In the mid-sixties my dreams of painting became a reality after a lifetime of drawing pictures, and a year or so of Rosemaling classes. Within a couple of years I began to change to a more realistic style of painting (currently called decorative painting). About that time one of my teachers wanted to retire and, after a LOT of prodding, I took over her class. So began 35+ years of teaching and painting.   My life has changed a great deal since those early days, but I feel truly blessed to have been thrust into the world of Decorative Art. The painters I’ve met over the years have been a never ending source of enjoyment. First, it was in my studio & vocational school classes, then after marrying Bob, traveling to teach across this country and beyond once I had begun to write Decorative Painting Books. I’ve derived much pleasure from sharing with the many painting enthusiasts in the classroom AND in my booth at the National Tole and Decorative Painting Convention each year from 1978 to 2000. Thanks for the wonderful memories!!! Nothing stays the same! I’ve had my time in Waupaca, where in addition to my painting, I enjoyed having the two horses, Scottie and her son Ty. It was an unbelievably hard two years of packing, sorting and toting to go through my treasures and move the things I couldn’t part with all the way to Florida. As of the summer of 2003 we’re finally getting settled in and I’m enjoying the company of MANY new painting friends. Visiting each year with my daughter in Florida allowed me to meet many of the Florida decorative painters, as I taught at various locations. I never dreamed that I would one day also be a Floridian! I'm really enjoying being close to many decorative painters, after living in Northern Wisconsin where we were all so far apart that we only saw each other at meetings. Bob and I both love it now that we’re getting settled in St. Cloud. Bobs health is tenuous, but he is still hanging in there and making me laugh. We can’t know what’s around the bend, but in the meantime we’ll both continue to work and enjoy each day we’re blessed with. We’ll both look forward to meeting many more of you, whether on the phone (407)892-6383, via e-mail at jeanzawicki@cfl.rr.com, regular mail OR in person! If you call, it’s usually me who answers. I will do my very best to help you if you have questions about something you don’t understand in my work, so please don't hesitate to give me a call.