Lapis Lazuli-Tutorial This faux lapis lazuli panel was completed for a specific client. Lapis lazuli is a deep blue semi-precious stone (not a marble). Most lapis lazuli contains calcite (white), sodalite (blue), and pyrite (metallic yellow). Since the stones do not come in boulder sizes (the largest sizes rarely exceed 12 sq. ft.), a larger panel like this needs […]
Raw sienna and burnt sienna
February 2, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Raw sienna and burnt sienna are very versatile and utilized colors in the decorative painter’s palette. RS – RAW SIENNA Origins: A mineral pigment from soil found in Sienna, Italy – thus it’s name. Color: a warm, yellowish, earthy tonality with tones of orange Opacity: medium transparency Uses: Raw sienna, when mixed with UB (ultramarine […]
Raw Umber and Burnt Umber
January 15, 2016 by 4 Comments
Next to the non-colors, raw umber and burnt umber are two of the most versatile and utilized colors in the decorative painter’s palette. In addition to the specific uses described below, both of these colors make a wonderful grey tonality when mixed with ultramarine blue and white. RU – raw umber Origins: Minerals from dark […]
Color palette for the decorative painter
September 10, 2015 by 1 Comment
Here is the color palette for the decorative painter that we use at GIDP to create most of our finishes. Based on my experience in business and teaching, I’ve found these colors to be essential for creating most finishes (with an emphasis on faux marble and woodgraining). See previous posts on our job site kits. […]
Mother Glaze
November 21, 2014 by 1 Comment
A “Mother Glaze” is an essential ingredient when creating faux marble, woodgraining, certain organic textures, and any other technique that involves the expressive use colors. I’ve coined this pot of glaze as a “Mother” because it is the base for all offspring colors. For example, when creating the major veins of a marble, I create […]
IDAL 2014 Fort Worth, TX
October 17, 2014 by 2 Comments
I’m back from a successful trip to this year’s IDAL 2014 trade show and event in Fort Worth, TX. We were celebrating IDAL’s 30th year as a non-profit organization for decorative painters. I taught 3 classes: 1-day hands-on Faux Marble for baseboards, 1-day hands-on Woodgraining for baseboards, half day demonstration on preparation, protection, and touch-ups […]
The Painter’s Palette
February 27, 2014 by 2 Comments
How the painter’s palette is organized can make a difference in efficiency for the decorative painter. Use a consistent arrangement to organize the colors on your palette: Place the white in the upper left-hand corner, then align warm colors in a row to its right, and cool colors in a column below it. Keep a […]
Faux Marble Columns in Japan (Part 3 of 3)
June 25, 2013 by 1 Comment
This is the final part (see part 1, part 2) of my Japan visit. I’m finishing up the 3 marble columns with a fairly simple overglazing step. Finishing with a few coats of acrylic gloss varnish. Lastly, I made some quick white marble panels for Moo. Step 3: Use a transparent glaze break up the […]
Faux Marble Columns in Japan (part 2 of 3)
June 21, 2013 by 3 Comments
We had 3 columns to paint. One was outside in the entrance. And the other two were for the main space. Since the interior ones were not ready to be installed, we elevated them with 2 strong poles and horses. To review from Part I post, the sample on the left is approved. Moo’s recipe […]
My trip to Japan (Part I of 3)
June 18, 2013 by 3 Comments
In May 2013, I went on a voyage to Japan. I was already scheduled to participate in Salon in Tokyo, so I decided to contact my friend, Moo. Here he is with his assistant, Selena. Moo owns Moo Studios in Utsunomiya, Japan. I proudly remember him as a former student. He has found great success […]
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