Swan Studios Mural and Faux Finish Adventures

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Age of Aquarium

What do you do when you have a built-in piece of furniture that’s just about 8,000 lbs. and you don’t like the finish? You have it faux finished, of course.

The client had a “ginormous” aquarium right in the middle of the formal sitting area of the home. It can be seen upon entering the home, from the lanai, and from the second story of the home. They inherited the aquarium at the purchase of the home. The wood finish was in need of TLC. But the finish was stained very dark and added too much weight, so to speak, to the room. Their own décor taste is much more open and contemporary. I faux finished a horizontal wood grain with metallic bronze that gives it a more contemporary finish and not quite so heavy. The door insets have also been faux finished in duo tone metallic that work with other silver and bronze metallic finishes in the room. Because of the weight – even without the fish and water- the aquarium was painted in its spot. To assist in making the finish more contemporary, I used a light layer of wood fill to fill in the original rustic wood grain. Sanding the fill had to be done gently by hand so as not to disturb the fish inside. A clear gloss topcoat serves a dual purpose. It makes the finish contemporary and protects the faux painting from the handling of chemicals necessary when the tank is tended to.

Here's a close-up look at the new faux finishes :

Have your own heavy built -in weighing your room down ? Contact me at Swan Studios Inc http://www.swanstudio.net/

And follow our painting adventures at:

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and catch artist Marty Wisher on Twitter: https://twitter.com/martywisher

#fauxfinish #fauxwoodgrain #fauxmetallicfinish

Sunday, October 1, 2017

And the Walls Came Tumbling Down

A new accent area was created this week showcasing faux white-washed weathered grey bricks with white plaster decay look. It was an extension of the faux weathered beach wood board look featured in the article

http://swanstudiosinc.blogspot.com/2016/06/todays-weathered-report.html

The latest faux finish is painted for the bar area between the dining room and the kitchen.

The space was first faux painted in grey and taupe brick tones. A chalky white wash was then applied. Once dry that was followed by a white plaster peeled paint effect.

It's the perfect accompaniment to the previously painted faux painted beach board look.

In this shot you catch a glimpse of the faux beach wood board wall:

Love that beachy look!

To have your own created contact me at Swan Studios Inc

http://www.swanstudio.net

You can follow along with all our painting adventures on your favorite social media sites:

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/+SwanStudiosIncCapeCoral

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwanStudiosInc

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SwanStudiosInc/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/SwanStudiosIncCapeCoral

and now on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swanstudiosinc

Twitter fans, you'll find artist Marty Wisher at https://twitter.com/martywisher

#fauxbrick #fauxfinish #fauxpainting

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Electrified Sunbeam

We are to let our light shine and shine brightly! Ironically, I live in the sunshine state. But even in glorious sun flooded SW Florida things aren’t always bright. A recent storm came roaring in and took out not only the sun but all the electricity that turns on the lights when the sun goes down. That same electricity lets us enjoy the sun-bathed outdoors from the comfort of our well air- conditioned homes. However, when the electricity goes out so do the lights and that most marvelous invention; air-conditioning. Even my solar panels couldn’t kick on after Hurricane Irma blasted through because she decided to take out the main circuit boards during her whirlwind tour of Florida. By day 3 of intense heat, high humidity, and lack of sleep that accompanies the novelty had worn off. I try always to be a bright spot in my darling husband’s life. I’m his sunbeam. We discovered that my sunbeam apparently runs on electricity. Happy to say dear friends rescued us as their electricity came on first and on day 5 ours delightfully came back on. I’m back to my sunny self, his little sunbeam- his electrified sunbeam.

Only days before the storm came through I had had a request to paint a saying on a lanai lounge area. The client’s husband calls his wife his sunshine. Out at dinner one night they saw a sign that said” You are my sunshine”. They had been searching for something to adorn the walls of the lanai lounge and this was the perfect solution. So, a sunbeam painted for sunshine – see what I did there? (He also calls her buttercup. But, ” You are my Buttercup” doesn’t have the right ring to it )

For all you Sunbeams and Sunshines out there, here are a few more ways I've painted our favorite luminous star:

Whether you want to say it or see it, contact me at Swan Studios Inc and I'll help you Light Up Your World ! " Shine-Shine-Shine " http://www.swanstudio.net/

or contact me at :

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You can also follow Swan Studios Inc on :

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and yes, now on :

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#custommural #outdoormural #muralpainting

Sunday, September 17, 2017

After the Storm

Hurricane Irma has left a path of destruction throughout the south. Florida and the Caribbean have taken a major hit. One week later here in Cape Coral (SW side of Florida), there are still places without power. The same goes throughout the state. My own parents still don’t have power in central Florida. Nor does my uncle In Ft Lauderdale (the East coast side). Below us… I can’t write this without crying. It’s a nightmare. Marco Island, the Keys- destroyed. Citizens are being allowed back in under the condition they can bring their own food and water for an undetermined amount of time. The medical facilities there aren’t even fully operational. The Lower Keys and into the Caribbean will take years to recover- if they even do. Barbuda- empty-totally destroyed. All the people living there had to evacuate and now they have nothing to return to. The out pour of assistance has been amazing. Neighbors helping neighbors. My husband and I were taken in by friends for several days. That was truly a saving grace to our sanity. Linemen from every state it seems have been arriving to help. Texas linemen are responsible for getting my street up and running. Local churches and clubs are coordinating with churches and clubs to help in the daily distribution of food and water. This will be a long coordination process since many just within an arm’s reach are expected to be without basic needs for months ahead. And that’s just for the human side of life.

Animals are in great need of assistance to. Several friends are still trying to locate the pets. A local no kill shelter that houses high energy abandoned and abused Belgian Malinois and shepherd breeds. They have rescued hundreds. But their main kennel had the roof peeled back and they are in sincere need of help in relocating and all the other vet and food needs that go along with taking care of these wonderful creatures. To contribute go to the Bo Nose Facebook page and click "Donate". https://www.facebook.com/TeamBoNose/?fref=ts

WolfHounds Legacy is a non- profit organization that rescues 2 lives at a time. They rescue dogs from kill shelters that can be trained & certified to become assistance animals for Veterans with PTSD. The current dogs in training had to be relocated during the hurricane and help is much needed to maintain their housing and food needs. To assist them, please go to their website http://www.wolfhoundslegacy.com
You can also follow them on Facebook.

There has been so much devastation that it seems no end is in sight. But the human spirit is strong. And there is nowhere to go but up from here. So stick by stick, brick by brick, neighbor with neighbor, with both friends and strangers we will rebuild.

You can also assist by giving or volunteering through the Red Cross:

https://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-irma-donations?scode=RSG00000E017&utm_campaign=irma&gclid=CjwKCAjwuvjNBRBPEiwApYq0zuhWuQwcX-YZrpYg-CrKP9dc3Ll4rVfkxhWWbmABNbjylQRyPyh5IBoCBQwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CMiusf2irNYCFQ4bhwod7UYGGQ

#hurricaneirma #irma #afterthestorm

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Celebrating Labor Day with Rosie the Riveter – We Can Do It!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!!! In the 1800’s the Labor Movement began to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. In 1894 this tribute became a Federal Holiday observed every first Monday in September.

So, here’s to you America!!! Thank you for all you do every day. Some of you work with the public directly. Some of you work behind the scenes to make our lives easier and better. Whatever your occupation- today is YOUR DAY! CELEBRATE!!!

Labor Day is the perfect time to show case one of my latest pieces:

Rosie the Riveter

Rosie first appeared in 1943 to inspire the women munitions workers who had joined the labor force and war effort. She represented all the women. Rosie has graced the magazine cover for the Smithsonian in 1994, became the stamp art in 1999, joined the campaign trails in 2008, and 2010 was recommissioned by Australia to help celebrate their first female Prime Minister.

Now Rosie is here to help us celebrate and highlight the women in today’s labor force. She is on stretched canvas measuring 36x36. She sparkles in GLITTER with a clear protective coating.

WE CAN DO IT !!!..... and WE DO !!!

Rosie is available for purchase or commission. To inquire, please contact Swan Studios Inc at

http://www.swanstudio.net/

To see more Glitter art pieces visit the Swan Studios Inc Gallery: http://www.swanstudio.net/glitter_art.htm

And follow our art adventures at:

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#laborday #wecandoit #rosietheriveter

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Make Me Mediterranean

Make Me Mediterranean!

Southwest Florida loves our Mediterranean style homes. Both the exterior and the interior of many of fine homes reflect the Mediterranean feel. As a faux painter, it’s music to my ears when a client wants their home to celebrate the sunbathed golden coast look. Absolutely! Let’s Faux!!

Be inspired by this Home Tour Embracing the Ancient Mediterranean Art of Faux:

Upon entry, the home greets you with a bar area! Nice!

Family room and hallways :

Plenty of room in the dining room to enjoy family, friends, and great food:

The Seating area and kitchen counter are where everyone gathers to chat while cooking:

The Guest Bath received a crumbling and aged faux look:

The Master Bath now has a Roman feel faux painted in tones from taupe to grey to balance the existing dark grey tile.

The Master retreat tray ceiling:

Ready to have your own home feel like an escape to an oasis? Contact me at Swan Studios inc www.swanstudio.net

And be sure to follow Swan Studio Inc's paintng adventures on your favorite social media site:

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/+SwanStudiosIncCapeCoral

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swanstudiosinc

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SwanStudiosInc

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#mediterraneanlook #fauxpainting #fauxfinish

Sunday, August 20, 2017

All You Need Is Love

The Beatles 1967 hit “All You Need Is Love” has been bouncing through my head, well since August 13^th when I woke to the horrifying news of the violence in Charlottesville, NC. Just when I thought my heart couldn’t be more broken, it shattered again as terrorist attacks happened in Barcelona, Cambrils, and Finland. John Lennon’s lyrics couldn’t be more appropriate than now. Hate of any kind always ultimately leads to death. I believe in my country and our ability to come together and be more united and stronger than ever. I also believe, that free citizens of every country will find strength in times of darkness and will come together and through our faith and love will be successful in battling this evil that wants to destroy us.

I have been working on a new type of art and had been planning on when to start promoting it. It’s a happy art using one of the mediums my friends and family know me most for-GLITTER. As I always say- “The world needs more GLITTER”. That’s certainly true today. So now seems the moment to show the glitter art available through the new branch of Swan Studios Inc called “Glitterazzi Boutique”. Hope these bring a smile and a twinkle to your day.

How appropriate that the first piece completed is:The Beatles- in Glitter color block. Canvas size: 24x30. Clear coat protected:

Of course, our hopes, dreams, and greatest love is given to our children. Custom Glitter Portraits can be commissioned. Contact Swan Studios Inc http://www.swanstudio.net

Emily