Ronnie Bringle - Country Friends

My love affair with Decorative Painting began 51 years ago when I visited a friend and saw her work. I knew immediately it was something I wanted to do, and signed up that day for a class in "Tole Painting" using oil paints. In those days we didn't even have pattern books, and we had to send away for our brushes.

A move from Oregon to Washington just 4 months later took me out of that class and put me in an area where there were no teachers. But by then I was "hooked" on painting, so I decided if I couldn't be in a class - I would teach one instead. I spent most of my time trying to keep up with the students and found that teaching forced me to research and practice constantly. I credit my students with teaching me most of what I know today.

I added acrylic painting in 1978 and finally dropped the oils to concentrate on perfecting my skills with the Jo Sonja Acrylic Gouache in 1985.

In 2012 I tried painting with the Chroma Interactive Acrylics, then Golden Open Acrylics, and finally settled on the Golden Heavy Body Acrylics which I have been using for about 2 years.

I have taught in a wide variety of settings including College Extension Programs, Adult Education Programs, The Department of Parks and Recreation, Tole Shops, Craft Shops, and in my home studios in Oregon, Washington, and Kansas. I have also taught at many mini conventions as well as the SDP National Conventions along with painting seminars throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, England, and New Zealand.

My family and I resided in the Pacific Northwest until our move to Kansas in 1991. My husband of 54 years, Jerry, and I have now moved to Florida where we are both enjoying retirement. Our oldest daughter, Holly, is married with seven children, and lives in Tampa, FL. Our second daughter, Joy lives in Vancouver, WA with her sons, and our son Jason lives in Portland, OR with his wife and their son.

I think it is a privilege to help other people find their own creativity and to watch their joy grow with each step. God has given me a gift which can only be enjoyed when it is opened and shared with others. I hope I have been faithful in sharing that gift and spreading the painting joy.

You can read information about videos, packets, and brushes on my website. Or you can write or call Ronnie at: 1251 Battersea Ave, Spring Hill, FL 34609, phone 620-870-9093 and email Ronnie@ronniebringle.com .

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