Have I mentioned How Much I love my Tools?

This is not a paid post- I just have to shout out for the tools that make my work easier, better, tidier (is that a word?).

I already used Shur-Line‘s mini rag rollers for my decorative painting business before Hosting Fresh Coat then becoming Shur-Line’s spokesperson (2007-2010; a great run!) and a huge fan of their brushes and teflon coated trays. My favorite brushes are 1 1/2″ square and angle. (Thank you, Paul and Shur-Line team)

And I can’t live without Fits-All Paint Can Spout (see the yellow and blue plastic thingies at the back of the counter?). I’ve used these for years to keep paint cans clean which keeps the paint fresh longer and the mess to a minimum. LOVE these things!

These and more fav tools have helped me paint things like this dresser for the DIY videos I produced last Summer…

and later this landscape in my living room.

These stripes on my piano…

This painting that just sold yesterday (yea!)

Decorative finishes, like this one, from my decorative painting days…

And this cute little night stand I’m taking with me to my Art reception at Kaffeehaus this Saturday in San Mateo from 6-9. (hope to see you all there)

Feels great to have the tools and the team that makes everything I do easier and more fun.

Sneak Peak: this Saturday’s art and pop-up show

Final preparations are underway…

Val is preparing some nice little hors d’oeuvres and selected a lovely vino for a complimentary bite and beverage. (more drinks and food are available for purchase after that)

And I’m putting final touches on the pillows and things to accompany my art. Here’s just a glimpse of what will be at the show…

See you there:

Kaffeehaus

92 East 3rd Avenue, San Mateo

Saturday May 18th 6-9pm

Art Show turns Pop-up Shop

I’ve been on a mad dash getting ready these past few days, for my art show at Kaffeehaus in San Mateo.

Val, the owner, invited me to add more art to the walls…

and then I went with friend and photographer, Sarah Deragon, to the Alameda Flea Market and found some treasures…

Like this chair from the DEA’s office in Los Angeles…

And this cute little nightstand…

So, I just had to add them to my list of things to do and see how I can transform them with my paintings (can’t wait to show you!). That’s right, I’m creating a pop-up shop complete with the art, pillows and furniture.

Somehow it always gets done (right, Lane and Mom?!) and the best part is that when all is said and done, enjoying the event with friends and family makes it all worth while.

It’s true, there have been several unashamed announcements and invitations about this show, so thank you for indulging my excitement and for the positive responses already flooding in.

See you there!

Artist Reception

Things are heating up for my art reception at Kaffeehaus on May 18th from 6-9pm.

Two of my pieces have already sold!

Originals are available along with a few pillows. Prints can be ordered as well.

I’m offering a 10% discount for that night only on all purchases, so let me know if you have any questions or want to meet that the cafe for a preview.

Week 16: Rooms that Rock for Chemo

This little owl may seem like a strange painting from me, but it’s part of a really cool project I worked on this weekend. Here’s the scoop:

Founded by Nancy Ballard (on the left contributing her painting talents as well!) Rooms that Rock for Chemo provides hospital oncology centers with colorful uplifting makeovers provided by volunteer interior designers, artists, and all around cool people…

like my friend, Shannon Geis, a talented Decorative Painter , who recruited me, Colin, Vernon, and a few other friends to help her paint a play room for a Children’s Cancer Treatment Center makeover at Oakland Childrens Hospital. Shannon rallied everyone from volunteers, maintenance crew, and hospital staff to add their unique touch to the community mural she designed just for this space. She and another fantastic artist, Lynne Rutter, started off the room with the big elements and came back in when everyone was done contributing to bring it all together with detail work and final touches.

I painted the owl she gave me and then took on three magnate paint squares with decorative frames. (I used it on Fresh Coat, so I know this material well- even the roller gets heavy loaded up with metal infused paint!)

In the midst of her own design contributions, Cora Sue Anthony, from HGTV, jumped onto the mural with us too! Thanks, Cora Sue!

I was only there for one day. It’s the people who spent the week and weekend on this magnificent makeover, and those who are committed to this incredible organization and oncology centers everywhere who are rocking the world.

Great day. Thank you, Shannon Geis and Rooms that Rock for Chemo!