Janice Axelson,

P.O. Box 66

Claudville, VA 24076-0066

276-694-5678

Decorative Painting is an old craft that came with our settlers from Europe. "Many Europeans and Asians had for years painted furniture and ornate walls and ceilings, so the immigrants brought this craft with them. Most early American decorative painters were either indentured or itinerate, traveling around with their designs and painting furniture, floor-cloths or murals, as needed by homeowners."

Growing up on a tobacco farm, I learned early to work hard, do whatever needed to be done, and do the best I could at whatever the job. During the winter, my mother kept me busy doing “Paint-by-Number. As my designs were completed, I used the leftover paints to “do my thing – painting on boards, bottles, book covers – whatever I was allowed to “mess on.” Many years later, I continue “messing on” almost any surface that will accept paint.

I enjoy painting on tin, wood, canvas, porcelain, fabrics and walls. I still like to paint in traditional oils; however, due to safety issues and working in confined spaces, I primarily use acrylic paints. One of my favorite quotes is Paul Hawken’s “Always leave enough time in your life to do something that makes you happy, satisfied, even joyous.” Painting is that for me. I encourage everyone to try it.

I am a member of The Society of Decorative Painters International, Triad Decorative Painters (Winston-Salem), Decorative Painters Exchange, Round-the-Mountain Artisans and Bull Mountain Arts. I have taught Decorative Painting for Patrick Henry Community College and at the VA Tech Learning Center (Critz, VA).