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It was almost two years since I had my last portraits done and, with as often as I change my hair, an update was overdue!  I also needed some pictures for MMS Milk Paint’s Look Book Two, including the cover, that will be coming out in just a few weeks.

I thought about just having Kriste and I do all of the pictures, but I think there’s a lot of value in bringing in other creative minds in a collaboration.

Since Kriste knows a lot of people in the creative field, I asked if she knew any photographers.  She immediately thought of her friend, Brianna Wilbur.  She’s a very talented wedding and family photographer and happened to also be a MMS blog reader, so Kriste knew we would get along well.

A few weeks ago, she came to the studio to snap some pictures.

Many of you have already commented on my new profile picture.  That was taken by her and she captured exactly what I wanted.  Warmth and approachability.

Here are a couple other favorites…

  
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And she took pictures of Kriste as well…

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And some of the two of us together…

 We have a great time together and laugh a lot, which Brianna really captured.

My favorites, though, were ones Brianna took as we were working on the cover shot.

Kriste had an amazing idea to throw milk paint for the cover.  She was initially thinking of just having the milk paint in the picture, but I suggested we throw it together, with us in the picture.

We were able to shoot against the backside of an old granary along a railroad that runs across from the studio.  (Remember the train horns in some of our videos?)  It was a perfect place to shoot, because it was a great backdrop and it was okay if we were a little messy, which we most definitely were.

You’ll have to wait for the cover reveal, but here are some of the shots Brianna snapped before paint was thrown…

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And when we didn’t throw at the same time!

And after…

It was such a fun idea and I’m so in love with the cover shot.  To me, it looks like a celebration of what makes milk paint so different.

I stepped back a bit for the creation of this look book.  Kriste really wanted to take on a project of her own, so I asked if she wanted to be the editor for Look Book Two and she dove right in.

I must admit that it was tough to step aside, but I knew this look book needed a fresh perspective and that’s exactly what Kriste brought to the table.  I can’t wait to show you some previews.

Someone asked about the fate of the barrel-back cane chairs.  As you may have guessed, I did decide to paint them for the look book and Bergere seemed fitting…

The pair is for sale in the studio for $300.  We will be listing some other furniture pieces and accessories in the online shop next week.  I also have an order of antique hemp sheets on the way and more glass glitter “Merry & Bright” kits…

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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24 Responses

  1. I LOVE the idea of throwing the paint powder! You and Kriste are beautiful!!!!! Inside and out 🙂 What great pictures! I can’t wait to see the book! And I love how Kriste has absorbed and thrived on everything you do together. From taking on her own furniture clients to editing the 2nd look book!!! Way to go Kriste! You are blessed to have each other ♡♡♡

  2. Can hardly wait for the next look book. Marian, can you tell me where you bought your blouse? I have really wanted a gingham blouse lately.

  3. So cute. And, Marian, this is my favorite look for your hair, to date! It is so soft and femine looking, yet very cute and fun!

  4. Fantastic photo shots! Can’t wait to the see the finals. And Marian, your hair style cut is the best ever. It changes your whole persona – flattering, classy, sassy, sophisticated, sexy – YES!!

  5. These pictures of you two are just so cute!!! you both look beautiful!
    The approach is perfect, looking forward to it!

  6. These pictures are wonderful! My favorite is you and Kriste sitting back-to-back on the furniture piece. And Kriste tossing the milk paint…and just seeing the two of you laughing and it’s obvious that you have a beautiful friendship. Look Book Two is going to be a great book. Can’t wait!

  7. Love the photos! A great capture of the two of you and what so many people are drawn to in milk paint and the gorgeous girls behind it all.

    Looking forward to Lookbook 2!!
    Xx
    Sada
    For The Love Creations
    Australia

  8. The pictures are all so pretty! I love how the emotional bond between you and Kriste really just comes through in the photos. Two very pretty & talented young ladies! I, also, love your new hairdo! Will look forward to seeing the new look book.

  9. What a BEAUTIFUL job she did capturing you both! Well done . . . . Love the new hair style!

  10. Can’t wait for the glass glitter kits and hemp sheets to go up on your site! Hoping to purchase both!

  11. I was at the Holiday Expo this morning and enjoyed your presentation very much. You were just as I imagined, fun, funny and down to earth. Loved it. I wish I could have stayed for your workshop but my time was limited and I had to leave by noon. Hope to see you again….maybe Lucketts!

  12. Love the photos, when you said “throw milk paint” I thought of Jackson Pollock!! Can’t wait for the cover reveal.

  13. I am interested in purchasing the barrel back chairs. You can reach me at my email address. Have you sold them already? I would have to have them shipped perhaps since I live in North Carolina.

  14. Just curious why you didn’t paint the brown cane the same color as the frame? I have a chair like this I was planning to paint all one color…PS adorable photo shoot!

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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