This weekend in Malibu at the Lion’s Club flea market, there was lots to uncover…

Look at this beautiful vintage day bed greeted me upon arrival.

This store was a favorite as we rummaged through deep bins of linens dated from the 1920-50s.

Isn’t this one funny!? My friend, Annie, spotted it and she loved the color.

I had to take home, this linen tablecloth. I haven’t decided exactly what to do with it yet, but I did decide not to cut it up!

Here it is draped over my couch.

Just look at how intricate the cross stitching and applique were. They combine to make such a simply beautiful piece.

Okay~ so I admit I didn’t find this next dresser this time around, but I wish I had…

This mirrored dresser is from Anthropologie and I love the aged finish of the mirrors.

Vintage linens, glass containers, and worn mirrors are all things to look for on a hunt like this. Not to mention, I had hoped to find a couple of wooden furnishings to refinish.

On our way out, we stopped at this shop brimming with knick knacks.

Glass bottles with stoppers, vintage baby shoes, even little ink wells that could become part of a collection.

This burlap covered stool could be used in a variety of ways in a modern setting.

Other flea markets in L.A. that I have visited include: Fairfax, Rosebowl, and Silverlake shows. The Rosebowl flea market is by far the largest. Plus, I’m hearing good things about another one in Long Beach that is great for buyers.

If you’d like to see more amazing flea market style and finds, check out this book, Paris Style from Taschen. It has some seriously good pictures inside, plus lots of things to look for on your next treasure hunt.

Bon voyage!

This Fall, I’ve been getting out there and gathering nuts of wisdom for the winter…

Last week I attended 2 superb speeches in L.A. and I took notes on what each speaker had to offer. I shuttled to a workshop about the business of art called, “Get Hung” at the Whole 9 in Culver City. Then, I traipsed off to Pacific Design Center to get inspired by Lori Weitzner’s speech on the Preservation of Passion.

I feel like I’ve been to the North Pole and back and would like to share my notes on what I’ve learned the past week…

Both speakers, Ashley at the Whole 9 and Weitzner, urge artists to make a specific plan.

Ashley recommends creating detailed long term goals, then working your way toward achieving them.

Go with a natural progression.  She advised against interviewing with galleries until you have done your prep work and are fully ready to have their attention. Purple Cow, a book that I recently read on marketing, suggests the same kind of thing. When you grab a person’s attention, be prepared to wow them!

They both encouraged me to find a niche.

i.e. If you love to paint landscapes, then contact a gallery who sells landscape art, and don’t be afraid to really BE who you are as an artist.

While developing your portfolio, Be a perfectionist, when it comes to photos…website, etc. If you hold yourself to a high level of expertise, then your clients and collectors will agree.

The second speaker, Weitzner would concur that it’s all in the details.

Look at how this passementarie adds so much interest to each pillow.

Weitzner discussed how to stay inspired as an Artist and Designer and I really connected. It turns out, she began her journey as a painter too. Her advice to staying inspired was simple and true.

She instructs us to keep inspiration boards full…

That should be easy, as I am often taping things to my walls for lack of space!

A final morsel that I gleaned was to give yourself room to be creative. Leave some open space in your life for the creativity to flow.

If you missed this one, but would like to get involved, educated, or inspired~

There is a framing workshop called Get Framed, from Martin Sherman of Sherman Galleries this Thursday.

Also, be sure to check the Pacific Design Center’s site for upcoming speaker’s and events. This is the second Design Series event I’ve participated in this year.

In L.A., I sometimes forget that we are so lucky to have resources at our fingertips.

Thank you guys for the great advice!

I’m glad to be back after a busy weekend!

This past Saturday, I took one look at my garage/studio and knew I had some serious work ahead. Fall is in the air…or should I say was? and I’ve been thinking about doing some painting outdoors. Here’a a look at some quick organizational fixes that I did in my studio to de-clutter.

Oh~and since I live for using Found Objects, you’ll notice I made two floating shelves out of recycled drawers, drilled a salvaged easel to the wall and painted up some pegboard panels. My goal was not to spend a lot of money on a fancy studio redo, but to tidy up what I already had.

I plan to fancy it up with some finishing touches after I hit up the Malibu Lion’s Club flea market this weekend. I’ll be hunting for a recycling bin, vintage fabrics, and little cool containers.

Wouldn’t it be fun to design a fine artist’s workspace?

On Friday, I am excited to share what I learned at “Get Hung” a little art-biz seminar this past week, plus an inspirational DIY idea.

This weekend I’d like to charm you with an oil painting by Janet Hill of a Farmhouse interior. Along the search for Farmhouse lights, I found these little beauties over on her blog.

I became really excited when I noticed that she has an artist’s shop and  lives in Stratford, Ontario, a place I used to visit as a teenager to watch their summer theatre festival. It is such a quaint and artsy town, it is no surprise such cozy interiors are found nestled along the Avon river. Summers there are so romantic.

If you love vintage fabulosity, then definitely check out Barb’s work over at Knack Studios.

Her new lights shown here are made of armature are right up my alley. Barb’s studio is located inside an artist’s colony in Greenville, South Carolina and I love the flair and southern grace in her work.

I am always interested in seeing what she will come up with next.

Have a sweet weekend everyone!

What was a once a dull putty colored wall…

Is now one panel of a wall artwork designed for a local Elementary school.

First, I came up with the concept and design, then local volunteers came to paint it out over the weekend. Then, they helped me knock it out over a period of 3 days. When the kids saw, they were really happy!

I still plan to add some finishing touches. Most of all, I love to paint and select the color palette for pieces like this. I reflect on my my set and mural painting experiences as I develop my style for large scale pieces like this.

Remember, we will announce the winner to Edy’s giveaway tomorrow morning. I can’t wait!

Lately, I find myself looking at the feet of chairs. I am taking a class in the history of Furniture Design, which should explain it. By the end of the semester, I will even choose to design my own furnishing and build it. Theoretically, this should be simple. I spend lots of time re-surfacing pieces of furniture in my studio.

Presently, I am drawn to learn about the history of these pieces. What makes a Queen Anne a Queen Anne?

I am told it is the fanciful quality of the chairs and architecture. The romantic lines. The soft curve on the shoulders of the chair. Not to mention the slub feet, a.k.a. the flat bun foot. Here, Pottery Barn did some colorful reproductions.

I enjoy the sophisticated colors! I could picture these in a traditionally styled home.

A later cabinet maker and furniture designer of the Georgian period (King George’s era) was Thomas Chippendale.  His sketches for ornate pierced back chairs are pictured here.

Personally, I am more a fan of his Chinese influenced designs. I found this pair of Chinese Chippendale side chairs on 1st Dibs and I wish there were enough to seat around my dining room table. Yum-my!

The bright orange really pops and I love the simple coolness of the bamboo-style legs. Although, during this period the legs were most likely made of satin-wood or mahogany.

When searching for him, don’t forget to include the word “chairs” or you may be surprised what you will find!

You may have seen the ever popular West Elm version of these classic beauties.

I hope you kicked back and relaxed for this brief history lesson. I will be doing a Facelift on a chair later this week.

May you be inspired to notice all the little details in the furniture you live with.

In the spirit of celebration, we are doing a giveaway!

You may ask what exactly we are celebrating? There are two things: The Strongheart show tomorrow night and the end of summer blogging! I am so proud that I was able to officially launch this site in June and have been blogging and making new friends all summer.

This is my second giveaway on PinkPianos and I plan to many more to draw attention to all the accomplished artists and designers out there. The best part is you don’t have to be in California to play, I will send these out to the winner anywhere in the world.

Today, I have chosen to giveaway a fabulous set of cards by artist Edy Pickens. Each set includes a clear pack of 6 cards and envelopes valued at $15.

You may remember her card designs from my posts on surface design. All cards are blank on the inside and feature a vibrant graphic on the front. Her cards are great for sending “thank you’s” or  ”i care about you” notes.

Edy paints and designs many types of artwork. On her site, you can the various commissions and collections of art she creates. Best of all Edy will be showing her work tomorrow night at the Art and Music Fundraiser for the Strongheart Fellowship. The fellowship will send volunteers on a 10-day voyage to Liberia, West Africa to construct a residency for orphaned children.

This one totally blows me away.

If you are there, then you will see this painting in person!

If you want to win this giveaway simply leave a comment below about your favorite one of Edy’s paintings. You could also share with us, an artist who’s work you admire. If you use one of these buttons below to Tweet, Digg, or Facebook this raffle, I will give you an additional lucky entry to the contest! Just e-mail me at hilary.hahn@pinkpianos.com and let me know what you did! I will announce next Wednesday and will use the random number selector to determine the winner.

Good luck to all!

I find I am most calm and at peace when surrounded by the beauty of nature. This Labor Day weekend I caught some relaxation time by disconnecting from the city.

The Mildred E. Mathias botanical gardens at UCLA proved to be the perfect place to get lost in the foliage.

The history of this garden is quite intriguing and can be viewed at the site home.

As I type I can smell this hand picked bouquet of wild roses. Don’t worry~I didn’t filch these from the garden!

A quaint french restaurant and garden shop on south Robertson sells them. Best of all you can sip tea on the patio amongst the flowers. Ahh~Abundance!

On that note, I’d like to invite you all to the Art and Music fundraiser for the Strongheart Fellowship this Thursday at Gallery 1018. It is going to be a total blast featuring music and tons of art for a good cause.

I can’t think of a better reason to go out this Thursday!

You can always e-mail me at hilary.hahn@pinkpianos.com with any questions.

I hope to see you there!

xx,

Hilary

I am getting inspired. I am working on a mural design using Botanical flowers. Also, I’m writing a unit for instruction called CRAFT.

Just yesterday, I discovered the work of Charles Mackintosh. Over his career, he worked as a interior designer, painter, furniture designer, textile artist and all that I aspire to generally become.

His sketches of flowers were simply amazing. This one the Cactus Flower.

and below the Cuckoo Flower watercolor.

How would you like to have these framed and hanging in your salle de bains, (sounds so much nicer than bathroom doesn’t it) ?

Ah-The famous Mackintosh Roses.

Next week, you’re in for some excitement. We have a Giveaway Wednesday and Gallery visit Thursday.

I will also find time to show off my new mural sketches.

Have a sweet relaxing weekend!