Seventeen years ago, following the birth of our second son, I discovered decorative painting.  Having always enjoyed “arts and crafts,” I was thrilled to discover that I didn’t need to be able to draw in order to paint beautifully!  Decorative painting became an obsession, something that I spent every spare minute doing.

Seven years ago I opened up my home studio/shop, Shades of Culler, in response to repeated requests from friends and family that I teach them how to paint.  I had never taught anyone anything prior to opening that shop, so you can imagine how nervous I was.  But, much to my delight, I discovered that there was a great deal of satisfaction to be derived from teaching others the various decorative painting techniques and watching their faces fill with delight and wonder as they realized that they too could create beautiful artwork.  About two years ago, as things naturally progressed, I started creating some of my own designs.

Being involved in decorative painting since 1985, I had heard about the pen and ink with oil rouging technique, but I had never really explored it, since it involved oil paints and I was an acrylic painter.  Then in 2001, while at the HOOT trade show with my parents—who always go with me to conventions—my father stopped at Mary’s booth and became enamored of her design, Barn at Pine Knob; he couldn’t take his eyes off of that picture.  The next day I returned to Mary’s booth and purchased that pattern.  I had no experience or knowledge of pen and ink, but was sure I could follow the directions.  Little did I know that my life was about to change!  I did complete that design for my father as a Christmas present and considering that I knew nothing, it really did turn out pretty good, a testament to Mary’s great directions.  I decided to check out Mary’s website and look at some of her other patterns and that is when I found out about her Certification program, which was going to be held in Philadelphia in February of 2002.  I called, talked to Mary, and signed up for the program on the spot.  So the first time I took a class from Mary was at her Certification program and I sure wasn’t disappointed!  I learned so much those five days and was totally amazed at what could be done with the projector, ink, and some oil paints.  My only regret is that I didn’t “discover” pen and ink with oil rouging years ago and I will be forever grateful to my father for drawing my attention to Mary’s wonderful technique. 

Now that I am a Certified Mary Owens Teacher, I plan to teach as many classes as possible in this technique as I want everyone to know how easy it is, how quickly you can complete a design, how you can correct any errors, and what fun you can have creating beautiful artwork to hang on your walls or use to decorate just about any surface.

I have already completed one original pen and ink design and have several others in the works.  If you are interested in learning more about this technique, please contact me regarding classes or visit my website at:  www.shadesofculler.com.