brushstrokes decorative painting

Elegant Office

2010-05-09T22:21:00.004-05:00

This finish was done for a client who works from home and felt his office was a little blah. I came in and textured the lower half of the walls using a product called Lusterstone (along with a few other products!). The first coat made everyone but me a little nervous, as this finish starts out as an all-brown texture. Once that dried, I added multiple layers of colors, glazes and stains. The end result is outstanding!

This finish can be done in many different colors, most often to match existing finishes in the room. I typically add a metallic mica powder to this finish (in this case it was gold), which adds an extra shimmer to the walls.

Textured Wall Wash

2009-07-21T16:07:00.009-05:00

A lot of times clients come to me wondering what to do with
their already-textured walls. Wash them, I say! In this sunroom, we base-coat painted the walls a sunny yellow, then I washed over them with a glaze of chocolate brown, creating a beautiful weathered look. This really made the texture stand out, which was a concern of the homeowner (she figured, why have texture if you can't tell it's there?). This is an excellent finish to apply to already-textured walls, and created depth and movement on the walls. Textured walls are much more exciting with a wash of color!

Hammered Copper Ceiling

2009-07-21T16:04:00.003-05:00

A client of mine was looking for inspiration for her dining room. The walls will eventually be painted and textured in here, but for the meantime, we look to the ceiling. This hammered-copper finish is just beautiful in a dining room, where the chandelier light reflects off of the metallic paint. What a gorgeous and inspiring finish, and an unexpected look for a dining room.

Tuscan-Inspired Entryway

2009-07-21T15:52:00.011-05:00

This finish looks like it's textured (and that's what the homeowner originally wanted), but the end result is very smooth. The homeowner had warm colors throughout her house, and we were trying to come up with a finish that would compliment those. We also wanted something that wasn't over-powering for such a large entryway space. This finish is the perfect fit - it offers just enough texture and color to keep the walls interesting (no artwork to have to purchase!), but isn't too much for the space.

The chair is done - bid high!

2009-03-20T15:59:00.006-05:00

I finally finished the chair for the Sit On It! Auction in April. It started it's life as an oak/cherry solid-wood chair...which I think I improved upon with paint. Take a look for yourself:

Sit On It!

2009-03-05T16:00:00.004-06:00

I've been asked to paint and donate a chair to the Young Womens Resource Center annual fundraiser, Sit On It! I'm really honored and quite excited about this. What a great way to show off artists' work, but still raise a lot of money for a great cause. I'll update with photos once I have a master plan in place.

Here's the information:

April 4, 2009 - Sit On It!

The Young Women’s Resource Center will hold the tenth annual Sit On It! on April 4th, at Forte Banquet Center and we invite you to attend! There will be music, food and great company, all for a fantastic cause.

Sit On It! creatively combines the community support of local arts with much needed fundraising to support girls and young women in our community. Each year more than 30 Des Moines area artists design, create and donate functional objects of art for auction at Sit On It!, including one-of-a-kind chairs, tables, sculptures, paintings, pottery, jewelry and much more! A silent auction of creative packages donated from dozens of Des Moines area businesses and sports teams is also part of the event.

More than 400 people attend this event each year. Last year’s Sit On It! raised over $55,000 for the Center. This important revenue provides more young women and girls a chance to realize their full potential through Young Women’s Resource Center programming.

If you would like to attend this fabulous event or if you would like to sponsor Sit On It! or donate art, please contact Christina Heth, Volunteer Services/Special Events Coordinator at 515-244-4901 or cheth@ywrc.org.

Autumn Leaves Seminar

2008-11-18T15:36:00.001-06:00

I am teaching a seminar at the Woodsmith Store next Tuesday (November 25th) at 5:30 PM, in case you're interested in attending. The past seminars have been fantastic, and I promise not to disappoint. I thought I'd share with you some photos of the Autumn Leaves technique so you know what you're getting into:

Adding a little color

2008-11-18T15:00:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of working for a wonderful client (who has had me back to her home multiple times!). This time I was working on the family room, kitchen and entryway.

They had just redone their kitchen countertops and wanted a warm color on the walls to compliment all of the beautiful woodwork and granite.

The technique we chose was a color-meshing of two colors, which gives the illusion of texture on the walls. We chose a dark russet color and a light off-white color. The end result makes it look like there were three (if not more) colors put on the wall because they all blend together to create new colors.

Multi-layered Lusterstone

2008-10-19T21:37:00.002-05:00

Here we are back again at that log cabin in rural Iowa. These photos are of a guest bathroom on the lower level. The homeowner had the tile and the window treatments already selected, it was my job to come in and tie it all together. I used a seven-layer process including green and eggplant colors.

This particular finish has a metallic sheen to it, giving the walls added depth and texture. When you feel the walls, however, they are perfectly smooth!

Painting Seminars

2008-10-03T15:18:00.001-05:00

For anyone who is interested, I am going to be teaching a painting seminar at the Woodsmith Store on November 25th.

Below is the entire lineup/schedule of presenters. I have not seen these presentations before, so I cannot attest to the quality, but I know that mine will be fantastic! :)

FAUX FINISHING & PAINTING SEMINARS

October 7 Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Color Foundations
Ty Tetzlaff, Benjamin Moore Retail Paint Specialist

October 21 Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Metallic Lace Techniques
Stacey Van Gundy, Faux Finishing & Painting Professional, Stacey’s Faux Design

October 28 Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Basics of Faux Painting
Ty Tetzlaff, Benjamin Moore Retail Paint Specialist

November 18 Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Unique Wall Textures & Techniques
Paul Gordon, Faux Finish & Painting Professional,
Perfection Painting

November 25 Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Autumn Leaves Techniques
Jessica Gerhart, Interior Designer, Brushstrokes
Decorative Painting

December 2 Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Stenciling with Style
Susanne Elson, Faux Finishing & Painting Professional,
Fun & Elegance

SINGLE SEMINAR $5

Fall 2008 SEASON PASS $21 Admission to All 6 Winter Seminars

All-over Stencil Design

2008-09-28T14:42:00.001-05:00

In this master bathroom, I was asked to do an all-over stencil motif using Lusterstone, a plaster-like product with incredible metallic pigments added. When applied to the wall, the finish shimmers in the light and looks just beautiful. I did this one in a two-tone finish to compliment the new marble and tile that were being installed.

I applied the technique to the walls, then the homeowner asked if I could "paint" on glass. She was having some glass installed in the doorway between the master bathroom and the toilet/shower room, which received no direct sunlight. She still wanted privacy, but definitely wanted it to look like it was supposed to be part of the design process all along.

I used the same all-over stencil that I had applied to the walls, and using an etching paint (and a little metallic added in), I painted the design on the glass. I then finished it with a protective topcoat for durability. Take a look for yourself, but I think the finished product is fabulous. (so did the homeowner, she asked me to do the same technique to the cabinet glass!)

Easy, Peaceful Feeling...

2008-09-22T14:21:00.002-05:00

I have done a lot of work the past couple months in this new log cabin south of Des Moines. Every time I am down there I get an easy, peaceful feeling...

In the lower level , we wanted to use earthy colors to blend in with the lush green surroundings - I ended up doing a color-meshing of dark and light sage colors.

Log Cabin Love

2008-09-17T15:50:00.002-05:00

I have been spending quite a few days out at the most fabulous house in the country - it's a log cabin, set on acres of ground overlooking a pond - and I've been hard at work making the house even more spectacular.

In the Kitchen, I did a Venetian Plaster technique in reds and browns - to coordinate with some new furniture the homeowner bought. It looks gorgeous with all the wood detailing in the room. This room opens up to a large family room with huge windows.

In the Master Bathroom, the technique chosen was"Autumn Leaves"and we picked a great time to do it. The homeowner hand-picked leaves from a family tree that had great sentimental value to her, and I applied the imprints to the wall, then glazed over them. The end result is much prettier than the photos show, but they'll have to do for now.

Bronze Tissue Paper

2008-08-18T09:51:00.018-05:00

In this bathroom for a repeat client, I applied tissue paper on the walls, then glazed it using a bronze metallic paint. It is difficult to see just how beautiful this finish is in the photos...so you'll have to take my word for it. (that and this is the second room in her house I've done this finish in!) The metallic color is wonderful because it gives just the right amount of sheen to the walls.

This technique is applicable in almost every room, although I'd shy away from using it in a kitchen (spills/grease could get caught in the "crinkles"). I have done this in bedrooms, dens, dining rooms, and in a LOT of bathrooms. I've done this on many ceilings, too.

A Timeless Look...

2008-08-01T22:47:00.001-05:00

I finished a job this week for a great client - she had me paint her guest bath in stripes. I used a cream color for the base and did 5" wide stripes in a taupe color. The end result is classic and timeless. I love doing stripes - the hard work is all in the measuring and taping, but the end look is well worth it.

Painted Armoire

2008-07-16T13:51:00.001-05:00

This past week I was asked to paint an armoire - a really, really big armoire that was being used as a bar. I actually think it was a bar to begin with, but an armoire is more descriptive. It was made of solid oak, with all kinds of hinges and pulls and locks (it even had electrical outlets and a cool switch that made the light come on when you opened the door). The owner is redecorating in a more contemporary style, and with the color help of Victoria at Wicker and the Works, the armoire got a new facelift, too. The added lime green on the inside is just the right amount of contrast to make the piece a little unexpected. Take a look for yourself at the before and after (obviously the doors and drawers have been removed - I'd love to get a picture of the piece all intact)

Copper Tissue Walls

2008-06-30T15:19:00.001-05:00

This is a finish that I have done numerous times in various locations. The pictures shown here are in a powder room, but I have also done this in a bar area, a dining room, a bedroom and on multiple ceilings. It is a really dramatic finish that always begs the question "how did you do that?" This finish can be done in a multitude of colors to compliment any decor.

The tissue paper is applied to the wall while the paint is wet. I then paint over the finish with a metallic copper paint. A black glaze is then applied to give it some aging.

Touchable Walls

2008-06-17T22:38:00.001-05:00

I finished this bathroom up awhile ago, but just got around to taking pictures. I LOVE this bathroom! I've also done this technique for other homeowners - one in a dining room and one in an entryway - I could see this finish in any room of your house. The homeowner in this case wanted an "accent" bathroom for their lower level. What I gave them is the ultimate in sophistication and has a definite "wow" factor.

I started with a dark basecoat color, then added the dark venetian plaster for texture. Then came the red and black plasters. As a final coat, I added a wax to the wall for that extra polish. It ends up looking (and feeling) so velvety soft, everyone just wants to touch it!

Contemporary Colors

2008-05-22T09:41:00.001-05:00

I just finished up a house where the decor was definitely more contemporary than other houses I typically see. It was a challenge to work in an environment where the main colors were black, gray and white....but I must say, it all turned out really nice and brought the whole feel of the house together.

This was in the dining area. The homeowners had new draperies made for the window and I drew the color inspiration from those. I did a multi-color technique on the bottom half, a pearlescent glazing on the top half, and a wide dark gray (almost black) stripe to separate the techniques.

I also painted the rounded stairwell that leads to the lower level. It was a daunting task, but the end result was fantastic! For this area, I chose two colors to apply over a light gray base for a a multi-color effect. The colors found in this wall coordinate well with the furniture, fabrics, artwork, etc. found in the open floor plan.

Seeing Squares

2008-05-15T08:22:00.005-05:00

This past week I had the pleasure of painting for a baby boy's room. I love doing nurseries and kids' rooms...as I can usually be a little more "whimsical" and creative. (not too many people want monkeys and fish on their living room walls!)

This particular room is for a baby that has not yet been born, but the mom wanted to get a head start on his nursery. She had picked out the bedding already (a very cool, modern print - see photo at right) and wanted to come up with something timeless for an accent wall. Squares it is! Big, bold squares in all the fun colors found in the bedding. This is just the kind of thing that a baby, a toddler, and a teenager can enjoy. Very cool, indeed!

Las Vegas, Baby!

2008-04-27T20:26:00.002-05:00

I went to Las Vegas a few weeks ago and saw some amazing faux finishes! I think Las Vegas has to be the "faux capital" of the world. I certainly couldn't imagine completing some of these projects on my own (I'd definitely have to find a crew!!)
I thought I'd post some of the more unique projects I saw - mostly at Caesar's (where we stayed), so that means overdone marble columns and such. I can't take credit for ANY of these photos - I only dream to do a project this enormous someday! Enjoy!

This is by far the most beautiful "faux" marble I've ever seen. I couldn't even believe it wasn't real. The most impressive part is that it is replicated on about 24 columns in this huge shopping area.

Faux sky. This is a fairly easy finish to replicate, yet gives a magnificent result.

This is a troweled-on, texture product that adds depth and "suede-like" feel to the walls. I have done this type of finish on walls and on ceilings, it always turns out beautiful.

April Fools Day!

2008-04-01T14:34:00.027-05:00

Check out these bricks - are they real or fake? You just might have to touch them to tell the difference! The one on the right is done over an existing foundation wall - the owner wanted a "wine cellar" feeling. The next (in the kitchen) is a textured plaster done over bare drywall. And the bottom picture is a completely smooth wall with the illusion of textured bricks.

"non-textured" Texture

2008-03-28T14:59:00.006-05:00

I finally got back into the house I've been working on the past month - only to take a few photos of the lower level for another potential client. But that means I've got some pictures to post. This finish was created for the "man of the house"...he wanted a lower level bar/rec area that had the feel of "Guinness" beer - the cream/tans, blacks and highlights of red (in the furniture/art). They wanted to keep their walls perfectly smooth, but add the look of texture. I'd say we accomplished that goal!

Ceiling Medallions

2008-03-18T12:39:00.001-05:00

Since I haven't taken pictures of the new house I've been working on the past few weeks (I still need to get into the house to finish up some areas once the builder is done), I thought I'd post some ceiling medallion ideas. These are great accent pieces to have painted in your home - they usually come in plain white, and the builder will install and paint them the ceiling color. Usually I am called in to "match" an existing light fixture. Because it's a completely custom, hand-painted finish, I can usually get pretty close.

recent projects

2008-03-08T19:39:00.000-06:00

So...when trying to decide what pictures to post first, I had a hard time choosing! Hopefully in the future I can just post whatever project I'm working on at the time....but until then, I'll show you some projects I just finished up.

The first is a back hallway for a repeat client of mine. She had some wallpaper that she wanted replicated, only in her colors. It was a fun challenge to get all those tiny little squares on the wall - but was well worth the effort! Take a look for yourself:
Another project I just finished up was a dining room ceiling. As I'm posting these I'm realizing that I need to start taking better pictures! Anyway, the ceiling was done in a metallic brown color - and looks great with the existing wall color.

And lastly, a front door that the client wanted "antiqued" to go along with the Tuscan theme. When I started it was just a boring, off-white door - what a difference some paint can make (and a talented painter!)

a first time for everything...

2008-03-08T10:10:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking long and hard about a way to update everyone on the world of decorative painting and this is it! I hope you enjoy reading about Brushstrokes' latest ventures. I plan on posting pictures of projects I've been working on, new ideas and techniques - and I hope to provide inspiration for your next project. Please let me know if there's anything you'd like to see in the future.