Winter is so bleh sometimes and with a fresh blanket of snow outside that is slowly becoming dark gray slush, I couldn't be in need of some inspiration more. Color, please! That's why this morning I'd like to share Brooklyn-based artist Samantha Hahn because her work makes this dismal weather somewhat disappear. With motifs that include ornate brocades, vintage pin-up girls, and graphic geometric patterns, there is truly something for everyone. And color! What color!

Hahn's illustrative work can be seen in recent issues of Glamour magazine, and other magazines such as Craft, Faesthetic, and Truant magazine. Current projects include an illustrated photo-book for American Greetings Interactive (Spring '09), card designs for Hallmark, and more.

My current favorite print she has in her shop is I LOVE YOU (with feathered patterned letters) because ever since seeing the Love print in author, designer, and Domino editor Rita Konig's apartment in this video I can't stop thinking about having a Love print myself, only not the exact one that Rita has -- something a bit different as I don't like having the same items I see in homes I envy so I LOVE YOU works perfectly for me and is on my current wish list.

How can you get your hands on her work (in the form of art prints)? Easy. Is it affordable? Yes!

Hahn has an Etsy shop under the name I Make Things where she sells some of her prints, here are some of her limited edition giclée prints shown below currently in stock. I own two purchased last year, one you can see in the image above in my living room, far left corner. It's 11 x 14 and is called "Dancing Girls". In addition to liking the illustration, I selected it because I really love the punchy colors -- it's so alive!

You can also find her designs at other online shops, click here for the full list. If you love reading blogs don't miss her happy space on the web called Maquette where she talks about current inspirations from fashion to art and beyond.

How can this work NOT brighten a dull winter's day?

(images from samantha hahn, home photo from holly becker)