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.

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!

Power walk: architecture in the morning

The more I get out and walk, but more I love morning light. Here are some shots from a recent walk.

Oh! Before we start, I have to shout out to Sarah Deragon of Portraits to the People for her ‘iphoneography 101′ class! Her info and guidance was like a sweet salve on this frustrated photographer’s iphone. Thank you, Sarah!

Okay, here we go…

Week 14: All Chalked Up

It’s true, the pattern you see on the wall is more about chalk than paint, but A. the black background is chalkboard paint, so technically I did paint this week. And B. I didn’t think you wanted to see more painted jars (see previous post), so really this is for your benefit.

Anyway, here’s the story:

I painted a giant panel of chalkboard paint in my office…

Because I love Dana Tanamachi’s work.

Nagging Doubt Pinot Noir from Dana Tanamachi on Vimeo.

And history shows that I like writing in my work too.

I wanted to do something really elaborate and cool… but then I remembered this image I’ve been saving for a year or so. Everything about this picture inspires me: the colors, mix of styles, shapes… (I don’t know anything about this image. If you know who designed this wallpaper, please let me know!)

black wallpaper, yellow floral, big flower pattern, big floral pattern, red sofa, coral sofa, victorian sofa, oversize floral print, floral print

So I grabbed this acanthus inspired stencil I designed (about 13 years ago!) and added the curly yellow petals, almost looks like the blossoms are bursting open just in time for spring.

I drew a simple frame and started tracing the stencil with chalk.

And when all was said and done, I had a nice little vignette that I’m enjoying right now as I type this post. Love when that happens; when a bunch of the ideas that have been noodling around in your brain, not only finally see the light, but a bunch of bits and pieces get thrown together in a way you couldn’t have planned until that moment.