Decorative Painting with Spirit

I recently learned about a painting technique called Lazure. Here is a description of the the technique from www.lazure.com.

What is Lazure?
"....An unusual, more spiritually oriented painting technique, separate from sponging, ragging and typical glazing is the Lazure technique. Color is a vital consideration in 'tuning' a room for its intended use...the white surface behind lazure color reflects light back through the layers of glaze making the colors appear to be 'in the space' rather than simply on the wall ... The combined colors in the lazure method weave an enlivening variety for the human eye and Spirit. Never intruding, always inviting, the colors interplay with the subtle nuances of Nature, creating a depth not normally present on most interior walls."
From Home Design from the Inside Out
by Robin Lennon

There is something about this finish that I'm really drawn to. Here is further explanation from Danielle at Living Spaces.

"Lazure was developed by Rudolf Steiner for the purpose of not only bringing beautiful color into the room but to bring nourishment to the human spirit. The Lazurist must be able to bring a meditation stillness to the painting process. When this is achieved the walls will be imbued with beauty and a tremendous good feeling."



I think this is a great finish for childrens rooms and yoga/meditation rooms. True Lazure has to be done with at least 2 people using pure pigments and rhythmical movements. With some help from my friends, I'm going to give this technique a try on a wall in my son's room. We'll see how it goes!! ; )

The Alpha Workshops in NYC

This place is amazing and the work they produce is gorgeous! What a fabulous organization, there really should be more like it. They offer a colorful and lovely line of hand painted wall papers, do gilding and restoration work and also paint faux finishes. You can order the wall papers by contacting them here
The Alpha Workshops, Inc.
245 West 29th Street
14th Floor
New York, NY 10001

212-594-7320 phone
212-594-4832 fax

"Alpha Workshops is the only not-for-profit organization in the country that trains and employs people living with HIV/AIDS in the decorative arts. We are an industry pioneer ever since our founding in 1995, both in developing a unique training curriculum and in creating a flexible, supportive workplace responsive to the medical, financial and emotional needs of people living with a chronic illness. Alpha Workshops runs a highly regarded design studio, staffed completely by our trainees and graduates, and is well-known for our handcrafted wallpapers, on-site custom painting, decorative finishes, gilding and handcast lamps."