Out of Our Hands » Paint

Stever, Janet

Joyce Yura — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 21:49:43 +0000

Janet Stever is an illustrator from Quakertown, PA. Janet obtained her BFA degree in Illustration from Moore College of Art, Philadelphia. Her subject matter is varied but most are seasonal, floral, vineyard or inspirational. Gouache is her medium of choice and most of her paintings are purely paint on bristol board, thoughshe sometimes augments her work with computer accents and textures.

Janet’s husband, Gary, participates in the making of their handcrafted Christmas ornaments. When MS forced him into an early retirement from dentistry, Gary set up his workshop with all his power tools and working surfaces at wheelchair height. Together, Gary and Janet turn a rectangle for wood into a lathe-turned, hand-carved and painted one-of-a-kind piece of artwork.

Skinner, Marie

Lauren Beck — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:17:01 +0000

People often ask, “When did you begin painting?” My mother told me I was born with a paint brush in one hand, a knitting needle in the other, and a very lusty voice! My creative efforts followed all three of those early indications, but painting gradually won out. It has been my love and, along with raising my family, has absorbed most of my time. It is the best therapy I know of, has helped pay for itself with wholesale and retail sales, and has provided the unique enjoyment and happy memories of 35 years of teaching.

I have painted in all the mediums, as far as I know. Stenciling with bronze powders has become my favorite, both for its exquisite beauty and its identification with our country‘s heritage. My involvement with bronze powder stenciling has included studying the methods of Esther Stevens Brazier and many years of practice, teaching and exhibiting, including presentations of public television.

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Theorem painting is the art of stenciling on velvet and was popular in early 1800-1860. The young New England genteel ladies sought a new diversion from the embroidery needle, and found the theorem painting fascinating. Instruction in theorem painting was often a part of the curriculum in female seminaries. It was sometimes called “Poonah” painting after the city in India where it is said to have originated.

The word “theorem” means a theory or formula in which the artist analyzes the picture and divides it into numbered parts to be cut as stencils. Oil paint is used with a nearly dry brush to give the soft shaded look.

Velvet paintings appeared as pictures, on firescreens, quilts, pillows, bell pulls, purses and ball dresses. Many decorative painters today are bringing back the painting art of theorem painting and designing their own distinctive theorems.

Cusumano, Anthony

Devon Beck — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:04:06 +0000

My carving career began in 1994 but I have been whittling since I was about 10 years old when my father gave me my first pocket knife. I am completely self-taught and have carved many types of birds. I am particularly fond of shore birds, having lived on Long Island for more than 30 years.

Wildfowl Carving Magazine published an article I wrote in the Winter 1999 issue. The article dealt with a special technique for making long, curved beaks which are very strong and resist breaking. Carving is a source of enjoyment for me, from doing the research, relaxing during the carving and finally bringing me a sense of accomplishment.

Yurgel, Lynne

Devon Beck — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:13:32 +0000

Lynne Yurgel, of Mona Lynne Creations began doing decorative art twenty years ago. She began specializing in the decoration of glass five years ago. Lynne uses only high quality enamel paints, but does recommend hand washing.