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/

Great Lighting Fixture Source for Preservation Projects

Rejuvenation is a Portland, Oregon based manufacturer and retailer specializing in vintage styled lighting and hardware. The store was born out of necessity--the owners could not find enough period lighting and fixtures to properly renovate their storefront and soon found other homeowners in the same situation.

Rejuvenation began stockpiling original period lighting, doors, windows, and hardware. As they gained momentum in the early 1980's they decided to start up their own manufacturing company and the rest is history. Rejuvenation has built its success of the past but the company has its eyes on the future. Their company is dedicated to becoming carbon-neutral and dedicates 10% of their proceeds back to community organizations.


Check out their website. I guarantee you will spot something that delights you:  http://www.rejuvenation.com

Special thanks to my preservation-minded friend, Erin Melick, for sending along the link.

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!

Pantone Unveils Color of the Year for 2010: PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise

Original press release found on Pantone.com, read it here.

Turquoise Transports Us to an Exciting, Tropical Paradise While Offering a Sense of Protection and Healing in Stressful Times

CARLSTADT, N.J., Dec. 8, 2009 –Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the color of the year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

In fashion, Turquoise makes a statement that can look elegant and dressy in fine silk and gemstones, or casual and fun in cotton and athletic apparel. Because of its versatility, Turquoise is a great accent color in jewelry, purses, shoes, hair accessories and even nail polish for women, and ties, shirts and sportswear for men.

For brides wanting a flattering choice for attendant apparel and accessories on their big day, Turquoise is now one of the nearly 200 PANTONE WEDDING Colors available from Dessy, a leading manufacturer of bridesmaid, social occasion and flower girl dresses, as well as destination wedding gowns under the labels Dessy Collection, After Six, Alfred Sung, Lela Rose Bridesmaid and Sandals Destination Wedding Dresses. PANTONE WEDDING exclusively from Dessy provides a collection of color tools to make it easy for brides to achieve perfectly color-coordinated weddings – from inspiration to “I do.”

Additionally, Turquoise is one of 3,000 colors available in Pantone’s line of superior-quality, eco-friendly paint. PANTONE Paints combine the accuracy of PANTONE Colors with the beauty of high-performance Dutch paints. Perfect for a powder room or bedroom, Turquoise is an evocative, spa-like hue that adds an undertone of warmth and excitement to any cool space. In the kitchen, Turquoise adds a unique flare to tabletop and appliances.

About Pantone

Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, has been the world’s color authority for 45 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com.



About X-Rite

X-Rite, Incorporated, is the global leader in color science and technology. The company, which now includes color industry leader Pantone, develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite’s expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical. For further information, please visit http://www.xrite.com/.

Snatch Up Some Stella & Dot in Turquoise: