Elephant Art

 Elephant Art

My husband and I had the amazing opportunity to meet an incredible artist this past weekend. His name is Luke. He lives in Williston, Fl. His artwork is vibrant and freeform. Oh , and he's an elephant. You can meet him at the Two Tails Ranch. He's the masterpiece he painted, of which we are now proud owners of :

To view Luke in action visit my You Tube Channel at :

Video link

https://youtu.be/G1qhGS2GwDo

To visit Luke in person, reservations are required. Go to : www.allaboutelephants.com

#allaboutelephants #elephantart 

Furniture Makeover

 

Furniture Makeover

Southwest Florida is literally booming. We can’t build fast enough here as the other continental states flock to (IMHO) -the best spot on the continent. Along with that comes the need to either purchase new furnishings (assuming you can get them off the ships – some clients are on 6 to 9 months waiting lists) or make the furniture brought along work in the Florida home. Even if the beloved pieces find a location in the abode, typically they are too dark and dreary for bright sunbeam filled Florida. The solution is easy though- just refinish it. That’s exactly what I did for a recent client’s SW Florida bungalow. Here are the results:

Once again, I used the Valspar Bonding Primer. Love this stuff! It bonds quickly and dries quickly. In our mega humid environment that's quite a feat. For this particular set, the Faux Effects CV500 Dull UV was used as final clear coat. The dull finish worked for the look we were going for and the CV500 is mega tough and can hold up to normal use.

After the holidays a few more pieces will be transformed in this adorable home.

Have some pieces you need made over? Contact me at Swan Studios Inc

Follow all of our adventures and be inspired !

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#distressedfurniture #paintedfurniture #capecoralfauxfinisher

Sneak Peek

The Swan Studios Inc's Blog has been a little quiet lately...for great reason. Something big is in production! Here's a sneak peek :

#custommural #capecoralmuralist #floridamuralist

 

The Science of an Aphrodisiac Faux Finish

The Science of an Aphrodisiac Faux Finish

Fire is nature’s aphrodisiac. There’s actually scientific research as to why human’s gather around and find romance in the flicker of flames either by candlelight or a roaring fire. Blood pressure goes down and an inner peace emerges as we relax in front of crackling embers. And what’s more romantic than snuggling in front of a fire? Even here in subtropical SW Florida, fireplaces hold a significant place in home’s interiors. Granted ours are typically the “non-warming” type and we don’t actually chop wood. But the romance is still there. Add to that the romance of the beach with natures gorgeous patina of sun-bleached driftwood and you have a winning combination just perfect for a Florida home.

                              The formerly dark heavy feel of this fireplace surround is replaced with an elegant but casual whitewashed driftwood faux finish. Priming is key to assuring a good bond. For this one I used Valspar’s Bonding Primer. Driftwood comes in a variety of shades neutral greys and neutral tans. In this case, the color combo matches with previously faux painted piece  ( photo posted at the bottom of this article). Furniture pieces must be clear coated. It preserves the finish and allows the piece to be dusted. One of my favorite clear topcoats is the C500 urethane series by Faux Effects because its non-yellowing and lasting. For this fireplace I used the satin finish.

  

Be sure to get into the crevices with the bonding primer.

Teasingly nicknamed my prayer cushion, this foam wedge saves my knees.

The faux finish matches with the faux finish painted on the homeowner's grandfather clock:

Let's create your own romantic faux finish makeover. Contact me at Swan Studios Inc

You can follow all of Swan Studios Inc's art adventures on :

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                                           #fauxfinish #fauxpainting #capecoralfauxpainter

Still Lives Matter

Still Lives Matter

Actually, its “Still Lifes Matter “, to be technically correct. But art articles as a double entendre is how the Swan Studio Inc’s art blog entries are usually titled. Have to admit, I debated with myself over this one. Is it too soon? But hey, it’s a post 2020 world and anything goes. Still life art has been around since the Greco era and coined in the Netherlands in the 16^th century. Compromising of inanimate objects both natural and manmade. (okay, a bit of debate in the ‘dead animal’ objects but we won’t get into that ) The objective is to create a balanced composition and accurately depict the subject. Although considered the lowest in the hierarchy of genres it is the most popular of buyers. As an artist who makes their living in art, I say go where the money is. Added bonus- it’s fun!

The project began as a replication of an existing faux finish. For artists, that one makes us sigh. Because each faux finish artist has their own “hand”. It works the same way as handwriting to a point. Each is unique even though the technique is the same. Then there’s the hurdle of figuring out the color mixtures and tools. In this case, fortunately, the faux painting to be matched is not right atop nor adjacent to the original but rather across the hall in another room. Joy! The reason for the request was due to particular art that would hang down a hallway and the replica faux would balance the area. The fun part came as the additional request to paint a vase of flowers similar to those that appeared on a ledge in front of the original faux finish work. Along with that request an additional frame around the vase was to be painted as a personal nod to the homeowner’s art pieces by Isaac’s Maimon’s café art that depicts paintings within paintings. The tidbit came from a lecture they had heard by Maimon on the particular pieces. 

The results:

Knockdown texture was added to the previously smooth walls to mimic the hallway texture.

A series of plasters and paints were troweled on/ The still life portion is painted in acrylics. Everything is clear coated in a c500 gloss urethane to mimic the top coat in the hallway and as protection from the elements.

This is the original faux and vase inspiration across the hallway:

Let's create your own unique art creations in your space. Contact me at Swan Studios Inc

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...and if you just happen to have a "still" we could create a totally different double entendre of "Still Lives Matter "

#stilllifeart #capecoralartist #capecoralfauxpainter

You've Got the Cutest Little Baby Face

You've Got the Cutest Little Baby Face

Today we celebrate the faces we hold most dear. The faces of those who have the strongest grip on our heart and soul. The faces that always make us smile no matter the circumstance, the span of time, or geographical distance. As the lyrics say “ There’s not another that could take your place…” because you’ve got the cutest little baby face:

Baby Faces ( children in artwork by Swan Studios Inc ) 

click to view:

Baby Faces by Swan Studios Inc

#babyfaces #capecoralartist #childrenportraits

Sparkling for Best Buddies

Sparkling for Best Buddies

The 2021 Champion Gala for the Best Buddies Organization SW Florida chapter is only a few weeks away. The champions are out raising money for this amazing organization that offers One-to-One Friendships, Integrated Employment, and Leadership Development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Florida. I have been blessed to get to know and work alongside the gala board members, champions, and citizens. They each add such sparkle to life and embrace what it means to be inclusive as we all learn from each other and share this incredible world God has given us.

Swan Studios Inc through our Starlight Productions division has been creating a video to highlight 2 of the mission partners. The video will premiere at the gala and will be available online afterwards.  Also getting into the act, so to speak, the Glitterazzi Boutique division which distributes glitter art creations by Swan Studios Inc has created a set of glitter wine glasses with the Best Buddies corporate colors of purple and teal along with a glitter art piece of the corporate logo. The set will be available for auction at the Oct 22^nd Gala.

                       The glitter wine glasses feature a clear coat protection. The 10” x 10” wood panel art piece is clear epoxied. The coating creates depth, as well as protection. It also features a ¾” depth cradle allowing the art piece to be hung without framing.

side view of art panel:

To learn more about the Best Buddies Organization and Gala event for SW Florida, visit:

https://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/southwestflorida 

To have your own custom created glitter wine glasses and glitter art piece, contact me at:

Swan Studios Inc

Or visit the Glitterazzi Boutique

Starlight Productions Division can be reached at:Starlight Productions

#glitterart #glitterwineglasses #capecoralartist #bestbuddies

 

Rusted Corrugated Sheet Metal Effect

 

Rusted Corrugated Sheet Metal Effect

The look of rusted sheet metal isn’t just for outdoors anymore! There’s been a surge of rusted look for exterior enhancement anything from roofing, siding, and fencing. But the look can be brought indoors too. Sure, a rusted effect treatment can be done on actual sheet metal and mounted but that can require base boards and doors framed to be removed and replaced depending on the wall you choose. An easier way is to create the whole effect with only paint. I have the delight of creating unique bespoke faux finishes all throughout this home (short tour below). The most recent was on the wall space surrounding the entrance door. The wall space may be small, but the effect is huge:

White paint is spattered on for additional effect:

A closer look:

I started out with a medium gray base. The next layer is a silver metallic:

The lines were measured out:

Then the fun really begins. There are several ways to achieve this, here’s what I used for this project:

Base SW7670 gray shingle

From Faux Effects Int’l:

Base 2: Set Coat Metallic Silver

Mid shadows:  Metal Glow Urban Steel

Deep shadows: Set Coat Metallic Black

High Lights: Metal Glow Luna White

Rust: Designer Rust

       (in the deepest portion of rust I added a touch of Burnt Umber)

I love working with the metallics from Faux Effects. They’re buttery smooth. The Metal glow formula absolutely gleams like no other.

This faux finish fits in perfectly with the other faux paintings throughout this delightful home:

Rusted Tin Roof effect:

Stamped metal tile ceiling effect: 

Weathered beach wood siding effect:

Gray brick with peeling plaster effect:

Rock Plaster wall effect:

Let's create your own unique finishes and make your home a show stopper! 

Contact me at Swan Studios Inc

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#rustedsheetmeal #rustedsheetmetalfauxfinish #rustfauxpainting

 

Romancing the Dunes

There is something deeply romantic about sand dunes along the gulf. Perhaps its because of the dunes ever changing undulating shape making each tread unique. Or perhaps it’s because of Hollywood’s depiction of love’s searing burn and passionate kisses on the beach (From Here to Eternity) Whatever the case, the sand dunes are an escape from noise of the world. Painting sand dunes is the perfect mural subject for a poolside get away. Now the homeowner can relax on their lanai and mentally drift away to place where the only sound is the crashing waves and gently sifting sand carried in the breeze:

                                                                                  

Close -up views of the most requested birds in beach murals:

Sandpipers:

Seagulls:

This mural is part of a series of poolside murals I’ve created in Naples.

For more inspiring poolside murals, I’ve compiled a collection which can be viewed at:

Beach Scenes painted by Swan Studios Inc

To have your own beach mural painted contact me at:

 Swan Studios Inc

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#beachmural #floridamuralist #capecoralmuralist

It's Movie Night

Its Movie Night!

Everyone enjoys movie night. Even now when most of us stay home during Covid Closures, we turn our family rooms with its big screen flat tv and incredible surround sound into our own theaters.  Hey, at least at home you can wear pajamas, have your hair knotted up, and even run laundry periodically. Home theater has its perks. Still there is something magical about going to the theater with its massive velvet curtains, hearing the flicker of film as it rotates on its spool ( yes I said film- don’t ask my age ), and the aroma of theater popcorn. Watching the silver screen we’re whisked away into worlds and lives beyond ours. This weekend happens to be the 1^st Cape Coral Film Festival. I’ve been involved for years with the Fort Myers Film Festival. Love it when movie life is so close to home. My husband and I are both excited to have short films in the Cape Coral Film Festival. And the rivalry is on since they are in the same short comedic category. His film, Edien, showed last night to a delighted audience. Tonight’s mine, Three Wishes. I have those butterflies of excited nervous tension. Both films are written and directed by Curtis Collins of Three Cs Productions produced along with the wonderful guys at Rayhart Entertainment. They have a major project in the works called Loyal to the Game. Keep an eye out for it. You can catch Bob and Adam Rayhart each week on their podcast “The Rayhart Rundown”

In honor of Cape Coral’s first ever film festival, I’ve compiled various mural works I’ve painted with a very theatrical and movie magic theme:

Painted for a Highschool's Television production department:

Painted in a Middle School Library:

  

Painted at the entrance to a school theater:

Plain white walls are transformed to appear as brick and a ticket booth at this schools' theater entrance:

Create movie magic in your home’s theater, contact me at Swan Studios Inc

To see tonight's complete schedule and see Three Wishes at the 1st Annual Cape Coral Film Festival

If you missed last night's showing of Edien, keep an eye out for upcoming film festivals near you. It'll be on the film festival circuit:

To learn more or for audition information on Loyal to The Game go to:

Three C's Productions

#moviemural #loyaltothegame #threewishes #edien