|
About Alla Prima Studios
Bill Graffis, decorative painter and artist, is the owner of Alla Prima Studios. Graffis co-owned an Interior Design business and showroom in Vancouver, Washington when he was first introduced to decorative painting. He began taking classes at decorative painting schools and gilding studios. Graffis learned from professionals such as Bob Marx, co-owner of "The Finishing School" in New York and who is featured in the book Professional Painted Finishes.
"What got me totally hooked in this business was gilding," says Graffis. This ancient art of applying thin square sheets of metal leaf to a properly prepared surface was taught to Graffis by Nancy Thorn of Portland, Oregon.
In early 1993 Graffis purchased and began remodeling a 50-year-old brick building. This created an opportunity for Graffis to express his fascination with decorative painting and the ability to transform interior spaces. Through the remodeling process, Graffis learned the importance of proper surface preparation and the variety of tools and materials available for decorative painting. At this point, Graffis started his company and began decorative painting on a full-time basis.
Graffis has been producing quality paint finishes in the Houston, TX area for over four years. His vast knowledge of painting techniques, combined with creativity and imagination enable him to create unique environments that reflect the vision and personality of his clients.
Superior decorative painting skills also landed Graffis a teaching position at the Definitive School of Decorative Arts. The owners of the school invited Graffis to teach a "Metallic Wall Finishes" course after reviewing his portfolio. Graffis created an outline and taught the class to decorative painters, interior designers, beginners, and hobbyists.
In addition to his work as a Decorative Painter, Graffis continues to create one-of-a-kind works of art on canvas. While his work is primarily Abstract/Expressionistic done in acrylic paints, Graffis has also created pieces in other styles and mediums. Graffis was represented by the Altman Gallery in Vancouver, Washington prior to his move to Houston.
Graffis' educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Washington State University with a Minor in Fine Arts. Additionally, he received training in decorative painting from:
- The Finishing School, New York, NY
- Vandelae Studios, Seattle, WA
- Gold Leaf Restorations, Portland, OR
Graffis has also been invited to attend the International Decorative Painting Salon, "Salon 2000" in London, England, and "Salon 2001" in Paris, France. The Salon events are held in a different city each year, offering International decorators the opportunity to study each others work, to watch and to discuss old and new techniques as well as materials, and to exchange new information.
Professional Memberships
- Society of Gilders (SOG)
- Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA)
- Stencil Artisans League (SALI)
- Certified Contractors Network (CCN)
- Faux Finishing Council of the PDCA
|
Bill Graffis
Decorative Painter, Artist, and Owner of Alla Prima Studios
|
Gallery
