Clouds have always fascinated me. I have literally thousands of pictures I’ve taken, or friends have sent me, of simply beautiful clouds. And I’ve painted them. Each cloudscape calls for different palettes and approaches. I am grateful to have been brought to this project by JoAnn Clapp of the Stone House Studio in Woodbury (www.JClappDesigns.com). JoAnn and I both paint custom headboards for the I.M. Smitten gallery in Trumbull. I have painted larger sized ceilings and domes than this one, but these had other design components: architectural details such as trellises, vines and birds. This was the largest that I had approached that was pure and simply JUST Clouds. No distractions. So, I had to plan a cloudscape that met the client’s wishes for calm and peaceful clouds, with no hint of storminess, and yet, I knew it had to have oomph! The dome measures 30 feet in diameter with a rise of 8 ½’. The bottom of the dome is about 18′ above the platform that covers the pool which it is over. Here’s a picture of the dome structure just after installation. It would still need to be smoothed, primed and basecoated before work could begin. I prepared […]
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I have been trying to think of a clever, and perhaps less manic opening, to express just how wonderful this project was to paint. Right now, it’s great to be me! (Humble, n’est pas?) I’m in a truly happy place. I loved what I just finished; it came out exactly how I wanted it to and my client is delighted. Mrs. H is the perfect client. She gets me. And I get her! This may not be your cup of tea but I think you’ll agree, you are going to enjoy looking. The dome and I first met before renovations began at this beautiful home in Fairfield county. A dated , plain light fixture hung in a bare white dome. The fixture will be replaced with a more fitting one, filled with twinkling lights and I promise to post a picture in the fall when it is in place. Once the concept had been agreed upon, I prepared a scaled drawing. The drama would come from the rich dark blue background, grounded by soft dreamy clouds. The subtle ochre palette plays richly with the soft creamy yellow on the hallway walls. You know, I never mind the physical part of […]
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Thank you so much to each and every one of you that send me your choice of your favorite powder room. I loved the feedback. It was so much fun compiling that last newsletter, I thought, let’s do it again. So here we go. Ceilings are often referred to as the “fifth wall”. And way too often, they are simply ignored. There are so many solutions that there is no excuse not to consider that ceiling the next time you are looking up at the expanse of flat ceiling white paint. If you’ve got crown molding already (or are considering it), make it pop with anything but white. Here’s my answer to adding color and a few simple stripes for a simple solution. Below is an area of mica infused plaster that reflects the chandelier’s light. A border and shadow give dimension. A ceiling treatment does not have to utilize the entire ceiling. Here are two trompe l’oeil medallions that add focus but are modest in dimension. I see many master bedrooms that have very deep trays, with the sides being three to four feet. This design incorporated the entire space. And then there are situations where I am so […]
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Hopefully, the rain is behind us and it’s time to enjoy summer. This email shares with you a pair of domes I had the opportunity to design and paint. It also represents that point in my life where I was able to conquer (OK, to a manageable degree) my fear of heights. The opportunity to paint such a challenging commission simply became greater than the terror of getting on the “dance floor”- the planked floor on the top of the scaffolding. The first dome was painted in a soft palette of beige and soft charcoal. The medallion in the center was hand-detailed to add to the drama. And a close up The second dome features a pale gold metallic background for the entire design and then highlights and shadows were added to create dimension. I caught a picture of the first time I got to see the completed dome as the flooring was removed during dismantling. When I was actually painting, I would find myself too close to see the work undistorted. This image shows you how things looks to me while I was painting. I know you’re all jealous of my fancy painting shoes. Last, but certainly not […]
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