Varnish- Lost and Found

For years the studio has relied on Pratt and Lambert Varnish for a variety of reasons. It's a must for our oil glaze formulas, as well as finish coats for furniture and murals. As many of you know, it's been a challenge finding P&L varnish lately since our only Kansas City supplier stopped carrying the brand. Most companies don't carry a dull or flat sheen so it was getting a bit stressful to some of us with approved samples and scheduled jobs.

I'm pleased to say the almost "lost" varnish can be found close to the city. Decorative painter (and now best friend of the studio), Judy Klote discovered Beverly Lumber Co. in Leavenworth, KS. They have locations in Platte City and Riverside, MO. Though they don't carry the varnish at all locations, they will make sure the order is transferred if you call with some notice. Jim Sullivan is the man to talk to for special orders or transfers, at the Leavenworth Store. 913-682-3273

Thanks for the tip Judy! Networking with other artists in the field is very beneficial for us all. Everyone interested, please feel free to use this blog for comments, questions, or suggestions for future posts.

The new generation part 2

Here are a few examples of decorative finishes for the younger generation discussed in the previous post.

The horizontal stripes are sleek and fresh yet maintain a classic traditional feel. A ragged glaze over the entire wall is followed by a second layer of strie'.

The zebra stripes are hand painted in a dark chocolate over a cream basecoat, then glazed.

The new generation, tweens to teens

As a decorative painter for 20 years, I've worked with clients on interiors that are, for the most part, traditional, classic, and timeless. More of my clients are creating beautiful homes that are classic in architecture with all the latest advances in technology. Wine cellars, home theatres, gyms and spas, all call for new directions and creativity in creating decorative finishes that are classic and traditional with a modern twist.

One of the most intriguing trends of late are the huge suites of rooms for the children. Private or hidden play rooms, media centers, huge closets, study areas, and huge baths befitting the masters of the house all need to be decorated with a modern, fresh approach that appeals to the next generation. The tweens and the teens-- what to do with their areas of the house without completly compromising the approach taken in the rest of the home?

A few thoughts-
Start with color- brighter versions of the parents aesthetic
Turn it on it's side- take traditional stripes and make them horizontal, sleek and modern
Make it wild- add animal print motifs, zebra stripes or leopard spots as accents
Bring it back -the 60's in flower power art for play rooms and baths