A HEAVENLY HYDRANGEA HIGH

Big Leaf Hydrangeas

When I had the idea for this blog, it took me a while to come up with a name and a tagline. The blog doesn't have a singular focus. And although that might be best to gain a loyal following, it was just too difficult for me to choose. I wanted it to inspire joy for my readers, and the beautiful reality is that so many things in life can inspire joy. For me, one of them is flowers. And during the summer, my favorite flowers are hydrangeas. Honestly, when I can walk out into our yard, cut fresh hydrangeas, and then arrange them to brighten our home, it's a natural high.

Smooth Hydrangeas

I refer to myself as "Crazy Hydrangea Lady." Here's why. We arrived at our Southampton home at about 9 pm last Friday night. We carried our sleeping kids from the car into their beds, and my husband went out to Tutto Il Giorno to pick up our dinner. In the darkness of night with my sheers and iPhone flashlight in hand, I wandered into our backyard and began cutting hydrangeas. It's best to cut fresh hydrangeas when they've had time to recover from the day's humidity and hot sun. So either cut them at night or first thing in the morning. On a really hot day with full sun, if you look at your bushes at around 1 pm, you'll see that some of the flowers look a little wilted, so it's best to cut them when they're perky to give them their best shot in the vase.

White/Green flowers are Smooth Hydrangeas and the Purple are Big Leaf
Photo courtesy of Paloma Contreras visiting our home

If you're cutting fresh hydrangeas from your garden, cut about 1/4 inch above a nodule where leaves are sprouting. Don't just hack anywhere.

I often have friends marvel at how I manage to keep hydrangeas looking so spectacular once in a vase. Hydrangeas are very sensitive flowers and will wilt quickly if they aren't cared for properly. The first rule of any flower is to give them a fresh cut on a diagonal for more surface area. It's always best to cut with a sharp blade vs. scissors because the motion of the scissors can close off the end of the flower a bit. But if you have sharp sheers, that should still be okay. Many advise to put hydrangeas in warm water, but I put them in clean hot water. It's also very important  (for any flower) to remove any leaves from the part of the stems that will be submerged in water. Leaves will start to disintegrate in water, making the water murky and affect their life in the vase. Every two (or three) days, give your hydrangeas a fresh cut and empty the old water from the vase, replacing with fresh hot water. I like to arrange them very tightly in a vase so they almost appear to form one giant ball. 

Photo courtesy of Paloma Contreras in our home

Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that there is a right and wrong time to prune hydrangeas for the season. Our "landscaper" cut them back in November in Long Island, which was too late, and many don't have flowers this season. The type of hydrangea you have will determine the ideal time to prune the bush. If you have Big Leaf Hydrangeas, then they should be pruned in late summer, just as the flowers begin to fade. These shrubs form next year's flower buds in late summer or early fall as the temperatures get cooler and the days are shorter.  The earlier you prune, the longer the shrub has to recover and produce more and larger blooms for next season. If you cut them back too late, you’ll cut off the buds that will form flowers next season. My present plight. It's also good to remove really old wood canes at the soil so the shrub can flourish. 

Blooms in early September...they were blue and purple earlier in the summer.
How awesome is nature?

Smooth hydrangeas, whose flowers and stems are more delicate, can be cut back in late winter before new growth begins. And they can be cut really low and still produce a ton of gorgeous flowers the following summer.

These flowers are just stunning and scream "summertime," at least for me. If you care for them properly, they can beautify your yard and home and induce a natural high. I am so addicted that I carted mine back to the city Sunday night!

(NOT YOUR AVERAGE) MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Mother's Day is now officially less than two weeks away. 13 days to be exact. If you're struggling with what to get for the special moms in your life, here's a quick guide to help. We all have different likes and interests, so hopefully this will help you choose something just right for her. Click on the product images to shop.

Wine lovers rejoice! If you aren't from the New York area (and even if you are), when it comes to rosé, it doesn't get much better than Wolffer, a vineyard and winery based in the Hamptons. Personally, I always prefer the Estate Rosé, but Summer in a Bottle is also delicious and looks as beautiful as it tastes. 

Summer in a Bottle

Estate Rose

If you have a trendy fashionista in your life, a chic bag for the summer is never a bad idea. Natural wood and woven bags are all the rage this year. Here are two very similar bags, one from Intermix and the other from Francesca's at a lower price point but equally attractive.

Intermix Gaia Cult

Francesca's Wooden Clutch

For music lovers and/or active moms in your life, these Jaybird headphones are sure to delight. The sound is phenomenal. They're wireless but still connected to each other so you won't easily lose one.

Jaybird X3 Wireless Sport Headphones

Those who enjoy a great fragrance in their home will love candles with scents from two wonderful hotel chains: Kimpton and St. Regis. Both of these fragrances can be experienced when visiting their properties, and they are by far my favorite. Perhaps if she closes her eyes while they're burning, she'll feel like she's been transported to her favorite destination.

Kimpton Candle

St. Regis Candle

Nicola Bathie earrings are a favorite of mine, in addition to Gal Meets Glam founder, Julia Engel. Check out her entire line for a unique and beautiful pair.

Nicola Bathie Earrings

If she likes to bake and entertain, you can't go wrong with this sweet cake plate by Anthropologie that is available at Nordstrom.

Cake Plate

For the special mom who likes to travel but can't always get away, allow her to dream when turning the pages of this beautiful coffee table book that is just as stunning when closed. Perhaps you can judge a book by its cover.

Chic Stays Coffee Table Book

If you can't think of a physical gift, give her the gift of relaxation and beauty. Find her favorite spa and purchase an experience. These three services are just a few offered by Ninotch, an Urban Retreat, with two locations in the Washington, DC area. Experience their open and relaxing float rooms at their Tysons Corner location to calm her body and mind. And if she's feeling like she needs a bit of a beauty makeover, eyelash extensions and a facial can give her that refreshed look. 

Float Therapy

Eyelash Extensions

Facial

If the special lady in your life is always on the go, consider this Daytripper bag from Stella & Dot. It cleverly extends just in case she comes back with more than she left with.

Daytripper

Expanded

You can never go wrong with jewelry, especially if that jewelry is personal and gives her some way to remember those special souls who made her a mom. Personalize them with the initials of her children. Or if you want something that celebrates her, choose her initials. You can even vary the chain length of the Pave Initial piece to layer and wear one to represent each child. 

Covet Pave Initial

Engravable Disc

If you have a real foodie in your life, anything with truffles will surely put a smile on her face. Truffle oils and salts add that special and unique flavor to salads, pastas, and even mashed potatoes. Or go all out and purchase the truffles themselves for a stronger and more intense treat.

Black Truffle Oil

Summer Truffles

Truffle Salt

If she loves the beach, you can't go wrong with this hat. Beauty and sun protection all in one.

Braided Hat

If you like a more traditional gift but from a not-so-traditional company, try a delivery from Farmgirl Flowers.

Farmgirl Flowers

For the interior design buffs, this new book is sure to bring a smile to her face. And it's a favorite of one of my favorite designers, Emily Henderson. This book will keep her entertained as she reads about how to approach many situations in the home and life. 

Being a mom is one toughest jobs in the world. Make sure you take time to thank her this Mother’s Day. And remember, although these gifts are fabulous, the best gift will always be these four words: I love you, Mom!

My Heart for Art: Bookshelf Art

via Amber Interiors

via Amber Interiors

My love of art is not limited to just walls. Art can go anywhere. Resting on tables. On shelves. Even on kitchen countertops. It can beautify any space. In fact, I think art becomes even more wonderful when displayed in the most unexpected places. 

When we purchased our old dilapidated home, we did so because it had good bones. Lots of beautiful wainscoting, windows with intricate wood mullions, original pocket doors into the formal living room, and built-in bookshelves that we could decorate to really add life to the family room. Those bookshelves are now filled with favorite coffee table books, accessories, and a few of my favorite pieces of art. 

But I have to admit that I have somewhat of a mental block when it comes to actually paying for art that is so accessible to everyone who enters my home. Something about that accessibility invites people to touch it, primarily my kids. So for me personally, it needs to be framed or be reasonably priced in case the wrong person develops a temporary obsession at the wrong time. 

Here are a few of my favorite artists, and they happen to make art that is perfect for display on or off walls!

Lindsey Meyer has beautiful acrylic on paper pieces that are framed in lucite with a brass base. This one is available at Well & Wonder Artist Collective. It's the last one remaining, but check back frequently, as Well & Wonder's artists are always sending in new work. 

Lindsey Meyer, Peppermint, 4x6

Jenn Thatcher is also a favorite artist I discovered through Well & Wonder, but these two pieces happen to be available on her site directly. The first is original art on paper framed in acrylic. The second is a print of a Texas Longhorn. And I have a special place in my heart for "Longy the Longhorn," as when Houston was devastated by the hurricane, Jenn donated all of the proceeds from the sale of these prints over the course of a few days to charities helping those in need. 

Jenn Thatcher, Blakely, 4x6

Jenn Thatcher, Longy the Longhorn, 4x6

Emily Jeffords is probably my most collected artist. I think I now own six of her pieces! Five of them are original art, but the last piece I purchased was a print on canvas, and boy was I impressed! The quality of her prints is so magnificent that you have to look very closely to see that it's not an original painting. Most are on canvas or heavy watercolor paper. Emily's prints are perfect because of their beauty, first and foremost. But their price point can't be beat, and Emily also provides a framing option and chooses the most wonderful frames (sometimes vintage) to showcase her work. Here is one of my favorites from her Paint Palette Collection. She also paints the most stunning landscapes if you like the inspiration shelves pictured at top of this post.

Emily Jeffords, The Ivy Palette

Emily Jeffords, The French Poppy Print

That's Emily's (original) work on the second shelf in our home. That's also her original cyanotype botanical hanging on the wall!

And finally, an artist I'm so happy I recently discovered, Whitney Stoddard. She was featured in my Black and White Art blog post, and for good reason--her art looks magnificent no matter where you place it in your home. Take a look at these vignettes and how her art, whether in acrylic or in a traditional frame, adds an unexpected but very welcome twist to each space. Her smaller pieces are perfect to add interest to any bookshelf or even a bar cart! Whitney's art can be found on her site and Well & Wonder...are you seeing a theme here with Well & Wonder? 

via Whitney Stoddard

via Whitney Stoddard

via Whitney Stoddard

Art really can liven up any space. I used to hem and haw and think, "Where in the world will I put it?" when I saw a smaller piece of art. No longer. In fact, these are some of my favorite pieces because they can be moved around so easily to make an old space feel new again.

MY FAVORITE ONLINE PILLOW SHOPS

via Kelly Nutt Design

I seem to have inherited the "need to redecorate gene" from my mother. Whenever I try to justify my desire to change things in our home more frequently than my husband thinks is normal, I blame my mother. She has a reputation of going from room to room and redecorating. When she's finished the last room, the cycle begins again. Fortunately for my mother, she is super crafty, designing and sewing her own drapery panels, pillows, duvet covers, etc. She even hangs wallpaper. Unfortunately, I did not inherit that gene. Sigh.

So I've come to realize that if you decorate using neutral fabrics and tones for your larger and more expensive pieces, you can change your pillows to easily transform the look of a room. If you decide to take this practical approach, where do you begin? Not all of us have access to designer showrooms with all the fabrics you could imagine, nor do many of us want this. It can be quite overwhelming to walk into the D&D Building in NYC. 

Between Etsy and many designers opening their own online shops, there are tons of options. There are oodles of talented craftspeople creating pillows using vintage fabrics and fabrics from some of the finest textile designers. My suggestion would be to start by combing Instagram and Pinterest for room inspiration. Many designers on Instagram are generous enough to share their fabric sources. You can then take this information to trusty google or directly to Etsy, and it will likely find a few shops. Here are a few of my go-to online resources. 

Danielle Oakey Shop is a favorite for mud cloth, indigo, and Chinese embroidery pillows--all looks that are very "in" at the moment. Who doesn't remember swooning over the decor and pillows featured in the Nancy Meyers movie "Home Again"? And the great news is that these pillows can work alone or all together as pictured here in the movie and in Danielle Oakey's own living room. Be sure to follow Danielle's shop on Instagram and subscribe to her newsletter, as she typically provides an advance preview and release date when she's expecting new arrivals. Some of her offerings like Chinese embroidery and cactus silk go extremely fast. Today, Monday April 2, Danielle will be releasing the following NEW pillow covers: Vintage Chinese Wedding Blanket, Turkish Kilim, and Hmong. 

Photos from the set of the movie "Home Again"

via Danielle Oakey Shop

Indigo Inspiration via Chango & Co

Juxtaposition Home is also a favorite for vintage kilim, indigo, batik, embroidery, suzani, and mud cloth. Some of their offerings are online, but if you are in search of something you've seen from a favorite designer, be sure to call. The staff at the store is extremely friendly and accommodating and happy to email you photos of current stock to help you find exactly what you need. Kelly Nutt Design is one of my current obsessions. She designs the most magnificent West Coast coastal homes. She tends to rely on neutral fabrics for upholstered pieces, adding depth with natural woods, stones, and texture. She often decorates with pillows in neutral tones--white/cream, tan, light blue, indigo, and mud cloth. But she doesn't shy away from color, either. You'll see a lot of her inspiration throughout this post. Juxtaposition Home seems to be one of her favorite sources for pillows. Here are two beautiful shots of her work and a few pillows available from Juxtaposition Home via their website and store inventory. Use your fingers to cover the pillows in the photos. You can see how easily the rooms could be transformed by swapping them out.  

via Kelly Nutt Design

Vintage Chinese Embroidery Pillow from Juxtaposition Home

via Kelly Nutt Design

via Juxtaposition Home Instagram, representing their store inventory

Another great Etsy site that carries many of these vintage pillows is Hill Tribes Treasures.

I first learned about Susan Connor New York while I was salivating over one of Kelly Nutt's Instagram posts. But Susan's designs have also become a favorite of the talented team at Studio McGee. Below are two dreamy bedrooms Studio McGee has designed using Susan's pillow. Studio McGee also sells many of the pillows used in their designs (and so much more) via their own online McGee & Co shop. 

via Studio McGee

Susan Connor Madu Cushion - Lake/Oyster

via Studio McGee

Susan Connor Artemis Cushion -- Lake/Distressed

For that same light, soft, airy, and natural look--the perfect neutral soft color palette--Walter G Hand Printed Textiles and Kate Lester Home are favorites. The vignette below is by Kelly Nutt Design, and while I don't know the exact fabric, you'll find plenty with the same look at these two shops.

via Kelly Nutt Design

Dekowe on Etsy carries pillow covers from some of the most popular fabric houses today like Peter Dunham (Starburst pattern pictured below), Zak & Fox, Lisa Fine, Schumacher, Kelly Wearstler, and Brunschwig & Fils. 

via viewfrommyheels Instagram (Meredith Rodday Design)
Peter Dunham Starburst Pillow

Motif Pillows, also an Etsy shop, carries similar lines as Dekowe, plus some vintage hmong and indigo designs. 

via McGee & Co
Kelly Wearstler Chalet Pillow & Zak & Fox Poncho Blue Pillow

And finally, one of the first pillow shops I fell in love with is Arianna Belle. For classic but on trend designs, this can be your one stop shop. The great thing about her site is that you can browse a few different ways. First, if you're not really sure where to begin, she provides inspiration and ideas with pillows to pair in her "Pillow Combos We Love" section, making it super easy to start your redesign. You can also shop by color scheme, pattern type, and get inspiration from some of the world's best designers who have decorated with her pillows. Below are a few bits of inspiration from favorite designers and style icons. 

via Monika Hibbs
Channels Ebony & Ivory Pillow & Solid Grosgrain with Black Border Pillow

via Paloma Contreras Design
Bukhara Ikat Fuchsia Pillow & Les Touches Black Pillow

via Suburban Bees
 Les Touches Blue Pillow

via Studio McGee
Pyne Hollyhock Charcoal Pillow & Navy Velvet Pillow

Happy pillow shopping! If you are a chronic redecorator, go neutral on large pieces and change the look with pillows. Your bank account will thank me! 

MY HEART FOR ART: BLACK & WHITE ART

Art & Interior Design by William McLure

My latest obsession is black and white art, mostly abstract with some portrait art and botanicals. I'm in love with the versatility of it! For years, I always thought art had to be colorful to liven up the space. And even worse, I often thought it needed to match other elements of the space like upholstery. Many years ago, my sister introduced me to the interior design work of Darryl Carter. It was the first time I fell in love with a neutral palette and space. A variety of textures and architecture, accompanied by beautiful lighting and furniture with interesting design, can make the most gorgeous room, even without color. 

But back then, and for many years after, my appreciation for a neutral space was only from a distance. Until now. We recently updated a dilapidated house that was originally built in 1896. After peeling off four layers of wallpaper with color in much of the house, we painted the entire house in Benjamin Moore Calm, a white that goes slightly gray, trimmed in White Dove. We love it! Our art and furniture add color, mainly blues with pops of pink.

Our primary residence is in New York City, and I'm currently crushing on the work of a few interior designers who have mastered the art of a neutral palette AND the use of black and white art. I dream of creating a home that would make them proud. So here's a small view into the inspiration they've provided. And as the title of this post, "My Heart for Art," suggests, I have quite a love affair with art. I love discovering emerging artists with enormous talent who are still somewhat affordable. So after the inspiration, keep scrolling to learn about a few of my favorite artists and see a sampling of their stunning work in black and white. 

First up for inspiration is the interior design work of Brooklyn-based Chango & Co. I love the way they have used black and white art to add interest and beauty to walls that run the spectrum--white walls, walls with color, and even walls covered with a patterned wallpaper. If you become as obsessed as I am with their work and don't have the budget to hire them, don't fret. They have an online shop that makes it easy to bring their beauty into your own home. Images via Chango & Co.

I'd be remiss if I didn't include the inspiration from my favorite interior designer, Paloma Contreras, based in Houston, Texas. She has a special place in my heart, as I've followed her blog, La Dolce Vita, for years. Paloma also designed much of our dilapidated old home and nailed the perfect mix of white, natural fibers, and pops of color. But Paloma can also create a mean neutral space, and her use of black and white art is sheer perfection. The interiors below feature black and white art on white walls, over natural grasscloth wallpaper, and on rich blue walls. Images via Paloma Contreras Design.

Alyssa Kapito Interiors, based in New York City, was named one of the top 10 Instagram accounts for interior design to follow by Elle Decor, so apparently I'm not alone in my daily anticipation of what she'll post next. I am truly, madly, deeply in love with this living room and the enormous William McLure piece over the sofa. Images via Alyssa Kapito Interiors.

Alyssa's use of black and white abstract art on gray walls, along with mixed metals and the sleek design of the desk chair, makes my heart skip a beat.

And finally, is it just me, or is most of the world obsessed with Studio McGee? This sweet and endearing husband and wife team hit it out of the park every time. And like Chango & Co, they have an online shop, making it easier to bring their inspiration into your own home. This Paule Marrot abstract piece from Natural Curiosities has been a favorite of mine for over 10 years. I've seen it in a variety of interiors, and it is a classic that can be used in almost any space. Images via Studio McGee.

So, are you ready to shop for your own black and white art? If so, here are a few of my favorites, and many at a very reasonable price point. A lot of people ask me how I know if I'm getting a good deal on art. While I have a few ways to justify my obsession, the most practical answer is that I look at the prices of mass-produced pieces that come from well-known retailers like Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma Home. And if I can acquire an original piece of art for about the same, and sometimes a even a lower price, then I know it's worth it. 

Jenn Thatcher has a delicious series called "Black Jack." These mini pieces featured below, found at Well & Wonder Artist Collective, have such a wow factor with their simple and elegant black and white palette, finished off with their classic and stunning gold frames. If you love Jenn's work and want a little color in other pieces, don't fret, she has that, too, and it's just as wonderful. Images via Well & Wonder Artist Collective.

McKenzie Dove has been on my mind a lot lately. I love the diversity of her work--I'll let the photos below speak for themselves on that front. She was recently featured in a Furbish Studio Pop-Up and is also represented at Well & Wonder, Gallery 1930, and few other galleries. Images via Gallery 1930.

Lindsey J. Porter is the go-to artist for botanicals. The beautiful thing about her work is that she can do an elegant black and white piece, add a pop of color to it, or go big on color. These black and white botanicals with a pop of yellow are featured at Gallery 1930. Images via Gallery 1930.

Kayce Hughes does so much more than black and white. In fact, some of her color pieces are my favorite. The first piece below is for sale at the time of this post, and the others have been sold. But she is always coming out with fresh new work on her own site and can be found as a pop-up artist on popular sites like Furbish Studio. 

I recently discovered Whitney Stoddard when Well & Wonder Artist Collective began representing her. Her tea-stained portraits just took my breath away. You can find many of those pieces at Well & Wonder. In addition, she creates black and white abstracts, silhouettes, and layered sculpted paper pieces, one which was recently featured in a design by the magnificent Bunny Williams. Images via Well & Wonder Artist Collective and Whitney Stoddard.

If a show-stopper large work of art in neutrals/black and white is what you're after, look no further than William McLure. As you saw from the inspiration above, top designers go to him to anchor their spaces. This particular featured piece is sold, but the one just below it is very similar and available at the time of this post. Images via William McLure.

And finally, if you can't find exactly what you're looking for, many artists, including those listed above, will happily commission a piece just for you. Lisa Bolin specializes in commissions of all types, and is especially good at black and white abstracts. You can see just two of her pieces below. To quote Lisa regarding her work: "For me, painting with a brush removes me too much from the process. So my works are created literally by hand, layer upon layer, slathered, rolled, scraped, or dolloped. They may be washed, abraded and burnished to reveal traces of their history. Gradually their souls are unveiled. Each painting is a bit of a magical adventure for me." 

A life-long journey as an artist has taken Lisa down many career paths: jewelry-making, graphic design, the realm of commercial photography, sculpting and painting. For the past two decades, Lisa has worked freelance in Dallas as a set stylist or food stylist on high-profile food photography projects and TV commercials. In her spare time, she enjoys petting puppies and growing vegetables, in North Texas. Lisa Bolin’s paintings are in collections across the country, and as previously mentioned, she happily welcomes custom commissions. Images via Lisa Bolin.

I could go on for days about art and the impact it can have on your life. The hunt for original art that you will treasure forever can be great fun! But if shopping for art doesn’t quite make your top ten list, yet you still want walls that wow, you can find great prints at places like Minted, Artfully Walls, and many other retailers. 

MY HEART FOR ART: HAYLEY MITCHELL

One of the first 'people' to greet you when entering our beach home is this pretty lady. Doesn't she just take your breath away? I first learned of the talented Hayley Mitchell when our interior designer, Paloma Contreras, purchased one of Hayley's ladies at a design show and shared it on Instagram. It was love at first sight. I knew one of her 'sisters' would be perfect for our coastal home's entry. As luck would have it, Hayley soon announced an upcoming sale of new work, and she was nice enough to preview the pieces. My finger was ready to pull the trigger the moment the sale went live, and she became ours. And while I love all of Hayley's work, it's no secret that I have a slight obsession with her faces.

Details:
Design by Paloma Contreras, Art by Hayley Mitchell,
Chest from Wisteria (similar here), Table Lamp from Circa, Sconce from Circa,
Books: In the Spirit of the Hamptons, Allegra Hicks Eye for Design, Miles Redd The Big Book of Chic 

When I told Hayley I was starting this blog and asked if she'd allow me to interview her, she was extremely grateful and gracious, despite her busy family and schedule and the fact that she had just been featured in the One King's Lane catalog and had a collection of her prints added to their site. Keep reading below to learn a little more about Hayley's life and talent and to see more of her beautiful work. Thank you, Hayley, for being the first artist featured in "My Heart for Art."

Jennifer: When did you first discover your talent? 
Hayley: My grandmother actually noticed at age two or three that I was advanced in my artistic ability. She is also an artist, so she really nurtured my gift. Every visit with her was filled with trips to museums, galleries, and painting. She gave me free rein in her studio, allowing me to destroy $200 dollar brushes, make messes, and explore. As I grew, she constantly challenged me to move outside of my comfort zone.

Jennifer: Can you tell us about your art education and how you’ve developed this incredible talent? 
Hayley: As mentioned, my grandmother played a role in my education. At age 9, she and my grandfather planned a trip to Paris, France. I believe that was an especially formative experience. I always knew I wanted to be an artist. I studied graphic design at Abilene Christian University. I took a break to act as a chaperone for my sister as she modeled in Europe. We lived in Paris by the Centre Pompidou, which was amazing. I got to follow my sister on castings/modeling jobs and sit on set or outside on a street in Paris and sketch. I'm forever thankful I got to experience Paris at 20 without an iPhone. 

Jennifer: Who/what is your inspiration?
Hayley: Everything!!! Nature, fashion, architecture, interior design, travel, historical figures, people (especially strong women), and so much more. Inspiration comes from nearly every facet of life. 

Jennifer: Who are your favorites artists? 
Hayley: Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, Picasso, Matisse, Olga Rozanova, Pollock, Lee Krasner, Willem de Kooning, Otto Neumann, Morris Louis, and so many more. I could go on forever. I love art history. Current artists I love are Lindsey Porter, Brian Coleman, Susie Bettenhausen, and Michael Kirkman. 

Jennifer: What’s your secret to balancing a career and four kids? 
Hayley: My kids come first, and I always want to be available to them. The creative process and my work are important to me, but I don't have to worry about a painting resenting me in 10 years. It is also important for them to see me work. I've learned when to say no and ask for help. Sometimes that has meant saying no to "big" opportunities because the timing just is not right for my family. Letting go of mom guilt and perfectionism has been essential. I'm not going to be room mom, but I will donate a painting for PTA's silent auction. Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, and grocery delivery services, my nanny, and countless other aids are also key. These tools allow me to be purposeful and productive with my time. There is not a perfect formula for making career life and motherhood harmoniously coexist....it is all trial and error. When things feel off balance, I readjust to meet the need (whether that be kids or career). Sometimes I am proud of completing a painting and other times I'm equally as proud of successfully running errands with four kids. 

Jennifer: What is your favorite subject to paint? Your favorite medium?
Hayley: The subjects that I find most interesting are faces, figures, and florals. Abstract works on occasion as they are typically inspired by strong emotions. I most frequently use oil pastels, watercolors, oil and acrylic paints. 

 
Jennifer: Any advice for choosing/collecting and styling art in the home? 
Hayley: BUY WHAT YOU LOVE!  Instagram is an amazing way to discover emerging artists. I love collecting art and supporting fellow artists. Art is always being moved around in my house... I'm constantly curating and editing. Collected gallery walls are always a favorite. There are often stacks of framed artwork leaning against walls, waiting to be hung up. 

Hayley's Stairway Gallery featuring art created by her children

Jennifer: Outside of art and your kids, what is/are your passion(s)?
Hayley: I am an avid reader (or audiobook listener). I love to be outside, travel, and watch movies! Doing for others and giving back to my community and organizations that help provide aid to those in need. I'm also very passionate about supporting fellow women creatives. 

Jennifer: What has been your greatest honor/achievement as an artist?
Hayley: This might sound cliché, but honestly I feel so honored each time someone purchases a painting. Hearing how they connect to a piece or how much joy it brings them really means the world to me. 

Jennifer: Are you exploring any new directions soon? Or will you continue to give us more of what we love? Or both?
Hayley: I'm always exploring new directions, but I will always stay close to the same subject matter. 

Jennifer: Are you taking commissions? 
Hayley: Yes! There is a waitlist, but I'm finally getting back up to speed!

If you'd like to contact Hayley about her work, click here. To view more of Hayley's available work, visit her here, at her Etsy shop, or at One King's Lane.