Gallery: A Working Artist's Napa Home

Painter, muralist and landscape designer Angela Tirrell and I have known each other for many years. We first met on the front lawn of her Jefferson Street home when she was having a yard sale.

Angela told me she knew from the start that she must own this place. Twenty seconds after walking inside, Angela turned to her real estate agent and said, "I want this house." She had only gotten as far as the entry. The agent asked, "Don't you want to see the rest of the house?” Without hesitation Angela responded, "No, I already know this is my home."

Every room bursts with a free-flowing, artistic aesthetic; a bunch of roses in an antique silver vase, a swath of vegetable-dyed fabric slung over a chair, an abstract canvas leaned against the wall, art books, hand-painted ceramics - everywhere, vignettes of creativity.

Angela's favorite place is her tranquil garden with fruit trees, a place to enjoy the presence of birds and the laughter of friends. Among her favorite possessions are a Belgian linen mattress and reference books for her painting projects.

Question: Who are your favorite artists?

Angela: My favorite artist varies by mood or need: Sometimes I cannot love any artist more than Lucas Cranach the Elder, or the American poet Wallace Stephens. Sometimes Goya is the antidote to life’s uncertainty and woe, whereas occasionally Rousseau can be the most heartbreakingly poignant – in short – impossible not to love many, many artists of all disciplines and eras!

Q: What do you love most about your home?

A: It's welcoming. People can relax and have fun! Friends also come over to be comforted, or for advice. I love the colors and light and the fact that you can look out to a view of wonderful textures and colors of nature.

You can view Angela's work at:

http://www.angelatirrell.com/index.shtml

For more home inspiration and photos visit my website:

http://inspireyourlifestyle.com