I can't wait to see what the room looks like!
I love, love, love the cow. I can't wait to see more of it — and for the new one too. I'll be waiting for the links to the artists.
I love the way your room is coming together. I love the moss and cow together…its so farmhouse chic and the perfect pairing! Can't wait for the finished room!!
These are fabulous! The colors are just amazing! Have a delightful day, Kellie xx
AAK! I love cows! I love how dreamy and surreal the painting is, it makes me think of a dewy field of heather in the morning fog. LOVE LOVE LOVE! Do you have a link for either artists? I'd love to see their portfolios as well. Thanks!
-eak
I have to admit that I've been wanting a cow for quite a while too and I've eyed some on Etsy for quite some time! So this may just inspire me to go ahead and pull the trigger! 🙂
I am very much a suburban girl, but have been around a cow or two and even had the opportunity to milk one 6 years ago on a trip to my ancestors farm in Poland. I am by no means a cow expert. Now the painting you showed is beautiful- the colors are ablsolutely beauiful and will be stunning for sure in your LR. But- are those horns? Wouldn't that not make it a bull? Sorry to rain on your parade, but just wanted to give you a heads up… Love reading your blog!
promise…just bought your curtain material for a headboard insert….we have great taste!
It is looking amazing! Love that fabric and share the excitement of grain sacks in the mail! I just spent two evenings in front of the tv unpicking mine! X
Wow that painting looks great! I feel more calm just looking at it and it's not even the entire cow. I'll have to check out the artist when you post her name. I'm impressed that you're branching out into the modern world with that great fabric and are combining it with your look. Can't wait to see the finished room.
I used that fabric on my diaper bag! I LOVE it! It will be perfect for your room!
Can't wait to see the whole room! That cow is growing on me too, love the colors! Gorgeous! My girlfriend and I were looking for cow pictures at the flea market this past weekend! Who would have thought your little blog would have such influence 🙂 I just picked up a swatch of that same fabric today at HL….love it too.
Love the cow!!!
What fun that you have a cow in your livingroom! And such a lovely one. Can't wait to see the other half and the other cow, too.
The soft colors of the cow painting are stunning! Can't wait to see the whole thing. She did a beautiful job!
who is the second artist? Is it Roz (drunkencows?) if not… you should look at her work too… not just cows! 🙂 I have one of her cow pictures on my mantle and it makes me so happy! She does flowers, nests, cows, dogs, roosters etc. you will love looking at her site too. I'd love to know if that is who you are talking about…
starr4@stjoelive.com
P.S. her is the link for Roz mention in the previous comment! enjoy…
http://www.drunkencows.com/drunkencows/
this is my favorite artist… everyone should look at her site… she is wonderful!
let me know what you think!
I love your blog. I am from Virginia, so your East Coast vibe makes me happy. You are awesome. I love the paintings and I love your upholstery fabric!
I love your blog too and am learning every day! Your desire for a cow really stuck with me and when I saw this one http://www.dailypainters.com/paintings/69613/Norma-Wilson-Original-Oil-White-Cow-Cattle-On-Red-Art/ I thought of you! I have no blog and am not associated heck I don't even know how much it is but hope you like it.
I love the cows painted by John Emms. I feel like I am in the barn with the cow and his dogs when I see his work.
I'm dying to know the name of that fabric and can't wait to see it in your space.