I haven't updated here in so long! I've been so busy mothering 3 kids and working on my fine art full time. It's been CRAZY!!! An update on the family is long overdue. Time is so slim these days. As in, I never shower kind of slim. sigh! I've been working hard for good reason...
I just finished a line of coastal paintings and a new website design over at www.megancartyart.com. These coastal pieces are so unique; they aren't your boring everyday seascape...they use vibrant color in an abstract way yet show boats or other bits in the foreground with more realistic detail in comparison. They are my version of a fun, stylish, modern, and colorful take on a very traditional subject. I LOVE these for a nursery or office or powder room. I'm excited to see how this body of work expands as I am currently working on huge pieces that are perfect for "over the couch" or in the dining room.
You can follow me on Instagram: @megan_carty_art to see my process and pieces as I go.
Or, you can head over to Megan Carty Art and sign up for my newsletter there; you'll get a free printable download of a coastal piece and you'll be updated monthly on new work, deals, and freebies. Awww, yeah!
Hi!
We finally finished up Liam's room just after he was born...I'm sorry it took so long to share his space! Juggling three kiddos is no joke; I don't know how people with do it with even MORE! I am in "go-mode" all day until bedtime just with household tasks and childcare. Phew! I have to add, though, that it is a fulfilling kind of tired and I feel so happy these days.
So, this is Liam's room and I hope you like it as much as I do!
As you can see, it's an eclectic mix of items that come together to form a sort of vintage adventure/into the wilds theme. I chose to use the same Robin's Nest blue color (#618 from Benjamin Moore) that we used in the other kids' nurseries because it's such a happy color and so versatile. Paige's room had a yellow accent, Noah's had an orange accent, and Liam's now is a red accent. We also used the same crib and dresser the other kids used (recycle it!!!). Liam's room is a bit smaller in this new house than the nursery was in our old home, so we couldn't put as much stuff in here--no giant Ikea Expedit shelving for this room! But instead we used a bookcase we had on hand that I spray painted red (it used to be aqua).
Here you can see we hung up a vintage wooden drawer from some sort of old manufacturing storage unit to be used as a decorative shelf. Inside we put some knit rattle-birdies (they came from Bla Bla Kids years ago), some vintage alphabet blocks we got at the Spaulding Cooperage (a local coop that sells reclaimed/refinished furniture and vintage goodies), a black and white postcard of a mountain range a friend gave me, Liam's hospital anklet, a vintage camping lantern I got from my friend Becky at her business "Box 121 Antiques," and a little knit owl hat Liam got as a baby gift. The huge kraft letter "L" hung on the wall came from Plum online boutique. That is such a cool little shop!!! Check it out! I considered painting the L a red color, but decided it looked more rugged and "vintage" just as it is.
This little vintage wooden box sits on the dresser top...it's a nice little place to store some medicines and the lavender oil I like to rub on Liam's baby skin. (Baby skin!!! SIGH!!!!!) I got this from my friend Kris of Cricket Acres Studio. She is forever finding the coolest and most unique vintage items for the home and she has a really great way of re-purposing those things into cool new products.She has an inspiring blog too.
My friend Becky at her business "Box 121 Antiques," also sold me that rustic old oar that I decided to hang as wall decor. I thought it would be cool to create a vintage-looking poster for the room. I knew what I wanted it to look like and say, but I couldn't settle on a design. Then, a few days later, I found this post from Joni at Lay Baby Lay and went wild. That was exactly the look I wanted for my poster! I simply followed her instructions and it worked like a charm. She's a genius, that one! I then saw this post of her's and used this look for my own poster (it was the exact look I'd been planning!) She has her own poster for sale in many sizes here, so check it out! (Mine is not for sale since it is her design look...though not exact). Also, the photo in my poster is of Mt. Rainier that my friend Laura and her husband took. She generously let me use it for my poster. I changed the look of it in Photoshop to give it a vintage look to the colors and then I brought my poster design over to Staples to have it printed large.
Becky sold me this really cool vintage fruit/orchard crate...I love the colors and the label and knew I had to have it for the nursery. I intended to put casters on the bottom to make it roll, but I'm thinking better of it as the kids would try to ride around the house in it (thus scratching our wood floors) and the box itself is fragile. So, for now it is storing some baby blankets and soft toys.
On the wall next to the dresser is this really great shadowbox art display my friend Shenna of Shenna's Vintage Creations gave me. She made it herself to match the theme of the nursery and I simply need to add photos of Liam to make it complete. Isn't it cool? She can make these in customized themes (she recently made one in a vintage Winnie the Pooh theme using a vintage children's book and other found props). It opens on the side like a cabinet so I can move things around as needed.
This metal antler curtain tie is just a fun and whimsical touch in the space. We find, though, that it is a bit dangerous...it's heavy and sharp-ish. That's why we hung it up high. We don't want anyone to lose an eye. It came from Urban Outfitters.
This is such a fun corner! This is a knock-off Eames-style rocker I got from Overstock.com. The little sheepskin is from Ikea and the pillow is from Pier One Imports. The antique fox lamp was in my husband's childhood bedroom and I asked my wonderful in-laws if we could have it for Liam's room. It matched the theme and colors so well. It also has a really cool hand-painted shade. I love it! My friend Kris made the bunting as a gift...it's boyish, simple and sweet.
These little guys are from BlaBla Kids. I love their products...they are well made and the color combinations are so perfect and fun! Figaro the bird watches over the space and keeps everyone in check.
Finally, I got this little red vintage mailbox from the Spaulding Cooperage as well. I thought it would make a cute little wall decoration. We hung it down low so the kids can put little trinkets inside and exchange messages to each other when they are a bit older. It's a bit of a nod to my obsession with Little Women and their secret mailbox with Laurie next door (any fans will know what I mean!).
So, that's the space! I'm still tweaking a bit here and there, but I love being in that room. It's bright and happy and that's just how I feel with Liam. I hope you liked it too! And, for a flashback, here are the posts I had done for Paige's nursery, and for Noah's nursery.
I also made a little video tour if you are interested in watching!!! Thanks for stopping by!!!
Greeting Sandman, Nov. 2014, 22x28 inches, Abstract Acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas, wired for hanging. Sparkling gold-leaf details throughout.
Hi friends!
I'm thrilled to announce that I applied to sell my original artwork on Artfinder... Artfinder.com/megancarty and I got accepted! Hooray! It is a wonderful marketplace where you can buy ORIGINAL paintings, photography, and limited edition art prints. They cater to all price-ranges from artists all over the globe. It's so easy to find original art to adorn your home that you can afford! I'm so thrilled to be part of it!
I've removed all my original work from my Etsy store and I'm going to keep that shop focused on open-edition prints/nursery art and greeting cards. Artfinder will host all my originals. It's such an easy-to-use website and if you become a member, you can keep track of your favorite pieces of art and you can follow your favorite artists. You'll get emails whenever your favorite artists list new work for sale. It's so inspiring to browse and see what other artists around the world are working on.
Be sure to check it out ...follow me and favorite my work if you are so inclined!
I'm excited about a new body of work I'm exploring. My latest watercolor painting depicts Ferry Beach...a well-known Maine beach with shallow water perfect for romping
and frolicking children. So many people have cherished memories here. I
created this painting to be a jewel on your wall...a small treasure to
enjoy whenever you pass by. It is vibrant, colorful, and will remind you
of warm breezy days on the beach. It comes to you already
professionally mounted and framed; you simply have to put up a picture
hook and you're finished! This heirloom-quality piece of original art
will delight for years to come as the gem it is. These make wonderful
gifts due to their small size and the fact that they are one-of-a-kind.
Here's the details:
-watercolor and gouache painting on aquabord
- measures 5x5 inches
- float-mounted by me on an 8x8 inch acid-free marker board and inserted
into a black shadowbox frame.
- The frame measures 8 7/8" x 8 7/8" x 1.5"
deep. There is sawtooth hanging hardware on the back for easy hanging on
a picture hook.
- The art is titled, dated, and signed in pencil on the
mat below the piece.
I am planning on creating at least 10 landscape/seascape paintings in this style and will mount them in this special way. I am even working with a lovely woman who makes hand-made frames using rustic wood in warm tones...I'm excited to share them when they come. These are going to be great heirlooms and great gifts!
I also do custom commissions if you are interested! Mail megan (at) meandwee.com to inquire.
If you are interested in this particular painting, go to the Me and Wee shop to learn more!
When we moved here a year ago, one of the biggest selling features for me was the fact that this house had a separate studio space...it's own entrance, a powder room, a kitchenette with granite counters, sink, and cabinets and lots of nice lighting. The previous owner was a massage therapist and reiki practitioner with her own business so I was able to sort of just move right into the space she'd already set up. Before this, I'd always had a little corner somewhere or a space in the cold basement. Now, I'm on the same level of the house as the rest of my family...heat! electricity! running water! windows! There's even a door that locks to the rest of the house so I can work "uninterrupted" (I put that in quotes because when you have kids there's REALLY no such thing, ha!).
It's nice to have my own little space here at home. Truth be told, though, is that it can get lonely. When I left my corporate job to freelance several years ago the first huge adjustment I had to make was working alone without my awesome co-workers. I used to love passing by the cubicles and saying hello...having funny conversations through the day...eating lunch together and sharing funny stories. That all ends when you are home and alone in your own space. No interruptions, no distractions, no banter, no laughter. It can be isolating. Now, Facebook has come along and become my go-to social center through the day...it's my own little water-cooler and line to the outside world. I'm taking care of our kids now, so I'm pretty busy with them most of the time. But, I must say, if I were still freelancing and childless, I would consider renting a shared workspace. Have you heard about these? I've seen many creative freelancers flourish in this relatively new concept. There's a place called WeWork that does provide the perfect sort of atmosphere where people can still freelance but have an actual workplace experience with other people in similar situations. I would love to have other people around to bounce ideas off of, share resources with, laugh with, or just eat lunch with. Being able to work around others is the best part of going away to work (I always thought anyway).
WeWork is a co-working company that does just that...they transform buildings into collaborative workspaces and provide infrastructure, services, events and technology so that entrepreneurs and small start-ups can focus on doing what they love. I think it's such a cool concept. It's also such a great way of finding others to team up with in different specialties.
For now, I'm a work at home Mom and am thrilled to have a studio of my own...and a chance for a little peace and quiet! Who knew?
LOL, aren't those photos funny? My baby belly can't stay away from anything I'm doing. I was going to edit it out but I just didn't have the heart! Ha!
I'm participating in a local artisan fair next Saturday, Oct. 25th! I'm so excited to be able to sell my original paintings and greeting cards in person and meet new people! This is a chance to get some of my original work before it is gone! This is a small intimate event, perfect for finding a one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one, or find a unique goodie for yourself! If you want to come meet me and grab some affordable art for your home or as gifts, here are the details:
What: Pepperell Fall Artisan Fair When: Saturday October 25 Time: 10AM-5PM rain or shine Where: Inside a Victorian home and a country barn (at Shenna Shepard's 29 River Road, Pepperell, MA and Kris Vogelsang's across the street at 36 River Road, Pepperell, MA)--parking at both locations, but more at 36 River Road--you can walk across the street!
10 vendors will be selling their wares inside both a Victorian home and a barn. There will be repurposed/refinished vintage furniture and housewares, barn wood signs, fine woodworking (such as birdhouses and sports memorabilia), wool felting, jewelry, melted glass wine bottle cheese boards, landscape and abstract paintings, greeting cards, vintage envelopes, Halloween and Christmas décor, Victorian/Art Nouveau decorative arts and multi-media sculptures and more! We'll have hot cider, water and cookies. Please bring your friends!
Check out some of our vendor's sites: www.nancyafrench.com; On Facebook: Cricket Acres Studio, Box 121 Antiques, Me and Wee, and Shenna's Vintage Creations; On Etsy.com: shenvintagecreations.etsy.com; bowiespapershop.etsy.com; meandwee.etsy.com.
If you are in the New England area or central MA area next Saturday, Oct. 25th I would love to meet you!
Guess what? I can custom create a 6x6 inch or 8x8 inch abstract watercolor painting with
gold or silver leaf details in your own color choice! This is an
incredibly stylish and impactful way to add something special and unique
to your nursery decor. This is REAL original art that will grow with
your child...never to go out of style or too babyish!
NOT just
for a nursery! This chic and glam painting style is also a great way to
decorate any bedroom for any age. A series of these works great to make a
real decorative splash in the bathroom, hallway, or family room!
Grouped horizontally or vertically, these will make you smile at any
time of day and make your guests say "Wow!"
DETAILS:
-size: 6x6 inch square or 8x8 inch square (the prices vary slightly between them)
-painted on high quality Canson watercolor paper
-paints
used are Holbein Acryla Gouache (a vibrant, high-quality, rich opaque
paint with watercolor qualities) Faux gold or silver leaf details are
used depending on which matches best
-FRAME IS NOT INCLUDED (this
saves you money in shipping AND allows you to choose your very own frame
designs. The frame pictured is from Michael's craft store)
-CUSTOMIZED to YOUR color scheme!
How it works:
Simply
make the purchase at Me and Wee and tell me all about your color requirements in the
"notes to seller" section upon purchase. I will then get right to work
on your own custom piece. Please allow 5 business days for this to be
completed (although it may take less than this!). I will then send you a
digital photo of the piece via Etsy Convo for your final approval. Once
you've approved, the sale is final and I will ship your painting via
USPS Priority Mail, safely wrapped in a cello sleeve, cardboard, and a
bend-proof mailer.
I hope you will consider this idea for your own space or as a gift! I'm super-excited to be able to offer these!
I've been having a lot of fun lately putting together this new line of chic original art...
They are small abstract squares (some are 5x5 inches and some are 6x6) of high end watercolor paper painted with Holbein Acryla Gouache (ultra fine paints that act like a really rich opaque watercolor).
I love putting happy colors together to see how they harmonize...and the results are so pretty and impactful! I love the surprise as each painting unfolds to life.
To increase the style and glam factor, I added bits of gold leaf (or silver leaf where applicable) to the design. I think it adds a delicate gleam that makes the pieces much more special.
These are all one-of-a-kind and totally affordable! I'm selling these original small abstracts for $45 each, unframed. It saves my collectors money to be able to choose their own frame and not pay for my markup. It also saves in shipping costs. These are small, but the frame makes all the difference! Also, you can put more than one together and fill an empty wall quite nicely! I only have 6 for sale now, but plan on making a ton more so that collectors can choose several in one colorway at once. I'm also taking custom orders for these if you want your own special color combination! I also think I'm going to offer a line of these at a larger 8x8 inch size for a higher cost.
I can really see these adding a special punch to a chic nursery or to a stylish glam teen's bedroom. I'm definitely making several for myself for my own master bedroom and bathroom. I want something that isn't everywhere else, you know? Something pretty and soothing.
Anyway, I wanted to share my excitement with you and I'll let you know when more paintings are listed in my shop. I hope you like them too!!! I welcome your feedback in the comments!
