My Abstract Paintings {January 2014}

our living room

LIVING with abstracts would be a more

fitting title for this post since I’m not much

of a decorator, preferring instead to live

among collected objects un-decoratedly.

Since we favor a serene, tranquil, and light

atmosphere at home, abstract seascapes

(mostly unframed) work really well.

The glistening-nature-disco-landscape above

comes alive at night.

I even like my abstracts with toast.

Recently created this one on the kitchen counter

with plaster and acrylics for a textured, chalk-centric effect.

(Rustic frame was found at a fleamarket in Paris.)

Typically I paint small canvases and GREAT BIG ONES,

but a few mid-sized, peaceful, sedative

cuties are available.

Wait. Is it still hip to be square?

I hope so.

Cuz this square’s looking for a good home.

This understated square (nfs) may be my favorite.

It’s one of the first paintings I created

(on wood) with areas of gold leaf

peeking through…I wish I could swim in it.

Our living room

I feel like painting when I’m anxious.

When I’m happy. When I’m inspired. When I’m awake.

(The 87 is symbolic of my risk for breast cancer

which I reduced to 3-5% with the help of great surgeons.)

Small pieces get executed thoughtfully, yet quickly

(minimal paint strokes suggestive of sea, shore and sky).

Larger ones require layers

of built up pigment and washes before they

feel complete…btw, I don’t find it difficult

to assess whether a piece is done–I just know.

Oh how I adore how Loi of Tone on Tone Antiques
displayed my abstract in a home office.

And how Sherry Hart honored me,
placing this one on a shelf in a client’s home.

Thanks for taking a peek.

Peace to you right where you are.

michele

Follow:

40 Comments

  1. January 24, 2014 / 4:07 am

    Happy happy Birthday beautiful Michele! You are gorgeous inside and out and such a talent. I love having a piece of your art in my bedroom. I love the ocean and I love thinking of YOU when I look at it.
    xoxo Kathysue

    • January 24, 2014 / 3:20 pm

      you're so kind. xox

  2. January 24, 2014 / 4:22 am

    Happy Birthday Michele, Celebrate Life! I adore your spirit and your paintings…love seeing the petite treasures, looking forward to seeing some new ones. You wear 48 well and I wish for you to keep on softly blooming in your Frenchy/Abstract/Shabby Tres chic glory!

    • January 24, 2014 / 3:22 pm

      merci, lovely woman of the beautiful words and soothing brand. it's high time we meet. 🙂

  3. January 24, 2014 / 4:23 am

    PS_ Care package on its way from VV

  4. January 24, 2014 / 4:51 am

    Oh darling, happy, happy, Happy birthday to you! I adore your abstracts and am sooo inspired by them. I think my favorite is your very first one flanked by those lanky topiaries….love it! You are a gorgeous 48 year old and I wish you many many more years of beauty and creativity.
    Erin
    Xoxo

    • January 24, 2014 / 3:25 pm

      merci, merci, lovely talented mistress of the gardens. i must paint more of those beneath the water dreams on wood panels. i am so grateful that time has not stolen my ability to create and share. love to you.

  5. January 24, 2014 / 2:45 pm

    Happy birthday! Gorgeous paintings and home – everything is so serene and relaxing:)

    • January 24, 2014 / 3:26 pm

      thanks, ginnie. serene is what i am meant to deliver. 🙂

  6. January 24, 2014 / 6:46 pm

    Happy, happy Birthday dear michele ( although a day late… )
    – you look incredible! x
    (And loving the chalkboard look over here,
    would love to start scribbling as we speak 🙂 x

    • January 24, 2014 / 8:05 pm

      merci, rebecca. thank you for popping over! still getting used to the chalkboard and am enjoying the contrast with all the white.

    • January 25, 2014 / 2:03 am

      thanks, susan. 🙂

  7. January 24, 2014 / 11:43 pm

    Happy Birthday to you — you gorgeous lady!! I hope you had the best day ever… you deserve it!
    Your new blog layout is perfection, it has your name all over it!

    much love to you!
    Des

    • January 25, 2014 / 2:05 am

      thx, des. i had a great day!

  8. January 24, 2014 / 11:51 pm

    Happy Birthday, gorgeous! Still beautiful!! Still fabulous!!! I hope you celebrate all weekend.
    xoxoxoxoxox
    Loi
    PS – I admire your paintings every day – love them!

    • January 25, 2014 / 2:08 am

      you you you. spoiled i am. *sips champagne*
      xox

  9. January 24, 2014 / 11:53 pm

    HAPPY of the Happiest!! Fight on and make beautiful!! franki

    • January 25, 2014 / 2:09 am

      now THAT is the spirit. i like, i like. thanks.

  10. January 25, 2014 / 1:15 am

    Happy Birthday, M!

    May God keep blessing your beautiful soul!

    Your art is always deep yet light… hard to explain… it touches the heart.

    We're blessed to have it at home, at Matthew's nursery.

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

    • January 25, 2014 / 2:10 am

      merci, L! matthew must be getting ready for college by now! oh my, great to hear from you, beautiful girl.

    • January 26, 2014 / 4:46 am

      oh thx, jill. i wish i had your talents!

  11. January 25, 2014 / 3:45 pm

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Beautiful Michele!!!! So glad I did not miss this, am a little behind in my rounds. Wishing you a happy and healthy birthday, I am one year older than you. Gorgeous picture and beautiful home…its so soothing and serene! May this year bring you much love, happiness, good fortune and laughter!

    • January 26, 2014 / 4:48 am

      merci, gorgeous tina. i think we need to celebrate '50' together!

  12. January 25, 2014 / 6:45 pm

    I especially love the charcoal tones abstracts, I have been taking lesson to loosen my technique up so that I may head towards abstract . People don't realize how difficult it is to do an abstract so I totally appreciate the work you do here!!!My Bday is in a week so Happy Birthday my fellow Aquarian!!!

    • January 26, 2014 / 4:49 am

      happpy almost birthday, beautiful blogger.

  13. January 26, 2014 / 12:04 am

    I love your work. You are very good! Keep those paintings coming, Sister – I am 15 yrs cancer free in June.

    • January 26, 2014 / 4:50 am

      what a fabulous c-free anniversary, michele! it's always so encouraging to hear such news. xox

  14. January 26, 2014 / 5:17 pm

    Happy Birthday lovely lady! I love your paintings – the darker ones are just so sexy and a little bit of gilding makes my heart all happy 😉 xxx

  15. January 27, 2014 / 5:55 am

    Happy Birthday Michele! I'm a little late.. trying to catch up with my favorite blogs. I hope you had a wonderful B-day, you have so much to celebrate. I hope Mom and Sis are doing as well as you are.
    p.s. Your paintings are beautiful. So peaceful looking.
    xo

  16. January 28, 2014 / 1:57 am

    Happy Birthday, gorgeous girl!
    I hope the day was as special
    as you are and included chocolate!

    I love my ocean painting and may
    be in the market for a bigger one
    if we move (considering a local move,
    closer to school….) You are so
    talented and I love how you capture
    the many moods of the sea.

    Birthday hugs,
    xo Suzanne

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing