Jen C.

Jodi A.

Meghan F.

My Story is Art – I Climed a Mountain and then Painted One

This time of year in Utah is perfection for me.  The summer’s droves of visitors have gone home, the sun is warm and the air is cool.  You can stepe 50 ft from the park’s road and hear nothing.  The Hubby and I rolled into town late Saturday and decided Sunday would be our day to explore something completely new…for us.  When you’ve been visiting the same National Park for years and hiked all the well know trails, some twice or three times it can be a challenge to find new…actually not just a challenge but an adventure.  Venturing off the path and blazing our own trail is exactly what we did yesterday.

It began with what in my panicked mind seemed like a sheer face of slick rock, perpendicular to the earth!  In reality it was a very steep climb that was passable using all fours in some spots.  Lucky for all “slick rock” is a bit of a misnomer.  When dry this textured rock really makes for great tracking.  When wet though…watch out.

It took about 2 hours to climb a 1/2 mile stretch.  My hands were chapped and prickly pear needles were stuck everywhere but when a shallow canyon cut amidst the rock gave way to this expansive view, it all in one small moment became very worth it.

My reward for the climb?  …An iconic view and a warm spot of red rock to perch upon for a few hours of painting.

One red rock trait that always mesmerizes is the way the layers of silt and sand swirl in beautiful pattern.  When painting landscapes out here I am always compelled to add graceful swooshes with my brush in an attempt to capture the way this rock surrounds.

Tracy M.

Trend Sketching Bridal Market NYC 2012 – Tara LaTour

We’ve had such fun covering Bridal Market in our distinctively different way and we hope you have enjoyed each and every detail shot and spirited, colorful sketch!  The big moments this market had to do with whispers of color, sculptural/abstract blooms, curious laces and a noticeable nod to storytelling in the collections.  Tara LaTour may just be the pinnacle of story tellers we covered at Bridal Market.

We were thrilled to have a visit with one of our favorite discoveries from last year’s Market, the infinity inspiring Tara La Tour.   This  little lady has big ideas.   Her works are unabashedly whimsical and wonderfully free spirited.  Tara’s frocks meant for frolicking, dancing, jumping and a maybe even a little mischief making.   Her bride is up to a lot more than just sitting pretty.

This season LaTour went “Where The Wild Thing Are” to bring us a bit of untamed beauty.  Hand frayed detailing, gradient layers, lots of buttons and hand dying of course… a LaTour trademark.   It’s all in the details.

Playful silhouettes mixed with substantial textiles give a balance of hard and soft. Max’s signature row of buttons reads youthful and fun while elements of the forest are brought in with rust colored leaf detail and shades of sepia.

We were smitten with “Tay”, a ruffled frock in warn rustic layers with a silk chiffon leaf-like fringe.  A well balanced dose of wild and refined… Tara LaTour does it best.

Sketching for Tara LaTour was much like a wide roller coaster ride where every turn revealed something unexpected, where a little bump or jolt is welcomed and where the thrill is in not knowing what may come next.  Thank you Tara, for being you and a very much needed breath of fresh color, texture and life. 

Alicia B.