COTE DE TEXAS: PHOTOGRAPHY: A Giveaway!!!!

PHOTOGRAPHY: A Giveaway!!!!

I have a confession to make. I am not one to go all out for art. I mean, if I can’t afford the best, why bother, is what I say about art. I guess what I really mean is this: if I can’t afford a Cy Twombly, why bother?

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If you do love art by Cy Twombly, could you afford it? Interior design by Renea Abbott.

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Or, if your taste runs more to romantic 18th century art, lord knows who can afford this but Axel Vervoordt. I mean, I would love THIS art in my house – but it’s a little out of my price range.

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Or, let’s say you love art from the 16th century, like Nancy Lancaster did and Oscar de la Renta does, and Lars Bolander too – who happens to own this canvas – but could you afford it? What room wouldn’t look better with art work like this?

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Or consider the master John Saladino – his wonderful collection of art hanging in Villa di Lemma is enough to make one weep. In fact his Cy Twombly is so gorgeous – it was what first made me realize how much I love Twombly’s work.

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Maybe you aren’t a Twombly fan. Consider then Saladino’s Robert Courtright collage that hangs in his bedroom suite at Villa di Lemma. If you love it, but can’t buy it, what would you do? What WOULD you hang on your walls instead of all this beautiful art that is out of the reach of the common man (you and me, that is!)

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Because the art work that I like is so prohibitive, I hang other things on my walls. Like mirrors. You can find beautiful ones that are plain and relatively inexpensive.

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Or, you could spend a little more and get a beautiful antique mirror – still much less than, say, an 18th century oil.

Picture courtesy of the beautiful blog www.trouvais.com

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Plain or fancy, big or small – mirrors are a great alternative to pricey art.

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A series of botanicals are also a nice alternative to expensive art. While this set is undoubtedly not cheap – one could create their own set from leaves in the back yard and then frame them between simple panes of glass.

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Or frame them between Plexiglas, like Brooke at Velvet and Linen is doing at her shop.

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Or, you could hang just one large botanical like this – flanked by sconces, instead of art work you can’t afford.

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I love old maps and lithographs – especially copies of old maps and lithographs that you can find for a song.

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The old maps of Paris and Rome are appealing – particularly when they aren’t originals. This map of Paris from Restoration Hardware, while not inexpensive, makes me just a little week in the knees. I only wish I had a place for it.

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Hanging plates and porcelains on walls makes any room look fabulous! This room doesn’t look empty without an oil painting, right?

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My own collection of antique celadon plates have been hanging on the walls for years. Except they aren’t antique, I bought them new – they just look antique. Almost any plain set of white dishes looks great on the walls.

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Oversized clocks are wonderful substitutes for fine art. Brooke from Velvet and Linen (again! I just love that girl!) hung this antique clock face in an asymmetrical arrangement in her stairwell. I love how she paired the clock face with the Mora clock. Just beautiful!

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In the Netherlands, lamp maker extraordinaire Ron van Empel has one of the prettiest clocks I’ve seen. Today – you can find oversized clocks copied from Target to K-Mart. You don’t have to hang an antique anymore to get this look.

Cathy's 070 I adore screens in place of oil paintings – here, my sister Cathy has a screen that I would give anything to own!

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Sally Wheat’s screen caught my eye while driving by her house and peeking inside. She has hung everything in her living room but art: two mirrors and the sconces. An oil painting is certainly not missing here.

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I also like to hang photography on walls in place of oil paintings. While some photography is very expensive, most is relatively not. Here in a beautiful apartment, Steven Gambrel hung a series of black and white photographs by Richard Prince along the back wall.

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In her Paris apartment, Lee Radziwill hung a photograph by Peter Beard.

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Nate Berkus hangs the photography of his late boyfriend Fernando Bengoechea.

image Windsor Smith hangs this iconic fashion photograph by Mark Shaw in her home.

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Large vintage photographs hang on the walls of this house on Long Island.

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Martyn Lawrence Bullard designed this house around the owner’s photographs – these striking ones are by Leni Riefenstahl. Certainly an oil painting is not missed here!

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The bedroom of the same house has giraffe photographs by Nick Brandt.

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\A serene photograph in a serene bedroom. Photography is a great substitute to oil paintings. Conde Nast has a wonderful collection of photographs for sale are ?>D>surprisingly affordable. Or you can always take your own camera and create something wonderful!

Which leads me to the giveaway!!! I am thrilled today to announce that photographer Tim Irving is hosting a giveaway. The winner will get to choose TWO photographs from his portfolio. To enter, all you have to do is go to his web site and then come back here, leave me a comment naming the photographs that you really like the best. Don’t worry – if you win – you will still get a chance to go back and pick again, ok? So don’t fret about your exact choice just yet. Below are my favorite photographs from Irving’s portfolio:

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You know what this is – BUT what is interesting about Tim’s work is how he uses vintage cameras and lenses to capture a certain atmosphere. This photograph truly looks vintage to me. He also occasionally uses Polaroid's.

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I love this shot of the rooftops of Paris. I love the colors.

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This photograph is wonderful – taken in Spain. Notice that light fixture on the right, so beautiful!

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This was taken with a Polaroid camera – and this shot certainly has a dreamy, vintage feel to it.

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Another Polaroid photograph, taken of sconces for sale. Love this!

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Provence, France. I love the juxtaposition of the old iron bicycle with the roses and wicker basket.

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And finally – my last pick – white kitchen items found in Africa. Taken with an old camera lens to produce its vintage feel. I think any of Tim’s portfolio would look so great on a wall, who would need an oil painting?

These photographs above are my favorites – now it’s your turn to choose your favorite. Remember, to enter the giveaway – you have to go to Tim Irving’s shop HERE, pick your favorite(s), then leave me a comment telling me which ones you love. The contest closes on Wednesday night at 11:59 p.m. I’ll announce the winner the next day. Good luck!!!!

THE CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED - WE HAVE ANNOUNCED A WINNER! THANK YOU!!!!!

216 comments :

  1. I adoare...French Culinary Lavendar and the Honey Shop. Also loved the rooftop view of Paris and the old iron bike and basket of flowers. They are all amazing! Very difficult to choose.

    Janet

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  2. I LOVE "The Embrace" and "C'est la vie"

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  3. I just love "High Tide"!!!!! The amber tones and the subject matter are so familiar to this coastal gal.

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  4. Perfect accents for the kitchen wall above the cabinet on casters: Red Ripe cherries photo and Blackberry Way blackberry plant.

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  5. Scarlet Ivy calls out to me.

    I live for fall and the colors in this photograph say that fall is always around the corner.

    I love looking at these wonderful photographs!

    Thank you for introducing me to Tim Irving and for this fun contest!

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  6. I love love love the "French Landscape with Poppies"......

    so fresh and creative!

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  7. So many to love. Andalucia - Spanish Landscape immediately captured my attention...such a dreamy photograph! Some of my other favorites - High Tide, Scarlet Ivy, and Alpine Clouds.

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  8. I like the bike, basket and roses. And I agree with you about loving the best, but not being able to afford it. I know it is considered by many to be so uncool, I still enjoy art prints. When I was a fundraiser, I started a poster project that featured the art of local artists. It promoted my cause and helped give the artists attention. I've been retired for 13 years, but the project continues. The art isn't something you see everywhere and it carries, for me, sentimental value.

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  9. Hi Joni...thanks for the mention. I would pick the mango colored wall with lanterns because I love the idea of finding objects and grouping them as "found art"...the collector school of decorating (ala Shubel). I'm a little nuts about antique fabric...what do you do with an 18th century silk, rose embroidered, linen backed waistcoat. Or a pair of metallic embroidered teal silk sleeves. And then there's always the antique French letters. Frame them, group them (use archival glass so they don't fade). Second photo...aqua sky with floating paper lanterns...pure ebullience. Great story...and one can't have to many mirrors. XO Trish

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  10. Joni- Thanks for introducing us to him, his work is fabulous! I love the Road Between Limoges and Cognac AND Provence, France 1999.

    Great post as well...I actually made my own botanical pictures (posted as a DIY in May) and I love the way they dress up my dining room.
    Happy Monday!

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  11. What a fantastic photographer!

    I love how "Waiting for Dinner" seems to tell a story. And the dog is adorable.

    "Resting Swallows" is stunning as well.

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  12. The Road Between Limoges and Cognac & The Embrace, French Cherry Tree are both beautiful!

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  13. I love The road Between Limoges and Cognac also Carousel 1970. Thanks for sharing such beautiful work.

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  14. I love "Ripe Red." It's a fun play on stuffier botanicals and the colors are so fresh-perfect for my screened porch!

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  15. White Teapot on Cotton Lace.

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  16. Great Post Joni, I love Jasmine 8x8 and The Road between Li,Thank you for another great post.

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  17. Great post, I know what you mean about being able to afford the good stuff. My husband and I have been saying for a while we need to expand our art collection!

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  18. I LOVE "Provence France 1999" and "Ripe Red" but they are all beautiful - too hard to pick!

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  19. How can I chose just two?! I love The Road Between Limoges and Congnac and Marigold Seed Heads.

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  20. i love carousel & The Road Between Limoges and Cognac- such beautiful prints!

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  21. Jasmine in Medicine Bottle & French Landscape with Poppies!

    Oh my they are so gorgeous!!!!

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  22. Gorgeous!! I really love the View Of Paris, reminds me of my short semester there in college, so lovely. I also love the Joy of Life France, The Road King and the Devotion to the Ocean. And the Embrace. It's hard to pick just two! What a fun giveaway and fun source for beautiful photography!

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  23. For me it's Devotion to the Ocean and The Road Between Limoges and Cognac. Really lovely. I also love Waiting for Dinner -- that dog is too much!

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  24. I love Ocean Diver and Old Desert Windpump. These are gorgeous!

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  25. I like Fantasy Land & Carousel for a kid's room.

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  26. I love "The Embrace" and "provence, France, 1999."

    Also love your blog!

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  27. oh I love "Joy of Life" and "View of Paris" fabulous pictures!!

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  28. All are interesting...so much to see in each photograph. I love Ripe Red, Jasmine in Medicine Bottle and, even though it reminds me of a grackle, The Trickster is delightful.

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  29. Look Up and Summer Visitors. Love all of them and great prices, too!

    +Spencer
    www.ArchitecturalAntiqueReview.com

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  30. * Fun post, Joni! Since we have alot of glass & not very much wall space, I won't pick a "fave" & enter, but DID enjoy seeing this!
    Thanks n' hugs,
    Linda

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  31. Love the "Waiting for Dinner" - white background, white dog - great composition! Thanks for the post about this creative photographer. Beautiful affordable photography!

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  32. Hi Joni,

    I'm a huge Cy Twombly fan, too! I found a website that sells Cy Twombly posters, prints and book plates. They range in price from $67 to just over $200. Right now the site has about 75 choices for Cy Twombly, not to mention hundreds of choices for other modern artists. I absolutely love it.

    Here's the URL: www.artriver.com.

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  33. You're so right, Joni. Wall art doesn't have to cost a fortune but it must be interesting! I've seen this photographer's work before and really like it... especially 'The Blackberry Way' and 'The Honey Shop'. I think I'm drawn more to florals and architecture than anything else when it comes to photography.

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  34. Several years ago I had the pleasure of working with a charming couple from Norway, doing over their entire house, along with a brand-new guest house. The house itself was lovely, but the wonderful thing was that finally I had clients with both the appreciation and the purse for fine art. Let me tell you, I had an absolute ball!

    My own home is filled with the artwork of friends, along with some antique pieces I pick up here and there, with some fabulous antique mirrors and plates dotted here and there. And I do adore that Restoration Hardware map!

    As to my pick of Mr. Irving's work...I love "Waiting for Dinner" and "The Night Florist"!

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  35. The Yellow Jersey and The Great Vegetarian..normally subjects i wouldn't be interested in but the pictures were so unusual that I found myself drawn to them.

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  36. Ooh...that's a toughie - I love ALL of Tim's fantastically-styled photographs! I think, though, my favorites are the single Flamenco dress, and the bullfighter's uniform. Framed side by side, I think they would look phenomenal, and I just may not be able to wait for this contest to be done before I snatch them up! ;)

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  37. I love the French Landscape with Poppies prints! Tim does a great job of styling unique photographs, that are truly art!

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  38. I love the French Landscape with Poppies prints! Tim does a great job of styling unique photographs, that are truly art!

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  39. loce all the artwork and room images. The Parisan map is cool, but the coffee table was great.

    I liked The Night Florist & Barcelona.

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  40. Diana from TennesseeAugust 31, 2009 at 11:37 AM

    I love The Road Between Limoges and Congac! It'd be beautiful in my living room.

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  41. The Carosel 1970 and the Paris Metro Sign are two of my favorites.

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  42. I love "The Embrace" and "Old Railroad Crossing". Thanks for introducing me to this fantastic photographer!

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  43. Oh so many! I love the French Culinary Lavender, the Honey Shop, Cest la Vie, the Old Rairoad Crossing and Penny Lane! Oooops that's more than two!
    ~Nancy

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  44. I love "Fantasyland" - So great for a child's room (or mine!).

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  45. Love Five Hummingbirds and Provence, France. His photos are so evocative.

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  46. the great vegetarian and the melancholy zebra would be great facing each other!

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  47. Another fan of "The Road Between Limoges and Cognac" here. It's beautiful!

    King of Road is a "can't have a bad day when this guy is looking at you" sort of photo.

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  48. Paris Metro and The Night Florist!

    When I moved back to the States, I didn't have anything for the walls. I printed out 10 pictures I'd taken in London, Paris and Wales and framed them identically. I hung them in a row on a long wall.

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  49. Just a word of support for original art - just because you can't afford a Cy Twombly does not mean that it is a hopeless cause! There are many emerging artists and living artists whose work is extraordinary and very affordable - probably more affordable than an antique mirror! Now is a great time to buy original art, and most people don't know that art galleries will definitely negotiate on the price - you don't have to be a designer to get a discount off gallery art. Most art has a build in 'minimum price', because galleries expect those 'in the know' the ask for 10-20% off, and sometimes even more.

    However, I do love a good mirror too - as Gerrie Bremermann says, every room needs a beautiful mirror.

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  50. Oh, I LOVE "High Tide" and "Andalucia."

    I may have to buy them if I don't win them!

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  51. So hard to pick a favorite. I love all the photos. I especially like Carousel, The Embrace and High Tide.

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  52. My faves are "African Market" -- love how vivid those banana bunches are, and the Provence picture with the bicycle and flowers that you posted. What a great detail. And like "The Yellow House," I agree -- I might have to buy if I don't win them!

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  53. They are all gorgeous, so it is difficult to choose a favorite, but I love View of Paris, Wall of Lights, and Spanish Walls the most.

    I have actually framed and hung many pictures from our travels in our home along with vintage maps. :)

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  54. Yeah! How fun. Favies are Lone Parent, View of Paris, African Kitchenalia and Painted House, Granada Spain.

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  55. "The Button Tin" reminds me of the button box my grandmother had. She would take it down from the high shelf in her closet and I would ask her to tell me about the different buttons. We lived in Vina del Mar, Chile for 3 months. I walked past buildings like "The Honey Shop" on my way to the grocery store. Thankful for these special memories.

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  56. I love The Embrace, The Road Between Limoges and Cognac, and The Honey Shop. They are all so beautiful!!

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  57. Joanie, I must say I'm surprised by this. You champion the need to support designers of furniture and artisans who produce interiors accessories but don't seem to feel that it's just as important to support visual artists who aren't (yet) superstars. Their struggle is made even more difficult by the attitude that one can cover one's walls just as well and for a fraction of the price by cutting up a book of botanical images. Big ticket artists like Twombly started out by selling their work for much less - hundreds and then thousands of dollars - than it currently goes for. If no one had bought his work then, but had just used mirrors or posters instead, I doubt he would have been able to continue to practice and hone his craft. I can appreciate that art can be expensive, but not necessarily more than a sofa from Pottery Barn. If you shop wisely and save up for a couple of pieces that you really love, it's often more within reach than is realized. I've seen amazing work in the $800-$2000 range. I'm not knocking the use of decorative plates or other creative solutions to adorning walls, but think it's important to point out that it's only when we support our visual artists by buying their work that they're able to thrive.

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  58. I love "Over the Garden Fence" and "Carousel" - beautiful!

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  59. All of them are wonderful!
    My favorites are Carousel and C'est laVie.

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  60. French Culinary Lavender Number 2 and Big Yellow Catkins - cool take on a traditional botanical - Thanks, Joni

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  61. Yummmy. Yummy and more yummy...I don't know where to start...the rooftops of Paris...the maps...oooo...I have to go...I am overheating!! Seriously.

    I'm off to his shop site right now.

    Best,
    Michelle

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  62. Stunning! I love the rooftops of Paris, and Barcelona :)

    Beautiful work Tim!
    Michelle

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  63. I like the "Ripe Red" and "The Night Florist"

    I will be interested to see how many comments this post earns you! Thanks!

    Elizabeth

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  64. I love "the road between limoges and cognac". I want to win it but I may have to pull out my hard earned cash and buy it!:)

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  65. Gorgeous post, Joni!

    My picks...Provence, France 1999, the last photo on your post, African Kitchenalia, absolutely love that.

    African Market and Night Florist.

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  66. Beautiful work! My fav? Temptation. Would look fabulous in my kitchen!
    Jo

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  67. What a great find!
    My 2 favorites are:
    Paris Metro and Spanish Walls.


    Fingers crossed.

    Stacey

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  68. Wow, what a great way to introduce a new (?) artist. I love a giveaway! I also love the Melancholy Zebra because I've always been a sucker for zebra (first bikini? zebra).
    Then there's the rhino, The Great Vegetarian, which would make a good companion to the melancholy zebra.
    I could also definitely find places for:
    Devotion to the Ocean
    Gina, Venice Beach 1996
    White Teapot on Cotton Lace
    Fantasy Land
    French Culinary Lavender
    and might have to even if, perchance I won the giveaway!
    Also, LOVE LOVE Cote de Texas, I'm a big time stalker. Thanks for the great site!

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  69. Anonymous: first - you must realize that I am trying to weave a story here. ok? Its a story. I understand that there are thousands if not millions of struggling artists out there waiting to be the next Twombly. but for me, truthfully, my heart isn't into that search. I like what I like. I know what I like and I showed examples of it - I love CT, I love 18th century art and I love 16th century art all of which I can't afford. So, I use mirrors and plates instead. But in the end, I am trying to write an interesting story - I just think is SO boring to post a giveaway without some kind of backup story and I've never really discussed art a lot, or what I like. So this seemed the perfect time to say - if the art you like isn't affordable try mirrors or screens or photographs! and btw - I'm having a giveaway - go look here. It just is more interesting I think. You obviously don't agree. But that's fine. Send me links for artwork you think I would love - I'd like to see it.

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  70. My most favorite city in the world- and these images capture it so well. Love "C'est la Vie" - as I adore bright green and was engaged atop the Eiffel Tower. Love the white on white in "Waiting for Dinner." How cute is that dog? I'd love to read on those steps. And, if I can only choose one more - "Table for Two." Perfect for my kitchen. Gorgeous red cherries. Simple and yet not perfect.

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  71. LURKER, I meant to say lurker, not stalker. Heavens!

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  72. I love the Road between Limoges and Cognac.

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  73. Great post!The Road between Limoges and Cognac and Spanish Walls are my favorites.

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  74. My pick - Devotion to the Ocean! Fun giveaway.

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  75. High Tide makes my heart pitter patter!

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  76. I love Ripe Red. It reminds me of one of my favorite places on earth~Traverse City, MI!

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  77. Love love love Big Yellow Catkins! Captures the perfect imperfection of nature.

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  78. So hard to choose! Tim's got talent! I absolutely love Fantasy Land and Carousel! Thanks! ~Tracy

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  79. I love the color of his work. I like Devotion to the Ocean and Carousel 1970.

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  80. I loved "The Embrace" and "The Diver". I also bought Gigi for a gift, but wouldn't mind to win the contest. Beautiful photographs! Great blog as always!

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  81. Joni,
    I have a tough time with art and end up with many mirrors. I didn't grow up with art and my husband I didn't start early enough collecting. Great images...as always, thorough and well thought out!
    Blessings...
    xo

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  82. Thanks for sending me to the beautiful Etsy shop - what a nice way to spend 15 minutes this afternoon!

    Ripe Red, Buddhist Temple Sri Lanka & White Teapot on Cotton Lace are all beautiful - each different from the next, but so beautiful!

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  83. Fun! My favorites are Lone Parent and Paper Lanterns.

    I definitely echo your frustrations re art. Most of what I love is WAAAAY out of my price range or already sitting in a museum somewhere. And I refuse to fill my walls with mass-produced "art" you can find everywhere. Having the same couch as 15,000 other Americans is one thing, having the same thing hang over it is another story altogether. For me, at least, art should be a bit more personal than that.

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  84. Man this was such a hard decision because I truly love them all!! His work is AMAZING!! Seriously took 20 minutes to narrow down to Ripe Red & Old Railroad Crossing! I have spots waiting on these!!! :)

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  85. I have a love affair with Africa. I would just simply have to chose an African picture. Several truly jump out at me, but "Almost a Unicorn" I love.

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  86. I liked Carousel 1970

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  87. Carousel 1970! Love it!

    Thank you for exposing us to a great artist. Beautiful photography.

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  88. I love "Devotion to the Ocean" both the photo and the title. I grew up in a shore town in New Jersey.

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  89. I love "Button Tin" which shows a collection of tarnished old buttons of many different shapes, sizes and designs. The plate that the tin rests on is lovely as well.

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  90. As an artist, I have to agree with anonymous here Joni. I understand not wanting to hunt around in NYC, but you live in TEXAS, home of Marfa, and I have visited extraordinary gallery districts in Houston and Dallas. I've heard Austin is even better. It could be fun, you know. Some of those texans get pretty famous eventually... Second, as a former art dealer, I also have to ask, are you sure you can't afford art of previous centuries? Unsigned, but beautiful period paintings are often available for surprising low amounts, but it does take a little time. I've seen amazing hudson river school paintings on sale this summer in Lake Placid for much less than certain sofas. I also love personal collections, particularly textiles(which are real art) and botanicals, particularly old ones, but often they are more expensive than less famous real (aka original) art if they are not to look like pottery barn stuff. I like the Paris rooftops for purely nostalgic reasons myself.

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  91. where to begin, enjoyed them all, "devotion to the ocean" my favorite though.

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  92. I adore 'High Tide' why? Well my partner and I are relocating to Ireland from New Zealand THIS MONTH!! And I know this print would remind me everyday of the stunning beaches of NZ that we spent countless hours meandering along in love. This would be an absolute treat if I was to win.

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  93. Joni, love love love your Blog and applaud you for taking so much of your time for our enjoyment. As a Houstonian myself I especially appreciate the fact that "fineness" does, indeed, exist here.

    Difficult assignment with the photographs, but I've chosen:

    The Night Florist
    African Market
    Vintage Spanish Fiesta/Flamenco Dress

    Marsha Harris Scott

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  94. I'm glad you didn't limit us to just one favorite! I loved, Carousel, Summer Visitors, Ripe Red, Look Up, Provence France, Fantasy Land, Bunch of Four, and Pink Citroen (for my DD's room). Thanks for leading us to his beautiful photographs!

    Karen

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  95. Devotion to the Ocean and Ballroom are my favorites. It was hard to choose, I loved so many.

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  96. All are beautiful but I love "View of Paris" and "Over the Garden Fence"!

    Amy
    amykc411@hotmail.com

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  97. Oh Joni - you may have just opened can of worms here! You can handle it, though, of that I am sure. I want "Carousel 1970" and "Devotion to the Ocean". I love his work!!

    Very interesting post - exquisite photographs, as usual. I am an art lover and think you could find pieces you love, as well..........maybe one day we will gallery hop together! xo

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  98. I absolutely adore, "The Embrace, Frech Cherry Tree." It is beautiful!

    Crystal M.

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  99. Joni - I was actually getting set to email you and tell you what a great post you put together on Belgian design. While not a designer or an industry player, I'm captivated by great architecture and the pieces that make a room feel whole.

    I find your posts to be really informative and well laid out - not just a couple of snaps and a link. Its the whole story and you do it very well.

    In terms of your giveaway - I've fallen for "Waiting for Dinner" and "The Essential Spain."

    "Waiting for Dinner" reminds me of my best friends dog and in a way the mannerisms of my own pooch.

    "Essential Spain," well that is just relieving college all over again for me.

    Keep up the wonderful story lines and leave the doubters to their sour milk.

    Cheers,
    Rob KJ

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  100. Art. Where to begin. Great art is indeed like air (just like draperies or sofa's or windows or wonderful floors, but don't tell anyone I said that,--oops I have taken a flyer).

    Art,--great, wondrous, glorious art, takes thought out of my brain and transports me to the sublime place of absolute calm.

    Here is what I have finally figured out about art; when it stops you cold in a wonderful way and you can afford it, BUY IT NOW.

    The piece you don't buy will haunt you always & you'll never find it again.

    Joni, as ever I thank you for your thoughtful post & I too, like the bike with the flowers, as well as the Spanish Buildings w/ Lantern.

    I like the Edith Wharton quote,"
    There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or to be the mirror that reflects it."

    You & your blog(s), dear Joni, are both.

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  101. I LOVE these photos! My favorites ... I think... are:

    The Road Between Limoges and Cognac

    Blackberry Way, There is a Memory There

    African Market

    Barcelona

    nancy hill

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  102. I love 5 Hummingbirds and Goldfinch in Cage!

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  103. I love Camden road and roman road looking south! Thanks Joni!

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  104. Put me down for The Road Between Limoges and Cognac, it is wonderful!

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  105. I like the Carousel (reminds me of fair time as a kid) and the Night Florist.

    BTW ... Love your blog! I'm a fellow Houstonian and a long-time reader. I check your site daily ... ok, I admit I sometimes stalk your blog multiple times in a day! In fact, my recent issues of Southern Accents and Beautiful Homes came in the mail last week and I must say that I was disappointed reading them and realized that I find your blog much more interesting and useful! Keep up the great work!

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  106. Ahh this guy is amazing! Favorites are "Resting" and "The Road Between Limoges and Cognac"!

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  107. Hi! I love how the green sign stands out in The Joy of Life France. Honey Shop reminds me of studying abroad. Love all the color in Carousel. Just found your blog recently...love it because I consider myself "challenged" when it comes to decorating!

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  108. His pictures are so yummy! I love the button tin, a great composition of old metal buttons. It reminds me of sifting through my grandmother's collection of buttons when I was a child. Also loved Alpine Clouds--such a beautiful, dreamy quality! It was probably taken in Europe but I choose to think it was taken in West Texas near Alpine! The West Texas sky can have that same quality.

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  109. Very nice photographs. I realy like "Barcelona" and "Button Tin".

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  110. Beautiful photography! I love African Market and View of Paris, as well as many others.

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  111. Oh boy...I LOVE art. I have a collection of amateur art that I love (quirky yes...but it's mine) I love supporting artists...all kinds.

    Love his photos...have come across them before.

    My faves...Ocean Diver and devotion to the ocean.

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  112. French Culinary Lavender Number 2 -
    I adore purple and this is the perfect blue/green background to show it off.

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  113. "Carousel" and "the Yellow Jersey". that ride in Carousel is my favorite, and my husbands favorite thing to do is ride.

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  114. Love your blog! My favorites are The Joy of Life France (had my honeymoon in Paris), Look Up and Fantasy Land. Very cool photos.

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  115. Joni,
    I happened upon your blog a few weeks ago and I've been smitten with it ever since! It all started with your review of homes for sale in Texas. I've been trying to define what style I like, and I finally found it. In fact, after looking at all the beautiful homes you featured, I had the courage to pack up some of my things that just weren't "me." Now, I'm off to save for things I really want, and not just buy something to fill the space. Thanks for the great advice!

    Tim Irving's photographs are beautiful. I especially like "The Road Between Limoges and Cognac" and "The Embrace, French Cherry Tree" (in his sold items).

    Again, thanks for a wonderful decorating blog! I love it!
    Naomi

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  116. Thank you for your lovely blog, and for introducing your readers to this wonderful photographer.

    I think my favorites are The Embrace and Wilting Poppies.

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  117. I love the Joy if Life France and the Animal Print Zebra! Thanks Joni!!

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  118. I was in Paris a few weeks ago and had bought
    several photos and a painting for the Eiffel tower,
    so naturally I'd love to have "C'est la vie" in my
    collection - although all of the photos are exceptional
    and I have bookmarked Tim Irving's etsy site.

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  119. I love: "The Joy of Life France", "Carousel 1970", "The Embrace, French Cherry Tree", "Old Desert Windpump", and "Lone Parent". I love the color palettes in the images and "Carousel 1970" just has such a fun feel!

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  120. 'Carousel' and 'Fantasy Land' are my faves!! Love, love his work. It would look so cute in my girls' new big girl room!

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  121. Wow! His photography style is beautiful. These are my top three (with a fourth added in for good humor):

    1. View of Paris (over the rooftops to the Eiffel Tower). This photo reminds me of standing at the top of the Samaritaine looking out over Paris. Such a perfect perch in which to view the City (too bad they eventually closed the rooftop to visitors).

    2. Devotion to the Ocean
    Beautiful colors and wonderful cloudscape.

    3. The Embrace, French Cherry Tree.
    I love symmetry and something about this photo appeals to that in me. Plus the color of the rich green grass and blue sky is wonderful.

    4. And, lastly, not because it was one of my top choices, but more because I love the woman's body language in the shot..."The Night Florist."

    Jenny
    Lafayette, CA

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  122. My very favorite is The Signed Fine Art Photographic Print....
    Title: Andalucia - Spanish Landscape.
    Size: 10x8 inches.
    This photograph was taken while traveling on a bus in Spain, from Granada to Malaga on a winters day.It reminds me of an abstract painting love the color palette.

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  123. Ooh. How do I choose? I think I have your same taste. I liked the same one you did. Here are a few of my favorites:

    Carousel 1970 12 x
    The Joy of Life France
    The Button Tin...I do love buttons
    Provence, France

    I know you heard it from me before but I do love you blog and your attention to detail.

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  124. Another great post. Thanks!!

    What beautiful pictures! If I had to chose my favorites (very hard to do as all are lovely)they would be: the two zebra pictures "Meloncholy Zebra" and "Animal Print- Zebra" and the close up of the bird "Resting". I would love the Zebra prints hung as a pair. I know some people are sick of zebras, but I really still love a little zebra in a room.
    Lisa S.
    Niskayuna,NY

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  125. I love the carousel, hummingbirds and the bicycle with the flowers! This was such a gorgeous post! The images were to die for! Thanks Joni!

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  126. Talk about a tough call. I think High Tide and Devotion to the Ocean are my favorites.

    I'm so glad you posted this, what a great discovery.

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  127. Hi, girlfriend! I debated today about coming by again, & decided I would, because I'd really like to make a comment,if I may~

    In the lst 5 years Jim & I started "seriously" collecting some finer artwork, to include some terriffic bronzes. While quite costly, yes, that was NOT the reason we purchased any of them... we fell either immediately or ALMOST immediately in love with each piece over the last 5 years!

    After pondering such important purchases, we BOTH felt that if they "spoke" to EACH of us, AND on such an individual level (we're SOOOO lucky to have VERRRRRY similar taste!), it was a worthwhile "treat"!!!...

    And now almost everyday, as we pass by/see them in our dream home here in the desert, the joy, as well as the memory of the "find" and subsequent purchase (always followed by a wonderful lunch or dinner to "celebrate"), continues to fill us with happy... and yes, proud... feelings.

    I recently found/discovered a VERY INEXPENSIVE piece of "art" that I just adored... and I bought it!~~~ No qualms, because it may not "match up" to the quality & value of the other pieces but "gosh darn it", it just "makes me HAPPY & PROVIDES a WARM SMILE INSIDE"!!!

    And THAT's what I reeeally think the subjective topic of "ART" is all about~~~ at least for ME. IMHO it should be something that "calls your name", "speaks to you" and makes you "feel good" about the purchase, whether it's a high-end piece or very INexpensive...

    Thanks, dear one!!!

    Warm hugs,
    Linda

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  128. OOPS! The beginning of the second paragraph SHOULD READ: In the LAST 5 years... sorry!!! XO, Me

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  129. Over the garden fence is my pick. The colors are like on a vintage piece of china that beautiful aqua and the pink, you feel like you have fresh flowers with you all the time. Lovely ggjlw@aol.com

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  130. Andalucia - Spanish Landscape, it is so dreamy! I NEED some art, I have even considered painting something myself but am afraid to start!

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  131. Big yellow Catkins would be perfect for my office, as I have another piece in the same colors!

    Melancholy Zebra would be just the right piece for the powder room. Loving those bright blues, and I have an affinity for zebrea print (ina non-tacky way...)

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  132. I just love the circus, so Carousel and Fantasy Land spoke to me.

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  133. oh my gosh, I love them all - I hear my credit card weeping again. haha. I really love the metro, the night florist, the honey shop, ballroom 1977, high tide, spanish walls... gah, I'm going to have to devote an entire wall to Tim Irving!!
    Thanks for the intro and the chance to win some of his beautiful work.
    xo Isa

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  134. Blackberry Way, There is a Memory There and The Night Florist

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  135. I love ripe, red - the cherries against the chipped painted wall are lovely. I also loved the Provence bicycle with basket of flowers.

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  136. It's really best thing!! I too got similar desk from Cabelas...

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  137. Joni, I had two favorites "High Tide" and "Summers visitors " with the birds... thanks ... Julie in Holland

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  138. Great post Joni,

    I adore the reflection of the Marmite. It is my favourite thing on buttered toast! But if I am lucky enough to pick two, well it has to be Fantasy Land and Carousel, they go together like... well, like toast and Marmite!

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  139. Choose two? You made it sound so easy. Ha!
    Ok, if I have to choose two I would say "Carousel" and "Fantasy Land". No wait, "Jasmine 8x8 inch" and "French Culinary Lavender Number 2". Oh this is hard.
    Thank you for the introduction and including my home and botanicals in this beautiful post.
    You know I love you too!

    xo
    Brooke

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  140. Wow! What a talent. I'm going shopping!!! I love High Tide, the colors and Carousel 1970 would look great in my daughter's bedroom. Thanks girl!!

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  141. As an artist (painter), I was delighted to see your post on art for the home. I also use plates, mirrors, sconces, etc., but there is nothing like original art work to add a sumptuous layer that can be achieved in no other way. You did a wonderful post on "the look for less" in furnishings, and I would love to see a post on finding stellar art for reasonable prices. There are so many outstanding emerging artists, I really believe we are living in a Renaissance. There is beautiful work out there, and the prices are not all prohibitive. An excellent small original painting can be bought on ebay for less than a set of dishes. New collecters could begin with small paintings as they begin to sort out what appeals to them.
    I check your blog everyday, and love every post--I have learned so much! Thank you.

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  142. I adore Views of Paris and Provence 1999. His work is fabulous. Thank you Joni for a great give away!!!

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  143. Joni!

    how ironic that I start my advanced photography class this morning!! I look forward to working in the dark room again, and learning alternative processes. I use a vintage Leica, which is like a tank...doesn't even need a battery. Am really excited...

    I will let someone else win the giveaway, but I have been following tim's blog. Great giveaway!!

    thanks!
    Kathy

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  144. I love "Alpine Clouds"...absolutely wonderful!

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  145. Too many beautiful choices! I love Carousel 1970, Paper Lanterns, Ballroom 1977, and Paris Metro. Love the dreamy quality....like a hazy memory trying to focus its way back to your heart.

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  146. I love Carousel 1970, Fantasy Land and North African Shoes! Just beautiful.

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  147. Great post, gorgeous artwork. Tim's photos are beautiful, my favs were c'est la vie and provence 1999!

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  148. I like the elephant and flowers over the fence pictures.

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  149. Definitely the Pink Citroen! Fun contest, Joni.

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  150. "The Road between Limoges and Cognac"...taken with an old lens....beautiful!!

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  151. I loved "Buen Gusto Cafe." And I loved the post. Oh, Art!! pswright

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  152. I love Think Pink...so, so beautiful!

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  153. My favorites are
    Over the Garden Fence, Moon Over Pink Clouds, and High Tide...What beautiful perspective!

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  154. Beautiful way to bring out colors in a room. I love "the embrace" and "resting". Thank you!

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  155. I absolutely love The Embrace, Jasmine, & Provence. I think I could list many more!

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  156. Thanks for the opportunity to win such a fabulous piece of origonal art work! I love many of Tim's photos. My favorite, favorites are Joy of Life France, Devotion to the Ocean, View of Paris and The Road Between Limoges and Cognac.

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  157. I'm so excited that you're doing a giveaway of Tim's work! I have been lusting after his "Four Bee Eaters" image! I am creating a wall of art in my office and have the perfect place to frame and hang it :)

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  158. What lovely work! I'd LOVE one of the ones from Sri Lanka as my BF is from there!

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  159. I would pick the button tin and the dancing dress. See my framed giant frashcards posted at http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ve6HC7I6_zBbaptfXu0wuA?feat=directlink

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  160. I love High Tide, Road King, Provence France, and Barcelona !!! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful photographer with us. Fabulous shots !!!

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  161. my current fav is ripe red - the four cherries are bursting with color.

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  162. Hi Joni:
    I so appreciate and love your blog. My favorite Tim Irving photos are; "waiting for dinner," because I love dogs, and "ripe red," with the cherries. Thank you for your posting on artwork too. I have a taste for expensive artwork as well, like Twombley, or Wolf Kahn, or Roger Muhl, etc., but being a teacher, it is all out of my price range, so I love being able to admire it on your blog, and to see decorating options that will work in place of expensive artwork. Keep up your good work, Joni, as you can see, many people love you.

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  163. Joni, What a great intro to a great photographer... What caught my eye was, "The Road between Limoge & Cognac", and "High Tide". Mersini

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  164. Oh my, what a great post! I think that their will definitely be several of his pieces in my home and soon! I love high tide and summer visitors! Cest la Vie was also captivating! I love the perspecitve and feel of his photos!!

    Thanks!

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  165. table for two and devotion to the ocean but I like them all so its hard to decide.Nice giveaway

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  166. The Night Florist is lovely, as is the rooftop view of Paris. Great photographs.

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  167. Moon over Pink Clouds and Carousel reminded me of my childhood in West Texas!
    Mary Frances

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  168. I really love all the florals, especially The Road Between Limoges and Cognac.

    I lofve the rooftops of paris too.

    Hope I win!!

    Kristen W.

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  169. Hi Joni,

    I just love your blog. It always makes my day.
    All of the photos are fantastic and there was not one that I didn't like.
    That said here are my favs:
    Carousel 1970 & Fantasy Land so fun for a baby/toddler room.
    Pink Desert Flower in Spring
    Ocean Devotion
    Spanish Walls
    And the wonderfully grainy Paris Metro
    Many thanks for your wonderful read.
    Katie
    Katie@bradcook.net

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  170. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  171. Hi Joni: I love "high tide" - it reminds me of all the days spent on the beach as a youngster waiting around for the tide to come in so I could swim out to the float and not step on the horseshoe crabs!! The birds loved low tide, though, so these birds are probably flying away and will come back at low tide!! Love your blog.
    Linda

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  172. I love the "Lie Back and Think of Poppies" as well as "Think Pink". I've seen his work before and it is truly artistic. Great giveaway!

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  173. Lone Parent
    Ocean Devotion
    Over the Garden Fence

    How is it possible to pick just 3?

    You and Tim are so mean.(brilliant yes, nice - no)
    LPxo

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  174. Joni,
    I'll throw my hat in the ring...
    "Blackberry Way" and "Big Yellow Catkins". I love the tintype look.

    G in CT

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  175. Beautiful photographs! I adore 'High Tide' and 'Jasmine in Medicine Bottle'.

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  176. This is a post I can relate to. I feel the same as you do about art hence I have mostly mirrors hanging in the small beach cottage. Now that I've painted the walls white, I'm ready to add a little color! I adore Provence France and French Culinary Lavender!
    Thanks, Roberta

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  177. What a great opportunity! I love Spanish Walls and Temptation!

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  178. Hi Joni,
    I actually am a huge fan of Tim's work. My favs for an interior has to be Buen Gusto Cafe or the bicycles of those that are listed. He has some absolutely gorgeous photos on his website. One of my favorites is one of 4 of the most precious girls dressed up for fiesta and flamenco dance. The date is May 30, 2009 (The fiesta begins). It is adorable, check it out. He even has an article on cobblestone. A real artist--
    Thank you for offering this great opportunity!!
    You are awesome!
    joni in dallas

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  179. They are all just gorgeous! I love "The Road Between Limoges and Cognac" and "Bien Gusto Cafe". But then, "Jasmine in a Bottle" is so pretty, and so is "Devotion to the Ocean"...Love them all!

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  180. Goodness, Joni! How to choose??
    I think my favorite of all those photos is the Suit of Light (the matador jacket). It has the textural quality of a suzani - fabulous!
    I also loved in no particular order: The Honey Shop; Provence, France; and Fantasy Land. I am bookmarking this shop and will be shopping there! Thanks for letting us know about this cool photographer.

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  181. Your blog is great! Very informative and full of fabulous photos. Anyway, since I'm landlocked here in Canada's capital, I'm a big fan of "Devotion to the Ocean". And, because it gets sooo cold in the winter, I love how "Ripe Red" is a constant reminder of summer.

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  182. Joni- I just love reading your blog because I always get to learn so much. I just love them all, I really can't pick a favorite.

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  183. I Love LOVE LOVE, "Resting" and "High Tide." Actually I loved all of his work, thank you for turning him on to me!

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  184. Reflection and inifinity reminds me of a childhood favorite.

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  185. I love the bike and basket of flowers - Provence, France 1999- Thanks for the introduction to this photographic art.

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  186. My favorites are Fantasy Land and Melancholy Zebra. Fun photos.

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  187. My favorites are: HIGH TIDE and love DEVOTION TO THE OCEAN.

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  188. I love HIGH TIDE, just beautiful!
    But I need more time, your posts are so long and I have so little time...
    Thanks, Joni, as always!
    XOXO
    Victoria

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  189. 'View of Paris' and 'Over the Garden Fence' are my faves...but soooo hard to choose just two. And the cherry shots - ce magnifique!

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  191. "joy of life france"- vintage eiffel tower -the sculptural quality, grainy background, sepia tone and word "LIFE" in white letters on green just speak to me.

    "north african shoe shop" - the babouches remind me of espadrilles - charming stripes, even burberry and louis vuitton patterns! the repetition is stunning - i love the way they fill the entire frame.

    robin

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  192. I see a pattern with my picks:
    Gina, Venice Beach - love the point of view from the dog's head!
    Melancholy Zebra - because I love zebra stripes!
    Devotion to the Ocean - I love looking at the soothing water...
    Waiting for Dinner- the dog looks like he has been up to no good!
    Paris Metro - so dream-like and vintage;
    Pink Citroen - I love European cars and pink no less! fabulous!
    Love your blog and thank you for the contest!

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  193. The Road Between Limoges & Cognac- shows the beauty in the simple roadside flower
    African Market - love the presentation of the produce
    Devotion to the Ocean - just beautiful!

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  194. Now that took an hour...only because I was salivating over them all...think I love that mod french poppy but then again la tour eiffel - I mean really it makes my heart feel french...I have always love the jasmine one.
    pve

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  195. Pink Citroen! Its a great color, isn't it? I have a friend who always paints the powder room in her house a similar pink and gilds it...just gorgeous! Reminds me of that...just a happy little "pop" of color to brighten your day!

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  196. Pink Citroen! Its a great color, isn't it? I have a friend who always paints the powder room in her house a similar pink and gilds it...just gorgeous! Reminds me of that...just a happy little "pop" of color to brighten your day!

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  197. I have a question--please forgive the simplicity of it, but I really was raised in the back woods of East Texas. Antiques are lovely; is it a sin to actually use them? If I had these in my home, should they only be for display in order to preserve them?

    Anyone is welcome to answer.

    Thanks,
    Tanya :)

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  198. I LOVE Animal Print, Zebra.

    graphic, and fun.

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  199. I might choose the carousel or the eifel tower! Thanks, and love your blog.

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