The decorative arts are traditionally defined as ornamental and functional works in ceramic, wood, glass, metal, or textile. The field includes ceramics, furniture, furnishings, interior design, and architecture. The decorative arts are often categorized in opposition to the "fine arts", namely, painting, drawing, photography, and large-scale sculpture. Some distinguish between decorative and fine art based on functionality, intended purpose, importance, status as a unique creation, or single-artist production. Decorative arts, or furnishings, may be fixed (for example, wallpaper), or moveable (for example, lamps).
I first started in the decorative arts in the mid 1970's and was pleased with the camaraderie found in my tole painting classes, as well as being able to provide gifts that were hand made. Then, I painted mainly on wood.
This week Doe Clore, a teacher of beginner and intermediate decorative painting classes, taught her friends and pupils in Fruita. I was fortunate enough to sit in on this class, and produced this tray using techniques that Doe taught. Using acrylics, it took only a few hours to paint flowers and a flag on this wooden tray.
After the paints dried (very quickly, within an hour), I sprayed several coats of an acrylic sealer on the tray.
It should be fun to use, especially on the 4th of July.
Hi. I liked your blog. Thanks for an insight on decorative arts. The wooden tray came out very well with the colorful flowers and flag. It was nice to see the image.
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