The Decorative Paintbrush, Designs by Mary Mollica

This actually is one of my favorite pieces. We found it at the flea market one Saturday, during one of our regular trips, and I knew I had to have it. We paid $10 for it, which I thought was a great deal. When I get a piece I like to sleep on it before I just dive in and paint. I stare at it awhile, take in the curves and let it speak to me. I know, you're saying, "Mary you've lost your mind, girl!" But it's true. I've tried to draw the piece out and color it in beforehand, but it never seems to work that way for me. It looks great on paper, but when I start to paint, it just takes on a life of its own. So I've started "marinating" the piece. I simply sit on it. No not literally! Well, actually I have done that before, but not with this piece :) I keep the item in my studio and look at it. I look at it A LOT! You see, my best designs, they come to me in the middle of the night. Way too many sleepless nights for me. I keep a book by the side of the bed to write down my ideas, just so I can sleep :) Anyway....this piece is one of those "I can't sleep, because I have a great idea" kind of pieces.

I decided to use this color palette, because I think the colors look amazing together. I had recently done a smaller piece in this color theme and had received a lot of compliments on the color choice, so I decided to use them on a larger scale.

 I introduced a new pattern, in the form of leopard print on the base and incorporated my traditional checkered pattern on the legs.

The piece sold last week. The person who purchased it owns a salon and I think it'll look fabulous in her shop (if I do say so myself). I love when people fall in love with my stuff. It's a high for me :)