Artist Alison Wickey

I LOVE having the Shorey Chic facebook page. The members are all so eager to post their favorite "Shorely Chic" artists, shops, ideas, design questions, etc... It's just such a great platform for creative exchange, and the best part is that everyone is so passionate about interior design and of course, the beach!

One "liker" of Shorely Chic has become a great "online friend" (online for now Allison, hopefully soon an IRL {in real life} friend!) after realizing we had so much in common. She posted the work of her favorite artist Allison Wickey, an incredible artist from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and I immediately fell in love. 

I contacted Allison and he agreed to an interview and showcase of her work right here on the blog. 

How would you describe your style as a painter?

My painting style is definitely impressionistic. I love the idea of painting loosely and leaving the colors of the piece to convey the feel of the subject matter rather than the form.

How would you describe your market/customer?

My clients are looking for something that moves them emotionally and they are looking for something 'different'. I love when someone connects with a piece and I will do what I can to work with them to ensure the piece is theirs. I know how I feel when I see a piece of art that grabs me and if my work has that effect on someone, I want them to walk away with it.

When did your career as an artist begin?

I was a faux finish and mural artist for 7 years in st. louis, starting in 2000. In 2007 we moved to santa rosa beach, i switched gears and began working with plaster on wood.

What inspires you most?

colors inspire me the most and around here we see new colors daily in the gulf and the sky. Emotion also evokes a lot of colors for me and its always interesting to paint emotions......

Where and when do you paint?

I paint at the World Six Studio/Gallery in Rosemary Beach. It is an eclectic gallery owned by Anne Hunter - full of my art and jewelry by local artisans, my studio is in the back and visible from the gallery. I paint 4-5 days a week from about 12-4 pm.

Do you have any suggestions for people who want to spend more time painting? 

EXPERIMENT! draw outside the lines! just grab some paint and use your hands and trowels and brushes, dont follow the rules, follow and trust your instincts.

What are you favorite pieces in store now, or which is your favorite sold item?

My favorite piece in the gallery right now is a 48x48 white circle on white background
called 'My Muse'. I love it and I hope it goes to someone that really 'gets it'! all of my favorite pieces have been 'abstractish' and very simple with only one or two colors.

 

Visit Allison Website for more!

Wakefield Design Center

For those who have not already been, I'd like to introduce all my Connecticut design friends to the Wakefield Design Center. I am so thrilled to have such a convenient and impeccably stocked design resource in the area readily available for my frequent visits and discoveries to serve my clients :) No longer are my days of trekking it into the city for every little need, I'm telling you if you want it, Wakefield has it, or will get it for you! The showroom is 7500 square feet and carries hundreds of designer fabric, furniture and accessory lines. The space also boasts an impressive art gallery perfect for filling up those blank walls that can sometimes seem to linger on for far too long.

Some photos I took on a recent visit:

LOVE this feature {above}

The team behind the design center are the true jewels bringing so much talent and innovation in design to Fairfield County, CT. George Snead is the lead designer and principle buyer of Wakefield, and from my experience chatting with him at the grand opening hosted in conjunction with Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, and  I can tell I have so much to learn from him. He has appeared in Oprah, on The Today Show with Matt Lauer, and in O Magazine regarding the design centers unique services such as the Makeover, bringing all of the finishing touches that sometimes never make it into an otherwise completed design project. Carey Karlan of Last Details has an office at Wakefield and is another great resource for inspiration and ideas to have on-site. Beth Cannon and Seth are also part of the team and amazingly helpful with offering their expertise in all things interior design.

Carey Karlan and George Snead at Grand Opening

{photo courtesy of Quintessence}

Laura Newman and Beth Dempsey of Images & Details, and moi at the opening :) 

{photo courtesy of Quintessence}

Now head on over and get to work on all your projects, lovelies!

Light & Airy by Molly Frey

Molly Frey is such a great designer, and one I look up to *mucho*. She's also very kind to boot, and has been there for me to turn to as a young budding designer.

Her designs are the epitome of light and airy, casual and elegant, and beachy!! Here is recent living room she designed which I just LOVE!

isn't it great!? 

Outdoor Drapery

To me, nothing is more inviting, romantic and peaceful than a nice outdoor living space to be in and look at, and drapery is a great element to consider when designing an outdoor space.

I gathered these photos from around the web which really capture the tranquility of drapes used outdoors:

Loving these stripes {above}

sexy {above}

how much fun would a dinner party for friends be under this intimate tent?

Again with the stripes, really love!

Ok, now snow please go away so we can get busy with decorating our porches!

Engagement Photo Sneak Peak

Here are some of the engagement photos the incredible Kat Braman took of Brian and I this weekend! I am so pleased with the way came out, she really did an amazing job!

 

Ahh we just love them!!

 all photos obviously courtesy of kat braman :)