Wall-to-Wall Carmel Artist

Jacquelyn Van Dourn posing in front of the "Boucle'" technique she applied in a master bathroom.

Twyla Tharp once said, “Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” A local Carmel artist is bringing this quote to life by allowing her clients an escape through the art she creates inside their homes.

Jacquelyn Van Dourn, owner of Van Dourn Designs, is a self-taught artist who honed her skills while working at a variety of different jobs, from stay-at-home mom to teaching aerobics classes. While an employee at Johns Manville, she often drew caricatures of other retiring employees, and began to receive encouragement to pursue art as a full-time career. She began painting murals in playrooms, and her business has found a thriving home in Carmel where she paints murals, faux finishes, and fine art on everything from walls to refrigerators. “Carmel has provided a very collaborative clientele. Many different styles are represented here, from traditional to contemporary, and by working with each client individually I’ve been able to expand my personal style while meeting, and often exceeding, the client’s expectations.”

Van Dourn painted a mural depicting a misty forest scene in a stairwell of a Carmel home.

One of her most recent jobs allowed her such creative collaboration with a Carmel homeowner. The homeowner was having her home remodeled, and Van Dourn was hired as a sub-contractor through CASE Remodeling. Beginning with an upstairs bedroom, Van Dourn worked her way through the home. She applied various faux finishes to the walls of the kitchen and laundry room, and repainted furniture in a guest bedroom. A stairwell leading from the garage to the kitchen took on a new life with a 360 degree mural of a misty woodland scene. Van Dourn’s favorite work in the home is located in the master bathroom, where she utilized a new technique she developed called “Boucle’.” She created a Boucle’ border which wraps around the room, and is layered over a faux suede finish which she applied to the walls. When asked about working with Jackie, the homeowner replied, “Jackie has been great to work with. She’s quite talented and creative and always comes up with great ideas. She’s also very professional and hard working and makes every attempt to get things just the way you want them.”

Van Dourn’s future plans include continued marketing of her Boucle’ technique and the possibility of expanding into outdoor murals.

Van Dourn Designs
vandourndesigns@sbcglobal.net
317-987-2336

The mural Van Dourn painted in this home covers all four walls and onto the ceiling.