January 27, 2014

Deanne Lenehan

Events, News!, Exhibits and Experiences, General Posts, Personal, Art, Classes

One Step Closer

January 27, 2014

Deanne Lenehan

Events, News!, Exhibits and Experiences, General Posts, Personal, Art, Classes

A few years ago I traveled to Atlanta to be a spectator at the annual "Salon." Salon is "a gathering of dedicated decorative painters from around the world coming together to exhibit their work and discuss old and new techniques, products, and information in the field." Every year it is hosted by a different member in that person's country. Since Atlanta, it has been hosted in Hamburg, Germany and last year it was in Tokyo. This year's Salon will be in Seattle. I was curious about the group so when I heard that it was going to be relatively close to me I decided to check it out.

When I visited Salon in Atlanta I was amazed at the breadth of talent that was on display. Members traveled from across the globe to in order to come together in the name of decorative art. Members have expertise in the traditional decorative arts such as faux marbre (marbleizing) faux bois (woodgraining), gilding, trompe l'oeil, and ornamentation.

Unlike other groups, to become a member, you have to be juried in. I decided that I would apply for membership but was sure that I wouldn't be accepted because this group is the best of the best! Well, I submitted my portfolio to this year's host and was accepted to participate! I was floored! Participation in this event has been on my list of professional goals for a few years now. The next step is to plan and paint a panel that will be exhibited along side my mentors and peers. Talk about setting the bar high!

September 8, 2013

Deanne Lenehan

Art, Decorative Painting, Events, Faux Finishes, News!, Projects, Woodgraining, Behind the Scenes, Show Houses

Knock on....wood?

September 8, 2013

Deanne Lenehan

Art, Decorative Painting, Events, Faux Finishes, News!, Projects, Woodgraining, Behind the Scenes, Show Houses

After a two year hiatus from participating in the HEC Decorator Show House, I have had the pleasure to design the grand foyer of this year's house, Mount Ida. Knock on wood, that all of the efforts of the designers, volunteers, and workers will pay off with a record turn out of visitors! For tickets and more information, click here. My rendering for this year's promotional material.

Mount Ida is located atop the hill next to the Court House in Ellicott City. Originally built in 1828 by members of the Ellicott Family, Mount Ida was built in the Greek Revival/Italianate style. Sometime in the 1970's or 80's, the foyer was divided up into three spaces but has now been restored to all 30 feet of its original glory. In designing the space, I wanted to honor tradition but had to add my own twist.

The original foyer, as seen in this photograph from the Library of Congress, taken in the 1960's.

This picture shows what I saw when I did my walkthrough. These partitions were put in place sometime in the last few decades and the decor was left from when Mount Ida was a decorator showhouse in 1995. This is taken from the same vantage point as the black and white photo above.

You then passed from the first space into this room. This is the central area of the foyer. The door to the right led to an office.

The first thing that happened was all of these walls, including a wall covering the back doors were taken down. Repairs, scraping, cleaning, painting, and more painting took place over the course of 8 weeks.

And here are a few images of what my space looks like now just to tease you!

Knock on...wood? You will have to come see for yourself!! ;)

Look closely at the chandeliers that Bill Knapp fabricated. Can you tell what they're made from?

This is Brian, the contractor who HEC hired to do all of the renovations that needed to be done, like fixing the waste stack that exploded in my space the week before I was to start. (I know. gross.)

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I really have to thank several people for making my vision happen.

-Paula Henry of Simply Put Interiors for help with the design layout, moral support, and great friendship.

-Bill Knapp, Bill Knapp Arts, for without him we would be in the dark.

-Alison Roy-Harrison of Columbia Interior Finishes for doing all of the basecoating for my space.

-Phil Adams from Floors Etc for my area rugs (all three of them!)

-Amy Alder for her upholstery expertise

-My mom, Carol Lenehan for her immaculate sewing skills on the skirted tables.

-My dad, Kevin Lenehan, for helping me build the skirted tables and wiring the chandeliers (all three of them!)

-Barry Sheehan- Metal in Motion, for helping out with my brainfart that "there should be a sculpture here..."

-The volunteers and members of HEC, Inc.

and Mikey, for his patience.

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We all hope to see you there!

June 14, 2013

Deanne Lenehan

Art, Decorative Painting, Faux Finishes, Murals, Projects, Events, Show Houses

BSO Decorator Showhouse 2013

June 14, 2013

Deanne Lenehan

Art, Decorative Painting, Faux Finishes, Murals, Projects, Events, Show Houses

"Cosy Corner" is the title designer Paula Henry of Simply Put Interiors gave to this tiny little bedroom at this year's BSO Decorator Showhouse. Previously owned by legendary Baltimore Colts Quarterback Johnny Unitas, the house was transformed by almost two dozen designers. This year Paula enlisted my services to create a unique ceiling treatment and textural wall finish. In addition, I created sketches of some of our beloved pets, my cats and her dogs.

It was a whirlwind trying to get all of the work completed but the final result is a stunner. Paula always has a great way of visualizing and executing a beautiful environment. I'm always happy to be a part of her projects.

A special thanks goes to my Friend in Faux, Alison Roy Harrison who owns Columbia Interior Finishes. Alison bailed me out and executed the finishes on the walls while I was busy trying to finish the ceiling before deadline. Thank you Alison!!

IMG_4465

January 23, 2013

Deanne Lenehan

Art, Behind the Scenes

Abe

January 23, 2013

Deanne Lenehan

Art, Behind the Scenes

With all the hub-ub about the Lincoln movie, I thought I would share a fun little project I did for designer Wendy Appleby as a gift to her brother...

His three favorite things are Abraham Lincoln, the Boston Red Sox, and his local daily paper the "Jackson Hole Daily"

Wendy's daughter recently was married by Wendy's brother who became ordained for the sole purpose of officiating the ceremony. As a thank you Wendy and her family had me paint the hat and paper over top of a print of Lincoln.

I even had Mikey pose for me.

Thanks Mikey :)

January 13, 2013

Deanne Lenehan

Exhibits and Experiences, Art, General Posts

Pret-a-Papier at Hillwood Estate

January 13, 2013

Deanne Lenehan

Exhibits and Experiences, Art, General Posts

I often see announcements for exhibits and plan to make time to go but forget amidst the chaos of work and life. I happened to re-read a recent issue of Veranda and came across a blurb about an exhibit at the Hillwood Estate in DC that combined paints, paper, and fashion. I had never heard of Hillwood but upon further research realized it was the estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post. (In my head – “Duh! Merriweather Post Pavillion!“– The place where in high school I hopped the fence to many a concert… Until it changed owners and a huge berm and two barbed wire fences were erected, oh, and a highway transected my pathway to the venue. Hmph!) But I digress… The exhibit was of the works of artist Isabelle De Borchgrave of Brussels. She creates fashions out of paint and paper. I was skeptical until I looked up the Atelier and was blown away and the detail and realism she has realized with paper. The exhibit was to close in early January so I had to go and with Christmas break around the corner I had some time to play with.

So I passed the idea by Mike and gave him the right of first refusal. Secretly I wanted him to say no because I think my mom would LOVE to see this since she sews and would appreciate both the methods as well as the construction of the pieces. I think he knew that and so I asked my mom and of course she wanted to go.

I just have to say first what a treasure the Hillwood Estate is, and how ignorant I feel for not knowing about its existence. The home is filled with Mrs. Post’s collection of French porcelain and Russian liturgical artifacts and Relics that were to end up melted down by the Russian government after the Revolution.

Oh but the paper, it was simply stunning! It was mind-blowing how Borchgrave manipulated paper and paints to replicate fabrics like silk, brocade, trims, precious gems, and metals.

Detail of Dress in the style of Empress Josephine shown above: