Dala Horse Post Cards

   I was so happy today that my dala horse post cards came back from the printer! These cards feature two of my own paintings with a blue and white dala and a pink and red dala. They are now available in my etsy shop!

Art on Display

  Hello there, my friends!~
   Just wanted to pop by and let you know that I have many pieces of my original art plus some prints now on display and ready to buy at Shades of Brown Coffee and Art in Tulsa, Okla. This includes many of my Scandinavian themed pieces such as The Norwegian Bride, Lars, and Deep in the Winter Wood. If you're in the area, I'd love for you to stop by! And get one of their amazing coffees while you're at it!

Book Review: Carl and Karin Larsson, Creators of the Swedish Style

    Not long ago I ordered the book Carl and Karin Larsson: Creators of the Swedish Style through Amazon from a used book source. I was so excited to find a book about one of my favorite artists, Carl Larsson, and his wife Karin and their epic collaboration of their famous house, Lilla Hyttnas in the village of Sundborn, Sweden.

   This book is so fascinating because not only is it a book about their home-- it is a book about their life together, their creations and art, and how the making of their home and their family took on a unique role in Larsson's artwork and the image of Swedish design. For Swedes, the art of Carl Larsson in many ways depicted the ideal home life and encouraged an appreciation for warmth and family friendly rooms.

   I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I ordered the book online, but I was very happy with the heft and depth of the volume! There are hundreds of full color high quality photos and reproductions of Larsson's prints. I loved seeing photos of the actual real-life rooms set beside Larsson's illustrations of the same space. As an artist, seeing this gave me a deep appreciation of how Larsson was able to convey the essence of the room in in his watercolors, and how easily he created stories and movement with the figures he painted within them-- usually his family.

  It was also good to read more about Karin and her contributions to the vision of the home and her own artistry. When Carl and Karin met, she was also a painter. As a modern woman, mother and artist, it does make me sad to read that, once they started having children, Karin's painting came to an end.
   But looking at her home, and reading about the joy she took in designing everything from clothes to furniture to textiles, I think it's safe to assume that Karin didn't 'give up art', but found different outlets for her artistic talents, and those outlets were deeply rooted in and inspired by motherhood.

   Without a doubt, this book left me with an even deeper appreciation for this unbelievably artistic duo and their biggest work of art-- their home. I love all the detail that they put into each room-- painting on the walls, rooms filled with handmade things, and creating beautiful and inviting spaces in which they raised their children and also inspired their nation.
   Even today, the richly folk art and bright style of the Larsson home and Carl Larsson's paintings inspire decorators and home owners around the world and can be categorized as it's own unique style.
   I would definitely recommend this beautiful book to all lovers of Larsson, Swedish style and folk style in general. Especially on a dark winter's day-- whether you're in the frozen north or just the chilly suburbs, this is a warm and cozy read!

~Heather

    Good evening, and so happy to find you here as I start this new Scandinavian endeavor! I hope you had a fantastic St. Lucia Day-- I had a little one home from school sick, but we made some Christmas treats and she dragged out about every toy she owns to celebrate "Lucia" who was really my old Kirsten doll!

   For many of Swedish or Norwegian descent, Dec. 13 is the kick off to the Christmas season--- ending with St. Knut's day on Jan. 13, when the tree finally gets put out. Of course, in my mind, when I think of a Scandinavian Christmas, the images of one of my most favorite artists-- Carl Larsson-- comes to mind.

Painting by Carl Larsson

   Larsson is one of Sweden's most celebrated painters, born into poverty 1853, his talent gave him many opportunities at life- and love. He worked as an illustrator and raised a very large family with his beloved wife and fellow artist, Karin. He used his beautiful family as models for his paintings, and many of the interiors he pained came from their home, Sundborn.

   Seeing photos and paintings of the Larsson home makes me a little giddy because I am know to be a little bit of a serial house stenciler myself. So far my living room, kitchen and bedroom have succumbed to my paintbrush, and I love the look. When I see Carl and Karin's home, I feel a bit of artsy kinship to them. And think "hey, I should totally paint that on my walls..."

Painting by Carl Larsson

     And while Larrson's homey paintings are beautifuly, I especially love any and all paintings he did involving Christmas. I recently came across this image, Kersti Sledging, and just fell in love! The tomte, the goats, the pretty little girl. It's just all so sweet. And makes me motivated to get my own paints out. Because to me, that is what real art does--- it inspires you to create in your own way.

   Also, I just loved all of the entries in the St. Lucia Blog Procession that started yesterday! Everyone did such fantastic posts! I love finding these common loves with others. It makes the world a much friendlier place.

   Here are some of the blogs participating, if you haven't visited them, I highly suggest it!~


Good night, and god jul!~
~H