Paint + Pattern Where design & creativity collide

Decorative patterns from Italy usually leave one breathless in just their scope of style, diversity, depth, creativity and sheer artistry. One person who has been continually inspired by these ornamental designs is decorative artist Steve Shriver. An in-demand muralist and ...

After a 4-year absence from leading painting retreats to Italy, Gary Lord, Melanie Royals, and Alison Wooley are pleased to announce an exclusive new and exciting decorative painting adventure to the Villa di Modollo in the Venice region of Italy. ...

Having two companies can be a lot like having two children. You love each one passionately and strive to give them equal amounts of time and attention. It can be hard to maintain that balance, though, when one or the ...

Well, I’ve made a decision. When my dreams come true, I will buy a villa or palazzo in Italy. While I’m dreaming, I might as well just make a commitment to visit Riccardo Barthel in Florence because, you know, I am ...

You may have noticed that I have been absolutely HORRIBLE at accomplishing regular blog postings lately. Between a multitude of major new projects, trade show preparations, planning painting trips, and a honeymoon and a wedding (in that order), there seems to ...

Metallic Foils are smokin’ hot! They’ve been around the decorative painting world for years, but I’ve just started playing around with them a year or so ago. Sometimes, I’m a little slow to get to the table….but now I’m a ...

Wow! What a great group of people showed up in the Rome airport to participate in our little painting adventure at the Castello di Casigliano. I’ll share them with you in the next post but first wanted to show you ...

In Rome, there is an amazing series of museum buildings and collections that make up the Museo Nazionale Romano. My favorite (I just visited for the third time!) is the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme which is located a block away ...

Ciao! I’ve just returned from my 2 week trip to Italia. It was FABULOUS, thank you! I’m still getting my “back to reality” legs under me and it’s taking quite a bit of time to sort through photos (and here I ...

I’m keeping my traveling shoes ready by the door and my travel cosmetic bag stocked with miniscule amounts of shampoo and body lotion. Why? Another Italy trip is on the horizon with my bud Gary Lord. You may recall our ...