Sophie Soprano

One of my favorite artists is a local gal named Sophie Soprano. She is the alter ego of fine artist Lynn Farrar (who also happens to be my aunt)! While Lynn paints more conservative seascapes, landscapes, quaking aspen, animals, and farm life, Sophie ventures into whimsical scenes of flying foxes, bicycling sheep, hot air balloon rides and talking chickens. And while I love both styles, her work as Sophie Soprano is my absolute favorite.

This first painting is called "Christmas Morning" and was featured in her children's book Laughing All the Way. I love that she always uses lots of bright colors and smiling faces.This second painting is called "Family Fantasia Farm" and was displayed at the Two Sister's Fine Art Gallery in Midway, Utah. I love her attention to detail, and that most of her paintings feature ordinary animals or people doing extraordinary things. Today is Lynn's birthday, so please make sure and wish her a "Happy Birthday" in the comment section! For more information about Sophie Soprano or Lynn Farrar art, please visit her website www.springcityfineart.com or click on the link in my sidebar. Happy viewing!

Men and Angels

This week I've been reading Men and Angels by James C. Christensen, and my favorite painting just happens to be the title of the book. The first time I saw Men and Angels it definitely struck a chord with me. (It looked to me like I had wandered into a dark room and interrupted these two characters who were in deep conversation. Or perhaps she is simply watching over him). I love that Christensen blends fantasy elements with religion, women and exotic colors. His art is very elegant, yet is available and understandable to everyone. If you get the chance, I highly recommend the book and the artist. For more of Christensen's work please visit his website: www.jameschristensen.com. Happy viewing!

Disneyland or bust!

Dearest Cupcakes-
I'm off to Disneyland for the weekend! I will be back next week with pictures and reviews of the Magic Kingdom. In the meantime, enjoy this vintage poster of one of my favorite Disney films, Sleeping Beauty. Happy weekend! Sincerely,

Miss Megan

Carl Larsson Part II

Just a few more Carl Larsson prints that I can't get out of my head, and wanted to post. Unfortunately, I don't know the Swedish names for all of them, but you get the idea just the same. Maybe Karolina or Tina could help me with the translation? Happy viewing!

Sundborns gamla kyrka
"The Old Church"
"Lisbeth With Yellow Tulip"

Julaftonen
"Christmas Evening"

Carl Larsson

On his most recent trip to Sweden, my dad surprised me with a book and calendar featuring artwork by renowned Swedish painter Carl Larsson. Of course I fell in love instantly!

Äppelblom
"Apple Blossom"

Lucia
"St. Lucia's Day"

Mellan jul och nyår
"God's Peace"
Grinden
"The Gate"

Sjusoverskans dystra frukost
"A Late Riser's Miserable Breakfast"

Larsson, who painted during the turn of the century, is best known for his vibrant watercolor prints of Swedish life. His primary subjects were his wife and children; their farm and surrounding countryside. I love his bright vivid colors, and that most of his paintings feature children. To view more of Larsson's art or purchase prints please visit Scandanavian Treasures. Happy viewing!

Kissing the Face of God

Forget Greg Olsen or Simon Dewey. My favorite LDS artist is Morgan Weistling.

Weistling's medium is oil on canvas, and his pictures are sublime to say the least. I love that he does so many wonderful pioneer prints, and his attention to detail is absolutely incredible. His pictures have a warm feel to them, that invites you in, and makes you feel happy. I think my favorite thing about his work, however, is how real-to-life his faces are. Nothing ever looks cartoon-ish, fake, or saccharine. Although I love almost all of his prints, Kids and Roses, Lilies and Tea, and Walking With God are among my favorites. However, one particular painting holds a special place in my heart. The first time I saw Kissing the Face of God at a gallery up in Salt Lake, tears came to my eyes. Because of my reaction to it, my mom bought it on-the-spot, and it now hangs in the hallway of her condo. I love the tenderness Mary shows her baby in the work, and the sweet little face of the newborn Christ. To me, this painting is absolute perfection, and reminds me of the true meaning of the holidays.

For more of Weistling's work, please visit his website: www.morganweistling.com. Merry Christmas and happy viewing!

Fin de Souper

This lovely piece of French artwork hangs prominently in my dining room, and has evoked many a dinnertime conversation.
Fin de Souper by Jules-Alexandre Grun (or After Dinner), shows a group of Victorian friends chatting around a table. I love the soft yellow lamps, and the beautiful women's clothes. Something about this print just makes me incredible happy and...satisfied.

Grun, who was best known for his French catalog and poster work, certainly created his masterpiece with Fin de Souper. In this print, Grun pays homage to his mentor and teacher, Antoine Guillemet (the famous landscape artist), who can be seen chatting with Grun's wife, Juliette Toutain-Grun (off to the far right). Juliette also happens to be my favorite person in the scene, as she is the only woman not in Victorian white, but a deep scarlet red.

I hope that you like Fin de Souper as much as I do. Happy viewing!

Gosh, he went well with her drapes!

Nothing makes me smile faster than seeing work by a woman named Anne Taintor.
Her unique and funny artwork puts a spin on traditional values and domestic bliss. I'm not sure where she finds all of her pictures and prints, but she basically takes vintage 50's and 60's catalog photos and adds funny labels to them. For example:
She has turned this simple idea into a vast empire of greeting cards, books, notepads, purses, fridge magnets, aprons and other paraphernalia. You go girl! You can find a small collection of Anne Taintor work at the shop Just Us Girls in Gardner Village, or online at www.annetaintor.com. "She was one frozen entree away from a nervous breakdown." Happy viewing!

Halloween cards

A couple of years ago, while I was perusing through a local stationary shop, I stumbled upon these darling Halloween greeting cards made by an artist named Becky Kelly. Originally I had planned to mail them to a friend during the holiday, but I liked them so well I decided to keep them for myself. Yeah, I'm selfish like that. Later, I purchased some $1 black frames at Target, and now the framed "art" comes out every Halloween to sit on my shelf. Aren't they darling? I love Becky Kelly's attention to detail, and at times her work reminds me of classic Suzy's Zoo or Mary Englebright. Along with cards, notepads and stationary, you can also find Becky Kelly books, calendars and other paraphernalia. Happy Halloween!

Disney Princesses

Who hasn't dreamed of becoming a Disney princess? Admit it. Every girl has fantasized about being swept away by Prince Charming to his castle in the sky. When it comes to classic fairy tales, Disney has the corner on the market. Do you have a favorite? I will confess to being a huge fan of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. The costumes, the music, the romance. *sigh*

2007 was Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams", and with their slogan came a new ad campaign featuring high profile celebrities as famous Disney characters (some arguably better than others). There was Giselle Bundchen as Wendy Darling and Tina Fey as Tinkerbell from Peter Pan. Beyonce portrayed Alice in Wonderland, and David Beckham was Prince Phillip from the popular Sleeping Beauty.

The photographs, shot by world renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, capture all the whimsey and delight of the Disney films, and are so beautiful, one could consider them to be works of art. Here are some of my personal favorites, to give you an idea of how magical the photos truly are. Happy viewing!

A stunning Scarlet Johansson shines as Cinderella.Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz portrays Snow White.Red-headed beauty Julianne Moore becomes The Little Mermaid.

John William Waterhouse

At the request of a friend, I am doing a post about one of my all-time favorite artists, John William Waterhouse. Waterhouse (a British artist who painted around the turn of the century), was best known for his portraits of literary women, such as Tennyson's The Lady of Shalott and Shakespeare's Ophelia. In my opinion, no one can paint the female form like John Waterhouse! I also love that his primary female subjects are from literature, poetry, Shakespeare, mythology, Arthurian Legend, and historical figures (ie: Cleopatra).I personally have two of his prints displayed in my home. One, La Belle Dame Sans Merci hangs in my bathroom and depicts a knight bending over to kiss a woman who has her hair lovingly wrapped around his neck. The other, is titled, Psyche Entering Cupid's Garden from the Greek mythological short story about Eros the God of Love, and hangs in my guest bedroom.Waterhouse draws his women beautiful, voluptuous, earthy, sometimes tragic, and always ethereal. I love that most of them are displayed either out of doors in a garden or near the ocean or water. Most of his prints can be found on-line at Art.com or his website www.jwwaterhouse.com. Happy viewing! The art from top to bottom: The Lady of Shalott (probably his most recognized painting), La Belle Dame Sans Merci, Psyche Entering Cupid's Garden, Mermaid, and The Shrine.

Art Institute of Chicago

Recently, my husband and I vacationed in Illinois, and #1 on my list of places to see while we were in Chicago was the Art Institute. It was at the top of the "10 Best" website of things to do and see while in the area, so I was adamant that my husband and I stop there to spend some time.
The Art Institute of Chicago (featured in the movie Ferris Buller's Day Off) is home to some of the worlds most famous artists and paintings. I have never seen so many Renoir's, Gauguin's, Picasso's, Degas, Van Gogh's, Monet's, Manet's, Seurat's, and Dali's in my life! It was like an endless labyrinth of famous paintings all stacked one on top of the other, and it never seemed to end. The admission price was surprisingly reasonable, and actually quite affordable with my student i.d. I only wish that we had more time (and energy) to peruse all the galleries.

The Art Institute features something for every artistic palate: impressionists, realists, romantics, abstracts as well as a variety of sculptures, architecture and modern artwork. I personally tend towards the French Impressionists, and found myself inexplicably drawn to one piece in particular, "Resting" by Antonio Mancini (pictured below). It was soft and sensual and something I might put on display in a private guest bedroom. My husbands favorite piece was the famous, "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of Grand Jatte" by Georges Seurat (pictured above), which is actually quite large and must be seen up close to truly appreciate.The other galleries that I absolutely loved were home to some incredible 14th and 15th Century paintings, most of which were in pristine condition. I loved the detailed renderings of the biblical characters and events: the Virgin Mary, baby Jesus, prophets, angels and of course Christ's Crucifiction. Even the frames were exquisitely ornate and magnificent. It is amazing to me that those paintings have been so well-preserved over the years, and I am so grateful for the dedication and love that went into each piece. If you ever happen to be in the Chicago area, I definitely recommend a trip to the world famous Art Institute. Happy viewing!

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother, I love you so.
Said the child, I love you more than I know.
She laid her head on her mother's arm,
And the love between them kept them warm.

-Stevie Smith

women in film

Edmund Dulac

I love children's storybooks, especially when they are filled with beautiful illustrations. Some of my favorite children's artists include: Scott Gustafson, Susan Jeffers, and Dr. Suess (to name a few). Recently however, I was introduced to an incredible artist named Edmund Dulac. I would compare his gorgeous paintings to that of Maxfield Parish, John Waterhouse or James Christensen. Mr. Dulac lived during the turn of the century, so if you happen to own one of his books of fairy tale illustrations you are probably a collector (and spent a great deal of money on it). However, there is an art book filled with his lovely works for sale at Amazon.com that doesn't cost much. It's called Dulac's Fairy Tale Illustrations, and it will be mine, I assure you! You can also purchase some of his prints at art.com and other websites. In the meantime, enjoy some of my favorite Edmund Dulac prints, courtesy of Cupcake Chowder. (Simply click on each picture to enlarge.)

St. Paul's Cathedral

Recently, I've been coming up with color schemes and ideas for re-decorating my bedroom. Actually I should clarify; I'm not re-decorating it, I've finally picked a theme, furniture, and colors for the first time since we purchased the house. (Sad, huh?) To complement my black, cream, and cranberry room (also my wedding colors), I've been on the computer night and day sampling different artwork that I think might go with my plans. I wanted something special: something not too masculine, and not too feminine. Nothing outlandish. Something that would compliment both my taste, as well as my husbands. I knew I was leaning towards black and white, and as there isn't a lot of artwork in those colors, I knew my medium had to be photographs. I'm not an Ansel Adams fan. I don't like celebrity photos. I knew I wanted a photograph of a location, but it had to be somewhere special. Somewhere I have actually been before.

I found this photograph of St. Paul's Cathedral, that was taken in London during the blitz (1941?) by Herbert Mason. I know it might seem a little morbid to some of you, but it really struck a chord with me. Even in the midst of the turbulence and the fear, the cathedral rises above the smoke an ashes. It is a symbol of strength and peace. I have a lot of great memories from my trip to England last year, especially the time we spent in London. Princess Diana was married in St. Paul's. Julie Andrews sang about the cathedral in Mary Poppins. Sir Winston Churchill is buried there. I think the photograph is something I will be excited to see every time I walk into my bedroom.
Other artwork I was deliberating over: "La Scapigliata" by Leonardo DaVinci. "Mona Lisa" by Leondardo DaVinci. "The Milkmaid" by Johannes Vermeer. "The Lady of Shalott" by John Waterhouse. "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt. "Kissing the War Goodbye" by Victor Jorgensen. "Dreams In Blue" by Morgan Weistling.