June 20 & 21 Faux Marquetry Class With Visiting Artist - Kimberly Bennett

On June, 20 & 21, 2009, we met at Linda Conner's Studio in Charleston, West Virginia, for an adventure in Faux Grains. Visiting Artist Kimberly Bennett TT, taught various Folk graining techniques using 20th Century materials and DecoArts Non-Toxic Traditions Acrylics. All the techniques were created with inexpensive materials that you can find on hand or lying around the house. There was no need for any specialty brushes for this class. We used a variety of bristle brushes that are readily available at any hardware or art supply store.

On the first day Kim discussed the are of Marquetry and Faux Marquetry. As paart of her examples, she displayed several faux wood picture frames. Later in the class she surprised us with a random drawing for them. I won one. I love it. During this day we worked through 10 different faux techniques on primed watercolor paper. When completed and dried, the labeled instructions were applied to the back side of each piece. They were then inserted into an album (supplied by Kimberly) to use as a reference for future projects. The album contained extra pages for the addition of new faux techniques of our own. We finished all 10 faux treatments in one day. It was amazing how quickly the projects went. To encourage us to use our newly learned techniques, Kim gave each of us an unfinished picture frame.

On Sunday we began our nain project. This was a box with a Magnolia Motif, designed to look as if is was inlayed wood pieces. Kim explaned the reason and her inspiration for the Magnolia design. For this class Kimberly gave us the option to supply our own surface. To accommodae us, she supplied the pattern in various sizes. Some students painted their project on Memory Boxes for the Hubbard House Hospice Center, a few used trays and others used surfaces they had on hand. The time went to fast, bet we were all pleased with our projects. I think everyone left with lots of new ideas and exciting projects in mind. Kimberly is an excellent teacher and a lot of fun to work with. Thank you Please come again.
I also want to mention that Linda's Studio was great. It has a wonderful atmosphere, is conveniently located, brightly lite, greats accomidations, Kitchen, two bathrooms and excellent parking. Also Linda was in and out checking of our needs. Thank you Linda, you were a gracious host.