From Relic to Snazzy

The "Kushner" Chair...after -  I just love black and white...

An old chair was given to Cottage Chic (my shop) as a "do whatever you wish" project.  It sat in the shop for over a year with its drab floral cushions and uninspiring finish.  After painting it black to emphasize its lines, I had a brainstorm.  Over thirty years ago, I was an intern/volunteer at the Fabric Workshop in Philadelphia when it was just getting started.  Artists were invited to create designs that were silk-screened (hand pulled) in limited editions.

The Chair "Before"

Robert Kushner was among the first artists invited, and I was able to keep some of the first proofs that were pulled.  I don't know what they were titled as I was unable to stay to see the project all the way through, but I found one of the images online at an auction house, so they are of some value!  I just know how great the image looks on this chair.  And it's really comfortable!

Mother's Day Commissions

Here are two paintings finished this past week for a Mom's newly painted and redecorated room.  Her daughter chose paint color samples from my color fan based upon fabric to be used in the room.  Deep mossy green, a sandy taupe, and various lighter shades of green were to be combined with imagery of wrought iron.

I used a frame within frame motif with filigree patterns borrowed from her sample fabric for a somewhat more contemporary look to the wrap around canvases.  The paintings are 18 x 24, acrylic with Valspar sealer.  I hope she likes them!

I'm gratified when someone chooses original art over something mass produced.  Because of this, I do my best to please the client, always making sure the work is professionally executed, sealed, ready to hang, and finished on time.

I know that many artists scorn this type of work, but in this economy that is a rather foolish luxury.  One need only remember how much one prefers working for oneself to a job in some conglomerate.  Even if I were to spend 40 hours a week doing commissioned art, I would prefer it to 40 hours in a mindless and soulless discount chain...

My Studio is also a shop

This is my shop/studio/gallery located next to my house wa-ay out in the country. The secret to staying self-employed is low overheard. Thus, I no longer rent space and pay separate utilities, fees, travel expenses, etc. I don't need a lot of customers, just the right ones.

Down on the highway is my sign painted appropriately on a headboard. I've remounted the sign since this

photo was taken and the wood posts are less obvious. On the days I'm open, I put out banners, balloons, a big OPEN TODAY sign, and lots of pots of flowers. All along the .2/mile drive there are signs posted "a la Burma Shave" to entice them up the hill and to let folks know I have a sense of humor. There's a Slow, Skunk Crossing sign (not because there are skunks, but to really get people to slow down and not accidentally run over one of my cats, a dog, a turtle, snake or possum (yes, there are really possums). There's a sign that says Watch for Armadillo, followed by one that says: Just Kidding and many others such as Keep Going! Almost There and You Made It.

This is the old well house nest to the shop. It makes a good potting shelter and space for displaying birdhouses, and other outdoor and garden accessories. I love the red saw blades...

Next time, I'll take you inside and close up.

Signing..

I like doing "artistic" signs with images.
Here is the sign for my studio and gallery. It's a 4 x 8 ft sign with a border of crown molding that I added myself.

Here's the latest decorative painting...

I received a call from the sweetest lady who said she'd seen my work at a local eatery and had been trying to find me for quite a while!! Here are the results of two days of embellishing her kitchen and dining area.

This was one of the most pleasant painting jobs I've ever had. Providing coffee and sweet rolls and being the most pleasant of hostesses

Details from the kitchen -

The client wanted cheerful florals and whimsical scenes from nature.

For the dining room irises highlight ornamental filigree.

Recent work - decorative painting in an alcove

This is a detail of the wall below which is half of this decorative painting job. The rather deep green background color allowed me to work in both lighter and darker green values and I worked for a soft but not completely subdued effect.
It looked a bit better sans blue tape - and I'll re-photograph it with the furnishings back in place when I go back. The client has a comfy chaise lounge that sits with the headrest in this corner, thus the cold air vent is not visible normally.

New work!! (finally)

I've been ill with a bad headcold/flu-ish thing, that has finally subsided into "just a cough." I apologize for not posting, but it seemed I'd just have no energy left after doing those things that absolutely had to be done - even when sick...

Below is a series of animal portraits done for a wonderful couple up in the Lake Burton area of NE Georgia. I met them a couple of years ago when I painted a "canine cabinet" for them. A while back their kitties were added to the cabinet and we talked of doing these small paintings. They chose a 12 x 12 format so that the portraits could be displayed as a group - or moved about and interchanged in small spaces. The couple has a lot of art and thus - not that much remaining wall space.

Brodie - a rescue Weimeraner...

Simon - He's his own cat...

Maddie - The grande matriarch...

And the lovely Fiona - a pink and white princess, and the most recent rescue...