Meet Shara Reiner

I have been painting 35 years. When I took my first class it was all consuming for me. It still is today.  There is no better therapy than to paint the hours away and not think about another thing.
I worked in a craft store in Poway, California, I taught needlepoint and filled in for what ever else needed to be taught. I was the one who said, “I can not paint!”, but would stand around and watch the painting classes. Finally I broke down and took a class!!!! That was the beginning! I never would have guessed that all these years later I would be travel teaching and writing books.
I have been a student, teacher and shop owner and I love it all. I count my self so lucky that I can work at something that I love.  I still take classes when I can, and think of myself as a beginner every time I do. I will always learn something in a class no matter how long I paint.
This most asked question I get is where do I get my inspiration?? That is a hard one for me. My students are always inspiring me .They will say things like "Why don't you paint a Santa with Christmas trees for boots??? You know I might.  Once I start a project one thing will lead to another and by the time I'm done I will have three projects painted.  We all hit a dry spell from time to time and that is when I go shopping. I have favorite quilt shops and high end gift shops that I visit, and those shopping breaks will get my mind going.
I have met wonderful people in this business and made lifelong friends. Try to remember that there is more painting than finishing a project.  And, be watching for that Santa with Christmas trees for boots!

0 comments - Posted by MaryJo at 7:21 AM - Categories: Artist Bios

Meet Shirley Koenig

SHIRLEY KOENIG
ARTIST AND AUTHOR OF COUNTRY’S EDGE BOOKS

I am a native Texan, born in Austin, Texas. Now I live in Livingston, Texas – about eighty miles north of Houston. The area is called the Big Thicket because of all the pines, hardwood trees, streams and lakes. It is a natural habitat for many species of birds and animals. I also love flowers, and have a field of Bluebonnets and wildflowers in the spring and I plant Zinnia’s and other flowers to attract butterflies.  I feed the birds every day to attract them.

I also like photography and with the trees and flowers – comes the birds and butterflies. These are my favorite subjects to paint. I have always loved to draw and paint using oils, watercolor and acrylics - now use acrylic paint. I like to paint impressionistic backgrounds similar to oils with a realistic subject. I like to thin the paint with water and use watercolor and decorative painting techniques.

Started painting and writing the Country’s Edge books in the 80’s and now try to have a new book every year.

Happy Painting, Shirley

1 comments - Posted by Diane at 8:00 AM - Categories: Artist Bios

Chris Haughey talks about painting resin

When I first saw the Holdiay Buddies, I thought painting a design would be a simple, coloring book approach.  I can't express how much fun it was to play with color and design on these 3-D surfaces.  What a pleasant surprise painting these figurines compared to a traditional flat design.  I just had the best time working with these pieces. 
Because many features are carved there is no frustration about placement and proportions such as painting facial features in the right place, getting the arms and mittens the same size, making sure the legs and feet are “holding up” the bodies.  Since there is absolutely no concern about  overall shapes,  all focus can be channeled into color and design. 
I was thinking how easy it would be to change colors to co-ordinate with any décor.  Think country by using hunter greens, deep blues and rusty reds.  How about a traditional look with Christmas tree greens, holly berry reds, and rich blues.  Switch to Renaissance with jewel tone purples, golds and jade greens.  Soft crèmes and pastels lean towards Victorian. 
It is so much fun to be a painter, think outside the box, and be creative.  One design, one idea is a pebble in the sea of creativity.  The ripples of inspiration just keeps going on and on...

6 comments - Posted by MaryJo at 9:17 AM - Categories: Artist Bios