{Art Review}/Etsy Find: Cate Parr/Silver Ridge Studio Fashion Watercolor paintings and prints

I've always had a deep appreciation of artists and their ability to design a visual story. My mother also has this innate gift for creating beautiful illustrations of nature scenes and animals - unfortunately that ability got lost somewhere (err, maybe next generation especially since my husband's father was a great artist too?)

I've appreciated art even more while attempting to decorate our home here.  I discovered Cate Parr (Etsy shop: Silver Ridge Studio) when I saw one of her watercolor paintings featured in a Lonny gift guide.  I was smitten with her surreal and colorful watercolor work and ordered a few original paintings; her collection features high fashion figures, homages to classic magazine covers, and whimsical scenes of luxury and life.  As Cate says "Fashion is all around us!"

It evokes my post from yesterday that glamour can really begin at home with a small touch from a lovely gown to a beautiful painting or print.

Here are a few favorite pieces:

Dancer 1 with heart, Etsy, $35

Deutsche Vogue Cover, Etsy, $75

French Champagne, Etsy, $35

I was fortunate enough to receive a print from Cate along with the paintings that I had ordered (does it look familiar :)? )  I was blown away by the quality of the print.  It is a professional archival Glicee print on BFK Rives paper.  The colors are extremely vibrant and the lines distinct.

I placed the print next to a small watercolor painting - while the shading is more nuanced in the original painting, the colors are even more striking on the print.  This is a definitely a chic 'n cheap way to infuse color into your home!

Stay tuned for a giveaway soon featuring Cate's work!