Miguel Vallinas‘ Roots

Spring is officially here, and what better than to celebrate with photos of dreamy spring flowers from Miguel Vallinas? His latest collection of work, entitled 'Roots', shows a series of flower heads and explores the development of personal identity. The photographer explains, "Roots searches once more in human nature for what we believe we are, what others think we are, what we really are and what we would like to be." Everything from the fashion choices to the bouquets to the model's poses feels intentionally styled to be uncomplicated yet beautiful—a way of reminding us to return to our roots and embrace the simple pleasures in life.

Amy Judd's Birds of Paradise

I recently came across the work of London based painter Amy Judd and have fallen absolutely in love with her mysterious, feminine, and stunning oil paintings that feature images of women with natural elements such as birds, butterflies, and feathers that act as symbols of female strength. The gallery that represents her, the Hicks Gallery, explains...

Grace Oda's Splash

Around this time every year I start to get an itch for the sun. If you're one of the lucky ones heading on a tropical vacation {such as my friend Sara who heads to the Maldives in a few days}, I'm envious! But for those of you who, like me, are going to be landlocked for the foreseeable future, photographer Grace Oda's collection of partially submerged ocean shots is almost as good as the real thing. I particularly love the photos shot during that magical time before sunset. After a day in the heat, nothing feels better than jumping into the crystal clear sea, glistening with the golden glow of late afternoon, and floating on your back while staring up at the sky. Pure serenity.

Dreams in HD Photography

La Vie En Rose

Happy Friday! I don't know about you - but this week has felt like it has dragged on, and on, and on. This weekend we're planning on taking full advantage of the spring-like weather by heading to our favorite town of Nashville, IN for an afternoon of sunshine, antiquing, and brewery hopping.

In other news, I recently opened up a print shop on Etsy! Dreams in HD Photography features images from my travels. I fell in love with traveling on my first trip abroad nearly ten years ago - visiting my sister in Germany. Since then it has become a full-fledged addiction, and I never leave without my camera. Seeing the world through my viewfinder allows me to notice the little things...the way the light reflects off a gold dome, the tiny drops of dew on freshly cut roses, a couple strolling hand-in-hand in the Tuileries. Because those seemingly insignificant moments really are what life's all about, don't you think?

Gallery Wall Inspiration

Ah the ubiquitous gallery wall. While certainly nothing new in the interior design scene, I will always love a gallery wall as I think it's the perfect opportunity to allow guests to learn more about you as a person. Plus, while I most certainly can appreciate a minimalist philosophy when it comes to many aspects of my life {I'm in the middle of reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and it is literally blowing my mind}, I will always be in the "more is more" camp when it comes to decor. I just love a home that feels lived in and that every corner you look at has a new story to tell about it's owner.

Art :: Karen Rosetzsky's "Young Love"

I recently came across Karen Rosetzsky’s photography exhibit aptly titled “Young Love” while staying at the Hoxton Hotel in Amsterdam. Every so often a work of art just sticks with you, and Karen’s work did just that for me. Every time I walked by her images at the hotel I felt almost magnetically pulled toward them. The emotion in the photos is so palpable that it almost feels as though you are not only the viewer but the subject. 

Art :: Yellow Korner

Romina Ressia - Bubble Gum

While in Paris exploring Le Marais we stumbled upon the coolest contemporary photography shop inside of a quiet little courtyard named Yellow Korner. After returning home I did a little more research, and found out that there are actually dozens of Yellow Korner galleries worldwide. I loved their beautifully curated limited edition photographs and was surprised at what a good price point they were. We picked up this photograph {I love how much it resembles an Edward Hopper oil painting}, and I've rounded up some of my other favorites below.

Art :: Overgrowth

Overgrowth is an ongoing artistic collaboration between photographer Parker Fitzgerald and floral designer Riley Messina.  Aren't the anonymous portraits just beautiful?  They remind me of Kari Herer's work, one of my favorite Etsy artists.  Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Art :: Gray Malin Colors Your Dreams

Gray Malin does it again, this time with his fantastical "Dream" series.  The photographer explains, "Touched by a story I read about a Scottish sheep farmer, this series is born from the desire to inspire others to stand out from the crowd and foster a sense of individuality.  Traveling to rural Australia, I worked with a family of third generation farmers who professionally misted each sheep with a vegetable-based, rinse-able dye to give them a bright colored hue.  Through the transformation of these otherwise white creatures into a rainbow of color, I hope to spark an idea; that we are all individuals and should not be afraid to bare our true colors, dare to dream and shine for all to see.  20% of the proceeds from the series will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation to help inspire those who dream their ultimate dreams."  So inspirational! 

Art :: Kylli Sparre's Dream World

On this moody, rainy day what better than to take a step into photographer Kylli Sparre's enchanting dream world?  As told by My Modern Met, "Photographer Kylli Sparre draws upon her background in dance to create elegant narratives that feel like scenes right out of a dream. The artist uses image manipulation to merge graceful figures with surreal backgrounds. The intriguing compositions are filled with a powerful energy that radiates with emotion.

Through her rich imagination, Sparre produces enchanting moments where feminine forms are the delicate central focus of the mind-bending scenes. Sparre has such a wide range of distinctly fantastic work that it's impossible to know what to expect next from the talented artist. Each composition will take viewers on a journey into a world of imagination.

"I never realized that I am inspired by dance until people started telling me that. So it is unconscious. Now I see that it influences the way I see the lines of a body and the movement [that] I am drawn to," says Sparre. 'It took me years to finally find what truly inspires me. The feeling I get, when a picture turns out the way I imagine… I get so much energy and I love to be alive!'"

Images via My Modern Met

Announcement + Giveaway :: Dreams in HD Photography!

Serenity in a Crowd

I'm beyond excited to announce the opening of my Etsy shop - Dreams in HD Photography!  I wanted to thank you, dear readers, in giving me the courage and inspiration to pursue this long-time dream of mine.  Your beyond sweet comments complimenting my photography and pushing me to sell my photographs helped make me believe that perhaps people {other than my parents - thanks guys!} actually like my work.  So thank you for motivating me to make my dream a reality!

Art :: Floral Solitude

It's Monday, and I don't know about you but I could definitely use a few moments of peace and quiet.  And how perfect are Australian-based photographer Jessica Tremp's images of women doing just that - savoring a perfect moment of solitude.  The project is "catching someone in a reverie, their thoughts clashing, colliding, blossoming, and bursting into consciousness," explains Tremp.  Cheers to a peaceful Monday!

Art :: Where I See Fashion

Well hello there!  I hope you all had a lovely weekend.  Since it looks like this past weekend is going to be my last quiet and relaxing one for quite some time I took full advantage of it by enjoying lazy mornings reading in bed, hitting the farmers market, walking Yoda outside, and visiting some local shops {I'm on the hunt for a new bicycle}.  All in all it was just what I needed.

One of my favorite online sources for inspiration is the Tumblr account Where I See Fashion.  Fashion student Bianca Luini perfectly matches fashion to photography, art, and architecture that share complimentary color palettes, concepts, and structures.  I have rounded up some of my favorite WISF pairings below, enjoy!

Art :: Current Favorites

Cycles Gladiator by Georges Massias // Topanga Hat Wearing Surfer by Annie Seaton // Flora in Peach II by Yao Cheng // Twilight I by Caroline Gold // Black Sketch by Henri Matisse // Beach Colors 2 by John Bucklin // NY by Anna Bond // St. Paul's Cathedral, London by 45wall design // Seated Female Portrait by J.E. Michaelski // Flight of the Ocean by Sharon Rowan // Happy Story by Melaine Severin // Rural Midwest by robin ott design // desert diptych by Annie Clark // Vintage Books by That Girl Studio

When I moved into my first apartment I went on an art buying spree.  Not that I could afford the real thing of course, but I purchased prints from local art fairs, Etsy, and painted a few pieces of my own.  At this point most of our walls are covered, but I still find myself itching to buy a couple new pieces.  I rounded up some of my current favorites including great print options from Minted and Art.com {both of which offer custom framing options} as well as a few gorgeous originals from Serena & Lily's awesome art collection.  I tend to gravitate towards vintage portraits and colorful abstracts when looking at original pieces, and photography and bright prints when shopping on a budget.  Where do you like to find art?

Art :: Surf's Up!

It's July 1st which means summer is officially in full-swing!  This month is jam-packed with weddings, out-of-town visitors, and weekend getaways...but what I'm most excited about is our upcoming family vacation to St. Maarten at the end of the month.  It will be so nice to lay in the sun, read by our pool, and swim in the sea.  And these paintings by John Holm are just what I need to get me into that tropical mentality.  Surf's up!

Images via Honestly WTF

Art :: Teil Duncan's Studio

I first came across artist Teil Duncan's work a couple of months ago in this Glitter Guide feature, and absolutely fell in love with her colorful, feminine, and summery aesthetic.  Isn't her pint-sized studio just packed to the brim with gorgeousness?  I'd love to add a few of her pieces to our gallery wall.  Shop her work here!

Images via The Glitter Guide

Art :: Lisa Golightly

Even though it has been years since I have had an official summer break, I still get the same feeling of excitement and anticipation that I did when I was in school.  And what better way to get the summer vibe than the gorgeous work of Portland painter Lisa Golightly of Kiki and Polly?  There is something about the over-exposed, hazy paintings that make me feel like a little girl back at the pool again.  Just lovely!

Images via {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7} {8} {9} {10} {11} {12}