Thursday, July 28, 2011

Curiosity Shop

It probably comes as no surprise that I love vintage books. My favourites are those on natural history, and I love scouring dusty old bookshops for these treasures. And I guess it's a natural progression that some of my favourite painting subjects come from nature. I'm preparing for a solo exhibition later this year (very exciting! I'll share all the deets soon) and now that I'm almost rid of this rotten flu (three weeks and counting) I've been experimenting with some new ideas. Here's a look at a little watercolour study I've just finished:

'Petit Papillon'
watercolour on paper
210mm x 297mm (8" x 11")
prints for sale now in my Etsy shop

This is the first in a new series, and there are lots more to come. The colours are so gorgeous, and as well as these beautiful blues, there will be vibrant yellows, oranges, black and white - something for everyone. To me, these look best en mass, and I'll be framing the originals with simple, streamlined black frames to really make the colours pop. There are quite a few surprises that I'll reveal closer to the exhibition date (think big, bold and beautiful!), so if you'd like me to add you to my mailing list, drop me a line or message me, and you'll be the first to know.

I've found a few pretty pics to give you an idea of how you can use paintings like these to make a real statement.

via decor8 - so pretty




 source

 more restrained and curated


via my good friend Martha....and look, there are some feathers too.


Now I realise these aren't butterflies, but the repetition and symmetry is what really works here, and those prints could be any subject - botanical, sea plants, specimens....you get my drift. By Stephen Gambrel


Thanks for everyone who emailed over the past few weeks - I'm back in the land of the living again, and I really appreciate your concern. On track again and looking forward to getting stuck in to some new projects - can't wait!

10 comments:

  1. Love it Kerri!

    Butterflies are a very special synbol for me.. I'd love a black & white one!..Can't wait to see more.

    Oh I must talk to you aout the Louis Vuitton ones too! x

    Marnie.

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  2. You could have allot of fun with these.
    Can't wait to see the others.
    Sarah

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  3. Ah, Kerri, how divine! As a butterfly lover, you have me enchanted. You've hooked me in ☺. Will email you. J x

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  4. This is just stunning Kerri!
    You know I love a great butterfly and this will be a spectacular series indeed.

    Can't wait to find out about your solo exhibition = very exciting indeed.

    xx Felicity

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  5. I think this print takes the prize as my favourite now out of all your gorgeous prints!! I love it! Glad you're feeling better x

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  6. Glad your back :)) the butterfly is gorgeous xx

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  7. Hi Kerri,
    Good to hear your back in the land of the living.
    Loved your last post. Very into the natural history thing myself.
    I think Steven Gambrel is a great designer love the last photo of his room. He too is a fan of natural history, you do see a lot of it in his work.
    keep well.
    regards,
    Daryl

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  8. Beautiful painting, and no butterflies were harmed in the making of your art - I can't bear to look at a real butterfly impaled for its beauty!

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  9. I just love your blog and love your work! Cheers!
    Cyndy

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  10. Absolutely gorgeous! Love your blog and am so happy to see the latest addition to your work!

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