Having grown up in rural southern Illinois, Harlene spent much of her childhood on her parent's farm when not attending classes at the one room country schoolhouse. Art as a subject was unheard of in those days, and was never formally offered at any time during her primary or secondary education. Sewing, however, was encouraged and she began learning that craft at the age of eight. A love of sewing persisted throughout her high school days and she soon found herself attending college and majoring in Home Economics. She later went on to recieve her Master's degree in this field and taught for 33 years at the same high school before retiring.

Harlene recalls those early days as a teacher as a time with little money and no means to decorate her new home. As a result, she decided to take a tole and decorative painting class ("tole" referring to the art of painting on surfaces including wood, glass, porcelain, fabric, ceramic and pottery as well as tin). That was 29 years ago and she has been painting ever since.

She now has a small business attending craft shows, teaching and painting custom art pieces. Furthermore, as a retired teacher she now has the time to extend beyond her area (both geographically and artistically).

All of Harlene's artwork is painted using oils and protected with a coat of good varnish. If the art is to be placed outdoors, she will apply up to three coats.

She loves to paint on old objects that she finds at garage sales, flea markets and estate sales. Custom orders are welcome, on your object or on items similar to the pictures found on this website, and you are encouraged to send in your own designs (more information can be found on the Custom Paintings page).

We thank you for visiting our site and should you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail us at Harlene@childressonline.com