the big movie stars painting

Ok, so this is the start of a 56X80 painting for a clients media room. It will be black and white and will feature Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, Marylin Monroe, Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn and Clark Gable. This is the very start. I have my coffee, my photo references and a start at blocking in the first faces, although they don't look like anyone yet, just getting the basic shadows and highlights at this point.

I am making a time lapse of this, so I will post my progress periodically with video and photos. Stay tuned!

Faded Mural as Background

When people think of a mural, they usually think of full color painting directly on the wall that demands first billing in the room. To an interior designer, a mural can be like that annoying theater major she knew in college, never content to be anything but the center of attention.

But the truth is, great murals can often be a great backdrop that allow other element to shine. Like the furnishing, accessories, drapes. This is most easily achieved by making the mural soft, muted and faded. Using only a two to five colors is a great way to go with this idea. Check back later, I will post some great photos that exemplify this concept.

Hand Painted Designs in 2010

Hand painted designs continue to be a very strong trend for interiors. Historical ornamental patterns from Italy and France have been favored for many years, and continue to be a rich source of material. However, we are now seeing Moorish and Hindu influences incorporated into the ornamental designs in fabrics, furniture and now wall and ceiling designs as well.

Also strong this year are primitive, tribal patterns. These are usually accompanied by a fairly earthy pallet, with some saturated colors as accents.

Another source of inspiration for wall and ceiling designs, is the continued popularity of arabesque line-drawn designs on printed shirts and in graphic design in general.

Regardless of where your source of inspiration comes from, hiring an experienced decorative artist to detail your interior is a great way to make your home truly extraordinary.

Decorative Painting in 2010 and Beyond

If you're looking to have some special finishes or a mural done in the next few months, act now. Most decorative painters are discounting their prices in order to make sure they have work during this recession. I believe the economy will improve enough this year that demand will come back strong by summer. Which means it will take longer to get your work scheduled and it will likely cost a bit more. That means that now is the best time to have things done.

The trends that will be strong this year and next are faded fresco's, soothing, peaceful murals and finishes. I expect much less demand for the old, heavily antiqued, brown glazed walls. People need optimism and light in their lives, and that style of finishing is frankly, very dated.

Finishes that are elegant, beautiful and subtle will be key.