Sitting on the Dock

Sitting on the Dock 

One of the unique features of Cape Coral is the 400 miles of canals. These canals were developed in the 1970's to divert freshwater run-off to the mangrove forests that border Cape Coral instead of the Caloosahatchee River, Matlacha Pass, and the Gulf of Mexico. This engineering gives an abundance of waterfront property. Boating life is our life. And, of course, every boat needs a dock. Docks are a necessity and not always the most glamorous thing to look at. Until now.  

I received a request to paint a sunset scene on a pair of marine electrical boxes. Cape Coral is renowned for our incredible sunset skies. The gorgeous colors that blaze across the sky bring this pair of drab boxes to new life and give a beautiful sunset no matter the weather:  

The scene itself is continual. One side features the sun setting and reflecting on the water: 

Both sides feature Palm trees against the brilliant water and sky:

Looking out from the lanai the homeowner now has a view of the canal and mural art: 

Have a unique place to have custom art painted? Contact me at: Swan Studios Inc  

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#sunsetmural #docksidemural #outdoormural

Happy Father's Day

 Happy Father's Day

In honor of the men in our lives, here are men I've been blessed to paint and illustrate.

#Father'sDay2023

Celebrating Women

Celebrating Women

In honor of the upcoming 7th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Gala, it

seems fitting to take a look at the women I've been blessed to paint and illustrate over the years:

Click below to view:

Women in Art Work & Mural Work

#womeninart #paintingsofwomen #womeninmurals 

Birds In Paintings and Mural Work

Birds In Paintings and Mural Works 

Here's a compilation of birds form my canvas paintings and mural works.

#birdmural #birdpainting

Guest Room Make-Over

                                                            Guest Room Make-Over

Guest Rooms are constant to  here in SW Florida. Everyone wants to visit here. Perhaps its beloved family members arriving for the holidays or dear friends who need a sunny retreat from the bitter northern weather. Whatever the case, the guest room needs to be comfortable, welcoming, and delightful. But we can all get a little complacent when it comes to a room not used every day. It’s easy to shut the door and not think about it.  Well, open the door and take it all in through the eyes of your guest. What do they see first? Is it charming? Comfortable? Would you want to stay in there if the rolls where reversed? Does the room look like an afterthought? Is it outdated?  Occasionally this - used once in awhile room -needs a refresh.

Here’s a perfect example: This guest room went from dark to bright. The overpowering headboard surround was replaced with a lighter feeling brass bed. The flooring was updated to an engineered wood look. The bedding is a delightful, charming embroidered pattern of coral in cream and navy. The same pattern was then hand painted onto the headboard wall in reverse.   

Here’s a better look at the wall finish. To create this, I traced the fabric pattern and created multiple templates to trace onto the wall. The spacing was measured out. Since the pattern is painted light onto dark, it took several layers to make it opaque. But a little, well a lot of, patience paid off. The effect is dramatic and yet subtle all at the same time.

So, what does your guest room look like? Is it in need of a refresh? Does it bring a smile to your guest’s face? Let’s create something delightful! Contact me at Swan Studios Inc 

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#handpaintedwalls #custommural #guestroommakeover

A Reflection of Driftwood

A Reflection of Driftwood

Driftwood faux finishes are all the rage right now here in SW Florida. The subtle grey tones mix well with both modern and cottage beach looks. Driftwood offers the wood look men love and the softness women love.  This gorgeous Florida finish shows up on everything from flooring to ceiling beams and, of course, furniture. Sometimes though your favorite much needed furniture may not come in a driftwood finish. No worries, a driftwood faux finish can change that.

This beloved free-standing Amish made mirrored jewelry armoire was formerly dark wood stain. Now it blends in with the rest of the room all done in various driftwood finishes. 

Of course, it’s always easier to paint furniture that can be disassembled. But that luxury is rarely the case. With a little extra patience, painters’ tape, and teeny brushes the look can be achieved.

Priming is key and a quality clear topcoat that won’t yellow.

A fan brush was used to create the veins over the base color. Then a pickle wash applied before the clear coat.

 Here’ s few other pieces created with a driftwood finish:

A dining room table:

A Fireplace Surround:

A Dining Room Cabinet:

Read to have your furniture pieces revamped? Contact me at Swan Studios Inc

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#driftwoodfauxfinish #woodfauxfinish #floridafauxpainter

A Jungle Mural Revival

A Jungle Mural Revival

8 Years and several hurricanes later a jungle mural I had painted was ready for a refresh. It was still adorable but sun , rain, and flying debris from a  recent category 5 hurricane had taken its toll.

The first step was to remove any loose paint ( and some weird earth bits that had been blown onto the surface during Hurricane Ian ). Now this tropical frog is ready to enjoy some poolside cocktails: 

The mural is painted on the lanai bar:

Assuming no more Biblical size storms, its ready for another 8 to 10 years.

Need a mural to liven up your outdoor space? Contact me at Swan Studios Inc

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#junglemural #tropicalmural #outdoormural