South Tampa Gems (and all on one block!)

This weekend, I managed to take some time and explore some of the gems that South Tampa has to offer. Since I have relocated back from Chicago, I really haven't had the opportunity. It was beautiful day, full of sun and puffy white Florida clouds. I was ready to get out and explore. So my good friend Jackie and I enjoyed the treasures of these great local shops, and I am here to tell you, I was not disappointed...

Our first stop of the afternoon was at a shop called Relic, it is located at 3517 S. Manhattan Ave. :

Image via Relic Facebook

Right when we walked in, our eyes immediately darted to these fabulous sepia panoramic prints of vintage photos. Some were gals in the 40's era in bathing suits complete with fancy umbrellas and others were photos of old Tampa.

Image via Relic Facebook

Relic also had a great selection of lighting, furniture and the best soy candles! The owners were extremely friendly, and I will be surely be back soon to pick up some goodies for a client.

Our next stop was Summer House Marketplace, at 3620 S. Manhattan Ave. :

Image via Lace and Lures Blog

Summer House Marketplace is also full of very unique items. Lots of window panes, dressers, frames and accessories to the max!

Image via Summer House Marketplace Facebook

I can't get my mind of this beauty of a vanity, lately I have been on a major green kick and I think getting ready for the work day at this piece would make mornings so much more delightful! (I have to admit, I am hoping it sticks around for a bit, so I can get it!)

Image via Summer House Marketplace Facebook

Last, but surely not least, we stopped at Forty Three Oh 3 and Oh Whatever Eclectic Decor, two sister stores. 

Forty Three Oh 3 is located at 3626 S. Manhattan Ave. :

Image via Forty Three Oh 3 Facebook

This shop is ENORMOUS! Every time we turned a corner, there was more and more to see. I personally loved some of their unique mirrors, they also had a wonderful selection of lighting...

Image via Forty Three Oh 3 Facebook

There sister store Oh Whatever Eclectic Decor, located at 3612 S. Manhattan Ave.:

Image via: Oh Whatever Eclectic Decor Facebook

Right when you walk in you are greeted with this amazing re-styled side chair with a fantastic applied flower:

Image via: Oh Whatever Eclectic Decor Facebook

I am completely gaga over this jewelry artist, Juju they represent, I am dying to add a piece of her jewelry to my collection:

Image via: Oh Whatever Eclectic Decor Facebook

These stores line a small block of S. Manhattan, in South Tampa, next time you are in the area make sure you pop in and take a looksie. I will be making more trips in the future, I'm looking forward to building relationships with these great small businesses as I shop for present and future clients!

My cup runneth over... and over, and over...

This has been one. amazing. week.  I don't know how else to say it.

I have been consumed by a smile that I can't take off my face. I feel like I am running through a field with a million balloons, just having the time of my life. Truthfully, I am having the time of my life, living my dreams.

Image via: Getty Images

Earlier in the week, I posted that I was being represented by a national company Mod Pet Life. Which is great news and I am excited for the doors it will open. Then today, I received a message on facebook from the social web editor of our local Tampa Bay news Bay News 9. He stumbled across my art, through a mutual facebook friend, and really liked it. He liked it so much, in fact, he wanted to interview me. So he did.

The following link is to the article featured on Bay News 9. I am beyond excited and grateful for this opportunity. It's an overwhelming feeling of happiness to see that my artwork has been discovered, liked and shared is such with such a public audience.

I am so thankful for my family and friends who have supported me for years through my artistic endeavors. You helped me reach this point. Thank you for believing in me. My cup runneth over, and I couldn't be more proud.

Here is the article, enjoy!
"Local artist puts vibrant wagging tongues, wet snouts to canvas"

Meet Milo!

I was recently asked to paint a portrait of Milo. He is such a cute little puppy and I just had to share. This was a surprise gift for my friend and her future husband for their wedding shower, given by the brides younger brother.

When I saw this photo of Milo, I couldn't wait to put it on canvas with my personal twist on it.

And here is the finished piece:

To view more of my art please visit my website

Lisa Gilmore Art is being represented by modpetlife.com!!

I am so excited to go live with this post! I have been anxiously awaiting to announce to you all that my art is being represented by a fabulous modern pet company called Mod Pet Life. If you are a modern pet owner, this site is for you. Not only am I excited to just be represented by a company, but represented by a company with products that I love!! 

You know I love many design aesthetics, but Mid Century Mod really gets my design heart swooning, so when I saw these items, I instantly wanted to hit "add to cart" oh, maybe just about a million times!

Here are a few items that might fancy your taste as well...

I personally think any kitty cat or pup would look rather stylish lounging in this awesome pet bed. You can tell that the designer must be inspired by the great Le Corbusier. 

Modern Pet Chaise Lounge, via Mod Pet Life

Love these modern food bowls as well:

Raised Modern Pet Feeders, via Mod Pet Life

Any cat owner is going to love this next item. Cat litter boxes are usually such an eye sore, but not anymore. This is one of a handful of well designed cat litter boxes that will not stick out from the rest of your modern decor. I have one on my wish list now! 

Modern litter boxes, via Mod Pet Life

There are many other products to browse for all of your pet needs, when you are checking out the site, make sure you click on the Mod Pet Art tab to view my art and other pet artists around the country! 

Happy Mod Pet shopping!

Do what you LOVE. Period.

Today, the fiance and I were in Target, and I stumbled across this little piece of simple art:

So simple, but yet so much meaning, and for $14.99 quite a steal. 

This little piece of Target art really got me thinking. I started thinking about recent leaps I have been taking in my professional life, (which let me tell you... are scary as hell) and it also made me think of big things in my personal life. 

It's pretty obvious how much I love Design (interior, exterior, furniture, fashion etc. etc. etc. etc.... you get the point, I love it alllll!) and I love art just as much. It's swimming through my DNA. I recently had someone tell me that when I start talking about design, it just gushes out of me, but good gush, not overwhelming and gross. (I took that as a compliment.) 

My personal life is a whirlwind of goodness as well. I am getting ready to marry the man of my dreams. He makes me smile (and sometimes pisses me off too.) He supports me and keeps me in check. My professional dreams are his dreams too. He really is my better half. 

You may find joy in gardening, teaching, being a mom or writing. Whatever it is, just do it and love it. 

Life is scary. Life is tricky. Life gets messy. But stick to your guns, and whatever makes you happy, love it with your whole heart, and do it proud.

Kitchen Crazed!

Some of you already know this, but for those who don't... I'm getting married in under TWO months! YIKES! July 7th, 2012 is our big day and I couldn't be more excited. Recently, my mom and my amazing bridesmaids hosted a beautiful bridal shower for me. I was overwhelmed with love...

As you know, one of the perks of having a bridal shower is all the amazing gifts you receive. (I am working on those thank you notes guys, they will be hitting your mailboxes soon!) Among the great gifts were stemware, silverware, dishes and kitchen gadgets galore. I am really trying to embrace the domestic diva in myself, but I just can't help but think that if I had one of these glorious kitchens, it just might come a little easier...

I would happily be a modern day Betty Crocker in this kitchen...

Image via: Houzz ; Elemental Design

Don't you just love the calming color palette in this kitchen? 

I would love to wake up to sunshine and a cup of joe here...

Image via: Houzz; Fiorella Design

I personally love everything about the following kitchen. 

Big style, low fuss, calming colors and loads of stunning pieces...

Image via: Houzz; Urrutia Design

One thing all of these fabulous kitchens have in common, great lighting fixtures. Don't go skimpy with your lighting. Your kitchen is a place that you can add some serious wow factor with some simple choices. 

Before & After

I recently got the opportunity to consult on some color and material specifications for a local builder Greenovative Homes for a house they featured in the Spring Parade of Homes. Here are some photos from the project...

Before:

Bland and lacking character...

After:

Updated color and added details like lighting, shutters and detailing on the column make this house have better curb appeal...