Painting Workshop with Barbara Berry

I had a great time this weekend taking an acrylics painting worshop from Barbara Berry at Donterra Gallery in Sisters, OR.  I learned some basics I needed to know to go to the next step.  We did practice pieces so I won't post anything from the class this time but maybe as I learn to use the concepts better I will show you some of the pieces I have done. 

I did more painting with paper (collages) this weekend.  I did another ocean & sunset scene.  I loved the way the papers came together to create  something beautiful but was SOOO disappointed that as the project  began to dry the papers seemed to stretch with the matte gel I used so the papers puckered.  If anyone out there knows of something I should be doing or a  different glueing paste or gel let me know.

Large View Window Drapery Ideas

Simple side panel drapes are great for large view windows. Large rooms and large windows usually need some dressing up without detracting from a beautiful view.  Sheer linens and cottons are suitable fabrics for this kind of treatment.  I have also used a variety of linen look-alikes in polyester that avoid the fading and wrinkling associated with linen.  Many of these come in 118" widths that are perfect for oversize seameless side panels.

For a truly custom drapery, I usually add dressmaker details such as pleats, decorative ties, pleats or smocking at the top, buttons, bands and side band details.  This dresses up what could be a very dull treatment.

Interesting rods will also add such interest to the treatment. Custom iron rods, wood poles and rings, swing arm rods and decorative wood, fabric or iron cornices also add interest to a custom window treatment.

The rod in the picture above is a custom iron arrow with an iron arrow tieback to hold the panels back.  The rods fit into the western indian decor.  Note the flip top detail. This little detail takes what could be a blah panel into something special.

 I am a Window Fashion Certified Professional/Master  with many years of experience in design for all types of window treatments, I can bring samples to your home. I provide professional measuring, design and installation for a perfect fit.

Offices in Bend & Salem OR

Water color & gauche

Here are a few of my water color projects.  I have been watching tutorials online so I am looking forward to trying new techniques.  Two of these were painted entirely with a credit card. ( a unique new use for my card).  I also used a cut out piece of craft paper as  a stencil to lay on color in shapes.  You will see this papers final resting place on my collage called "Ruins".

Starry night over the Sea

This next one was done for my grandaughters who love these colors. I love swirls & stars so it was a fun one to do.  Water colors & acrylics were used.

Here is a close up of the sea with it's hidden inspirational words.

More art projects

I have been doing new painting projects as I experiment & learn how to use the different mediums.  I just tried mixed media collages on canvas.  Probably not my best work. LOL but it was fun.  These both have a lot of texture.  I call this one "Ruins"

Here is a close up of the piece. I have used the cut paper that is collaged on, first as the stencil for building up texture with molding paste.  That same paper was used in my water color abstract paintings too.  It was all used up so I decided it should rest in peace on my collage.

The next one is called "Time"  It has many cut outs from magazines and cut out words. They were collaged onto a partial back painting of acrylics & molding paste build ups & lots of layers of paint.

If you look closely you will see the molding paste build ups are created from the same stencil paper that is on "Ruins".  I got my moneys worth on that bit of paper.  I found it in the scrap booking section of the craft store.  I think I will look for more of these types of papers.  They are very usefull.

Here is a close up of "Time"  You will see the words hidden under layers of paint & glaze as well as scraps of floral designs & a butterfly.

Latest art projects

Spent the weekend drawing  in charcoal, pastell & graphite.  First time to use them.  Had fun with the black paper.  First time for portrait type drawings.  I got out my book of Curtis indian pictures as inspiration. They don't photograph very well.  Practice makes perfect so I will continue to try this type of art for a while.

Salem Home & Garden Show

We just finished taking down our booth for the annual Salem Spring Garden & Home Show.  It is the first time in many years that we have participated in a trade show. Thought we would give it a try. We did a large corner booth that represented both Artisan Homes & Design (our home building & remodeling company) & Suzanne Marie's Interiors.  It was a really nice booth with 3 seperate monitors showcasing interiors, & custom window fashions as well as our new Structural Stone building system.  I hope those who visited our booth enjoyed our displays. Thank you to all those who stopped by and said hello.

New Art Projects by Suzanne

I have been having fun learning to paint.  I have been experimenting with lots of different ideas so thought I would share a few.  I hope to take some lessons sometime soon so this SHOULD get better. :>)

This was my very first painting I ever did. "Orcas"

"Mountains, Rivers & Snow".  It was a fun but time consuming piece.  Lots of taping off.

"Palm Trees at the Beach"

Experimenting with "Drips"

"Leaves on the Forest Floor"

"Blocks"

My fat cat "Muffin"

Experimenting with "Drips & Swirls"

Tissue Paper Garden

Crows I and II

Water color pencils

"Ice & Snow I"

Number II coming soon.

Water colors & ink

"Horses in a Storm"

Horses version II