September was an enjoyably busy month where I delved head long into the thriving world of Western art and design. Early in the month I traveled to Jackson Hole, WY to act as a judge at the Western Design Conference. The show included an array of items all of which captured the spirit of the West (for images please see my New West blog).

Mid-September included the Buffalo Bill Historic Center Art Show in Cody, WY. The show spanned a “broad range of stylistic interpretations of the West, in oil painting, watercolor, pastel, sculpture, ceramic and mixed media.”  This is always a fun event to attend and is housed in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West where, if you have extra time, you can explore many other interesting Western exhibits.

     

1384 - Red Earth Bison by Michael Swearngin and Seven Sisters by Doug Hyde. 

On the heels of these Wyoming shows, two art openings immediately piqued my interest. The first, right here in Basalt, CO was "Out of the West - Landscapes". I attended the exhibit opening at the wonderful Ann Korologos Gallery which specializes in contemporary Western Art. The landscapes were beautiful and varied, and included the artistry of my talented friend Peter Campbell (West Fork shown below).



The second show that caught my eye is happening at another of my favorite galleries to visit, Ventana Fine Art in Santa Fe. The "Native Beauty" Landscape Show opened October 3rd and features Silverwood, McCuan, Windsor & Dawson (Sandia Songs No 8 by Mary Silverwood below).



There is a lot of action around Western art and design here in the states.  I have a strong appreciation for its distinctive beauty that encompasses not only traditional but contemporary styles. 

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Western design is rooted in history but this year at the Western Design Conference the judges rewarded innovation and features that fit cohesively in today’s modern world.  The judges included architect Paul Bertelli, Jordan Finch, master woodworker, Rush Jenkins, design consultant and curator, John Sollo, author and appraiser for PBS Antique Roadshow and myself.  This was a great group to work with and we tended to select pieces that could work in New York or the West.  This year interior furnishings were on display and proved that a touch of the West works in any home.  Fashion was rewarded for farm to market designs and natural textiles.  From a sleek, handmade bicycle to an exceptional handmade saddle, this year’s show spanned the old and the new with a range of designs that captured the spirit of the West.

     

     

     

     



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Does your room feel a little drab or dated?  Does “just plain boring” come to mind when settling on the couch for the evening?  If this is the case, consider bumping “redorate” up on your To Do list. The environment in which you spend much of your time can have a large impact on your day-to-day outlook.  The good news is that your interior décor is one area in your life under your control.  You can shape your décor, even on a budget.  Don’t miss the opportunity to live in a room that is personal and makes you smile – it may put a skip in your step as you head out to face the world.

 
Found on sarahcaindesign.blogspot.com

One of the best sources of inspiration is color. Color theories abound and the psychology of color is intriguing.  At the same time, color does not have to be complicated.  Is there a color that makes you feel good when you see it?  Does it originate from a store display or your favorite shirt or a flower in the park?  What feeling does the color evoke?  If words like “peaceful”, “happy” or “gorgeous” come to mind, consider integrating it into your room.  However, proceed with caution...

I am an advocate for keeping a neutral backdrop. I don’t see off-white walls as playing it safe, but rather playing it smart. No matter how much you adore a color, don’t buy a carpet in that color. It’s not that there’s no possibility for creating a successful room with these impactful changes, it’s that the success may be short-lived.  Inevitably colors we love evolve and change into different colors we love. You will enjoy a color longer if it is not screaming at you. Have a discreet, long term relationship with your favorite color by following these do’s and dont’s:

• DO use art to bring color to your room, and yes, I’ll say it – consider abstract art. Abstract art allows your mind to travel it’s own journey making it a perfect accent for your favorite room.
• DO NOT change every accessory in your room to your favorite color; consider your favorite color as an accent.
• DO choose the amount of color you use according to these percentages:
  • 60% of a dominant color
  • 30% of a secondary color
  • 10% of an accent color
• DO use flowers to bring color to your room; they bring life along with color and can easily be swapped out.
• DO NOT assume that shades of white are the only neutral color; explore gray, cream, ivory, tones of wheat or brown.

Here are more great examples...


Found on kkerrdesign.blogspot.com


 
Found on House of Turquoise


Found on bostondesignguide.com


 
Found on bhg.com/blogs


​Found on House of Turquoise
 
Found on colorindesign.net

 
Found on kkerrdesign.blogspot.com

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Swing by the Colorado Mountain College campus in Steamboat Springs at 1275 Crawford Ave to see my abstract photography exhibited. It will be located in the academic and student services building which is open to the public Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

There are so many ideas for interiors to be found online and though it’s great inspiration, there’s nothing like going into a wonderful store and seeing in person products, art, vignettes and ideas that only skilled professionals can create. In a sense, stores that specialize in interiors, especially independently owned stores, are like having your own personal interior designer for free.  They display merchandise and show you how to put your room together. 
            
If you are considering redecorating or as the kids go back to school and you begin thinking about your home for the fall and holidays, stop by a store, look around, get ideas, and maybe even purchase something. Store front owners are hard-working individuals who have a lot to offer, and they appreciate our support in this increasingly online world. With their guidance, you may select a beautiful and unique addition to your décor.
 
One of my favorite stores for that kind of inspiration is 205 in Kilgore Texas.  Located in an old warehouse-type building where the oil boom began in East Texas, this store continues to motivate me with the creativity of Justin DuPont and Harry Crouse as they showcase their “favorites” in interior design.  As an abstract photographer, I particularly like their bold and colorful abstract art.  Visit them and ask for tips on decorating with abstract art or browse their dispalys to see what an impact art can make in a room. They also specialize in all kinds of “conversation pieces” that you can use to accessorize your home.

Any inspirational stores in your area that you’d like to share? To comment or share please visit my blog on