We love each of our November sponsors and, yes, each has something great at 20% off exclusively for SB readers this month.  Here’s a quick overview of these Nashville businesses, all of which have been StyleBlueprint features in the past.  As we’ve said before, we only go after sponsors we love.  Trust and integrity are our most treasured attributes here and we would never write about anything we didn’t 100% stand behind.  For more information on our sponsors and our $1000 portrait giveaway, see THIS WEEK.

Without further ado… Drum roll please…

Anatra Jewel:

If I had a penny for every piece of jewelry I ask about and the person wearing it says, “Oh, I got it at Anatra,” – well, I’d have a whole lot of pennies!  If you’ve never set foot into Anatra Jewel, check out their website and make a point of stopping by this month.  With a StyleBlueprint (SB) exclusive discount of 20% off all earrings during November, the already great prices just got better.  I like how the sales women make you feel instantly at ease – which is not always the case at stores that exclusively sell jewelry.  Anatra firmly believes that women should buy much of their own jewelry and carries a wide range of prices to allow just that. That being said, with this SB exclusive discount, I think we all know where I want my husband to pickup a “You’ve worked your tail off on the SB Gifts and Accessories Show – I’m so proud of you – here are some earrings!”  Now, who’s going to tell him that he needs to do this?  Anyone?  I think the Anatra girls would tell me to buy some myself…wink, wink!

www.anatrajewel.com for more info.

Santa’s Trees:

Jim McLeod, owner of Santa's Trees.

Having been in business for over 25 years, Santa’s Trees has the reputation for having beautiful, long lasting trees.  They also sell gorgeous garland and wreathes at all five locations.  We love the fact that Santa’s Trees delivers to your house to make the whole process easier.  So, did you just freak out?  What?  Christmas trees?  Yes, Halloween is over, it’s time to plan!  While you can’t actually get a tree, a wreath, or any garland this week, in just few short weeks you will.  Order ahead to secure 20% off any Christmas tree needs you have or pick out a tree in late November with this SB exclusive deal.

To get you in the mood, we love these pictures of Genia Gilchrist’s home last year in Southern Living.  I have no idea where Genia got her garland, but doesn’t this get you excited about Christmas?

www.santastrees.com for more info.

Ann Cowden Portraiture:

We’ve talked about Ann twice before as her prices are quite reasonable in the realm of oil portraits artists with her talent.  For the entire month of November, book your portrait with Ann and receive 20% off!  (This does not include the less detailed $1000 portraits Ann does from a client’s own photograph – and, by the way, one of these is our fabulous GIVEAWAY this week.  Register today here.)  See Ann’s website for a good look at her work.  A head and shoulders starts at $3000; a 3/4 length starts at $3700; a full length starts at $4500.  So, as you see, 20% off is significant.  If you’ve been pining away for a portrait, now is your chance.  www.anncowden.com for more info.

The Cosmetic Market, Private Edition and Therapy Systems:

Photo credit: Business Week. Linda Roberts is the force behind all three sister stores.

This trio of stores all is owned by the same parent company.  I actually didn’t realize that Therapy Systems was locally based until last year.  As you know, we love to support local and we love each of these stores.  Each has it’s own personality and spunk.  With locations in Cool Springs, Green Hills and Hillsboro Village, these stores are convenient to most Nashville readers.  Facials, massages, spray tans, makeovers and free expert advice are all on the menu for you to experience.  And, they sell top-of-the-line cosmetic and skincare products.  My girls enjoy these stores just as much as I do and I love how the sales clerks are as sweet to them as to they are to me.  As a mom, that matters.  Stop by this week to receive 20% off all products by Philosophy at any location!  To receive a discount, please print off the THIS WEEK section about this SB deal!

For more information and locations, see www.thecosmeticmarket.com, www.therapysystems.com and www.privateedition.com.

Our SB Gifts and Accessories Show is this week.

We’ve created a page to make forwarding to friends even easier.  Our artisans are incredible and each brings a gorgeous element to the show.  Prices start at $28.  Please see http://www.styleblueprint.com/sb-gifts-accessories-show-2010/ for all the details on the show and the featured artisans.  We are proud to partner with Two Moon Gallery and Mocha Club for this event.

To find out more about our sponsors, please see THIS WEEK.

© 2010 – 2011, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

I have interviewed Ann before and she honestly just loves to paint and has great talent.  One of my best friends has a painting of her two children that Anne did and it captures them perfectly.  At this price point, some can think birthday or anniversary gift.  Or, you might be able to trade a bit around in your household budget to jump on this deal.  Ann knows the economy is hard and lots of Nashville just had some huge flood bills added to the pot.  Fact is, she wants to keep painting as it is her passion.  So take advantage!  Email Ann at acowden@comcast.net and see her website here: www.anncowden.com

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.

Our portrait of our three children. I have this hanging above my family room fireplace

Hands down, our portrait is the best purchase of my life.  Really.  I’m thrilled with it.  I will keep this portrait forever and I love knowing that future generations will continue to enjoy it.  If I could change anything, it might be to have supported a local artist instead of looking out of state.

Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to Mark Alan Burnett and Ann Cowden, two admired portrait artists who live right here, in Nashville.

Mark Alan Burnett

Mark Alan Burnett is known for his way of capturing the essence of his subjects.  I asked Mark about why he thought people continue to seek out painted portraits when photography is so available and abundant. He compared the differences to food: you can get a lot of great fast food today, but a slow cooked home meal will leave you more satisfied in the end.  The love, care and time that a portrait takes is amazing.  Most people wait between 6 months to 12 months for their portrait.   During that time you want to 1) like the artist you are working with and 2) know that your money is being spent in a way that will leave you completely satisfied.  One of Mark’s clients grabbed their portrait when their house was on fire.  I concur that as far as possessions go, that is what I, too, would grab.  Mark has painted portraits of several generations within the same family.  They come back because, yes, they love the outcome, but they also like working with Mark, the attention he gives his clients, and the obvious joy he takes in his work.  I also just found out the Mark is about to be published in Volume 1 of the World Wide Best Artist series.  See, I knew I was impressed!

Milt Ellis

Leslin

The length to which Mark goes to assure he understands his subjects shines through in the finished portrait.  Before picking up a paint brush Mark enjoys getting to know the person he will be painting.  For example, Mark sits in on the classes of each Professor he has been commissioned to paint.  He wants to watch them in action.  Their public personae is being honored and needs to be portrayed, but he also is interested in their interests and stories.  It’s not about painting from a single session of photos, although the experience is augmented by photographs.  His approach is about capturing a personality, an essence, a completeness in the moment that is beyond the scope from what I have seen with other artists.  If you are looking for someone who will approach a painting beyond capturing the physical, then I highly suggest calling Mark Allen Burnett.  Mark will only paint a few paintings a year and he has won numerous awards for his portraits, both in oil and pastel.  STYLEBLUEPRINT READERS: Just for you Mark is offering 10% off any portrait commissioned before the end of March.  Since I’ve never known Mark to work through a portrait broker, advertise or offer a discount, this is a rare opportunity.  To read more about Mark, click here.  Also, I love that additional figures are just 50% additional in his pricing.  Many artists do not discount additional figures at all.

Dr. Harry & Jan Jacobson

Hunter

Ann Cowden

Ann Cowden is an amazing portrait, landscape and pet portraiture artist –  she’s also just a nice person with whom you will enjoy your time spent.  Her energy is infectious and she really feels that it is a gift to be able to paint a portrait for a family.  I love this quote from Ann, “I am truly in love with painting, and I get excited about every project I begin.  I strive to grow as an artist and to continue to learn and improve each day, each year, forever more!”

Ann works both through individual contacts as well as through Portrait Artists of America.  Her latest portrait is of the Mary Hartong’s daughter, Mary Liza.  I bring this up as Mary Hartong is the Nashville rep for Portrait Artists of America and thus the fact that she choose Ann to paint her daughter speaks very highly of Ann’s talent.  Ann recognizes that the economy is not good right now and is giving significant discounts on portraits.  Depending on what it is that you want, you might be able to get up to 25% off. Call her and her joy for working with you will be felt.  See her website and her talent will have you hooked.

If you have ever thought about having a portrait commissioned, now is the time! www.markalanburnettportraits.com

www.anncowden.com

Mary Hartong's daughter, Mary Liza

Polly Bass

John

© 2010, StyleBlueprint. All rights reserved.