The Art Shop: Jennifer Flannigan

We're ecstatic to welcome Jennifer Flannigan and her work to The Art Shop.

Jennifer Flannigan is an artist and textile designer living and working in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her abstract work is inspired by a passion for patterns, colors, and textures found in nature and unique textiles. Each painting is created with layered compositions and unique color combinations to express a visual dialogue of energy and emotion. The skillful interplay of vibrant colors, rich textures, and playful patterns make certain this collection is as enchanting up-close as it is from across the room.

Weekend Project: Gallery Wall How To

Since it seems to be downright fridged just about everywhere this week, we can't think of a better way to spend the weekend than by laying low and working on a few indoor projects, like finally creating that gallery wall with all the art you've been hoarding!

Let's be honest, there are enough gallery wall how-to's out there to last a lifetime. Many say to get out paper, scissors, a level and a bunch of other tools that can sometimes make the entire process seem like more trouble than it's worth. We've got a little bit of a different strategy that will hopefully inspire you to finally take the leap of faith in creating your dream gallery wall.

Start on the floor by laying out all of the art that you're thinking about using. Begin with the piece that stands out the most to you and use it as your anchor, from there start moving and arranging. Don't be afraid to incorporate pieces besides art--mirrors, antlers, and collected objects are some of our go-to's.
Pay attention to what looks good together. The colors of the frames and the art do matter, try to mix it up and most importantly, listen to your gut. Once you think you're happy with it, take a step back to see how it looks from a distance.
Find yourself a buddy. Having a second pair of eyes and hands makes the process move a lot faster. Plus, they can hold hammers and art while you make decisions.
Once you're happy with your test run on the floor, get your wall hanging tools ready. We recommend starting in one of two places, either from the bottom moving upwards or from the center moving out and around the focal piece. This is when a tape measure comes in handy!
Like on the floor, once you place your first piece, the rest will come together pretty easily. You may decide to make a few changes as you go and that's OK, like we said in step two, go with your gut because at the end of the day, you know what you like and how it should look. Tip: Use thin nails and don't hammer all the way the first time (be gentle), this way if you make a mistake you can remove the nail easily without marking up the wall.
When you're finished, a round of applause is necessary and well deserved, as is a large glass of red wine. Bravo!

Shop the look:

Caribbean Sea Rug // Design Your Own Pillow // Kristin Blakeney Art // Christine Berg Art // Elizabeth Hawke Art // Madeleine Frances Art // Julie McClelland Art // Starburst Antique Mirror // Gold Elephant // Tobacco Leaf Porcelain Vase

The Mintwood Art Shop: Kristin Blakeney

A native of North Carolina and now resident of the football reigning Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Kristin Blakeney is on our list of up-and-coming artists to watch out for! Whether it is her paintings, rich in texture and color, or her nudes, simple yet sophisticated in their style, we are big fans of Kristin and think you will be too!

Q and A with Kristin:

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I was raised in Davidson, NC but I currently live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF PAINTING?

I have an appreciation for the classics with a pop of eclectic. I use a wide range of mediums but primarily a mixture of acrylics, ink and charcoals.

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS FOR YOUR ART?

When I travel, I take pictures of everything. I'll print out the photos and wait for something to grab me. I recently did a series of large abstracts focusing on the yellow and umbers in a photo I took of a field in France. I also love talking to the street artists!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MINTWOOD HOME PRODUCT?

I LOVE the Sea Mist Raffia Placemats!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO WHILE YOUR PAINTING?

I usually make playlists and they generally consist of Lindsey Sterling, Beach Boys, Feist, Florence + The Machine and a bunch of random 90's jams. Ha!

Favorite or most inspirational place?

Hard! Maybe Florence, Italy…but really anywhere when I travel.

ADVICE TO OTHER ASPIRING ARTISTS/CREATIVE STUDENTS?

Donate your work! If you're looking for ways to break out and meet new clients…find a nonprofit and offer to donate work towards one of their silent auctions. It's a great way to get your name in front of an audience!

What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

Surround yourself with strong women.

Professionally, what is your goal?

This is my first year to actually sell my work and it's been incredible. I just work and pray towards growth.

The Mintwood Art Shop: Sandra Wright

We haven't had the privilege of meeting Sandra Wright in person (yet!); however, after our first phone call a few weeks ago, it was obvious that she’s one of those special people who has a warmth that crosses all boundaries—you feel like you know her even if you’ve never actually met, or in our case, live a few 1,000 miles apart.

Her art – rich with colors and complex texture - is mesmerizing. That part we knew. What we didn’t know is that her story is just as moving. A few years ago, one of Sandra's three beautiful daughters passed away, and as she recalls, “I remember praying for God to give me something to help me get through each day. And through my art, He really did. I feel like it just started pouring out.” Her story speaks to the truth and courage that can come out of times of loss and vulnerability.

Painting for Sandra is personal. “Sometimes I feel like my paintings are my little babies—I love knowing where they are going and that they are loved.” And when asked what is her dream job, she says without hesitation, “I feel like I’m living it!”

We could not be more excited to introduce you to the phenomenally talented Sandra Wright!

Q and A with Sandra:

Where are you from?

I'm from Wellington Texas, a small town in the panhandle, but our family has lived in San Antonio for about 20 years.

How do you describe your style of painting?

My style of painting is contemporary. I work with mainly acrylic paints, but use a lot of other materials including roof tar, wood stain, sand, and gold leaf. I will try anything to get the texture I want!

What are your biggest inspirations for your art?

My family is my biggest inspiration. Their encouragement, along with the love and support of close friends, are the reason that I started to take my work seriously.

Fill in the blank/ Art is _______.

Art is an expression of my happy place.

Where does your passion for art come from?

My passion for painting comes from that blank canvas, and knowing it can be anything...it's always a fresh start. If something doesn't work, I just start painting over it and "we call that texture!”

Advice to other aspiring artists/creative students?

Just go for it! In art, there are no precise ways of doing something, so just be true to yourself and your passion. The paintings that I love the most are usually the ones that sell the fastest.

The Mintwood Art Shop: Madeleine Frances

Have you ever felt like you were about to watch someone take off? That moment when someone is standing at the edge of the high-dive board about to jump, and deep down you just know that they are about to amaze you with their talent and splash. That is how we feel about Madeleine Frances. Her raw talent, appreciation for beauty, and her new-found entrepreneurial spirit are inspiring. Oh, and not to mention, we're pretty obsessed with her prints!

Q and A with Madeleine:

Where are you from?

I'm a native of Chevy Chase, Maryland and currently live in Washington, D.C.

In two words, how would you describe your style of painting?

Whimsical and feminine.

What mediums do you use?

I mainly use ink and watercolor on paper, but every now and then I throw some colored pencil into the mix.

Your biggest inspirations? Your favorite artists?

My biggest inspirations are my parents - in the large scheme of things and in my art. My mom and dad encouraged my siblings and I, from a very young age, to pursue our artistic talents. Handmade birthday and holiday cards were a staple in our household - in fact, I can't remember a time I ever gave my parents a store-bought card. So, over the past couple years when I found myself drawing and painting more, my parents were (as always) my proverbial cheerleaders.

Our favorite mint door by Madeleine Frances was painted specially for us and is only available at Mintwood Home!

Where does your passion for art come from?

I've always enjoyed and appreciated art, but it took some time before I realized my own passion. I graduated college in 2012 and jumped into a great job at a lobbying firm in D.C., where I still am working. After several months, I realized I needed a creative outlet so I began drawing. Then drawing turned into painting. I essentially taught myself how to paint with watercolors this past winter and realized I absolutely loved it. That's when the passion kicked in and I found myself rushing home from my day job to paint.

Advice to other aspiring artists/creative students?

Embrace your own style and develop it.

What’s your favorite Mintwood Home product?

It's hard to choose just one! I adore the Gold Flying Piggy Bank and the Whino Cocktail Napkins.

What do you like to listen to while your painting?

I listen to everything from Celine Dion (not joking) to Jame Vincent McMorrow, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Fleetwood Mac, The Lumineers, Ghost Beach and Shania Twain. You could say, I have a very eclectic taste in music.

Fill in the blank.

Art is meaningful.

Favorite art museum?

I love National Gallery of Art. Being from the DC area, I have walked through the doors of the National Gallery of Art many times and every time, I see something new.

What is your dream project?

My dream project would be to design my own planner. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a very organized person so getting to combine my love for art with my love for organizing would be amazing.