Painted Furniture-A Beautiful Transformation

A child’s rocking chair, a dull but still useful cabinet, a side table acquired at a yard sale. There are ways to give them new life, add brilliant colors or even to tell a story. Olivia Thomason, in addition to painting public murals and works honoring local culture, has perfected the technique for enlivening furniture, something she’s been doing since her days operating a highly regarded gallery in Decatur.

“Customers would bring a rocking chair that had belonged to a grandmother, tell me stories about the chair and ask if I could paint images incorporating the memories,” she said. “The result was amazing and soon the word spread and I had requests for painting children’s rockers, high chairs and every kind of furniture imaginable.”

The possibilities are almost endless, she added: bookshelves, desks, cabinets, old ladders, even aging picture frames. The results have been impressive.

Some favorites include a chair that belonged to the deceased mother of a famous Georgia sports figure. “I try to give every piece new life that stays true to the customer’s personal wishes.” No surprise that beautiful flowers, bright sunrises and cheerful adornments are prominently depicted.

Doll houses are often majestic structures representing skills and masterful craftsmanship. “I inherited a Victorian doll house from my mother who bought it in New England. It is amazing but the years wore on it. I simply refurbished it for sale.”

Ms. Thomason revealed she has one cabinet decorated with her original art. “It is a lovely work, still very functional and the artwork allows an entire room to brighten.” It’s also for sale in time for Christmas.

Olivia Thomason’s art has garnered many accolades including Atlanta's “Artist of the Year” plus awards in New York City. Her gallery, “The Primitive Eye,” won multiple awards as “Gallery of the Year.” She has been featured in prominent magazines, appeared on CNN and Atlanta television stations. Her children’s book, “The Great Pie Contest,” is scheduled for publication in May 2021.

For furniture information or information about other paintings, contact: Olivia Thomason, bigoart1@yahoo.com or FB.