This is the final post in our four-part special "Obsessed with Cuffs." We've explored some amazing pieces in this series -- each with their own look, feel, style and class -- each beautiful in their own right.

We don't think our obsession with cuffs will ever end -- we'll always be scouring the web for new artisans and new pieces -- because cuffs make a statement like no other piece of jewelry.

With that, we present our final post ... a simple picture gallery with cuffs of all types, materials and sizes. We pay homage to jewelry artists everywhere with a passion to create ... and to the unique treasures they give us to make our own.

We encourage you to browse and click on the cuffs that catch your eye -- each is linked directly to original artisans website -- each just waiting to adorn your wrist in big, bold, beautiful style!

Enjoy "Obsessed with Cuffs ... Part IV"

LIVE MUSIC.KILLER COFFEE.LOCAL ART

Friday, October 16^th, 8 PM – 1 AM  (Free Admission)

2702 Causeway Center Drive

Tampa, FL  33619

If you’re in the greater Tampa Bay Area, it’s worth the trip to attend Canvas 5 – An Art Premier of selected emerging local artists.

Canvas exists to simply promote a community of inspiration.  The idea, the dream, was born to provide a spring board to local up and coming artists, in such a way that would benefit both their craft and their career.  The desire is not to bleed the artists of their funds, it is not to exploit them for sponsorship revenue, but to let them know that there are people who care and want to help.

Canvas is the brain child of Mike DeSerio and Bobby Triplett, both of which are part of the leadership team for Element Church in the Brandon/Tampa area.  Their desire was to hold an event that could reach out to the art community of Tampa Bay – an event that could foster both excellence and creativity and could impact a city through the expressions of inspiration.

Check out previous CANVAS events:  http://3.canvas813.com/  &  http://four.canvas813.com/

Thank you for the overwhelming response to our current blog series!

"Make Mine Metal" ... 

... that's the mantra of the next part of "Obsessed with Cuffs ... Part III." We'll be looking at all different types and styles of cuffs with a common theme -- they're all handcrafted from or enhanced with metal.

The very nature of metal creates a substantial look and feel in jewelry -- especially in a cuff. Silver, copper, brass ... they all command attention and give you that "Zena-like" feeling of power. The cuffs presented in today's article are no exception ... each artisan has brought a special flair to their pieces -- but, each in a different way. Some are contemporary, some ornate -- but each is guaranteed to be a terrific addition to the treasured pieces in your jewelry collection. Just remember to say ...

"Make Mine Metal" ... 

Introducing Mara Joyce Designs with a contemporary piece entitled

Sterling Silver Woven Cuff

This wide cuff is comprised of alternating strips of hammered and smooth sterling silver -- tapering on one end to form a wonderful asymmetrical shape.

The hefty sterling strips secure a study piece of art -- not flimsy or bendable ... yet very comfortable. The edges are all buffed and sanded silky smooth. Who can resist this amazing bling, bling candy for the arm?

$145 from Mara Joyce Designs 

Want a beautiful bouquet for your wrist?   trystbykerry 

brings us luscious layers of golden brass and copper flowers -- stacked and secured onto a raw brass cuff bracelet.

This chic floral bracelet is composed from vintage metal works. Aged scuff marks prove the article genuine with rare vintage brass and copper metal flower petals ...

You can purchase the

bronze bouquet  for only $60 from

trystbykerry

 Here's another wrist corsage designed by Lin Javalera -- visit  simplylin

for a cuff called Envy

Delight yourself with this formal cuff -- meant to be worn wrapped around your wrist.  Wire and a brass rose centerpiece are the metals in this cuff ... flanked by Swarovski crystal and fire polished leaves with Czech glass. 

Continuing our "Emerging Artist" series, we explore the exquisite artwork of Elizabeth Duncklee.

Elizabeth Duncklee currently lives just outside of Atlanta, GA.  She is a self-taught artist and photographer with a special talent for florals and natural landscapes.  Her artwork is breath-taking with an amazing amount of detail.  Each of Elizabeth's paintings tend to have an aspect of realism to them, but she's been known to add a contemporary twist or touch of surrealism. Landscapes and flowers are her most frequent subjects, however she does offer an abstract from time to time.

If you ask Elizabeth, she will tell you that her inspiration for painting started while she was living in Alaska -- there the artist thought the terrain was such a beautiful masterpiece -- not only did she photograph it, but she captured the beauty of it in oils on canvas. Elizabeth's been painting ever since and has fallen in love with the personal time she puts into each painting.

Well known for perfectly executed commission pieces, Elizabeth is definitely the artist you should contact if you have an idea you want on canvas.

* * *

One of the most beautiful pieces in Elizabeth's portfolio is the oil on canvas piece "Magnolia Blossom" (right).  The color and detail in this painting reveals the artist's ability to capture the delicacy of nature down to smallest detail. 

Elizabeth offers this painting in a signed, limited edition print on velvet watercolor paper. 

The colors come alive -- even on the print.  The whites are brilliant, the greens are deep and natural and the middle of the bloom is so well defined that you almost believe you could reach in and touch it. 

If you've ever considered buying a limited edition print, this one is a "must have" for your collection.

* * *

If you love bold, intense color, you will enjoy Elizabeth Duncklee's "Bouquet of Calla Lilies."

The deep red background is a wonderful contrast to the white blooms and green foliage that cascade down the canvas.

We also love the way the light plays on each of the lilies and how they appear to be cuddled into the tall green leaves -- a lovely portrait of nature.

And the size of this painting is not shy either -- it measures a big 48" tall by 28" wide -- large enough to make a bold impact on any wall.

 * * *

Nothing beats the serenity of a cool running stream and this painting is certainly no exception. 

Here Elizabeth presents the wonders of nature in a "Forest Stream."

Color, light, shadow, movement -- all are combined and draw you into this forest scene.  From the fallen leaves to the moss-covered rocks in the water path, all of the elements are detailed with a realism that is stylistically Elizabeth.  It is enchanting from top to bottom.

* * *

Beauty comes in many colors -- and so do these calla lilies.

Each blossom is a masterpiece in its own right -- but the combination absolutely stimulates the senses.

The piece is entitled, "Calla Lily Medley."

* * *

The last presentation from Elizabeth's gallery is "Snake River."  Painted from a picture taken while visiting the Grand Tetons, this treasure embodies the strength of an eagle as it soars above the river on a backdrop of snow-covered mountains.

Hopefully, Elizabeth will offer this painting as one of her limited print collections -- because it would be the only way you could enjoy it in your own home -- we bought the original!

* * *

I hope you enjoyed the artwork of emerging artist Elizabeth Duncklee -- she is a talented painter who puts her heart and soul into every piece she creates.  Without a doubt, her detailed and delightful style would light up any room.

You can "click real style" by visiting Elizabeth at her online gallery:  http://elizabeth-duncklee.fineartamerica.com

Welcome back -- you're in for another treat! We believe you will enjoy the next part of our series "Obsessed with Cuffs ... Part II." This time we'll be exploring works of art in more subtle and calming colors -- but, none less intriguing!

Cuffs come in all shapes, sizes, textures and colors and you can wear them with any outfit to make a visual statement of style. Today we're starting with a beautiful little gem in a medium that is near and dear to our hearts -- leather!

Introducing etrelles's of South Florida and a darling little cuff entitled

Blue Fish Under Yellow Cuff

Stunning shimmery blue fish hide with a soft, sueded texture -- like a boutique tissue paper! The exotic blue pattern is set under a pale metallic yellow alligator embossed leather with a smooth, slick texture. The cuff is lined in a soft beige suede.

Wear it with your favorite pair of faded blue jeans or a sweet little sun dress.

This is truly a one of a kind companion for your wrist!

Only $26 from

etrelles's

Next -- natural, woodsy and very different, bettula brings us

As promised, we are bringing our readers a collection of emerging artists in all types of styles and mediums. Today we explore the artwork of Anthony Swartwood.

Anthony Swartwood grew up in the Greater Binghamton area of upstate New York. He studied at the Munson Williams Proctor Art Institute in Utica, New York and also earned a degree in Fine Art/Computer Graphics from Broome Community College. Today Tony calls the Tampa Bay area of Florida his home. After working successfully as a Commercial Artist in Tampa for many years, he is now devoting his full energy to developing his talents in the Tampa Bay area.

Displaying his works in various Tampa area art shows and venues, Tony recently won first place at a Tampa Bay Realistic Artists’ show that featured his cityscape, “Deep Downtown” (right). This interesting piece illustrates the downtown Tampa hard scape in towering stature against a visitor below. The blue-grey tones, reflections and shadows capture the mood of a desolate city street and suggests that the rains have just deluged the horizontal surfaces and left a hint of water and mist in the air.

Almost haunting in presentation, Tony reminds us of how lonely the city streets can be when they are void of greenery and relegated to only concrete and brick.

* * *

 

Using a different color palette, the work entitled "Sunset" (right) invokes a subtle golden glow of the sun reflecting on an open body of water.

Simple and pure, this piece invites you to quietly enjoy the stillness of the water as it laps over the rocks in the foreground.

  

 * * *

The next presentation from Anthony Swartwood's gallery is the majestic and snow capped "Alaska Mountain."

The subtle blue and violet tones in the Alaskan sky are a perfect backdrop for the mountain peaks that jut above the green tree line. With a mist placed at the lower valley regions, the artist has created a wonder of nature painted on a canvas.

* * *

If you've ever fished in the early morning light, this painting will take you back to that place in time. The peaceful, still waters are only disturbed by the ripples of the fly fisherman's casts. He stands waist deep the reflections of the surrounding trees with the sun emerging in a soft yellow tone.

The piece is entitled "Feather Lake Colorado."

 

* * *

We hope you enjoyed the artwork presented in this post. Mr. Swartwood’s use of light and shadow brings a style of realism that draws the viewer in every time. Whether a towering mountain, hard cityscape or a placid lake scene – each piece holds the beauty of perfectly selected color combinations as well as impeccable composition. And if you are lucky enough to live in the Tampa Bay area, you will be able to view these and other pieces of Anthony Swartwood’s artwork at his first SOLO exhibition at Studio 56 located at 2032 Ashley Oaks Circle in Wesley Chapel, Florida on July 25th 2009 from 5 PM until 9 PM.

  

You can "click real style" by visiting Anthony Swartwood at his online gallery: http://www.anthonyswartwood.com

ClickRealStyle ... real style & real design dedicated to real people ...

We scour the internet for home decor, fashion and art that is both beautiful and affordable.  No "puffed butt" runway fashions or diamond-studded toilet seats here  ...   just comfortable, wonderful and exciting items that you would be proud to own!

And for good measure, we have a page dedicated to vacation get-aways that are fun, affordable and ready to be explored!

Visit often ... read, click and enjoy ... ClickRealStyle

With everyone keeping a close watch on their wallets these days, it can be difficult to think about buying art for the home or office. So if you're looking to bring impact, color and style to your favorite space, don't pass up the opportunity to introduce yourself to an emerging artist.

One of the best investments in real style for real people is an original piece of art or giclee print from a new, but talented artist. Here we present a few pieces from such artists -- big in color, impact and style -- but, so affordably priced that you can pick up a few gems for yourself at very reasonable prices.

Browse original art & giclee prints from ... Terry Mulligan Gallery

This piece, entitled

  " The Intensity of Color "

... is a beautiful abstract

that brings the colors of nature to life in a big, bold way.

The artwork is a reproduction giclee print of an original piece

from the artist's digital design gallery. 

Only the finest archival quality paper is used for this giclee print,

measuring 13" W x 14" H

and it is affordably priced at

$58.00

 * * *

  " California Vineyard ... Wine Bottle and Glass "

... is a digital illusion abstract

depicting the accoutrements of wine.

The artwork is a reproduction giclee print of an original piece

from the artist's digital design gallery. 

Only the finest archival quality paper is used for this giclee print,

it measures 12" W x 24" H 

and is priced at only

$63.00

 * * *

  " Just a Splash of Color "

... is a digital abstract ... 

a splash here -- a splash there ... what's a little color between friends?

The artwork is a reproduction giclee print of an original piece

from the artist's digital design gallery. 

Only the finest archival quality paper is used for this giclee print,

it measures 17" W x 8" H 

and is priced at only

$45.00

 * * * 

Click and visit ... Terry Mulligan Gallery