Fauxology: Studying the Visual Magic of Faux Finishing and Interior Design (brought to you by Garay Artisans)

I’m a big fan of large prints and graphic designs but even I took a double-take on the following pics.  Each features a beautiful face painted in a bigger scale than normal…and I think both, in their individual artistic style, work so nicely in their environment.

What a fantastic way to hide an unusually trimmed wall.  Kudos to whoever dreamed this up!  Although, I’m still not totally convinced it’s all real — some of the panels and molding could be fantastic trompe l’oeil designed to fool the eye.  

This is a canvas by artist Richard Phillips entitled Shaking.  It is a tremendous focal point and works in the area perfectly. 

I’ll have to keep these creative ideas in my head for clients who’d like something a little different and fun.  I hope you’ve enjoyed these!

I enjoy using stencils in both my business and the workshops I teach.  They are so varied nowadays — from traditional to large graphic prints to thoroughly modern patterns.  The designs are just an additional beautiful “layer” to use on a technique.  Here’s what Debbie from Clermont, FL wrote to us:

Hey, Regina!  How’s everything?  Just a quick question for you, where’s the best place to get stencils?  My sister and I would like to use some for fabrics.  We are going to the UK next week.  Anything there?  

From Regina: Why, yes, Debbie — I can totally help with that!  In fact, it’s one of the questions I get asked the most.  Many people think of Michaels as the only place one can get stencils but there are other options as well.  Stencil companies abound on the web but I am going to save you a lot of Google trouble and just give you a list of our perennial favorites.  I’ll also throw in some blogs for you to visit that focus on the art of stencilling. 

Well, if you are going to be in the UK (lucky girl!), you must stop by and see the very chic Helen Morris at The Stencil Library.  Although I’ve never met her, I feel as if I do because of her gorgeous blog.  I pretty much drool over any of her designs but it’s the latest, the Larger than Life collection, that has me really excited.  Her current catalog encompasses over 3,500 designs and can be shipped world-wide.

Royal Design Studio and Modello Designs - The former is a traditional stencil company and the latter focuses on one-time use decorative masking patterns.  Each company has gorgeous designs to choose from and each site features beautiful showcases for their patterns.  Ms. Royals, an established author, also has a blog focusing on all things pattern.

Artistic Painting Studio has beautiful new designs called the Black & White collection.  The company is owned by Ms. Jennifer Ferguson who is frequently featured on HGTV.  She just recently started her own blog.

Dimensional stenciling is something that has been around for a bit but some are doing really innovating finishes with the style.  My friend, Donna, at the Sarasota School of Faux & Architectural Finishing, exclusively sells a 14mil line by Victoria Larsen that allows you to get a crisper and fuller design.  Nice!

Stencil Planet has some unusual and super cool stencils available online.  Their site is easy to navigate and has an Ideas & Tips section. 

Looking for an allover design to mimic wallpaper?  Wallovers has them!  These types of designs are available by most stencil companies but Wallovers focuses on them exclusively.  They also offer “toppers”, a smaller stencil to fill in gaps.  Trust me, you want one of those!  Mm, loving their new Roundabout design…

I just had the Mad Stencilist print me up a few of their “Say What?” stencils.  They can custom cut and font any script or quote you’d like to add to your home — even over archways.  Just send them your measurements and voila! Plus, they have such a cool name. 

Finally, their is also a search site for stencils — appropriately enough called Stencil Search.  They also have a full listing of the stencil companies they cover. 

I hope this has helped!  I’m glad you’re trying out stencilling on fabric — and if you’re washing the fabric, please remember to use specially-designed fabric paint!  Let me know how it all turns out!   - Regina

I luff mail like that because it just serves to remind me not only the amazing variety of stencils available today but also the the myriad of versatile surfaces that stencils can be incorporated into.  Now that you have this info…why wait?  Create!

Well, the 2008 SALI convention has come and gone and by all accounts was the best in years!  That is great to hear — it’s an amazing organization.  A notable change this year was that they changed the name of the organization from SALI (Stencil Artisans League, Inc.) to IDAL, an acronym for International Decorative Artisans League.  Definitely more in keeping with the varied and ever more sophisticated levels of artistry in our field. 

What I’ll take from this little nibbler is to always stretch your boundaries — something wonderful to remember every day!

I really do love the Faux Finisher magazine.  Every time it appears in my mailbox, I do the happy dance all the way to my desk and sit down immediately to read it. :)  It premiered in 1999 and it has kept a great pulse on our amazing industry.  I thought it would be great to have Diane Capuano, the Executive Editor of the Faux Finisher, walk us through the creation of each issue with the bonus of getting to know her a little better. 

Ms. Capuano has been with the magazine since its inception.  She also is the executive editor of a monthly magazine, Paint & Decorating Retailer, which is a retail trade magazine. Both magazines are published by the Paint & Decorating Retailers Association (PDRA). She writes many of the articles in the magazine (particularly the profiles of artists) and also works with the contributors in making assignments and editing the content.  Let’s start our e-chat with her…

Please describe your ideal issue for the Faux Finisher.  How do you go about putting together an issue?

My ideal issue is one in which I notice an overriding theme emerge and I can use that theme for the cover and my editor’s column. For instance, for the Summer 2008 issue, I profiled John Alan, who has done restoration work in churches and cathedrals, and Katt Ellis, who does natural and rustic-themed decorative art. We also had an article from Melanie Royals, who had just returned from a trip to Morocco, where she had done work in keeping with the Moroccan culture. It occurred to me that all of these artists each had a different source of inspiration that contributed to their work. So, I was able to run with that theme and use the word “Inspiration!” on the cover in large type and then talk about the potential sources of inspiration in my column. That issue is fresh in my mind because I just completed it, but I really enjoyed the cohesiveness.

I also enjoy having a balance in each issue between what I would call the artistic articles, such as the ones described above, and the business/practical articles. Rebecca Parsons has been with us since the beginning, and she does a fabulous job every issue with her Faux Biz column. I also enjoy the Mike Cooper column, which is not only informative but fun and entertaining. Plus, the ideal issue also will have contributions from some of our “regulars,” such as Melanie Royals, Victor DeMasi, Randy Ingram/Brian Townsend, Debbie Ellison, Ed Mattingly and Martin Alan Hirsch. If we have contributions from two or more of that core group of talented artists or writers, in addition to the aforementioned columns, I consider it a successful issue.

How far in advance do you prepare the issues?

Since we are a quarterly, I can do a little bit at a time over a three-month period. Because I’m also the editor of a monthly magazine as well, the intensity of The Faux Finisher doesn’t start until about one month before production. At that point, I make sure I know who the featured artist(s) will be and arrange to do the interviews (usually over the phone), I send out reminders to all the columnists and regular contributors, and over the course of the next couple weeks, I do writing and arrange for photos. There is about a week of intensive writing, photo selection and page design. We have artists who do the feature layouts, and I then I do final edits and “standing pages” such as contents, product news pages and the editor’s column. Then, we do final checks on proofs and release the issue to our printer, at which point we start the cycle all over again!

One kind of interesting point: I work from home. I have a (very cluttered) home office, but thanks to the magic of email, cell phones, FTP sites, remote computer locations and fleet-footed courier services, I can work from home, get my job done and still be the chauffeur that my kids need me to be for all after-school activities!

How did you begin this career path?

I went to the University of Missouri School of Journalism and originally expected to be a newspaper reporter, and I did work on a couple different newspapers but on the copyediting desk. But it got to be a bit routine…every day was the same as the one before unless a major story was breaking. Then, I discovered the world of trade magazines and liked the diversity of writing, interviewing, editorial planning and working with artists, photographers and other creative people.

Any industry books that you recommend for us to read?

Ina Brosseau and Alan Marx’s new “Furniture Restoration” book…great photos, well-written text…just perfect! They are an amazing couple…as nice and warm and genuine as can be!  I’m so thrilled that they recently contributed an article to The Faux Finisher on the subject of furniture restoration.  There is also a new book by Gary Lord on Mural Painting in which he has contributions from many of the top muralists in the industry. These are big, big names, so it was quite an achievement to put a book like that together. Of course, The House that Faux Built…another great collaborative effort. I’m also anxious to see the new book by Michel Nadai (it’s bilingual, French and English), and Pierre Finkelstein has one of the industry bibles with the “Art of Faux”.

What are some of the best spaces you’ve seen designed?

Now, that’s a loaded question, because there have been so many great artists that we have featured in the pages of The Faux Finisher. At the risk of leaving out someone whose work I’ve really enjoyed and then slapping myself on the forehead later for my forgetfulness, I will venture naming a few. I will just limit myself to the artists we have featured in the magazine and/or whom I have seen do demos in person.

I always enjoy the projects of Randy Ingram and Brian Townsend because the murals they design are just out of this world in terms of their scale and their detail. Mike Cooper has provided articles on some amazing mural projects as well—a couple that involved overpasses or retaining walls along highways, so he gets extra points for having to paint while “dodging” traffic…well, not literally, but you get what I mean. If anyone could do “Xtreme Mural Painting” and make it look easy, it’s Mike.

What also sticks in my mind are the fantastic murals designed by international muralist Gez Taylor. He’s done work for five-star hotels, palaces and mansions in many of the world’s most exotic locales. And the work of William Cochran, featuring some of the most realistic trompe l’oeil I’ve ever seen, just blows me away! Speaking of being blown away, I also recall a great project done by Dave and Pam Schmidt done with a lightweight concrete to create an unforgettable home theater room with a “Stargate” theme.

I’m also blown away by the great restorative work of George Zaffle (who has done work for movie stars and government officials). And I have been impressed by the classical themes used in the work of Cynthia Borman. I also have enjoyed the innovative wall and furniture finishes that Sandra Lassley can do with a bit of metallic paint and some imagination. Similarly, the fun embellishments that Ann Snipes adds to her furniture projects definitely make them memorable.

In person, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the artistry of such legends as Leonard Pardon, Sean Crosby, Michel Nadai, Pierre Finkelstein, Pascal Amblard and Nicola Vigini who have generously demo’d their skills at such industry events as SALI, Salon, The Faux Event, Meeting of the Masters, Fauxcademy, etc.

And I’d also like to give a nod to John Catalanotto and Greg Frohnapfel of Pro Faux, who allowed me to tag along on a couple of projects that they spearheaded at our PDRA headquarters building. Having worked for several years in an office that they Venetian plastered (not only the walls, but the desk to match), I’d like to heartily acknowledge that they made the concept of “staring at the four walls around me” (as I sought writing inspiration) a lot easier to take!

I really wish space permitted me to name more of the memorable spaces and projects, but we’ve been publishing for nearly 10 years, and that means we’ve probably profiled (or published articles from) about a hundred or more artists!

But what really excites me is that there is so much great work being done and so many great artists who I would still like to feature! We have a couple exciting artists who we expect to be profiling in upcoming issues, so “stay tuned” to future issues. That’s my one unadulterated plug!

What is the best thing that has happened to the faux industry in the last five years?

The Internet! Now, there are so many ways that artists can communicate with other artists online…via forums, photo galleries, social websites, YouTube, etc. And what a great thing to be able to show a visual portfolio of your work merely by giving clients, colleagues, friends or whomever else your Web address! As an editor, I love it, because if someone is proposing an article to me, all I have to do is ask for his or her Web address, and I can immediately see the caliber of work they do. Sure beats snail mail!

Here’s a few pics of a some of the decorative painting disciplines you can find covered in any issue: murals, faux finishes and furniture. 

Furniture by Ann Snipes

Mural by Sean Crosby and Faux by Elaine Castronovo

It was very nice of Ms. Capuano to take the time to ”chat” with the Fauxology readers — thank you!  I hope you found it a pleasure reading about the behind-the-scenes magic that happens with putting each issue together.  Please take a bit of time to click on the links above and not only find out more about The Faux Finisher, but also have a beautiful stroll through the websites of some of the most talented artists alive today.   Until next time!

The Fauxtastic Four. What is it? Who are they? Is there really a faux superhero team? Well, no…and yes. The Fauxtastic Four came about as an idea I had to take the faux recipe books and videos that come out every year and actually test them. See if the recipes hold up and if anyone really can achieve those looks. Then, I thought, “Why just test them on my own when a group with varying degrees of training can do so?” The idea started to take shape and the group started to evolve. I narrowed it to four participants: [1] a faux-as-a-hobby enthusiast with no professional training, [2] a professional faux finisher starting their career, [3] a professional faux finisher more than a decade into her career (that would be me), and [4] a university-trained muralist.  In short, the Fauxology readers will each have a person whose experience they can relate to.  I thought we each would bring a certain outlook into our tests and reviews while helping the readers (that would be you) make an informed buying decision on a “how-to” purchase.  

Here’s how it works: Once per quarter, our group chooses a book and/or video we’d all like to review. After picking the finish in the book/video we’d each like to try the most, with no repeats, we get together in the studio for one day to test our chosen recipes and talk (and eat and drink and have fun).  No actual formulas will be posted online but there will be pictures taken of the process and of the final results. All four of us are pretty positive personalities so we will be fair but not be vicious or derogatory — we’ll leave that to those who like to tear others down.  Our ideal goal is to have a great experience with the book/video and share our findings with you.  We will also have a podcast where you can listen to the four of us dish on our day and the results.

So, who is the lucky recipient of Review Numero Uno? Why, it’s Gary Lord! We’ve picked his book “It’s Faux Easy” to test out. Our studio day is planned for Saturday, August 16 – look for the next Fauxtastic Four entry after that to see and listen to the results! Until then, here are the pics and bios of each of the Fauxtastic Four members…enjoy!

The Faux Enthusiast: Sharon Adelman

Hoping to Inspire: All the DIYers out there!

I have always been very active in the arts. In middle and high school, I loved “still art” and anything that was abstract. With my parents’ “push” to learn classical music since I was 5 years old, it also fueled my passion for music as well. I went into Audio Engineering and Digital Media degree programs, but eventually got tired of the competitive nature of the music business. Four years ago, I tapped into the teaching market after a revelation: teaching has always been in my blood since the women in my family were all teachers. This has taken me into a new career and I now teach at a children’s school. Art and faux has always been something of a fantasy for me, meaning that “one day, I will learn it” but I never knew where to start. After meeting Regina, it sparked my interest even more. I enjoy cooking, entertaining, traveling abroad, indigenous craft and music.

Ye Olde Timer: Regina Garay

Hoping to Inspire: Like-minded professionals and anyone with an interest in decorative painting as a hobby or business

Regina Garay is of Hispanic heritage and has traveled internationally to receive training from world-renowned Master Artisans. She is a member of the Stencil Artisans League and the company is an ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Industry Partner. She was one of the first faux finishers in the country to be recognized as a Certified Faux Consultant by the Paint and Decorating Retailers of America. She has taught faux finishing courses for the Southern Women’s Show and her firm’s work has been featured in newspapers and magazines (and now, a book: Modello by Design) in addition to a commission featured in the Frontgate catalog which reached 40 million homes. She was recently asked by TalkFaux, an international faux finishing forum, to be a Global Moderator on their site. Her firm, Garay Artisans, was established in 1998 and the artisans have since worked in many beautiful homes and notable commercial projects including hotels, restaurants and boutiques. She also teaches beginner’s faux finishing workshops in Orlando in conjunction with Benjamin Moore and maintains the Fauxology blog. She personally enjoys traveling, socializing, dancing, reading a great book and going to the movies. She hopes to tackle her garden as a project one day.

The New Professional Faux Finisher: Debbie Jackson

Hoping to Inspire: Those who are just starting their faux careers or are thinking of jumping into one

Debbie Jackson is the owner of Debbie’s Designs, a Central Florida faux finish and custom painting business that was established in 2006. Debbie’s interest in art began in elementary school, where she began drawing portraits of her family, friends and an assortment of pets. Over the years she developed an interest in making her surroundings more appealing to the eye and decided to take the next step and start her own business by sharing what she loves with others. Debbie continues to learn new techniques yearly at different faux studios and schools. When not painting, Debbie enjoys photography, visiting with family and friends and playing with her animals. Debbie is also passionate about animal rights and volunteers for a local no-kill shelter.

The University-Trained Muralist: Monica Zeuli

Hoping to Inspire: All fine artists who have an interest in faux finishing as well

I did my first painting when I was 7 years old. My dad was an established artist and my first art teacher. When I was young, he taught me the correct ways of drawing and painting. This is the best thing you can do for a child who enjoys art since you receive more of an education than what you learn at school. I used art as my therapy as a teen during my parent’s divorce and my Grandfather’s death. It helped me heal in so many ways and it teaches you to look inward and grow.  In high school, I took weekend classes in Boston’s finest schools and was nominated as Best Artist.   I went to a four-year art program at Notre Dame College where I got a BA Degree in Commercial Art. I started my own business in 1998 in Massachusetts and was astounded at the fact that I could actually get paid for what most people consider a hobby. I moved to Florida in 2000 and since then, have been painting regularly and been steady with referrals.  My work is getting more defined and recognized everyday.  I sleep great since there is nothing more satisfying than being wiped out from painting all day.

All of us are so excited — we hope you are, too! 

One of the most wonderful opportunities we’ve had this year is working at the Orlando International Airport.  We received the call and had to adjust the schedule and split the crews in order to make it happen for them.  My brother, Jason, took on the project while I headed another one at the same time.

Working in an airport means you have to take into account all the security measures.  Every morning, the cargo van would be checked thoroughly (even underneath with the long-handled mirrors) and there was a mandatory dress code.  Plus, all the construction site regulations were followed to a T.  I would definitely call it the most securite site Garay Artisans has ever been involved in! 

The finish was Venetian Plaster and it was imperative that it be done quickly and well since it was a public space on a serious deadline.  Since the site was open 24 hours (and had revolving crews), we were able to be provided with lifts that we shared with other trades. 

Here are the before, during and after pics of the work.  If you’re ever in Orlando, stop by the food court at Terminal B and look up — isn’t it nice to see the beauty Venetian Plaster can add?

Before & During

After Shots  (BTW, I particularly like how Jason and his team were able to work around the immobile vents and not make them look like they had a Venetian Plaster halo around them.  They were able to continue a seamless look.  The things I notice, right?)

A big THANK YOU! goes out to one of my best buds (and amazing artist), Jeff Huckaby, for taking the “after” pics on his way home from Paris. He took them without being asked — just because he thought we might like to have more pics. (You need a plane ticket to get into the terminal…so it was a pleasant surprise to receive them!) Thank you for always being so thoughtful, Jeff!

If you had to ask my husband or I what the other did for a living, we would probably not get very far in the information department.  I do know this: he is a computer genius (one-time Math Champion of Florida), his work revolves around something called “networking” and/or “programming” and he has clients like eBay.  Out of curiosity, I asked my husband the other day if he knew what glaze was.  He said: ”It’s something you put on the walls to paint with…you know, stuff like what’s on the Krispy Kreme doughnuts.”  Folks — I can’t make this stuff up.  (After I explained it better, he laughed at himself along with me.  Brilliant, sweet AND entertaining — husbands don’t get any better than that.) 

Well, imagine my surprise when my husband excitedly comes up to me and starts talking about a new series on the DIY Network called Man Caves.  Apparently, it’s the greatest show since The Three Stooges.  Here’s the info:

Every guy needs a space to call his own… a sanctuary where boys can be boys, where life essentials include a wet bar, a poker table and a place to watch the game with the fellas. And maybe even an indoor putting green! DIY Network’s Jason Cameron is joined by football great Tony “The Goose” Siragusa to offer ideas and do-it-yourself instruction to turn a basic basement into the ultimate guys’ hangout.

The show has officially been TiVo’d in our household (Wednesdays at 10 pm).  If you click here, you’ll see that they have video snippets teaching all about installing a chair rail, painting a two-tone finish, making a hockey-stick table, learning to build your own custom poker table and coming up with the Ultimate Man Cave Plan. 

You know, I just took a good look at the host pic above and really digested what they teach in this show.  I guess I should start getting very, very afraid if I see a toolbelt purchase.

Hi, Everyone!  I’m so glad to finally get a chance to sit down and gab again!  You should see our studio — we have a few projects going on and it’s been a bit crazy trying to keep all our ducks in a row.  The other day, my sibs and I were knee-deep in a conversation when it dawned on us that we were each talking about a different project.  I think we realized it when we gave each other the “Whatchu talkin’ bout, Willis?” look.  :)  As I was moving things around the studio, I came upon some of our business cards and thought I’d share a marketing idea with the professional decorative painters that read Fauxology.  Check it out:

Soooo…you know all those samples that we create for clients that eventually just start stacking up?  An idea dawned on me as I was preparing for a trade show.  I picked all the ones that had great finishes but were not portfolio-bound and started cutting them into square pieces roughly the size of our business cards.  Then I arranged them into groups of two or four by putting together nice color and finish arrangements.  Using a hole puncher, I then cut an opening into top corner edges of both the cut samples and our business cards and bound them together with a pretty ribbon or pins.  I then took a scissor with a nice design and cut the ends of the samples to make them look a bit more finished. 

At the trade show, I put them all in a gallon container we silver-leafed.  They were a huge hit and potential clients and designers stayed a bit to talk while they were going through the container to find their favorite “set”. 

We now use them when we can — even outside of trade shows.  These business cards always get nice comments, are more memorable and potential clients get to see a bit of your work even if you don’t happen to have your portolio or pictures on hand.  Hope you like the idea!

Murals are such an integral part of the decorative painting world.  Thankfully, they are not just limited to canvas pieces.  Many clients can be slightly worried at the thought of bringing a mural into their home — and in the end, it’s the area of the house they show first to their guests!  There are so many types of mural work out there: frescoes, trompe l’oeil and grisaille (to name a few) and even those have even further categories within them.  It’s a beautiful world to get lost in.  One of the best muralists in the decorative painting world is Graham Rust.  Although this particular book was released in 1988, it is as fresh and inspiring today as it was when released.  So, our July Book-of-the-Month is The Painted House by Graham Rust.

I believe this was his first book and since then he has published about five more.  The Painted House is a collection of drawings and installed murals.  He intended them to be a source of inspiration for other artists by providing ideas and pattern resources.  The book is broken down by rooms and architectural elements that could be found in many homes (i.e., The Bedroom, The Nursery, Alcoves and Doors).  His talent for perspective and shading are amazing and you will find yourself blown away by his artistry.  It is a fantastic book to have as a reference in addition to just being sumptuous eye candy.  Here’s a peek at some of the images:

I’ve always loved panels.

Gorgeous idea.

This is a drawing of a beach mural on three walls.  (See the wall partitions?)  Just imagine you’ve had a hard day, you come home and fall asleep.  The next morning, you wake up to this scene.  Feel better now? 

A small but very nice element of surprise.  The back of the bench is painted to look like an extension of the seat. 

There was empty space between the two windows and the opposite wall had two alcoves, so Mr. Rust painted this in (along with the books and monkey) to balance the room.   So cool.

In neutral sepia tones…

…and full color.

Here’s Mr. Rust himself on what is probably familiar equipment for all decorative painters: the scaffold.  Gotta love those high walls and ceilings, LOL!

Have a great day!