Ojai, California is now a movie stars' retreat. Gena Claire was born there, and grew up in the 50's and 60's while it was still a sleepy little town with dramatic foothills as a backdrop and orange groves everywhere.  Ojai was considered a haven for artists and those who marched to a different beat, which perfectly described Gena's parents.
 

 

"They were both teachers and deeply involved in music." Gena says, "My dad taught music at a prominent boys' school and became head of the "fine arts" department during the latter part of his 35 years at Thacher School.  He composed music and taught himself the Finale program for computers when he was 81 years old!  My mom taught first and second grade.  She too was very musical and had a lovely singing voice. She confessed to having daydreams of becoming a  "chanteuse" when she was young.  Most of their friends were artists, and those marvelous people, along with my parents, enriched my life."

  

Gena grew up near the ocean as a redheaded freckle faced teen, but she longed to be blonde and perpetually tan like most of her friends!  "I even had a surfboard for a short while that I practiced riding on in a pool." Gena recalls, "My mom was too afraid for me to try it in the ocean!!  Not to mention that girls just weren't supposed do those things back then! Hah!!" 
 

 

Asked about her education, Gena laughs! "Well, it sounds crazy, but I am one of those people with a gazillion credits and no degree to show for it!  I just loved learning new things but could never focus long enough to nail down a true major. Obviously the few art classes I took helped with my repainting venture!"

 

 

 

Questions about her work experience generate further laughter.  "Oh boy, here again I did a little bit of many things." Gena recalls, "When I wasn't helping with my husband's contracting business I have been a phone operator, an aerobics instructor, an Estée  Lauder sales associate, a Realtor and an Image Consultant.  I think it was the stint as an Image Consultant that influenced me the most when it comes to the repaints.  During the Eighties it was such an 'In' field.  I actually took a course of study for Image Consulting at a nearby college. Back then I was one of those who looked so pulled together it was scary. This is no longer the case!!  Remember the time of big shoulder pads and large scarves as accessories?  Well, I had a collection of scarves so large you could tent a whole city!"

 

 

 

"I  developed a program for the city geared towards women in trauma, such as victims of rape, spousal abuse and homelessness.  I felt that there were enough consultants to help weed out the closets of the rich but no one was helping those with the lowest self esteem.  I enjoyed this program.  I will never forget what I learned through these astonishing women. It was an eye-opening experience to learn that, no matter what devastating event a woman was going through in her life, she still wanted that opportunity.... that fleeting moment...  just to feel and look special."
 

 

"As part of the program I put together a 28 dollar wardrobe that I actually pulled from a Good Will thrift store.  From just 12 pieces of clothing, I was able to create a wardrobe that had over 40 different looks.  I showed the women that, with the right knowledge about yourself, your body style, and your coloring, you didn't need to shop at Neiman's to look terrific.  It worked and I was proud of that!"
 

"During this time I saw first hand the many horrific experiences that so many women have to deal with.  This is why I paint my dolls with a glamorous look.  It's in honor of the women with desperate eyes, broken bodies and shattered emotions who so deeply touched me."

 

Gena lived throughout California for 41 years until her husband, Dave, was transferred by his work to Georgia, they have lived for the last 16 years. "This was quite a change for me!" Gena states, "I enjoy Georgia, but miss the California life style, which is more open and laid back. Oh, the San Diego weather calls to me when the hot, muggy summers become just too much sometimes."

 

 

"Georgia has been bittersweet for us. My husband lost his job due to downsizing not too long after making the move here and it has been an off and on again struggle ever since.  He is extremely gifted and excellent in his field of building but this is also an industry with huge ups and downs.  The need for extra income has made me work harder at repainting so that it has now become a small business for me.  I feel extremely grateful for this and to all the amazing folks who have helped make this a possibility."

 

Just over two years ago, Gena lost both of her parents within a 7 month time span.  Gena fell into a deep funk.  Her sister, Stephie, came to the rescue.  Dragging Gena out of the house one day, Stephie took Gena to a large mall where they happened upon an FAO Schwarz.  

 

 

 

 

"This is where I fell in love with Gene®." Gena remembers, "Her style reminded me of my mom and the way she would look when leaving for a party, waving at us from the door and leaving a trace of Joy perfume in her wake.  I was mesmerized by Gene but she wasn't cheap.  So my sis and I went to eBay® to see if she could be found there. Lo and behold, there she was, including wonderful repaints of her too!  After seeing those first repainted Genes, I just knew this was something I would love to try my hand at.  I practiced on the same Gene for almost 3 months. 7 days a week!  I never got tired of it.  Finally, I developed the confidence to completely strip the face paint off of a Gene and redo her entire face.   I put her up on eBay not even hoping to get a bid the first time out.  I was wonderfully surprised that I actually got bids and was able to sell her for almost $200!  I was off and running.  I began repainting in Spring of 2001 and haven't looked back since!"

 

 

 

Then, Gena discovered the Tonner®  gals, including, of course, Sydney®.  "I love Sydney's sculpt!!" Gena announces, "However, I try painting many gals and find each and every one a challenge.  My heart is with Gene as she was my first repaint and the true catalyst of my work.  I love Sydney for  the  attitude that shines through every repaint.  I also thoroughly enjoy repainting the CED®  gal, Cara.  She has an amazing look to her.  I can't wait to get my hands on the new Montana Getaway Blonde Sydney.  I have been waiting for another blonde Syd to come along!  I am always looking forward to the next gal and the challenge she brings with her."

 

 

 

 

 

"While I can't really afford to collect many dolls, I am able to see the gorgeous dolls as they come to me ready to be transformed through repainting.  Some people think that I repaint because I don't like the doll.  That's not true at all!  Each doll has to have a unique underlying personality to be a wonderful repaint.  Great "bones" have to be there. "

 

 

In the past, Gena has joined forces with doll clothing designer Joyce Wisman on five terrific collaborations!  Gena does the repaints, Joyce designs the outfits.  "Due to her remarkable craftsmanship and creativity," Gena states, "these dolls did very well and were an incredible experience."  Their sixth collaboration was just on eBay in early November, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A while back, Gena was doing so many commissions that she was not only working nearly 24/7 but also began experiencing shoulder pain and the beginnings of carpal tunnel syndrome.  This forced her to close her Commission Book and slow down.  She is still in the process of learning to say "no", which she finds so difficult because she hates turning anyone down. But, now that she has learned how to pace herself at rate that is healthier for her body, to the delight of her many customers and fans, she has just re-opened her Commission Book!

 

 

"I have learned what not to do and how long I can spend painting, so I'm happy to be able to open my book again." Gena states, "I still continue to do eBay and an occasional Sales Room too - as these I can do in a more relaxed manner and time frame."  Gena's sales room can be found at her website, www.genaclairecreations.com .

 

When asked how she learned to repaint, Gena recalls, "I had a few art classes in college years ago that helped immensely.  I would say though that trial and error along with discipline have helped the most in developing my style and technique.  I couldn't have done this 10 years ago as I did not have the patience then.  It takes an enormous amount of patience. I am always trying to improve my technique and grow artistically, but this does not mean having a larger business.  I want to be able to open up my Commission Book again in the very near future and paint as many dolls as I physically can while still keeping  a high quality and personal approach."

 

Gena is inspired and influenced greatly by fashion magazines.  "They are a fantastic resource for gorgeous looks and faces." she exclaims, "The eye makeup ads alone are awesome.  Now, every time I see an eye I love, I think Repaint!!   I am also inspired by Glamour.  For me this can be from the 40's and 50's to the current glamour gals.  I just love the glam look.  I am not into natural.  I love soft, open eyes with warmth and lush lips that invite kisses or intimate conversation.    Curled or straight hair should be touchable and luxurious."

 

 

Repaints take Gena about 3-4 days now.  "It used to take much longer," Gena notes, "but I have learned the hard way to make each stroke count and do my homework. I do draw in the eyebrows and lips before painting.  I am lucky that I don't work outside the house so I am able to spend more time during the day repainting.  I love the actual painting and seeing the look come together as I envisioned.  I even like taking photos, as this means I will be sharing my new gal soon!  I honestly can't think of anything I hate about the process."

 

 

Another interesting fact about Gena, that she failed to disclose to me, is that she starts her repaint process by first naming her doll.  Once she has the name, she imagines what a doll with that name would look like.  Then she starts painting! (Thanks to my Copy Editor, Maggie, for disclosing this to me!)

 

Gena buys most of her materials online, from such stores as Hobby Lobby, Crafts Etc. and Dick Blick. 

 

 

She has a spare room in her house which has "work spaces" for her painting, photography and computer.  Most of the time, she can be found in that room!  "This is my business and right now practically my life." Gena declares, "Not just from financial necessity but from love as well.  I love repainting!!  I begin some process of a new repaint almost every day.  Maintaining my website, keeping in touch with folks through the groups, emailing answers and questions, shipping, collecting funds, taking pictures,  preparing commission previews, putting together auctions or Sales Rooms, constant organizing of materials, clothes and accessories for photo shoots, and more are all part of the business and very time consuming.  I have become a mushroom!"
 

 

Gena has also developed an extensive mailing list mostly through the wonderful Yahoo!® Groups she belongs to and through eBay.  "I have remarkable return customers who have been loyal from the beginning." Gena notes, "My feedback has been  positive and very touching.  I never take any of the generous words for my gals for granted. The awesome folks I have met and have become friends with through my repaints are the most rewarding part of this venture."
 

 

"I just want them to know that I truly love them all!  There would be no Gena Claire Creations without the wonderful folks who continue to add my gals to their collections.  I am  also a huge repaint artist fan. There are some amazing repainters out there with so many gorgeous dolls to choose from.  When someone bids on one of my gals, snatches one out of the Sales Room, or reserves a commission, well, I mentally send them a great big ol' kiss!"

 

 

Gena is also fortunate to have a very supportive family  "I also want to thank my husband, Dave, and my family as they are my biggest supporters.  They have never patted me on the head or taken this venture lightly.  They have all been behind me 1000%!   Thank you all!!!!!"