That Which Inspires

En Plein Air - A French expression that means “in the open air” is used to describe the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view.  With portable paints and easels, the Impressionists found they could capture the momentary and transient effects of natural light and the elements by painting en plein air. 

It is a reminder to us how the same scenes we see each day are altered by the changing conditions of sky and sun.  How much do we notice? The artist catches every detail and nuance with their skilled eye and talented hand. A moment in time is captured on their sketchpad or canvas.  

View our photos on instagram of the beauty of the changing elements at @sliceofexurbia.

Images via Slice of Exurbia

Window Boxes - Hudson Valley Take on Charleston Inspiration

This spring on a garden tour in Charleston, SC with local expert and author, Louisa Pringle Cameron (The Secret Gardens of Charleston), I was taken with the beautiful window boxes splashed with color adorning many of the homes.  In the photo above, window boxes facing the street dress up an otherwise simple house facade.  In our area, summer provides the perfect climate to use window boxes to add color, texture and interest to your home.

Window boxes - Hudson Valley style

Ivy provides constant greenery as blooms come in and out throughout the summer months and into fall.

 

Window boxes not only enhance the look of your home from the outside, but add to the view from within. 

Images via and Slice of Exurbia