Ever Eat Snap Dragons?

Love the look and they taste great too. What a wonderful way to decorate a plate…..with edible flowers!

 Savory crackers with crab salad and snap dragons or pansies. I found these where the fresh herbs are displayed in the produce section at Meijers.

On Safari

This safari scene is a little daunting as you step down the staircase. What are all those beasts and why are they staring at me? I can't tell you their names. Do you know what they are?

Dr. John Ludwig loves to hunt and these are a few of his trophies from Africa. I painted the background scene with a watercolor wash and some impressionist scenery. The detail is very subtle so you can't see too much here. The painting is designed to create a grassland for the display area, a staircase. We added the woven wood blind that hangs from the ceiling. Notice the real grass and wood used with the mounts.

At the landing is this beautiful mount on a pedestal.

                                      Black and white beauty with leathal horns.

These two friendly beasts greet you as you turn past the landing

The final two are waiting at the bottom of the staircase. The one on the right looks a little cranky.

If you can name any of the above you win the unofficial "Name the African Animal Award" 

PAINT LIKE MONET

I teach a class about once a month at Rest Haven Homes in Grand Rapids, MI. This is an opportunity for any of the residents to learn about fine art. Our objective is to study and practice fine art techniques. Today we are learning about Monet and impressionism. 

   

Short brush strokes and lots of color.

White or yellow is added for the light reflective quality.

Using one of Monet's paintings for inspiration helps.

Another interpretation of the same painting.

Flower Garden by Monet

 Critics panned the concept of impressionism and made fun of Monet and his contemporaries but today this is one of the most popular classic styles.

This is the painting that started the Impressionist movement in 1872. It is titled Impression, Soliel Levant or Impression, Sunrise.

One of the most famous subjects: Water Lilies by Claude Monet

Wild Animal Prints in 4 Steps

4 Steps to Hand painted walls: Wild Animal Prints
Here is a beautiful design imagined by Kathy Barry a talented interior designer. This project was completed for one of her clients and they loved it! By following her design ideas I came up with this method to paint different animal skin prints on the walls of a guest bathroom. Here is how it's done:

1. Choose earth tone paint colors and mix half and half with water based glaze.

2. Use a moistened sponge to apply the paint in large organic shapes.

3. Use a marker to draw the animal print shapes on plastic. I use heavy clear plastic report covers.

The plastic is cut with an x-acto knife to create a stencil.  

Make sure to protect the surface underneath with a board or a piece of drywall. 

4. Tape the plastic stencil on the wall and brush over with glaze in the desired color.

I am using a cheap natural bristle brush because I want the finish to be rough and random.

More stripes can be added by moving the stencil around. 

Each of the different prints are created with the same technique. I used a sponge instead of a brush to apply the glaze over the leopard and giraffe stencils. Use a random design by applying the stencils at different angles. 

Results: beautiful faux finish on your walls. Now decorate the rest of the room with fun animal accents. Ask Kathy Barry if you need help. 

Finger Painting

For kids and anyone who wants to do a really fun and messy project.

FINGER PAINTNG

Use finger painting paper because it doesn't wrinkle up with all of the goopy paint. It comes in a large tablet and has a glossy surface which prevents the paint from soaking in. Another option is old fashioned butcher paper. Paint on the waxy surface side of the paper. You can buy finger paint in multi- colored sets as pictured or you can make your own:
Finger Paint Recipes This link has lots of recipes for different kinds of homemade paint. All you have to do when you are finished is wash your hands and of course everything else within a 6 foot radius of the painting project. Yes, it's messy but it is sooooo fun!

Deby loves pink and Esther likes lots of different colors.