I was contacted by designer Heidi Dripps to create a finish that was inspired by a wallpaper that the client loved. The wallpaper was beautiful but there were certain things that didn't work for the client. One, the colorways weren't quite right. And two, the composition wasn't just so. The designer and client wanted me to recreate the feel of the contemporary imagery but create more of a mural.
I am so excited to share this project with you! Recently Christie Leu of Christie Leu Interiors called me up because she had a realization that I would be the one to solve a design dilema for her and her client.
Originally she had specified a wallpaper for a feature wall in the foyer of her client's bay front property in Ocean City, MD. But because the wall was so tall (19' to be exact) the cost to have it custom made was way over budget. Then it dawned on her that I could create a finish inspired by the wallpaper, and stay within the budget! A win-win!
Christie sent me the sample and I went to work creating a painted version of it. I wanted to keep the grasscloth texture like the original so I decided to go with a plaster ground. Once dry, I layered glazes, wiping back and adding more, until the desired effect was achieved.
I think the final product is a showstopper and really compliments the stunning design work in the home. The house was remodeled from top to bottom and Christie really did a beautiful job. I hope the clients have many happy years there.
Do you have a design dilema we could help with? Contact us today!
[contact-form][contact-field label="Name" type="name" required="true" /][contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="true" /][contact-field label="Website" type="url" /][contact-field label="Message" type="textarea" /][/contact-form]
Earlier this summer I completed a large scale mural depicting the family business Pete Pappas and Sons in Jessup MD.
I was asked to show the history of the company from the first packing warehouse founded by their great grandfather in 1942 who immigrated from Greece to Washington D.C. Also shown is the current facility and in the center are the three generations of Pappas family owners. The two figures in the center are passing a crate of tomatoes, symbolizing the passing of the company's leadership from father to son.
The mural was completed on canvas in the studio and installed on site by Shelly Wilkins of Walls Etc. Learn more about how we create murals on canvas.
I love creating meaningful work and get such a joy out of bringing client's idea to life. Do you have a space that could use a special work of art?
Recently I was asked to paint some murals for a library renovation being funded by the Ravens Foundation for Charles Carroll Barrister Elementary in Pigtown, Downtown Baltimore. I was thrilled! I was able to paint four areas, all on canvas, and help create a warm and inviting environment for the students of CCB to read and learn. Special thanks to Nancy Pascale and Warren Wunder for having faith in me to accomplish this project in such a short amount of time. And special thanks to Mary Landavere for helping paint all those stadium seats! Oh, and I can't forget Shelly Wilkins and Larry Stroup for their work hanging the murals.
IMG_6271
Its all finished!
A few weeks ago Stacey and I, with the help of our amazing paper hanger Shelly Wilkins of Walls Etc., installed the final panel of the BRI mural. If you missed the progress, read about it here.
IMG_6266
IMG_6267
IMG_6261
We started the project back in October and little did I know how good it would be for my healing. Stacey is a very unique person. She is wise beyond her years, extremely talented, patient, and persistent. In her words it was "bashert" destined, predetermined, meant to be. This project landed at the perfect time. She was supposed to get a different project, slated to start earlier but that one fell through. This one came along and Stacey needed help and a place to work on this large piece.
IMG_6281
IMG_6280
A month after my mom's passing we began the mural. The days were filled with painting and discussions about so many things like death, religion, spirituality, relationships, food, travel and love. It was great to just show up and paint and not worry about clients and business things. We also learned new techniques from each other. I taught her how to glaze and she taught me how to see beyond the reference material. Stacey also met my studio neighbors and commented on what a great place the West End is, how we check in on each other and help one another with things. I think she would move in if she could!
IMG_6283
IMG_6286
The mural itself is spectacular. It shows the people affected by the debilitating parasitic disease Shistosomiasis. The mural depicts a family doing their daily chores of washing and filling bottles of water at a local pond. Stacey meticulously illustrates how the disease infiltrates the body and its devastating consequences if left untreated. The second half of the mural (executed first) shows the work being done by BRI in facilitating a mechanism for a vaccine through the doors of the "hut" and lastly the people walking away, immune now from Shistosomiasis.
Here are some more images of areas I painted.
IMG_6299
IMG_6298
IMG_6296
IMG_6290
IMG_6292
I was so happy to see this work installed and ready to move on to the next project but also a bit sad that our daily talks would come to an end. Stacey's next project is working on her son Jonah's Bar-Mitzvah and my next project involves glass, paint, and metal leaf. We will have to have regular lunch dates in order alleviate our withdrawal symptoms.
Stay tuned!
