Artist in Focus: Kent Walsh

About Kent Walsh

We just returned from another lovely trip to LA -- lower Alabama.  While there on the beautiful Mobile Bay, I had the pleasure of visiting with the incredibly talented and renowned southern artist, Kent Walsh.  I've known Kent for several years and have placed her art in clients' homes.

Kent started painting at the age of five when her grandmother gave her her first set of oils.  From there, a lifelong love of art was born.  Lucky for us!

The scope of Kent's work is amazingly broad; she doesn't focus on one particular style or subject.  She paints and draws still lives, figures and landscapes and all with the same beauty and skill level.  Regardless of the medium, each of her works has its own unique history of building up and tearing down -- painted on and scratched away.  She continues with this process until the piece proves its merit and is truly a reflection of the artist.  

"Each piece is a fresh new love from my soul."

--Kent Walsh

Thank you, Kent, for graciously welcoming me into your home.

If you're interested in learning more about Kent's work or acquiring a piece for your own home, let's talk!

The Artist's "Helpers"

The Best of the Rest

Resources to Help You 

Okay, I read a lot of blogs.  Call it "market research."  It amazes me how much you can learn from these new resources.  Today, my friends,  I thought it might be helpful to share some of the things I've learned with you.  Hope it provides an "a-ha" moment!  Happy Monday!

Get Organized

Spring has sprung, but it's not too late to do some "spring cleaning."  Seeing as how we haven't been able to put two cars in the garage since moving, cleaning out and organizing the garage is tops on my list.

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/27581684/list/7-Day-Plan--Get-a-Spotless--Beautifully-Organized-Garage

In Pursuit of the Perfect Suit

Yes, it's bathing suit season.  Do you know what suit best suits your figure?  Check out this handy guide.

http://www.purewow.com/slideshow/national/10199/The-search-for-flattering-swimwear-ends-here.htm

While we're on the topic of bathing suits, here are some tips for how to properly care for your bathing suit.  If you FINALLY find one that makes you feel marhhh-velous, darling, take care of it!

http://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-care-for-your-bathing-suits-2014/slide1

Summer Basics

Just because it's getting warmer doesn't mean your style shouldn't heat up too.

http://www.whowhatwear.com/shop-summer-essentials-fashion-2014?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May+31st%2C+2014%3A+Best+Blogger+Looks

Shape Savers

Listen carefully and learn:  Underpinnings are a girl's best friend.  Here's a great guide for how to and when to use what underpinnings to unveil your inner-svelte self.  Thank you, Rachel Zoe!

http://thezoereport.com/gallery/bras-for-backless-dresses/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=thezoereport&utm_campaign=TZR%3A%20Underpinnings%20Sat%20Style%3A%20Ad%3A%20James%20Jeans

Between the Sheets

Is it just me or do you also find it incredibly difficult to stuff a duvet cover?  Here's a clever solution which I've proven successful.

http://www.purewow.com/entry_detail/national/10210/How-to-stuff-a-duvet-cover.htm?pwquery=duvet

On the Technology Front

Technology:  It's great and then it's not so great.  Know what I mean?  Accidentally hit "reply all"?  Then, read this...

http://www.purewow.com/slideshow/national/10340/The-guide-to-undoing-your-tech-mistakes.htm?utm_medium=email&utm_source=national&utm_campaign=Oops_I_Did_It_Again_2014_06_03&utm_content=Tech_and_Tools_editorial

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

Nothing Says Summer Like...

Strawberries!

It's time to enjoy the bounty of the season.  Here's a tasty, simple summer soup recipe to enjoy.

A dear friend of mine made this for a baby shower she hosted for me, aptly named "Pink-a-palooza" as we share an affinity for the color PINK.  Thanks, Beppie!



Strawberry Soup

1 pound fresh strawberries
1 cup sour cream
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 granulated sugar
2 tablespoons white wine

Clean and stem strawberries.  Puree in blender.  Add the remaining ingredients and blend on low speed until smooth.  Chill 3-4 hours.

To serve, garnish with a fresh strawberry and mint leaves.  Serve cold.  Yields 4-6 servings.

Enjoy!

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

White Hot

Not a Blank Slate

Now, I'll be the first to tell you that I like color.  Heck, some may even call me "colorful."  LOL

Just looking at a Lilly Pulitzer dress makes me smile, reminds me of summer fun and makes me thirsty for a fancy girlie drink.

That said, nothing is chicer than a white summer ensemble.  And I mean head-to-toe white.  Try wearing all white, accented with neutrals -- like Kate Moss (at right) with the natural leather belt and purse, paired with metallic sandals.

A Few of My Blanc Favorites for Summer

From Top Clockwise:  K. Jacques Double Band Sling-Back Sandal; Theory Sleeveless Crepe Jumpsuit, Superga Lace Sneakers, Rebecca Minkoff dress 

Center:  Coach Bleeker Pinnacle Riley Carryall in Matte Croc Embossed Leather

Try an all white ensemble this summer.  It's cool -- temperature wise and hip factor wise.

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

Which Way To...

Jacket -- old (similar here); Shorts -- Zara; Blouse -- old (similar here); Bangles -- Ippolita;  Ring -- David Yurman (via Saks Fifth Avenue); Shoes -- old (similar here); and Bag -- old (similar here); Pin and Sunglasses -- Chanel (via Saks Fifth Avenue)

At the Risk of Repeating Myself

 I've said it before and I'll say it again.  

The easiest (and least expensive) way to quickly change 

the look and feel of a space is to paint.

Case in Point:  The Alabama Project

In this project, the new home has fabulous detailed wood work and high ceilings, but items on the bookshelf got lost in all the white paint.  Adding an accent color with paint on the backside of the bookcase adds color and depth.   Notice how I've carried the bookcase accent color into the room with throw pillows.  See the difference!

Bookshelves Before

 Bookshelves After

The Whole Picture

We still have some tweaking to do, but we are making great progress.  This is an easy, inexpensive update.  You could also use wallpaper on the back of a bookcase for a similar effect.  I especially like to use a textured wallpaper like  grasscloth.  It's a little more expensive, but you're worth it!

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID

And They're Off...

Such a busy weekend!  

Not only do we have, arguably, the most thrilling two minutes in sports 

(of course, I'm talking derby to you), 

we also have a festive Cinco de Mayo on the horizon.

What to wear to the derby or derby-inspired party?  

A hat, of course.  I would suggest adding an ensemble to the hat.  Who wants to attend THAT kind of party?!!  Ha!

If you're hosting a derby soirée of your own, check out my Pinterest board for some fun, easy ideas.  

How about adding a touch of the "derby" to your home decor?

Why not combine the two events for a Derby de Mayo celebration?  I don't mind if I do.

Here's what I'll be wearing this weekend.

Enjoy!

Positively yours,

Paula Chamblin Aulino

Associate ASID