What Makes Me Happy (The Sea}

I'm in Watercolor along the Florida Gulf Coast, and the sounds of the gulf make me really happy.

The sun, the sea breeze, the white sand, and the salty air make for a great summer.

Sounds of the Sea, y'all!

Coastal Art {Jean McKee}

If you read Uptown Acorn regularly, you already know I love the quaint town of Ocean Springs, MS and Hillyer House located on Washington Avenue. I have been a fan of Jean McKee's coastal paintings for years and was happy to add one more of her pieces to our growing collection of Southern artists.

I adore the colors in this one --- shades of blues, browns, oranges. A swamp scene fits perfectly into my Southern, coastal lifestyle.

Here it is at night (I do love a picture light.):

From the website:
Creating realistic, bold, colorful painting is Jean McKee’s passion. Her distinctive artwork typifies the local scenes where she finds inspiration; like the serene image of a row of sailboats docked for the night or a nostalgic image of community gathering places.

In addition to original pieces, Jean does commission work for individuals, businesses, and designers. Her work can be found in many galleries along the Gulf Coast and has hung in galleries from Memphis, Jacksonville, and New Orleans. Jean has participated in more than 300 outdoor shows in the south and has been chosen to paint the poster designs for 12 outdoor festivals.

Email: jeanmcart@gmail.com

Telephone: 251-621-8867

I am a fan. I think you'd be too.

See more of her artwork in my home:

Southern Birds

Cheers to 46!

Giving Thanks for Local Artists

The Weekend That Was

See ya Later, Alligator

Two Alligators & A Palm Tree

Jean McKee, y'all!

The Weekend That Was {March 18-19}

Since I was involved with Science Olympiad last week (our team placed 1st for the 3rd consecutive year), J & I did not get to travel for my birthday weekend. But we certainly made up for it this weekend.

We ventured to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for some fun and retail therapy. The weather this weekend was absolutely Chamber of Commerce perfection.

First stop: Bay St. Louis

We dined at The Blind Tiger. With a view of the Bay, this spot is always a great destination for fresh seafood and scrumptious burgers.

I suggest a lil retail therapy at Bay Life Gifts. The quaint shop is filled to the brim with coastal-inspired accessories and original artwork by Tehle. 

Second stop: Ocean Springs

Here, we rushed to my favorite destination, Hillyer House. J & I scored yet another original art piece by Jean McKee (more on our purchase later).

Poppy's next to Hillyer House is another fun shop filled with exciting goods. Poppy's is a wonderful shop filled with gifts, local art, and gourmet food items

We stopped and had a couple libations at The Office. It was a beautiful day to people watch, one of my favorite pastimes.

Third stop: The White House

This is our third time staying at The White House in Biloxi. We adore the hotel. The White House Hotel is a historical boutique hotel with a beachfront location. J & I ventured to the bar for happy hour, ate a few appetizers, and several martinis later we crashed. The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable.

Fourth stop: Premium Outlets, Gulfport

A trip to the Gulf Coast is never complete without stopping at J. Crew, LaCoste, Polo, and Banana Republic. A lil retail therapy is always a welcome treat.

It was a great weekend of fun and relaxation. If only the weekends could last longer.

                           March 18-19, y'all!