I painted this faux art on the wall between the kitchen sink splashboard and the window sill.  I also used this design on a board placed in the bathroom, which is shown further down in this blog.  On this I have used oil paints, did no sanding prior to painting.

 

 

 MISSISSIPPI SWAMP DOOR MURAL

A WORK IN PROGRESS

 

 

This is a closet door at the end of the hallway.  I have a lot of work to do here.  I will emphasize the Lantana flowers and leaves to bring out their bright colors.  I will probably add a palmetto bush at right near the water on the white sand.

This is the scene that inspired me to paint the mural.  It is about 5 miles from my home.  I take pictures several times a year.  It is my favorite spot.  It forever changes.

       





The door prior to beginning the mural.                    

Here is an example of a way to visually extend a small area in your home. I removed the door between kitchen and utility room. I prepared the varnished wooden surface by rubbing it down with Liquid Sand. It is much easier than using sandpaper and much quicker. I then painted 2 coats of acrylic Gesso, both vertical and horizontal. With artist's oil paint, I began the scene by painting the brick patio at bottom. Then proceeded to fill in the background trees, then middle ground. Added a pot of geraniums on the patio. Last of all, I painted the strips to give the appearance of panes of glass, looking out into the yard. The photo was taken with the door slightly ajar to avoid light reflection on the oil paint, from the flash of the camera.

I later added a ruffled swag over the top of the door, which enhanced the look of a real glass door. I felt successful with the door mural when a great grandchild, at age 11 months, pushed himself in his walker over to the door and reached his hand out to touch the flowers.
Jeanette

This is an example of how to use faux art in your home. The bathroom cabinet was originally painted white. A paint stripper was used to remove the white paint, with the idea of getting the surface back to the original grain so that it could be stained to let the wood grain show through. The stripper left some of the white showing through and trying to regain the beautiful look of the grain was not possible. I mixed up some artist's oil paints to achieve the light color and this was painted on all of the wood areas. While still wet, I used different shades of darker colors and with a small artist's brush I scribbled in the oak grain designs.

Jeanette