It is my pleasure to host this special giveaway of an original still-life oil painting by my friend and artist, Elizabeth Floyd. This is such a treat as I greatly admire Liz personally and professionally. And, I am quite drawn to the quiet beauty of her work.

Liz and I first met last year after corresponding via our blogs. We immediately connected on many topics – from art to design to nature. Trained as an architect, she left that structured world to nurture her dreams of becoming an artist and, essentially, for a gentler pace. To read her complete bio, please visit here.
From an interview for the Lorton Patch, February 2013:

“The objects that populate our lives have the means to speak to others, and I hope I can encourage people to pause and find something to appreciate. I love art because it gives me an opportunity to show and express what I find so remarkable and beautiful in this world.”
  
~ Elizabeth Floyd

Artist Elizabeth Floyd with daughter Naomi.
After discovering her lovely paintings online, I wanted to visit Liz in her world. Here are my photos of her home and studio.
Two simple but evocative still-life vignettes being painted at the time.
Liz paints only in natural light. Her collections of props, bottles, dishes, and natural curiosities are fascinating!
A few of my favorite paintings. To see works currently available, please visit here.
The following paintings spoke to me, and I have paired them together as such.
Now for the giveaway. There are two paintings available (see below), and the winner of this drawing gets to select one. Here’s how to enter, etc:
1) Visit Liz’s portfolio and have a look at her paintings.
2) Come back and leave a comment on my blog stating which one of the two paintings (below) you would like.
3) Please leave your name and a way for me to identify or contact you.
4) Only one entry per person.
5) All are welcome, whether you have a blog or not – including readers outside the U.S.
6) This drawing ends September 24, 2013 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. One name (by comment number) will be drawn randomly via Random.org.
7) I’ll announce the winner on September 25, 2013.
8) The painting will be shipped free of charge to the winner – no PO box address, please.

Option #1: Still Life with Apple, Silver Cup and Bottle. I had it custom framed in a Victorian style silver frame.

This little gem measures 5 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ and is propped in front of the art books in our library. It’s meant to be picked up and admired.

Option #2: Still Life with Fruit and Teacup. At 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ it is a perfect little square, and can be hung or propped. It was photographed in our shop on a Swedish Gustavian commode.
So those are the two paintings, and one will soon go to a new home. Many, many thanks to Liz for her generosity!! I hope you will visit her blog for inspiration, and perhaps, include her lovely painting(s) in your home. And, thank you for taking the time to enter this drawing! Cheers, Loi