Painted Sky Designs

COMPANY PROFILE

Painted Sky Designs began in 2003 in Dubuque, Iowa, with the idea that there was a market for incorporating fine art into outdoor furniture and accessories that were lifestyle specific. Since that time, we feel that we have redefined the "park bench". Our goal continues to be providing customers with excellent value for their dollar. Our original small offering of horse and wildlife benches has now grown to more than 60 individual designs with over 200 product possibilities, and we are excited about the many new ideas and products to come. Our commitment doesn''t end with the sale. When you need service, we provide it. We feel that it really should be that simple. An attractive product line and fair price gets new customers, but service is what keeps them. We look forward to working with all of our new and existing customers in 2009 and beyond. The Artist As the artist, I design all of the products in the Weston Collection and am also co-owner of Painted Sky Designs. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to have made my living as an artist for nearly 30 years. In that time I have worked in the fields of fine art, murals, portraits, medical and animal illustration, and book cover design. Since 2003, I have also been creating artwork for outdoor furniture. I''m happiest when I''m creating something. To me, being an artist isn''t my job; it''s more like a vocation, which is defined as "a strong impulse or inclination to follow a particular activity or career." I am forever grateful to my wife Renee (who is also an artist) for her understanding and tolerance of my creative obsessions and for taking care of countless details in everyday life, so I can immerse myself in what I love to do. She''s the best. It''s been said that if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. I haven''t worked a day since 2003. The Art Process All designs begin as small thumbnail drawings where layout details are worked out. I then create a full-size, detailed drawing of the proposed product where I refine the composition further. A sculpted 3D version is then created and used to make an aluminum mold. The mold is used to create an impression in sand, into which hot molten iron or aluminum is poured. When it has cooled, the surrounding sand is broken off leaving the metal casting. It is then dipped in a rust inhibitor and painted with a bronze powder coat finish, which is baked on. The final step is to apply hand painted gold highlights. All art is protected by world wide copyrights.

BUSINESS INFORMATION