Happy National Food Truck Day!
Today is National Food Truck Day! Here's a fun colorful Food Truck I had the joy of painting. I also created the adorable mascot painted on the back. Art and Food - what a great combo!
Happy National Food Truck Day!
Today is National Food Truck Day! Here's a fun colorful Food Truck I had the joy of painting. I also created the adorable mascot painted on the back. Art and Food - what a great combo!
The Lighthouse
Over the years I’ve
been requested to paint lighthouses into some of my mural work. Living in SW
Florida, the Sanibel lighthouse is a common request. However, until recently a lighthouse
hasn’t been the focal point of the mural work. Rather it’s been a mere addition
into an overall scene. So, I was excited at the request to have a lighthouse be the only object in the mural
piece. A homeowner who is a collector of yard statuary wanted a lighthouse painted
to fill an odd exterior wall angle. Little could they have known how much it
meant to me. Every time I see a lighthouse I think of my Uncle Bill. He is a
minister retired from a life as a missionary. Whenever he would return home to
the U.S. to visit, he would be asked to preach and usually sing as well. One of
the songs I remember him singing the most was the gospel song “The Lighthouse”.
What a joy it was to paint this light house while in my mind’s memory hear him
singing “The Lighthouse” and rejoicing in the love of Christ as our lighthouse
guiding the way.
Bamboo Mural to Hide the Drainpipes
Drainpipes are an essential for house construction. But sometimes they can get in the way of the overall look. Most of the time we choose to simply ignore them and pretend they aren’t there. Not for this homeowner. The pool on the lanai is flanked by the walls of a Casita addition. Previously, I had painted a botanical mural for a Zen feel. The location of the outdoor dining area is to the side of the wall mural and gives a view of the side of the new extension. This side wall is where the drainpipes are placed. Rather than look at the drainpipes, the homeowner requested the pipes be camouflaged by extending the bamboo of the mural. A few favorite backyard birds now fly in the mural as well:
Here’s a closeup look
of the side of the Casita:
Ready to change the
focus of your Lania? Contact me at Swan Studios Inc
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#outdoormural #bamboomural
Silver Metallic Faux Grasscloth
There is a simple
elegance to Grasscloth wallcovering. The care and installation, however, is
not so elegant especially here in SW Florida. The average humidity level hovers
in the upper 70s and often climbs into the 90s. It is like breathing water. Granted
every home has climate control, but that humidity does find its way in and can affect
wall finishes. If the Grasscloth is added into a bathroom there is , of course,
the shower steam and sink splashes to contend with. A simple answer to having
the look of Grasscloth on your walls without the worry of its upkeep is to have
the look faux painted onto the walls.
This Casita bath was literally screaming for a wall finish. With a few tones of silver stria’d on in a horizontal pattern, the room now has the timeless yet modern look of grass cloth:
Here’s a closer look:
For this particular
room, the base coat color is SW7646 First Star. Then using a wide flat natural
bristle brush the silver is delicate brushed. This look was alternating with
Faux Effects Palette Deco in Silver, and a mixture of Flexible Modeling Paste
and Metallic Silver acrylic.
Let’s create your own
custom faux finish look. Contact Swan Studios Inc
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#fauxpainting #fauxgrasscloth
Asian Style Shutter Mural
Next to the Zen mural
was a traditional arch window. Rather than leave the window “undressed”, Asian
style shutters are now painted on either side. For extra flair, Asian fret work
Is painted above the arch.
The end result is “traditional”,
Asian, and 3D:
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Studios Inc's art adventures on your favorite social media:
#shuttermural #Asianshutters
Cabinetry Makeover
Dark and dated
kitchens are a common angst for SW Florida homeowners. An easy update to a
lighter and brighter kitchen or bath is
have the cabinets painted. Painting the cabinetry is a more budget-friendly way
to give your home the look you crave. Of course, the cabinetry needs to be in
good condition. If the cabinets are warped or crumbling, paint won’t fix that. But
if the cabinets are in good shape, painting can literally save you thousands of
dollars over replacing the cabinets.
If you plan to
replace the hardware , keep the current hardware spacing in mind. If you plan
to go from a knob to a handle, the painter needs to know that before the
cabinets are painted so that the proper prep work can be done.
Even though some
paints declare they are paint and primer all in one, I always prime the cabinet
first. Proper preparation makes all the difference in the world. I’ve used a
variety of paint brands over the years. What brand and type I use depends on if
I’m painting for one color or creating a faux finish. If its just one color, I
suggest Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane. It flows like melted butter.
Here are some before
and after examples of changing dark finish cabinets to modern airy look. ( the
color used in the next 3 photos is Sherwin Williams Moderate White SW6140).
A world of difference:
Are your cabinets dragging
you back decades? Let’s update them to a fresher look. Contact Swan Studios Inc
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#paintedcabinets #cabinetmakeover
Faux Mohogany Front
Door
Your entry way is the first impression of your home. Make it fabulous. The yummy goodness of rich mahogany makes the entrance warm and inviting. It both impresses the eyes and creates the feel of a welcoming hug. Here are a few mahogany examples to inspire you:
Park It!
A new school year is about to begin. For seniors this is the last hoorah before entering the world of college and adulting. Some schools allow seniors to paint their parking spaces. (Yes, almost all are drivers at this point- deep breath). I had the pleasure of painting a parking space for a current senior. It is painted in a very girly theme. All shades of pink with flowers and fruit. Reminds me of a beach towel. Best of luck on a great senior year!
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Happy National Coloring Book Day!
Everyone loves to color, especially little ones. Swan Studios Inc has published a positive- traits coloring book for children titled " Be All You Can Bee". It is a follow up to the children's book of kindness, " A Bee Named Birdie". Both are available on Amazon. Happy coloring!
Shelling on Sanibel Beach
Mural
One of our treasures of
SW Florida is the stunningly gorgeous Sanibel Island. It is a destination spot for
tourists, honeymooners, those fleeing the bitter cold of the north, and even
our locals. The beaches are filled with fabulous shells of all kinds. Collecting
shells is a favorite pastime for anyone visiting Sanibel. A recent homeowner
who loves collecting shells on Sanibel decided to have her favorite retreat
location painted onto her poolside privacy wall.
With the serene
colors of sky and gulf waters of the mural, the poolside is truly a retreat:
In the distance you
can see the Sanibel lighthouse:
And, of course, the
beach is scattered with shells:
Here's a fun one! Today is "Invite an Alien to Live With You Day". It is celebrated every year on 21 July, inspired by the sitcom Mork & Mindy and honoring Robin Williams’ iconic alien character Mork. It’s a playful holiday encouraging sci‑fi fun, imagination, and welcoming the “unknown.” #inviteanalientolivewithyou
Blue Shimmer & Platinum
Faux Finish
Our primary bath is
often our sanctuary. It’s a place to soak the troubles of the world away, take
a few deep breaths, and unwind. The wall finish in the primary bath needs to simultaneously
bring happiness and peace. And that is just what this gorgeous faux finish combination
does with its blend of soft metallic blue and metallic silver.
To create this serene finish, the walls were painted in Sw7653 Silverpoint cut in half. The colors used for the faux glaze are Modern Masters Blue Shimmer and Modern Masters Platinum. A traditional method of rub-on and rub- off evokes the expanse of the sky.
Chicago Bulls
Sports fans are the
best. They deeply embrace their team rain or shine. Recently, a Chicago Bulls
fan requested the logo of their team painted in their “mancave” along with inspirational
words. The homeowner is a transplant to
Forida from Chicago, and this room helps him celebrate his team and gives a
touch of his hometown.
The Chicago Bulls was founded on January 16, 1966, and played its first game during the 1966–67 NBA season.
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#ChicagoBulls #sportsmural #sportsteammural
Happy Father's Day!
God Bless all the Fathers today!
Welcome to the World
Sweet Baby
This weekend has been
incredible. One of the most precious little beings was born. Sweet little Liam
arrived totally healthy and absolutely perfect. He’s already full of wonder of
the world around him. In honor of my great nephew’s entrance, I’m posting art
pieces of done of God’s beautiful tiny humans. (Liam’s painting is coming soon)
The most perfect little girl ever, my beautiful daughter:
These are created in color pencil:
Whether it’s a portrait
or mural, you can have your own creation of those that mean the most to you by contacting
me at Swan Studios Inc
#childrensportraits
#capecoralartist #childportrait