2006 Mansion in May

What a thrill to be chosen to participate in 3 Mansions! The Women's Association of Morristown Memorial Hospital, sponsors a Decorator Show House every 2 or 3 years to benefit the Hospital. All of the Designers and artists chosen donate their time and creativity to the cause. Not to say we don't have some fun along the way! I Designed this "Under The Sea" Bathroom utilizing the existing 1960 fixtures. That is why my Snorkeler has on a little yellow polka dot bikini. I enlisted a lot of help in this project. Leigh Bollinger, a spectacular Interior Designer, helped me with all the creative aspects, from the sand in the tub , the window treatments, to the "driftwood" beneath the sink. Her Son, Bryan, fabricated the cornice and Radiator cover. While my daughter, Amy assisted me by painting Seashells! The floor is made up of hand painted tumbled marble tiles. The Artist who painted them, and was responsible for their installation, is Annette DeMetro. The Under Water Murals around the room were all me. It was a real collaboration, which we have received some great Press from.

2003 Mansion in May

When I was invited to submit a design for the 2003 Mansion in May Show House, I immediately thought of Dawn Mullins , a Friend of mine who is an extraordinary Interior Designer. We came up with the idea of "A Yankee Doodle Dandy Room". The Mansion is located at Jockey Hollow National Park, in Morristown, NJ. We thought that it would be fun for me to paint Murals of the surrounding Encampment of Washingtons Continental Army , during the harsh winter of 1779. Dawn designed the fabulous window seat, chose the furniture from Ethan Allen, all the bedding and accesories. I had fun researching the different uniforms that the Army wore, and also created faux wainscoting. But my biggest challenge, was painting the Trompe L'Oeil Patriotic Bunting, that encircles the room. We were later rewarded by having pictures of this room published in some Newspapers and in the Design NJ Magazine. You must click on the photos to see all the detail!

2001 Mansion in May

In 2001 I was approached by an Interior Designer to help her Decorate a room in The Mansion in May. This room was called, A Naturalists Study. I have since displayed my panels in my own home and studio. The Door panel, photographed in my back yard is usually on the door to my studio. Both pieces are acrylic on Luann. To see the detail in these works click on the pictures for a larger image.

Trompe L'Oeil Grisaille Fountains with a splash of Color!

One of my favorite clients faced a dilemma when a peculiar door was cut into the wall next to her bed. Well, feeling just like family, I jumped right in, painting the faux fountain on both sides of the bed. Although, technically not a Grisaille, I like to think of the fountains monochromatic feel, as one. Of course, that was before I added the water.

Blue Grisaille Tray Ceiling

Although stretching the definition, this Monochromatic Grisaille, mimics the pattern on the Bathroom Tile, while adding interest to the tray ceiling. A soft glaze finish was applied to the walls.

What a View from the Jacuzzi Tub!

Now this is the Life! Sitting in your Jacuzzi Tub, watching the swans. I used Trompe L'oeil devises to create the illusion that the arches, columns and tiles are real. I matched the patterns in my faux tiles to the existing ones, helping to support the illusion.

Bridge Company Mural on Canvas

I painted this Montage Mural on canvas so that the Acrow Bridge Company could move it, if they change Office location. Different important Contracts are Depicted. For example A ramp leading out of the World Trade Center was erected by this company. The painting illustrates a scene from a ceremony removing the last beam draped in a flag, on the back of a flat bed. Other Scenes involve relief efforts for the UN , Pedestrian Bridges, and Dam Construction.

A Boys View from A Train

Damien Rocks! This bedroom was so much fun to do, and what a challenge! The idea is to feel as if you are inside a railroad car looking out. Damian's personal items are stowed above the windows, like his School Backpack, his baseball bat and glove. His Mom's Guitar is hanging from the luggage rack, and he can see the deer that graze on his lawn. His parents cars are on the road, a view of Giants Stadium, the NY skyline and his name is painted in lights on a blimp! Could he ask for more?

African Savannah

What little boy wouldn't want to wake up in an African Savannah! One of my favorite little boys, Paulie, pretends he just climbed out of his jeep to take a closer look at the lion cub in the tree, and the hippos in the lake. You can get a better look by clicking on the photos to enlarge them.

Sleeping with Dogwoods

I much prefer a freestyle form of a border, to a stenciled frieze, along the ceiling line. In this Young Woman's room I was able to pick up the Flowering Dogwoods from her Upholstered chair and bedding. If you click on the photos it will enlarge them, giving you a much better look at the details.

Just Enough for a Teen!

Often, just the quickest, most graphic touch will enhance a teens bedroom. In both these rooms, I had an Intern, Vicky, from a local University, assist me. Vicky helped in a lot of other rooms as well! We used a pearlescent paint to print out the phrase in the pink bedroom. Just by pulling out graphic flowers from a bedspread, we were able to create a splash in another girls room.

Another Country Nursery

Using the Striped Faux Wainscoting, again, I was able to match the bedding, curtains and rug in this Nursery, and the proud parents kindly e-mailed me pictures after the room was all put together.

Farmers Nursery!

Quite an interesting turn-around, Painting the blue sky around the white background to make the clouds in this corner mural.

Nantucket Lighthouse!

The parents of Zach, who's nursery this is, were married in Nantucket, by this Lighthouse. When Zach was on his way, they thought what a perfect place for their first born to rest! I was pleased to find out that latter this young couple had a picture of this mural published in the National Magazine, Small Room Decorating.

Under Water Mural

I did this mural in a house that has a couple of magnificent Salt water Fish Tanks. I know my painting can't compare with their real Tanks, but I always feel like a part of the family when I work there.

Princess in her Carraige

It isn't always the big complicated Murals that please a young girl. A small, but fanciful painting on a wall will allow more room for shelves, and other pictures, yet give her the Royal Treatment!

Boy's Trains, planes and trucks!

Acrylic Painting A friend with his Dog

When a Dear friend of mine was getting ready to celebrate her 40Th birthday, I thought it would be nice to paint a picture of her 2 favorite beings! Her Man and her Dog. I used Acrylic on Masonite, and framed it in an old window frame. They have since honored me by professionally framing it.

Basement Mural

It was a challenge working on a long wall, like this, but definitely fun collaborating with a fun family.

Linen and Denim Faux finished Baths

Both of these bathrooms are in a Victorian Home by the Beach in Spring Lake NJ
I faux finished both in a linen or Denim finish, and added the Decorative elements to match what were soon to be window treatments.

And the Cow Jumped over The Moon!

Nursery Rhymes can Inspire all manner of creativity! My, daughter, Amy and I used 3 different faux finishes to create this Mural. My favorite part is painting different dishes and spoons to run away with! Some are from families china patterns, one was from the families heirloom Monogrammed Silver Spoon!

The Belfry Bedroom

Being fortunate enough to work on a beautiful Victorian Beach Home in Spring Lake, is a dream come true. This room, thought to be haunted, was painted to look like a Belfry. I was able to paint scenes of the community behind the tolling bells, but decided against the bat, opting for an Owl instead.

Daughter Amy now Decorative Artist in Jacksonville Fla. Area

Amy is a Decorative Painter, who lives in Atlantic Beach, Florida. She is an accomplished faux finisher, and a good Artist, also. I miss her help, up here ! I could never be as quick as she is, her faux finishes go up in lightening speed! But my loss is the folks down in the Jacksonville Area's gain. Ofcourse I miss everything else about her as well, so maybe I can go down there and help her sometime! These pictures are only a few examples of work that we did together, she is mentioned in several of my other posts. Amy can be reached via e-mail at: amy-----@hotmail.com

A Teenagers Tropical Dream Room

What fun we had painting this teenager's room. She wanted the beaches and landmarks of her Mother's Home town, Mazatlan, Mexico, recreated in her bedroom. My daughter, Amy and an Intern from Art School helped me create this all encompassing room. We not only painted the walls, but we also painted all the doors , and ceiling, too!

Think this is my FAVORITE MURAL ...Bringing in the sheets!

This Mural is in a Laundry room. The Home owner's dog and cat, Their son's jeans, and Baby blanket are hung on the line, and if you enlarge the photo of the bikini, you'll see where I signed this Painting! I know i have more pictures of this with slightly larger views, but can't find them right now.

Barnegat Light House Bedroom

Here is a fun and familiar room for a special boy!

Kitchen Faux with Vines

Very soft and painterly looking vines embelish this faux finished kitchen

Shadow Striped Dining Room

My Daughter, primarily painted this room, I just helped figure out the stripes. A mathematician I am not! I also glazed the Crown Molding and a medallion on the ceiling.

That's my Kitten Girl's Room

A Friend of mine decided to put up a picket fence in her daughters room. I was lucky to be able to paint her kitty behind it, as well as some flowers, and a Birdhouse, etc. I like this kitty picture so much that I use it for my business card.

Beachy Bath

I love the Beach, so when I got the opportunity to paint this Seaside Bath, I was thrilled!

A Stenciled Breakfast Nook

I am blessed with working for some of the nicest people. This Breakfast Nook was Stenciled by my daughter Amy and My Nephew Mike, while I was able to concentrate on the Fruit Tree Topiaries. It is fun keeping it all in the Family!

Painting a Trellis and Sky on a Kitchen Ceiling

This is one of my favorite rooms. What a fun way to decorate a kitchen!

Boy's Football Room

What a great Paper-hanger! He was able to custom paper this boys room. I tried to make the football player carrying the ball look like the boy who lives in this room.

Naval Battle painted in Boys Room

What fun this was! I tried to Imagine Viewing a Naval Battle off the Stern of this Ship...I mean Bedroom I was fortunate that the boys father is a former Navy Man and a good Draftsman! He helped draw the planes , aircraft carriers and ships that I painted.

Here I go, fauxing around again!

Animal Nursery

Here's an Adorable Nursery for an Adorable tyke!

Moonlit Ocean Nursery Mural

This Nursery Mural Depicts an over and under water scene. All under a glow in the dark Moon and Star lit sky.

Add a Little Punch to an Overhang

What Fun it is to work in Friend's homes. I was able to glaze this fantastic kitchen , and then paint a decorative motif above their Kitchen Island.

A Victorian Stairwell

The house that this painting is in is Beautiful! A Victorian, wellDecorated and truly loved!

Faux Wooden Pillar and Faux Granite base

When a very nice client of mine asked me to paint her Styrene Pillars to look like Oak, on a base of Granite, I said why not? And quickly went to the internet, and called a few painter friends, It took longer than I thought, the prep of the Styrene being a problem also but you be the judge!

Fauxing Around!

Here I am on the Scaffold, very scarey but fun at the same time! It reminds me of my youth and Gymnastics, the Uneven Bars. Just a little bit higher-up....

Bands of Faux!

Here is a Faux Stripe, which is pretty cool, because first you Glaze the whole wall, then you stripe it with another glaze. I love the transparency, seeing the pattern of the underglaze through the stripe, Hopefully these photos show it. The plaid was similar, except more stripes,(vertical and horizontal) , but less texture. I will tell you something, I wish I had stock in 3M for all the tape I use on these kind of jobs!

Faux Finishes

I have to say that it is often a relief to do faux finishes, especially after painting a particularly detailed Mural! I feel as if my hidden Abstract Expressionist Self can get out and play. Shown are a variety of finishes, some done on my own, others, with the help of an assistant, Usually my daughter Amy!

Sun Porch Vines and Bird Houses

What fun to work in a warm and colorful sun porch. I researched Morning Glory Vines, to match the blue furnishings, and found one with an unusual leaf shape, so I was able to make the vine look a bit more interesting.

Dining Room Ceilings

Although difficult to paint up-side down, Ceiling embellishments add a lot to a Dining room. You can Decorate the whole thing, pick up a pattern or floral from the carpeting or window treatments, or just paint a medallion. Whatever you do, it really enhances the decor!

Barnegat Estuary

I painted this Mural at my sister's house on a large wall in the Foyer. The scene is familiar. Just walk outside and you will see these marshlands, complete with Osprey Nests.

Tree Nursery

It is always fun to paint Nurseries and kid's rooms in general. You can really use some color! The basic idea behind this mural is a kind of graphic tree surrounded by grass and flowers.

From Master Bedroom to Boy's Room

This was a fun project...twice! I originally painted this Trompe L'Oeil Mural in a great couples Master Bedroom. After having two children they decided to put an addition onto their house, changing the Master into their son's room. Well they did not want to paint over the mural I had done a few years earlier so what was once a flowering bush is now a Toy Truck! I only wish I had the original Mural in my computer, so you could see the before and after

Teenagers Dream Window Seat

This was fun to do! While my daughter, Amy stipple glazed this Teen's Bedroom, I had the fun task of painting a Trompe L'Oeil Green house window with a shelf for her shells, plants and books. I was able to incorporate a honeysuckle vine outside the window.

Boy's Bedroom

Here's the way to do it! 3 boys aged 6, 8, and 10. One big Dormitory room on it's own floor, large bathroom included! wallpaper 3 sides and have me paint a Mural on the 4th wall!

Nursery

This Nursery scene is painted at Ethan Allen Furniture Gallery on Rt. 10 in Whippany, N.J. It was fun combining faux finish and mural work in one design. I stippled the sky, giving it a muted water color feel. the pastel stripes were stried and ragged off .

More Photos of my Work

I have painted alot of Nurseries I always like to find a new take on a Nursery Rhyme!