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

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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