Welcome

Dolores Furnari, owner of the Country Owl Studio, welcomes you to the 19th season of classes being held at 2391 McConnell Rd., just a couple of miles from downtown Brandon, Vermont. Come visit this charming Vermont town set at the foothills of the Green Mountains and have some fun in one or more of our classes while learning a new craft. Dolores Furnari has been a member of Historical Society of Early American Decoration, Inc. (HSEAD) since 1974. Please see below for a complete description classes and click here for a registration form.

DECORATIVE ARTS

1. & 2. EAD: BRONZE POWDER STENCILING, COUNTRY PAINTING, & REVERSE GLASS PAINTING

Dolores Furnari
1. Aug. 13 – 18 (6 days); Mon. – Fri. 9:00 – 4:30; Sat. 9:00 – 3:00
Tuition: $220.00

2. Aug. 20 – 24 (5 days); Mon.-Thur. 9:00 – 4:30; Fri. 9:00-3:00
Tuition: $190.00
Beginner/Advanced

We will cover all techniques of bronze powder stenciling on tin and wood, application of gold/metal leaf using early American designs authentic to the period, as well as freehand bronzing techniques and country painting and techniques in reverse glass painting which will also cover stenciling on glass. Beginners will learn stencil cutting, preparation of tin and wooden items, the execution of designs, and finishing techniques. Students should bring several projects to work on such as trays, chairs, boxes, and glass cut to size for mirror frames, clocks, or frames of your choice. Class demonstrations and individual instruction will be given. In depth instruction will be available to interested applicants of The Historical Society of Early American Decoration. Instructor is planning a class project, related costs and a supply list will be available at time of registration.

3. FOLK ART STYLE OF PAINTING

Dolores Furnari
July  28 – 29 (2 days); Sat. and Sun. 9:00 – 4:00
Tuition: $100.00; Estimated materials fee: $30.00
All levels 

This year’s weekend class will be a new technique I have developed in the style of folk art painting. NEW and EXCITING! We will work with Masonite and paint on newspaper. It is a great project. The size will fit a standard frame. If you have something special in your local newspaper you would like to use please bring it to class. All acrylic paints and mediums including surfaces are included in the materials fee. A supply list of other needed supplies will be sent upon registration. Class size is limited.

4. EAD: THEOREM PAINTING

Dolores Furnari
June 25 – 29 (5 days); Mon. – Thurs. 9:00 – 4:30; Fri. 9:00 – 3:00
Tuition: $190.00; Est. Mat. fee: $40.00
All levels

Enjoying a revival along with other early folk art and early New England school girl art forms (those taught in young girl academies in the early 1800s) is Theorem Painting. Theorem Painting involves a process of using oil and watercolor tube paints and a set of stencils to create a picture. The complete series of skills and techniques required to become a theorem artisan will be taught: cutting stencils, mounting velvet, applying color, plus instruction in proper framing. Included in this class is the special interests in watercolor theorems. Special pre-cut stencils will be available and one set is included in the materials fee; also, the special paper and the use of paints. Special stencil brushes are needed for this class and are available at a discount at the studio. Class size is limited so register early. A supply list of other needed items will be sent upon registration. If you have any questions, call the instructor at 802-247-3695.

5. PRIMITIVE PORTRAIT PAINTING

Dolores Furnari
July 23 – 27 (5 days); Mon. – Thurs. 9:00-4:30; Fri. 9:00-3:00
Tuition: $190.00
All levels

Don’t be intimidated if you have never painted a portrait before. With precise instruction, you can do it. This year, students will be able to choose their selection from a selective library of designs. Most will be 16×20 or 18×24 in size. You may choose a boy, girl, woman or man portrait. The estimated materials fee includes the canvas of choice, photo of your design, blueprint, and painting instructions. To accomplish this project in 5 days, the portrait will be done in a combination of acrylic and oil paints. A list of needed supplies will be sent upon registration. Most supplies needed are available for sale at the studio. Any questions relative to this class, please call the Studio.

ART

6. DRAWING & PAINTING and PERSPECTIVE

F. Tor Gudmundsen
July 9 – 13 (5 days); Mon. – Thurs. 9:00 – 4:30; Fri. 9:00 – 3:00
Tuition: $190.00 Adv.
Beginner/Adv.

This five day course will concentrate on advancing the student artist’s ability to observe nature and interpret it … to get what is seen translated onto a flat surface (the painting or drawing) and working with it to develop an image that the artist can interpret with color, texture and technique. We will work individually on problems in perspective, color and technique as the student requires. I hope to make every student feel that they have made progress in the quest for their own vision in their work. A materials list will be sent upon registration. Please specify what medium you will be working with – oil, acrylic or watercolor.

MISC.

7. PENNY RUG

Lena Drzewiezewski
July 21 – 22 (2 days); Sat. and Sun. 9:00 – 4:00
Tuition: $100.00
All Levels 

The Penny rug is a term used for a form of decorative folk art that uses felted wool and the primitive buttonhole stitch. The pattern we will be doing this summer is called “The Hospitality Basket” which was designed by Karyn Lord. In this class you will learn the process of creating your penny rug in a weekend. It is a very relaxed class, the simplicity of the project allows for this. The results will be rewarding, an artpiece you will enjoy having in your home or giving as a gift to that special person. A supply list will be sent by instructor.

Click here for a Country Owl Art & Craft School registration form

PO Box 339, Brandon, VT 05733
IN-STATE: 802-247-3695 or out-of-state toll-free: 888-247-3847
e-mail: ctryowl@gmail.com