January 07, 2018

Let's get making!

January 07, 2018/ Lucy Tonyan

I am so looking forward to starting the new year with crazy cool projects and new challenges for my imaginative students.

January's session begins Tuesday 1/9 from 10 to noon for home schoolers, 5 to 6:30 for 1st-4th grades, and 7 to 8:30 for 5th-9th grades. On Wednesday evenings, kids and families paint with us at the easel. So check the schedule and register for the picture you'd like to create. New this year is a Saturday Morning Studio designed for ages 12 to adult. This class starts up in March with a new project presented each week. Originality is encouraged as you sample and explore a variety of techniques and mediums.

March 11, 2016

Inspired Kids Art Show at The Dole Mansion - 2016

March 11, 2016/ Lucy Tonyan

Take a look at out photos from The Studio's March art exhibit at the beautiful Dole mansion gallery. Artworks were created in the January and February classes by artists aged 5 to 13, under the instruction of Lucy Tonyan. The entire presentation was open for viewing throughout the month of March.

August 04, 2015

I’ts a SNAP to CRACLKLE and POP!

August 04, 2015/ Lucy Tonyan

One woman’s trash is another’s treasure, and this plaster wall hanging from the 1950’s was on its way to the dumpster when I spotted her and brought her home. Artisan Enhancements Fine Stone was used first to fill a bad crack. When that was dry, Chalk Paint® in Old White was lathered on liberally. Next, a soft wash of Antibes was washed over with a bit of hand-painted foliage dabbed in the background. When that was dry, I applied Annie Sloan Crackelur, a simple two step process with a bit of dry time between each layer. Both clear and dark waxes were used simultaneously to enhanced the porcelain like effect of the delicate crackles. Voila! So pretty and au currant with today’s trendy chinoiserie style.

May 06, 2015

Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® Essentials Workshop

May 06, 2015/ Lucy Tonyan

A rainy day in May is a perfect day to be at The Studio for a Chalk Paint Essentials Workshop.

We learned four different techniques and so many tips and tricks. The damp air did effect paint drying time, but we used that as a teaching moment and know to expect a longer drying time on a damp day.

One of my favorite techniques is sampled here below; we painted graphite, then used a tiny bit of bronze shimmer and a light wash of duck egg for the look of an aged metal patina.

I can’t wait to see what these ladies (and Ted!) will paint next!

April 30, 2015

Grannies Boots

April 30, 2015/ Lucy Tonyan

Jean’s dad passed away recently and with mom in assisted living, her childhood home needed to be cleaned out and readied for market. A house sale was planned and any meaningful family treasures were divided among the family. The boots did not make the keep pile.

Left for the sale, the old boots sat forlorn and overlooked. When the estate sale was over, the few odds and ends that were left were boxed up and sent to thrift. Others were put on the curb for passerby to rescue.

I got the boots and here is what I did with them.

The scarred black leather got a coat of English yellow and olive in a crazy bright green color mix. Once dry, Antoinette was loosely painted over, leaving the chartreuse to show through the rough cracks and crevices. The paint easily enhanced the incredible texture of the old leather.

A mix of clear and dark wax was applied, and then a quick dry bush of pure white to highlight details and more texture. I hoped to lace the boots with great looking ribbons but nothing would fit through the small eyeholes except utilitarian waxed shoelaces. I made do with those and I actually think they are perfect.