I think every artist, at some point in time, has painted a piece of furniture. Whether it be a small piece of unfinished wood, or a project found in the dumpster – There’s something always interesting that you can do to a piece of furniture to make it special and unique. If you haven’t, you may not realize how intricate it is to paint. Over the next 2 weeks, we’ll be showcasing different pieces of furniture and showcasing them on Artisphere Online.

Jeff Davis

These were some discarded pieces that I enjoyed taking in and trying to give new life by turning them into works of functional art.

This first piece I call this my “ode to Pierre” project as I just went through his book  The Art of Faux and picked different finishes to try on this old table. There are four different marbles, tortoise shell, wood graining and gold leaf combined of this project using mostly faux effects products.

This next hand painted piece was a fun little project on a table that unfortunately doesn’t  have very good bones. Featured painted faux marble top with painted tortoise and wood grained legs. The Trompe L’Oeil keys were painted on top of the table to add some character and whimsy for the viewer to enjoy. (right, detail)

Jeff Davis received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis, and honed his creative problem solving and color skills as an award winning art director/graphic designer at advertising agencies in Louisville and Indianapolis. In 2004, Jeff opened Real Faux Decorative Finishes & Murals on the south side of Indianapolis. The business offers custom murals and a variety of decorative finishes for walls, furniture, cabinets and counter tops in both residential and small commercial settings. Having learned from many of the industries best, Jeff is a highly skilled artisan who brings his own unique flair to each and every project. Jeff is a
member of the International Decorative Artisans League and you can see more examples of his work at www.RealFauxFinishes.com

Marlene Mancilla

Dee Cunningham

Deelite Design llc
Specializing in Decorative Painting, Murals, and Artistic Finishes.
www.deelitedesign.com

About Dee Cunningham and Deelite Design llc

            I founded Deelite Design llc in the fall of 2000 while working as a first year high school art teacher. While painting a mural for a friend’s daughter, it dawned on me that I could paint for a living. Since then I’ve been honing my skills as a decorative artist and went full time in 2008. I have focused my business on providing quality murals, faux finishes, decorative painting, trompe l’oeil, and custom art for my clients.

I began drawing at an early age, a talent that was discovered by my Grandmother who was an elementary school art teacher. In May of in 2000 I graduated from Towson University where I earned a Bachelors of Science in Art Education, Cum Laude. While an undergraduate at Towson I was able to study and experience living abroad in Florence, Italy. I also have taken courses in fine art at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY and at Maryland College of Art and Design in Baltimore.

I have been privileged to study with some of the industry’s top artists, including Shared Vision non-profit founder William Cochran. I was hand selected along with six other artists from across the US by Cochran to work on a five-story public art piece in Historic Frederick, Maryland. In 2010 I was tasked with organizing a team of 30 fellow artists to work with the crew for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” You may have also seen Deelite Design’s work at several local annual decorators show houses.

Most recently I was able to travel to Versailles, France and study with two of the best decorative artists in the business. Each a recipient of the “Best Craftsman of France” Award- Pierre Finkelstein and Jean Luc Sable organized behind-the-scenes tours of the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre Museum, which provided a first class educational experience in the field of decorative arts.

Here is Katie’s story:

For me, inspiration comes from many places, including classes and keeping up with other artists. I like to throw everything into my idea hopper, mix it up, and see what comes out. The most important component for me is following the client. What are their favorite colors, styles, and textures? I ask them to take me on a tour of their home and point out everything they love. That gives me a sense of their visual tastes. My current client has a Spanish-style house and “old world” walls. She doesn’t want anything obscuring the wall texture, but of the samples I showed her, the ones she liked best were plaster. My goal has been to take plaster techniques and create finishes in paint. Those requirements lead to this sample. I created the look drawing on two different plaster classes.

I recently remodeled my house, which is a combination Craftsman/Tahoe Cabin. I wanted a design on my kitchen cabinets that was Craftsman-style and organic. I looked at textiles, wallpaper, tiles, and anything labeled “Craftsman.” Nothing popped. Randomly, I found inspiration while shopping for light fixtures.

This fixture:

became this cabinet:

I created the look drawing on two different cabinet finishing classes, a metallic plaster class, and a technique to make your own stencils with packing tape that I read on Faux Forum.

In my personal art, I draw on my other passions: archaeology, history, science in general, and writing. I love the idea of telling a story in one image. Fine artist Ron Francis has inspired me a great deal with these types of compositions.

The idea for the following plaster piece came from paleontology and cartoonist Gary Larson. There’s a joke in this piece – some people see it, some not:

This following photo is of a proof-of-concept board in plaster – I haven’t done the real piece yet. For the idea, I drew on history and archeology:

For techniques, I put together pieces from a Venetian Plaster class, a scagliola class, and an article I saw in Artisphere on carving Venetian Plaster.

Feed the idea-hopper – otherwise nothing much comes out the other end.

Brilliant – ‘Feed the Idea Hopper’!  I really admire that kind of thinking.  This is the picture I get, open a latch on the top of your head and let the suggestions pour in, swirl around a bit and out pops an Idea!

What is swirling around in your Idea Hopper?  What’s your muse?  Let us know where your masterpieces come from, or if not a masterpiece, a drawing in your journal.  I love to hear other artist’s stories…they INSPIRE me!

Oh and by the way, did you see the joke in the ‘Fossil’ photograph?

Now your friends can view the photo which you have posted to your Instagram profile!

Let’s talk about hashtags and what they are.

A toolbar at the bottom of your Instagram app offers five icons.  The house icon brings you to your Home Page, the compass icon brings you to a search bar with a grid of photos underneath it.  This page is titled “Explore”.  The function of this is to assist you in finding photos other Instagram users have posted by searching with key words.  This enables you to broadcast your photos to a spectrum of viewers across the globe, connecting you to other humans.  This is the core of social networking.

Now you are a #pro.

Prizes: ( I figured I would start with the fun stuff)

$100 gift card from Pierre Finkelsteins, Fauxbrushes website

$100 gift card from Gary Lord’s Prismatic Studios

$100 gift card from Crescent Bronze Metallic Paints

$100 gift card from Faux Forum for DVDs

Registration to 2013 Convention valued at $100.00

Rules and Other Important Information:

1. Submissions are due by June 15th, 2013

2. Submit your entries to: pganino@creativeevolution.net

2. Minimum of 5 digital images/steps are required to enter.

3. Entrees must be current members of IDAL.

4. Include Biography, picture of yourself, your website URL, email contact and or any other information that you feel is pertinent.

5. Permission to use your “how to” in Artisphere Online or any other entity that is owned by IDAL.

6. List of products, tools and colors used.

7. Runner ups will have their How to’s posted in Artisphere as well.

8. Samples or finishes must be original and not from a previous class taken.

A few tips when creating a “how to”:

• Take the picture a bit farther out then where you really want it.  We can always crop the picture inwards but can’t outwards.  So more is more, got it?
• It is nice to have a hand in the picture sometimes.  I know it is awkward to pose your hand when it really isn’t doing anything or when it is in mid motion but it adds a lot to the image and ultimately the step by step.
• Don’t fuss to much about the written text as we can edit through it once we receive it.
• Here is a good example of one that we have published already: Pierre Finkelstein Distressed Stone

Please email questions and submissions to me at pganino@creativeevolution.net

OK – let’s get started!

Beth Goyzueta

My first class was in Cincinnati at Gary’s old shop in a small garage. The class I took was a variety class where we learned about textures, products and glaze. We made about 15-20 samples.
I think the number 1 most important thing that I took from the class and still take throughout my work is the fact that Gary  never really gave a firm answer to a lot of the questions being asked during class. This might sound silly but what I mean is someone would say for example “what if I mix this with that or how about if I did this step first then add this” and I cant tell you how many times he would respond” I don’t know , you will have to try it , it might not work and it might be beautiful”. I knew Gary was one of the best and probably really did know what the outcome of the question would be but the way I took it was this is ART! and although there are some rules you should never be afraid to try and be creative and take risks and sometimes you might even get a masterpiece! And with that being said I have a successful decorative painting business for 13 years!   Thank you Gary.

Some highlights in my business have been : working for some wonderful people : people trusting in my expertise:  working time and time again for the same client over the years : And when my clients tell me I have a great reputation and they can tell I love my job!

My future goals for my craft are actually coming into fruition as of right now. I have started a new business called Table Flair, where we make decorative table covers (same concept as a table pad). Our table covers were created to alter, enhance and protect all table surfaces.Our covers are made from a pressed wood material, hand painted and custom cut to fit any table.It is water and heat resistant up to 220 degrees and sits on the surface of wood, stone or glass without scratching your table and will not slide but stay firmly in its place. Our covers are light weight and easily removed and stored just like a table pad if you choose to use your existing surface again.   I have a beautiful selection of colors and styles to choose from and can even do logos! Simply send in your measurements or template to get a perfect fit. We ship Nationwide.

Beth Goyzueta

Prestige et Tradition is a high end collaboration of artisans in Paris specializing in gilding, restoration, glass, iron, embossed leathers and other  custom techniques.  One group in the collaboration-Atelier Meriguet -Carrere carries on the techniques of the decorative artist through working with leather, trompe l’oeil , gilding and lacquer.

These panels were painted and installed on site creating a rich trompe l’oeil effect.

This bamboo, oak and lacquer door sets the tone for drama….getting any ideas yet?

Speaking of lacquer, this reproduction Coromandel panel design is carved through multiple layers of lacquer.

I have seen their line of beautifully embossed leather at Maison et Objet in Paris. These designs could be interpreted through embossed wallpapers and hand colored to mimic the lovely leather.

Oak, ebony and walnut along with trompe l’oeil techniques make these panels rich! Check out Prestige et Tradition and see what can happen when skilled artisans work together to create beauty.

A Trip to Narnia

After studying in the fine arts, interior design, set design and faux finishing Kerry Stucky began my fifteen year career in the decorative painting industry. She began painting in her own home and was quickly pushed into a full time business by friends, designers and builders.  After being introduced to the fine finishing products on the market,she spends an equal amount of time is spent painting both murals and decorative treatments, but still finds time to paint the occasional canvas.  Her work has been published in both national and local periodicals.

“Ella’s Room”

I started my Decorative Arts business, FauxBelle of Gulick Designs in 2001, after many long years (really just 10) at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and other a few other stops along the way.  There haven’t been many children’s rooms to add to my portfolio, but I’m thrilled when I get them.  They allow a freedom that doesn’t seem to exist with ‘adult’ rooms.  For the past few years, refinishing cabinets have been the mainstay of my business, although some plastering and glazing jobs come along to keep things interesting.

“I believe Ella, a rambunctious tomboy, was about two years old when her mother called me in to paint her room.  Her mother hoping to change Ella’s ways had picked out this lovely bedding with a Victorian Bunny Tea Party theme.  The instructions were to have the party ‘travel’ throughout the room, she didn’t want a mural or border.  I was to paint different scenes on all of the walls, different sizes, different elevations and it had to include at least one large tree.  I drew directly on the wall, using watercolor colored pencils and painted using Faux Effects Faux Creme Colors and artist brushes.  The mother was thoroughly pleased and couldn’t wait to get the room set and Ella into it.  I’m not sure if Ella changed her tomboy ways though.”

Janie Gulick

FauxBelle of Gulick Designs

770.402.4543

janie@fauxbelle.com

Renee started her business, Krystal Klear Decorating, in April of 2000 only doing murals, but shortly after, expanded into textured finishes. She has  taken classes from Faux Effects Studio, Faux Designs Studio, and Prismatic Painting. Not only enjoying what she does, she has a strong passion for being creative, new challenges, and always learning.  She appreciate all the extra training she has received from fellow finishers, training dvd’s, and faux finishing groups.

“This whimsical bedroom was done for a 4 year old girl as a surprise.  Her and her mom went on a mini vacation and I worked with her Dad on this project.
Normally I use plasters for a 3D effect, however, in this case the majority of the hand painting was done with Folk Art acrylics.  Sherwin Williams 6533 Mild Blue and 6715 Lime Granita was used as a base for the water scene and sky.   Of course Tinkerbell has to have some glitter! This was simple craft glitter put on with a brush. The little girls current wooden wall hangings were added for a more dramatic effect such as the monkey, turtle and a lady bug.  Everything was painted “free hand” and the Tinkerbells were traced on before I painted them.”

Here’s a common misconception. “Water gilding” is often confused with “gilding using water-based size”. Today, the latter is much more common.

I just returned from teaching a class in Versailles, France.

On one afternoon, I invited Sebastian Vallin from Gohard Gilding corp. to give the students a demo on water gilding. Gohard is a 3^rd generation company that specializes in restoration gilding along with high-end residential. Gohard has worked at the palace of Versailles and is a member of the French historical preservation society. Sebastian outlined the traditional method of water gilding:

The process:

1) clean the surface to the bare wood

2) seal it with rabbit skin glue

3) apply several coats of gesso. The gesso is made with rabbit skin glue, whiting, water, and garlic cloves. Gesso is left in a double boiler and is always applied warm.

4) re-carving- this is a pain-staking process where you re-carve all the sculpted details that got lost with layers of gesso. A variety of metal tools are used to chisel and reveal the desired profile. In a big company, if a worker is good at carving, that may be their only job as it requires a lot of skill.

5)sanding

6) apply 3-4 coats of yellow bole. Bole is a soft clay. Traditionally, Armenian clay is used (for it’s ideal brown/red color).

7) sanding

8) apply 1 coat of red bole only on high areas, not the recessed ones.

9) final sanding

10-12) After the resulting surface is smooth and ready, it’s time to apply the gold. A water size is made of water and melted gelatin.

It is applied on a small section using the water sizing brush

Loose leaves are placed on a gilding cushion (see images below) –it is cut in secitions with a knife. Transfer to the piece to the freshly sized section with gilder’s tip.

The process of applying the size and leaf to a section is repeated until complete. Often, the piece is placed on an incline in order to prevent the size from puddling as that can affect the adhesion.

Another stresser: the leaf cannot overlap and just skew away like with oil/water-based size. The overlap will stick and will not burnish the same as areas with only one layer … so you have to be precise.

Use a small, dry mop to stamp leaf on surface

For touch-ups, use a pointed gilder’s brush

13) You can burnish the gold to a high shine with an agate burnisher. Rubbing the surface with a super fine 00000 steel wool will distress the gold and show the bole color coming through.

14) Additionally, the surface can be matted down with a gelatin mixture using a mop to apply

15) Finally, the surface can then be glazed using watercolors for a patina look.

This is the demo piece Sebastian was working on. See the red parts are ready for the gilding

The gelatin size is placed on a small section with a soft brush

This is a gilder’s cushion where you place and cut each leaf to size

The leaf is placed and then stamped with a dry, soft brush called a mop

Get Gilding!!

Starting with the first drop down menu on the IDAL website we will go thru all of the buttons we see.  In doing this I will describe what each link leads you two and have a click able area right here to visit the page in question.  As you see in the image below this is the area we are starting with.  Just hover your mouse over the area labled “About IDAL” to get the options to open up.

Let’s start with the first option, BYLAWS.  When I clicked on this section I will be honest my eyes watered up and I found my self in the beginning stages of a nice afternoon slumber.  But as I dove into it more I realized my ignorance.  This page holds all of the rules and regulations that make IDAL the organization that it is today.  It is compiled of 8 articles ranging from description of the membership attributes to the direction and expectations of the board.  It describes in Article 3 that in addition to the many duties of the board that same board can create committees to assist IDAL.  These committees consist of:

· Public Relations

· Chapter Committee

· Education Committee

· Certification and Awards Committee

· News Magazine Committee

The next option is the CONTACT US page.  This page is pretty self explanatary but check it out because it has a bit more.  It does indeed have all of the pedigree information that one might be looking for when trying to get a hold of an organization.   It also has all of the contacts for board members and other areas of interests that are a part of IDAL.  What I like is it is organized by title, to the right of the title is the person appointed to that position and their email.  Clear and straight forward.  Finally at the bottom of the page is the ability to click on an email-able form that you can fill out with any requests or questions you might have as a member or non-member.

In the FRIENDS OF IDALpage you can find information on how to donate to the IDAL establishment. Since education is the mission and substance of the International Decorative Artisans League, this page allows an easy way to give donations that will go directly to educational programs at the IDAL convention. Donors receive acknowledgement in the Convention Program, on official convention and expo signage, in Artisphere Online and on the IDAL website.

Donors will be recognized at the following levels:

• Bronze Friend ($10 – $249)
• Silver Friend ($250 – $499)
• Gold Friend ($500 – $749)
• Diamond Friend ($750 – $999)
• Platinum Friend ($1000 & Up)

The HISTORY page gives you a good background of the company. Not only does it have the mission statement and statement of philosophy of the establishment but it also shows the names of the founding board and the dates of the first organizational meetings. It is a good page to tell you direct information on the history of IDAL and it tells you what the establishment is really all about.  There really is something kind of neat to see the names of the individuals who founded an organization that stands the test of time.  This organization has been around for over 30 years and has morphed into many things.  Incredible.

The last option is the BOARD page. In this page you can find direct information on the members of the board of directors. There names are listed with their position in the company, and their picture and email address is also included for an easy way to recognize and contact them.  The email addresses are also linked to to make it that much easier to contact them. Any additional contact information can be found in the CONTACT US page.

Faux Effects International, Inc., the leader in the international decorative paint industry relocated from Vero Beach, FL to their new, expansive 70,000 square foot manufacturing facility located in the St. Lucie County Airport Enterprise Zone in Fort Pierce, FL in March 2012.

FE’s new facility is approximately double the space of its previous, and all departments are under one roof in comparison to previously where they were in separate buildings. This extra space allows for the further expansion in the market place to meet both strong domestic and international demand. The new facility meets all current codes and is energy efficient utilizing energy saving air conditioning, machinery, lighting and the use of much natural light. In addition, added solar technology exhaust systems were also added. And, as always, recycling has been part of Faux Effects® practices. Faux Effects International, Inc. ™ has been producing eco-friendly products for over 23+ years and values the environment.

President and CEO, Raymond Sandor designed the facility layout along with architect, Lynn Silkworth and general contractor, Bill Bryant & Associates both of Vero Beach, FL. Robert Paugh, general manager of Bill Bryant & Associates was directly involved in the project from start to completion and did a stand-out job!

“We just celebrated our 1st anniversary in our new facility and couldn’t be more motivated and excited to invest in the future of the industry,” says Raymond Sandor. “Now is the time to look forward, not in the rear view mirror…we are bullish on the future!” Within the past year Faux Effects® has continued to grow, supply its customers with uninterrupted service, and even develop and produce new products to the marketplace such as Old World Finishing Paint™, SuperFlo™ Enamel, SetCoat® Stain Blocking Primer and a new designer color pallet of SetCoat® Metallics. There is always more to come from Faux Effects®…R&D is busy. Keep a close eye for more new products and classes this coming year.

Faux Effects International, Inc., The originating decorative finishing manufacturer and training facility (established 1989) offers over 300 waterborne, professional grade, H.A.P.S. free, decorative finishing mediums; Faux Effects® offers a healthy alternative to other hazardous, toxic materials in the marketplace. Visit www.fauxfx.com for worldwide training, distribution locations and product purchase information. Also visit www.fauxeffectsworld.com to view our industry design magazine publication distributed throughout the US and worldwide through retail outlets including Barnes & Noble and Chapter Indigo.

FAUX EFFECTS INTERNATIONAL INC.
2700 Industrial Ave. Two
Fort Pierce, FL 34946

PHONE: 1-800-270-8871
FAX: 1-772-318-0177

Or e-mail us at info@fauxfx.com

or find us on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/FauxEffectsInternationalInc