Summer Cleanse

Spring is always a nutty season for us with David's teaching and coaching schedule and art festival season in full swing. We've also been on the road more weekends lately than we're used to and I. feel. gross. Too much fast food and meals that "will do" to carry us over to the next event is getting old. My friend, Melissa, introduced me to some cleansing smoothies and I am feeling like a champ after I drink these. Wheat grass, berries, fresh ginger, turmeric, plain, fat-free yogurt, cinnamon, and honey go in the blender in the morning. Be careful on the ginger and turmeric- I over did it this morning and it got a little intense going down...

Here are a few recipes that are in my repertoire for this summer. I can't wait to start making these! 
( these are all pinned on my food boards on Pinterest, if you're interested in more healthy food options this summer)

 
One of my FAVORITE health food blogs of all times is Sprouted Kitchen.  It always inspires me to put clean food in my body and looks so beautiful as well. Sarah put together a great post on healthy travel food. I have a road trip this summer with my sister and I am definitely planning ahead to pack food like this so I don't undo all of this cleansing!

Paleo crab cakes. We love seafood around here and if I can eat the whole pan of these for dinner and feel good about it, give it to me! 

I'm not a huge meat lover, but this makes me want to eat more chicken. Chicken Escalopes with Olive, Caper, & Tomato Dressing.

I cannot wait to get these in my belly for breakfast- Coconut Almond Quinoa Pancakes. Holy Crap. Amazing!

 

And what cleanse would be good without vodka? It's the liquor for skinny girls, right?

Looking forward to making these Strawberry Peach Vodka Peach Collins Popsicles. 

Client Work: The Process - Mockup to Finished Product

    I recently finished up a job for a client who wanted a special piece for her den that reminded her of the orchard grove on her parent's land as well as a piece that would blend with her existing colors. I visited her home, measured her walls, took notes on her color palettes, and took pictures of the space in which her painting was to go. We then went back and forth over email with several mockups to arrive at the perfect painting for her space. In the emails,  I mocked up what the paintings would look like using pictures of her mantle and the images of the mockups that I completed for her. Here is an example of the final version mocked up on her mantle.

   Lissa wanted the canvas framed out in gold for a simple, yet classic and elegant finish to her piece. Below is the final version in Lissa's Den.  We were so excited to see her completed version up on her wall! Thanks, Lissa for a wonderful experience and an opportunity to have a piece in your lovely home! 

Throw Back Thursday: First Show From Way Back When...

 I was flipping through some old pictures this week and came across this old gem. My friend Morgan got me my first show my senior year in high school at her dad's salon. I was in a very deep and intuitive phase in my journey as a budding little artist, painting...shoes... I look back on this and laugh. David laughed really hard and made sure that my hoity toity use of Italian script was duly noted, namely the overuse of the word "bella." At the time, I thought I had arrived, but am so thankful that growth happens and that I have little reminders like this that we don't stay the same!

Wall Galleries and Using Small Paintings in Groupings

Layering different sizes of coordinating small paintings. Featured paintings: "Gravitas" 6"x 6" $47.50 & "Prosecco Pesche" 12" x 12" $95

 

Groupings and Wall galleries are all the rage these days and I've had loadsa fun this morning playing around with different vignettes for these new mini and small paintings! The possibilities are endless. Because of our small house and my ADD, I tend to rearrange my decor from one minute to the next, and because of their sizes, these paintings are easily moved from bookshelf to wall to console when you need a little change. These also make great gifts for the mother (this Mother's Day Sunday, perhaps?) or for yourself!! They are moving fast today in the online shop as people are grabbing them up for the big day- don't miss out on yours!!

Gallery walls are all the rage these days- this one was really fun to play with adding my favorite Yeehaw print with some paintings and pictures. Featured paintings:
"Caldo e Berlo Seduto" (literal Italian translation, "served best hot and while seated") 12" x 12" $95,
Sorento, 12" x 12" $95  | "Santanna" 6"x6" $47.50  |  "Contradiction"  6" x 6" $47.50

 

Bookshelf grouping with the vase that inspired the color palette for this painting! Featured painting: Granita: 12" x 12" $95

Mini painting "Nan" in a console vignette   "Nan" 6"x 6" $47.50

A small little landing makes a perfect spot for a tiny piece, "Gravitas" 6"x 6" $47.50

Playing around with different gallery options for wall arrangements. Paired with "Serenity Now," These little paintings make quite a big splash! Purchase paintings online:  http://www.hillarybutler.bigcartel.com/

Mother's Day Small Paintings!!

***** Update!! They're UP!!! - New 6" x 6" paintings at $47.50 and some fresh new 12" x 12"s at $95 are the perfect size and price for a special Mother's Day gift!! Purchase yours today- they are going fast!! Purchase on my online shop: www.hillarybutler.bigcartel.com.

All new!! 6" x 6" mini paintings just in time for Mother's Day will be on the website by 3:30 pm CST this afternoon!!! The beauty of these little ladies? They are only $47.50 and $5.00 shipping if you order by Wednesday. Don't miss out on the perfect gift for mom!! Get yours today!

YOU get when you GIVE! A Mother/Daughter Special!

   Mailing list members get a pretty special gift this year for Mothers Day. A $50 gift card can be yours when you spend $250 or more on mom...or yourself... Make sure you're on the mailing list to get the code to ensure your special gift! You'll probably want to make sure that mom is on the list too so she can pick her favorite painting... Email goes out Friday May 3rd at noon. 

Join up!

Double Decker 2013 Pics !!!

This lady came prepared with a color coded festival map and a picture of her home for David to custom paint!

David surprised me with some flowers after it was all over. I gushed.

This little guy rocked my world when he and his owners stopped by- he's full grown! What a cutie!

Special little friends came to visit!!

Double Decker was an incredible event!!! The rain held off and it was a gorgeous day!! So many lovely friends and fans stopped by the booth and we were able to move a good bit of art. It was such a great experience and we are so thankful we go to be a part! A huge thanks to all the Oxford folks who helped put on the festival and who stopped by- such a great group of people- we felt so loved!!! I'm taking a break this afternoon to recover, but will be back this week with a really fun surprise with a Mother/Daughter promo you won't want to miss. Stay tuned and Happy Monday!!  

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY!!!!!!

Double Decker is tomorrow and all is sailing smoothly. All except for one, tiny, little icon on my weather forecast- that dadgum rain cloud. Praying the rain is lifted, but if it doesn't, the show goes on, rain or shine!!   The square in Oxford, MS 9am - 5pm. Come on out- don your boots and jacket- it's going to be great!!

Kathleen Barnes of "Carrie Bradshaw Lied" Views "The Great Big Sea" on Her Wall!

I was beyond thrilled when Kathleen Barnes from the illustrious style blog, Carrie Bradshaw Lied, wanted to view a painting on her living room wall!!!! I was tickled pink to work with her on this project. Kathleen is not only an extremely talented lifestyle blogger, but a very kind and bubbly soul who you want to reach through the laptop and become friends with instantly. If you don't follow her already, you must! She's a delight! She has a gorgeous space, full of soothing neutrals and wanted to see what the "Great Big Sea" would look like over her couch.

"The Great Big Sea"

Here is the before image:

See what the "after" image looks like on "Carrie Bradshaw Lied" today with the "Great Sea" digitally rendered over her couch- it's a beautiful fit for such a lovely room ( We did view "The Great Big Sea" larger than the painting offered since she had such a huge wall to fill. I am so happy to change the size of any painting in a mockup so you can see what one similar would look like ) !

*** Want to see what your favorite Hillary Butler painting would look like in YOUR space? I'd be happy to do a mock up for you! See this VIEW IT ON YOUR WALL post for details!****

 

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Monday Mornings: Fresh Cut Blooms

I can't think of a more refreshing way to start a brand new week than with a bouquet of fresh cut blooms from my yard! My flowers have come back with surprising gusto this season- I thought my beds were completely dead after last year's late summer drought, but they love me and they came back full of beautiful buds for our enjoyment. I'm also loving these gorgeous shades of yellow- I've been seeing this deep butter cream shade everywhere this season and am so happy to have my very own splashes of it around the house. Fresh cut flowers have such a calming, opulent effect on me and I feel like a lady of luxury as I hit the grindstone once again. Happy Monday morning! Hope you have some lovely blooms to brighten your day as well!   

Recharge Wednesday

I'm learning to find time to recharge in the ordinary moments of the day. I'm also starting to realize that I find myself connecting with my inner retiree more and more in my recharging rituals. Hmmmmm. I spent Sunday digging in the dirt- getting my getto flower beds to a semi- getto state with our lawn furniture strewn about to prevent a certain wandering canine from intruding. I got to spend some time last night hanging out with a friend watching our dogs play the selfish stick game and had some me time afterwards with some wine and the mosquitos. Note the ice cubes in the chard to chill the wine out of the box on my counter. Classy. I've been cleaning out shelves and closets and came across some old Print magazines from my graphic design days. I'm looking forward to thumbing through these again. And, I had to share- our tent signs came in for  Double Decker- we're feeling official!!!!!!!!! Recharge Wednesday- I'm liking this! 

 

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View Your Favorite Painting on YOUR Wall!

New spring paintings are IN, y'all!!! A lot of art is poppin' up at Hillary Butler Fine Art! Check out the website to view it all! I'm also really excited to announce a new feature: View Before You Buy!! 

Ever curious as to what a painting would look like on your wall, but hesitant to buy it before you preview it? Worry no more! You can see an image of what your favorite painting will look like in your space before you buy it!! 

HOW IT WORKS:

1. Pick a painting you'd like to preview in a space on the website  
{ http://hillarybutler.bigcartel.com }

2. Email me a picture of your client's wall space and the painting you'd like to see in that setting

(butler.hillary(at)gmail.com) 

3. I send you a picture of the painting in the space! 

Here are a few more examples for your imagination. Take out the guess work: See it on YOUR wall first! 

Featured painting: Great Plain (enlarged to show what a customized version could look like)

Featured painting: Seaside

Featured Painting: Orange Pippin

Original Image Credits:  White apartment Space | Orange triangle print entrance | Dark grey living room

Wishing You LOADS of fun today!

This weekend was a doozy, complete with a total meltdown, but after a good heart-to-heart with David and spending some time with some close friends last night, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to start this week. I had to smile when I saw the sun highlighting Penny's new trophy case of tennis balls in the living room, reminding me of how fun and beautiful today can be. So, here's to wishing you loads of fun on this beautiful, sunny, SPRING day!

Using My Bookcase for Art Storage

Today is nasty, David and I are sick, I'm still in my pajamas at 1 pm, dishes are piled to the ceiling in the kitchen, and my living room is covered in 100 tennis balls (a very kind blessing/ curse gift from my tennis instructor friend to Penny), but my office looks amazing, so I'll just hide out in here today.

I wanted to share a picture of my new storage space. Priorities are a- changin' around here as I couldn't move in my office, so I decided to empty all my books from the shelves and use it as storage space for paintings. I'm so happy with the result and am wondering why I didn't do this sooner. These paintings can now dry safely without the risk of Penny's tail dragging through them. On more than one occasion I have found her running through the house with a green tail. Sigh. I'm hoping this works better than my last system.

Friday, please come soon. Please. 

Take out the guess work: See it on YOUR wall first!

There's a whole lotta new art popping up at Hillary Butler Fine Art, and if you're curious as to what your favorite piece would look like on your wall, you can send in a picture of your space and I'll insert your painting for a lovely guess-free visual. 

So.... how does this work????

1. Pick a painting on my site: 

{ http://hillarybutler.bigcartel.com }  

2. Email me a picture of your wall space and your favorite painting (and if you'd like to see it in a different size or the same as listed) butler.hillary(at)gmail.com

3. I send you a picture of the painting in your space!

Here are a few more examples for your imagination. Take out the guess work: See it on YOUR wall first!

 

Original image Credits: White apartment Space | Orange triangle print entrance | Dark grey living room 

A Day In the Life of...

Click here to see the video!

I'm really excited about this post. It's been a year in the making. My sister, Savannah, and I have collaborated on several projects, but this is by far my favorite one. And by collaborate on this one, I mean do what they told me to for a day. And smile. I love watching this video over and over- not because it's an accurate depiction of a single day in our life, but a collection of all my favorite moments of the ins and outs that David and I share and what would be our best day if it all came together. What you will not see in this video are the arguments, the no makeup days, the real walking attire. But what I hope you see is a very simple life made very beautiful by the wonderful man that I get to wake up next to every morning and the daily little jaunts and traditions that make our world so great. That cute little puppy is now a full grown hound and it makes me a little sad to think that a year has gone by so quickly, but what a year it has been stretching, growing, learning, stumbling, and succeeding with my partner in life and in art business. 

A huge, tremendous thanks to my sister and her husband, The Kenneys, for their killer artistic eye and how beautifully they captured each moment of our perfect day. They have recently launched life portrait sessions in addition to their re-brand. Check them out! You'll be glad that you did!

Monday Mornings: Brunch!

Friday morning was a fun treat- brunching with my ladies. The non self-employed girls were off on the same day and we all gathered for our traditional pot-luck style feast. The baby wave has hit our group and the wee ones joined us this time. It's been so surreal watching my friends that I grew up with become moms and seeing a whole new side of them. If feels like yesterday we were all getting our drivers licenses and heading to the mall. When did we become adults???!!??  It is so wonderful to have deep roots with friends and walk with each other through the changing seasons of life and welcome new life into the group. I got to cuddle with the sweet Logan, taking full advantage of her need for nap time on my shoulder. This morning I'm reflecting on good times and great friends. We are so blessed! 

    

Art Pairings: Grapefruit & The Orchard

Painting featured: Serena

Spring has Spruuuuuuuuung!!!!!!  I'm celebrating by heading to a little impromptu brunch with some of my favorite ladies. It's the perfect day for adding one of these grapefruit cocktails to brunch time. I'd totally pair it with this orchard painting, Serena. When I painted this, I would have called the pink/oragne hues coral, but now I think they're closer to a grapefruit. I kept seeing the turquoise and grapefruit next to each other in my palette and they kept screaming at me to paint them together. A very happy Friday to you!    

Abstract Blues

 Finished this little custom piece last week. It satiated my desire to head to the beach for spring break at least for a day or two... I love the color combo that she requested. Thanks for letting me be a part of your decor, Christina!

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Monday Mornings: Looking for Color Palettes

Color. It makes or breaks a painting. I'm constantly on the hunt for new color palettes to work into paintings. I find it all around because I am constantly on the hunt looking for color in magazines, in a neighbor's landscaping on a walk, even a pattern on a friend's skirt. My friend, Kristi, walked into church with this hot palette on a few weeks ago and I cornered her to capture her colors.  

 

My latest inspiration, though, has come from my very own paint palette (first image above). I stumbled on these killer palettes completely by accident. My paint palette was gooping up and as I was scraping out the individual paint holders, I noticed that the layers of paint had left beautiful color layouts for me in perfect color proportion and all!  I've used these to guide my last round of paintings and I've loved the direction that is already set for me. I pick an old palette section and follow the color direction I already unknowingly set for myself. 

 New color combinations are out there and are probably hiding right under your nose in a very unlikely, yet seemingly obvious place. Color away! 

 

Don't miss out on the perfect painting for your space!

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