March 1 and 2, internationally renown publisher and decorative painter, Gretchen Cagle, honored Blanco and the Hill Country by instructing painting classes in the area.

Saturday’s class, taught in the Old Blanco Courthouse, emphasized acrylic blending techniques. Sunday’s class, taught at Wendy’s Red Door Painting Studio, featured painting transparent glass with oils.

Gretchen’s painting seminars are sought by painters all over the world. She just recently returned from a trip to Korea. Gretchen is a long-standing member of the Society of Decorative Painters and has held many offices in the organization to include President. She has won many prestigious awards for her involvement in the Decorative Painting industry. Currently, Gretchen holds the position of Vice President of the Decorative Arts Collection Museum Board of Trustees.

Decorative painting is a diverse art form utilizing a variety of techniques and media to decorate functional and non-functional surfaces.

Because of the systematic methods employed, contemporary decorative painting is a highly teachable art form. The patterns or freehand designs allow a high degree of success without academic training or inherent drawing ability. Approached with creativity, discipline and craftsmanship, contemporary decorative painting offers opportunities for artistic self-expression and creative satisfaction.

The scope of contemporary decorative painting is boundless. Styles and techniques of the past are incorporated into the trends and materials of the present, while developing the decorative art heritage of the future.

For more information: www.decorativepainters.com.