Cedric Smith - Artist Looks to The Past for Inspiration

I have been following Cedric Smith ever since I saw his first paintng in a home I was showing up in Atlanta back in 2007. There was this so-so house that had a few of his nostalgic paintings on the walls. Lets just say that the paintings showed the potential of the house and led to our contract! 

I was lucky enough to meet up with Cedric at his studio in Baldwin Park, one morning right before Thanksgiving. I was picking up his "Cold Lemonade" painting that he had graciously donated to the Telfair Museum's Silent Auction.

He showed me his studio in the attic of the bungalow that he shares with his girlfriend, Autumn.  Cedric told me  how he used to live in Atlanta's unique Mattress Factory Lofts near Grant Park and how he found his way to Savannah.

I was excited to know that Cedric actually takes some of the photos that he uses for his mixed media projects. Some of the faces on these pieces are actually neighbors' or friends' kids. So, yes, he can do a commission for you featuring a loved one against one of his nostalgic backdrops.

For more information on Cedric's paintings: http://cedricsmith.com/splash or

or Cedric's blog: http://vintageblood.blogspot.com/

Bellamy Murphy - Isle of Hope Artist

I just had the pleasure of meeting one of Isle of Hope's own artists, Bellamy Murphy, today. Bellamy and I had been talking on the phone for months about the oil on canvas she would gracously paint then donate for the Telfair Museum of Art's Silent Auction in February. Today, I finally got to meet her in the flesh and see her sweet house off Richmond Drive.

Bellamy is a self taught artist who has a way with the brush. She brings brightly colored crab and shrimp to life on canvas as well as more dramatic landscapes and gorgeous jewel toned oysters. These images have become beloved collector items for Isle of Hope residents and non-residents alike. 

Her approach is one-of-a-kind way and I can't wait to commission her to do some of my favorite Isle of Hope scenes like my parents' dock, the iconic oaks along Bluff Drive, or another view of Burnt Pot Island like the one she did for the silent auction.

For more information on Bellamy Murphy:  www.http://bellamyart.com/index.html

After publishing this post, I must admit I went and bought the crab painting (above) for my Mom at the the Gray Horse in Isle of Hope, soon to be featured!