Etsy Friday Five - 4/15

While looking for today’s items, I was reminded of a memory. In my early twenties, my girlfriends and I used to go dancing at this bar/club located in a tiny river town call New Hope, which had once been a thriving artist community but was quickly transitioning into a tourist Mecca.

One summer night, leaving my friends on the dance floor, I headed out to the small patio overlooking the river. An older man, late 60’s maybe, was also standing at the railing and said hello. I found out in short order that he was a painter; very drunk off cheap red wine and that he would not be buying me a drink. Considering, I hadn't asked for one, I found the last statement amusing.

He continued (this is a close to verbatim as I can get) “It is not that you aren’t lovely, it is because you are a brunette.” He paused to light a cigarette “You see, brunettes, all of you, you always have that look in your eye, like you know a secret, like you know all of my secrets. Like you already know the answer to every question I would ever ask you. Your eyes turn us into stone and little boys at the same time. Dark witches, all of you.”

And he walked off into the summer night…

So, inspired by my drunken painter – enjoy this bevy of beguiling brunettes. Just be careful not to turn to stone.

Fashion illustrator Paule Trudel Bellemare has made quite the splash with her quirky and clever series Girls+Dogs.  Hipster girls (I use the term lovingly) and their adorable dogs have their personalities captured brilliantly by this talented artist.

Marvin by Paule Trudel Bellemare - $30

Janet Hill's paintings have the feeling of vintage glamour and beauty. Be it a portrait of an intriguing woman, a still life of a beautiful room,or a pristine vintage kitchen, her work is feminine, peaceful and utterly wonderful.

The Feather Fan Dancer by Janet Hill - $26

I had never known what an ACEO was before I found The Brilliant Magpie’s work.  They are prints/original works the size of a traditional baseball card.  What a great way to start an art collection.  I recommend starting with this raven haired beauty.  She reminds me of the Great Gatsby and cold bathtub gin.  I bet she rouges her knees.

Noleta -- ACEO Limited Edition Print by Amy Abshier Reyes - $5.00

Another way to start a collection would be with this tiny canvas by Tali.   It is the size of an average refrigerator magnet and is sure to be a conversation starter.   Not just because of it’s diminutive size, but also because of the pensive ingenue in the painting.

Rimma / tiny canvas print by Tushtush - $20

Our last bewitching brunette is by well-know illustrator Catherine Campbell who runs Myfolklover.  The thing I love about Campbell’s women is they are always seem to me just a little bit cheeky and mischievous.  I also adore her use of pattern, it is a distinctive signature and really establishes a piece as her's at first glance.   Plus, who doesn't love a girl in glasses (and not just because I am one).

Jane by Myfolklover - $25



All images courtesy of their respective owners