Behind the Texture with Rik Lazenby

Behind the Texture with Rik Lazenby

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Hello from beautiful, “Sweet Home Alabama.” I am Rik Lazenby, and I have been a practicing decorative artist for the past twenty-five years. As I approach eighty, I am probably one of the few seniors in the industry, still willing and able to work off of ladders and climb scaffolds. I am blessed, and you might hear a “y’all” every now and then.

How did you get into the decorative arts?
My journey into the decorative arts world began many years ago. I was raised in a very rural area, but my uncle, John Thomas, who was also raised in the same area, left and become an internationally well-known artist. He was one of my heroes. After graduation, I attended The University of Alabama, where I earned a Master’s Degree with an emphasis in art education. I became a high school art teacher. This was very gratifying, but with a family to support, not financially lucrative. Two fellow teachers and I decided to open a residential/commercial painting company. Our concept was that we would continue to teach while painting on weekends, holidays and during the summer. Our company lasted for over thirty years.

After teaching art for seven years, I was asked to become a school administrator. For the next twenty-three years, I served as the principal of numerous elementary and high schools. I ended my career in education as the Director of Student Services for the Jefferson County School System.

Planning ahead for retirement from education, I decided to leave my painting company and enter a field that I could work by myself. I had been scoping out some of the industry giants in the decorative arts arena and decided to take the leap. Thus, I studied with several well-known decorative artists around the country. The Monday after I retired in 2000, I opened Lazenby’s Decorative Arts Studio, Inc. We are still in operation today.

What influences do you think shaped your approach to decorative arts?
In my opinion, those you choose to study with always frame your perceptions. I am one who tries to learn, not only the basics from my teachers, but I always try to “pick their brains” and reach higher! Somewhere in my DNA is the need to carry the skills that I have learned to a higher level. Many of the skills that I have learned in the decorative arts industry also appear in many of my fine art works. I believe this is true for artists in general.

The most powerful influence on my decorative arts perspective came when I served as President of IDAL, (International Decorative Arts League). Being surrounded by many of our industry’s giants was so gratifying … and yes, so humbling. This was truly a gift, and I will forever be indebted to those who surrounded me with love.

Another influence on my decorative arts perspective was the week that I spent in New Berlin, New York, with Mark Golden and his wonderful staff. The IDAL Directors and I were gifted with a week of team building strategies, and observed them first-hand in the day-to-day operation of Golden Paintworks. I am forever grateful.

Are there any projects that stick out most in your mind?
It is so hard for me to narrow down those projects that stick out in my mind, but I will name several.

My daughter, Jennifer (who is also my business partner) and I spent over a year on a project in Auburn, Alabama. The owner was replicating a French farmhouse and brought us into the project to apply over ten thousand pounds of hand-mixed plaster to the walls and ceilings throughout the house. Jennifer had to complete the final three weeks of the project by herself, as I was having cancer surgery.

Another memorable project was last year, when we worked with Greg Marsters in the restoration of the historic Alabama Theater, located in Birmingham, Alabama.

Still another honor was being asked to refinish the exterior of the historic “Big Bertha” Wurlitzer organ. This beautiful art piece has been with the Alabama Theater since its inception, ninety-seven years ago.

Another project that comes to mind is a large, domed church that we applied hundreds of pounds of texture in specific areas. One of the areas was a twelve-lane bowling alley, and another was the performance stage and surrounding columns and arches.

Do you play music while you work and what kind?
I either play music (through my hearing aids, lol) or listen to audio books. Remember… I am old. My music runs the gamut:

  • Bob Dylan
  • Dan Fogelberg
  • Sarah Brightman
  • Josh Groban
  • Broadway Musicals
  • Alison Krauss
  • Alabama
  • Jimmy Buffett
  • Andrea Bocelli
  • Gordon Lightfoot
  • Annie Moses Band
  • Martin Simpson
  • Marty Goetz

Audio Books… Currently… Short Stories by William Faulkner

What advice would you give aspiring decorative artists?
First, realize that being a decorative artist is hard work and can be very demanding on the body. Be prepared to work many hours to reap the rewards. Our industry has declined in numbers, and I don’t see young people lining up to become part of the industry. I hope that I am wrong.

Now here comes the good part … this creates tremendous opportunities for the future! Here, in Alabama, there is very little competition, due to so many of the finishers having left the field. Where there is little competition, opportunities prevail!! I would find a niche, study with some of the super stars in our industry and become familiar with the many available products. In addition, I would recommend joining IDAL and interacting with other decorative artists throughout the world. Forge relationships with designers, decorators, builders, vendors, and architects. Become familiar with the business side of the industry and become proficient in marketing strategies. In the end … Believe in yourself! What you think, you can become. One of my favorite sayings in life is, “Trust your cape. Go for it!!”

What is your favorite thing about the decorative industry/community?
There is a bit of magic in knowing that your little world is an important part of a much bigger world. At the end of the day, you can look back and see where you have been, how it relates to others, and how it fits in with the grand design. You just never know who you will inspire or from where your next inspiration will come.

See more of Rik’s work at lazenbydecorativeart.com.

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Mural Makers: Lee Lanier

MURAL MAKERS

Animal Sunset

Mural Artist: Lee Lanier
Artist Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

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The client, an elementary school in Las Vegas, asked for a painting that features a local landscape and local animals with a falcon in the center (the school mascot). The background is based on a real nearby vista and a popular hiking trail. The animals are all local and include a roadrunner, coyote, and jackrabbit.

About the Mural:
Name: Animal Sunset
Size: 32′ w x 15′ h
Products used:
KILZ 2® Primer and Golden Paintworks Mural & Theme Paint (primaries: red, yellow, blue, black, white)
Location:
Las Vegas, Nevada (The mural is inside a school and cannot be accessed directly by the public.)

About the Maker

I love old stories. Hence, when creating public murals or canvas paintings, I focus on history, such as historical figures, locations, and events; or literature, such as plays, parables, and mythology; or local landscapes and local wildlife. The stories often come from a wide array of sources, both historically and culturally; nevertheless, I try to tap into universal themes that are, hopefully, relatable to a wide range of people. The themes are often metaphysical and cover such areas as creativity, industry, perseverance, and exploration. Stylistically, my work is narrative and gives nod to Renaissance tableau, classic advertising illustration, and a bit of Surrealism.

Lee Lanier

What is your creative process like?
With a mural, I start with the theme requested by the client and try to figure out how to put my own unique spin on it. I’ll then create a simple drawing to determine the composition. After this, I move on to a preliminary painting. When the design is approved and it’s time to work on the mural, I freehand paint with brushes. I may use a grid as a rough guide but I never use a projector or any app that lets you trace. I only use primary colors and mix new colors on site or blend on the mural surface. In other words, I treat my mural surface like any other canvas that I might paint in my studio! For large murals, I do use assistants to keep on a tight schedule. This particular mural took 12 days over 3 weeks.

Do you have any other projects coming up that you’d like to share anything about?
I have several additional murals lined up with the Clark County School District, plus one for a large corporate retailer that will be placed in Ohio. My next solo show is at the Yuma Art Center this summer and will feature my latest set of figurative canvas paintings.

See more of Lee Lanier’s work:
Website: lee-lanier-paints.com
Instagram: @leelanierpaints

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Decorative Finish: White Gold Limewash

DECORATIVE FINISH HOW-TO

White Gold Limewash

Artist: Shiree Ingram

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PROJECT SUPPLIES:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 | Base paint with a white, high-hiding, all purpose primer.

2 | Using a nappy winnie roller, apply two coats of Golden Paintwork, Metallic White Veil, dry in between coats. Apply full coverage, rolling in a random pattern; for this application overlapping paint lines is not a concern.
(Photos 1-2)

3 | Mix 1 part Metallic White Gold with 4 parts Acrylic Limewash. Using the box brush, apply random strokes in a crisscross pattern, achieving full coverage. Apply two coats, drying in between coats.
(Photos 3-4)

4 | Complete one wall at a time without any “stops and starts,” to provide a more uniform look.

Here is the final finish.
(Photo 5)

Featured Products

About the Artist
Shiree, of Shiree Nichole Designer Finishes LLC, based in Naples, FL, has been in the faux art industry for over twenty years. The oldest of four girls, born in Newport Oregon and growing up in southwest Montana. She comes from a hard-working family with her father as a logger and later owning a drywall business. All four girls worked in drywall and much of Shiree’s knowledge and love for texture comes from working with her father. Shiree loves learning about new products, techniques and the chemistry behind the product. Shiree believes there is nothing like on-the-job training, experimenting, and she’s always open to learning something new. Shiree loves the diversity of finishes she creates and the collaboration she has with designers and decorators. In addition to her work creating decorative finishes, Shiree began honing her fine art skills in 2006 with oils on canvas and over the years has expanded to abstract acrylic art on Lucite and watercolors. 

Learn more about Shiree in our Behind the Texture artist feature series.

More from this artist

Looking for more inspiration? Click here to view all of the decorative finishes from our Limited Edition Collections.

Decorative Finish: Weathered White Gold

DECORATIVE FINISH HOW-TO

Weathered White Gold

Artist: Shiree Ingram

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PROJECT SUPPLIES:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 | Base paint with a white, high-hiding, all purpose primer.

2 | Using a nappy winnie roller, apply one coat of Golden Paintworks Metallic White Gold. Apply full coverage, rolling in a random pattern; for this application overlapping paint lines is not a concern.
(Photos 1-2)

3 | Mix 1 part Golden Paintworks Weathered Granite with 1 part White Gold Metallic, then add 25% water. Using a 2” chip brush, apply random horizontal strokes, leaving open spaces to see the background. While these areas are wet, applying the same mixture in the same application, but apply strokes vertically. Work about a 3’ x 3’ space at a time. With this pattern, it’s ok to leave and come back to this finish and begin again.
(Photos 3-4)

4 | If necessary, after drying, touch ups could always be
added to create more texture.

Here is the final finish.
(Photo 5)

Featured Products

About the Artist
Shiree, of Shiree Nichole Designer Finishes LLC, based in Naples, FL, has been in the faux art industry for over twenty years. The oldest of four girls, born in Newport Oregon and growing up in southwest Montana. She comes from a hard-working family with her father as a logger and later owning a drywall business. All four girls worked in drywall and much of Shiree’s knowledge and love for texture comes from working with her father. Shiree loves learning about new products, techniques and the chemistry behind the product. Shiree believes there is nothing like on-the-job training, experimenting, and she’s always open to learning something new. Shiree loves the diversity of finishes she creates and the collaboration she has with designers and decorators. In addition to her work creating decorative finishes, Shiree began honing her fine art skills in 2006 with oils on canvas and over the years has expanded to abstract acrylic art on Lucite and watercolors. 

Learn more about Shiree in our Behind the Texture artist feature series.

More from this artist

Looking for more inspiration? Click here to view all of the decorative finishes from our Limited Edition Collections.

Decorative Finish: Brushed Whisper Shimmer

DECORATIVE FINISH HOW-TO

Brushed Whisper Shimmer

Artist: Shiree Ingram

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PROJECT SUPPLIES:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 | Base paint with a white, high-hiding, all purpose primer.

2 | Using a nappy winnie roller, apply two coats of Golden Paintworks Metallic Whisper, let dry between coats. Apply full coverage, rolling in a random pattern; for this application overlapping paint lines is not a concern.
(Photos 1-2)

3 | Mix 1 part Golden Paintworks Metallic Whisper with 2 parts Metallic Texture Pearl, then mix in Extra Fine Silver Glitter (1 teaspoon for every 6 ounces of paint). Using a 4” chip brush, apply the paint in an “X” pattern, partially overlapping each “X”.
(Photos 3-4)

4 | Complete one wall at a time without any “stops and starts,” to provide a more uniform look.

Here is the final finish.
(Photo 5)

Featured Products

About the Artist
Shiree, of Shiree Nichole Designer Finishes LLC, based in Naples, FL, has been in the faux art industry for over twenty years. The oldest of four girls, born in Newport Oregon and growing up in southwest Montana. She comes from a hard-working family with her father as a logger and later owning a drywall business. All four girls worked in drywall and much of Shiree’s knowledge and love for texture comes from working with her father. Shiree loves learning about new products, techniques and the chemistry behind the product. Shiree believes there is nothing like on-the-job training, experimenting, and she’s always open to learning something new. Shiree loves the diversity of finishes she creates and the collaboration she has with designers and decorators. In addition to her work creating decorative finishes, Shiree began honing her fine art skills in 2006 with oils on canvas and over the years has expanded to abstract acrylic art on Lucite and watercolors. 

Learn more about Shiree in our Behind the Texture artist feature series.

More from this artist

Looking for more inspiration? Click here to view all of the decorative finishes from our Limited Edition Collections.

Behind the Texture with Audi Swope

Behind the Texture

with Audi Swope

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Audi, of Artworx by Audi, is a lifelong learner and admirer of the arts who loves the challenge of creating a representation that reflects someone’s inner vision. Whether that’s on walls, canvas, or inside a paint store, Audi enjoys coaxing out what’s waiting inside someone’s head.

Was decorative art a career you saw for yourself early on?
I have long adored the decorative arts and feel so blessed to be able to create in this way. My path has weaved in and out of the decorative painting business over some decades but I always truly looked up to those that did such exquisite works. As a residential painter back in the late 90s, I saw someone’s harlequin tone on tone finish in a dining room and I was awestruck by the precision and tonal qualities. I started looking up different techniques and soon had the opportunity to do a faux brick finish to match an existing fireplace that bridged two areas inside a house. I was enthralled. Physical challenges have sometimes guided me to make different career choices but I have always managed to stay adjacent to decorative arts in some way.

Currently, I manage a paint store where I get the opportunity everyday to help people give life to the aesthetic they envision in their heads and help them find inspiration to choose color, and sometimes texture. Accepting Life on Life’s terms has sometimes guided me to make different career choices but I have always managed to stay adjacent to decorative arts in some way.

What’s your favorite part about your job?
Carrying the Golden Paintworks line of products in our retail store has helped me expand my knowledge of products, techniques, and allowed me to bond with other artists and supply all kinds of people and contractors with new or updated information and options to add to their repertoire. I have such a passion for all things in the decorative painting realm and it gets me excited to talk about them and maybe inspire people to branch out and try something new.

What would you say is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?
I’m a fine artist at heart and sometimes my biggest challenge is to translate what I have made as a sample onto a full-size wall or room. I can easily become engrossed in the details and need to remind myself to pull back from the surface more to see the big picture. That and staying consistent with the application. I have to turn off the desire to “improve as I go” the way I would while doing a canvas work.

How would you describe your artistic style?
I would say my artistic style is organic. My most recent paintings have been just for the joy of painting, which can really be liberating. There is so much angst going on in the world and the grind culture that we have historically ascribed to adds to that. Painting can be a cathartic way of just being present, where there is no worry, no problems. I hope that anyone who experiences my art, whether on walls or canvas, can feel that meditative and serene atmosphere.

If you had to pick just one color that represents you, what color would it be and why?
It’s hard for me to choose favorites but if I had to say what my favorite color is, it’s in the violet range, usually a bluish violet, slightly grayed down. I’m drawn to the tertiary enigmatic colors. Most of my works on canvas have a violet undertone or have tones of violet throughout. I like colors and works that make you linger and wonder and question.

What are your interests outside of decorative arts?
For my spiritual and emotional wellness and grounding myself psychologically, being in nature is key. Relaxing at the beach, botanical gardens, butterfly houses, parks -especially ones with clear running water, are all serene spots to unwind and de-stress. Anywhere that I can appreciate Creation in all its wonders is where I feel most at peace. When I need to have fun, I like to participate in “the great escape” of going to the movies. I enjoy sci-if and superhero type fantasy the most. It’s really important to schedule play time into my life.

See more of Audi’s work at aswope.com.

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Behind the Texture with Jason Rosales

Behind the Texture

with Jason Rosales

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I’m Jason Rosales of Artisan Factor, a Decorative Artist in the Central Florida area. I use only the highest quality products, such as Golden Paintworks, in order to achieve an endless array of finishes custom tailored for each client. I’ve been blessed to work in the decorative arts for many years now, and have expanded my repertoire to include decorative and faux finishes, such as stenciling, embossed designs, glazes, woodgraining, marbling, plasters, textures, gilding, cabinetry refinishing, furniture and more. I love using Golden Paintworks’ Slow drying Fluid Acrylics along with their Glazing Medium when I need a good open time for a finish.

How did you get into decorative arts?
Looking back, it was a fateful evening when my sister, Regina, a decorative artist, had called to see if I could help with a local café she was working on. We were painting an interior stone block finish and I thought that it was fun and interesting. From then on, I continued to help until it grew into my full-time passion, working with wonderful clients, both residential and commercial, and expanding our creativity along the way.

Is there a person in particular that has had a substantial influence on your style?
I’ve been blessed to work with many talented artists over the years, each with their own unique creative styles and gifts. I’ve also had the pleasure to learn from several artist teachers such as Mike MacNeil, Caroline Woldenberg and Eli Lucero to name a few, but my “style” was truly forged in the trenches with my sister, Regina. The hard work, dedication, planning and execution of projects coupled with the attention to detail, while providing the client with clean, professional service, has greatly influenced how I work to this day.

What are your interests outside of decorative arts?
As an artist, I enjoy a few things such as writing, wood working and physical fitness, but my favorite is creating music. I’ve recently been learning and enjoying music production and playing instruments like the piano, electric guitar and bass, among others. It’s another creative outlet that I’ve come to love.

What’s your favorite paint color and why?
There are truly so many to choose from, but if I had to only pick one, it would be gold. It’s timeless and so customizable. I enjoy incorporating it into my finishes whenever possible, whether it be gilding, embedded into a finish or maybe added as an accent, such as in a pinstripe. A close second would be silver and other metallic colors in general.

If we came to your city, we shouldn’t leave without doing what?
You would have a lot to choose from if you’re visiting Central Florida. Theme parks, waterparks, International Drive. Maybe take the kids to Wonderworks on International Drive. As artists, you’ll enjoy just driving by the huge “upside down” building. Otherwise, maybe the natural springs for a refreshing dip, or the huge variety of great restaurants and eateries around town. For a truly exceptional Italian dining experience, be sure to make reservations at Christini’s in Dr. Philips. The culinary arts are one of my favorites as well.

What was something work related that you are particularly proud of?
Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a wonderful client who wanted Venetian Plaster in all of their 7 bathrooms. I was able to create unique variations of multi-colored finishes and even some textured marmorino ones as well. It was quite the undertaking for one person and the client and I were really happy with the results. This was the project that won Top Job 2023 for American Painting Contractor for my region. Another proud moment was when I was called to help a local artist who is working on “Versailles”, a 90K+SF home here in Central Florida. The architecture and design is a work of art and there’s plenty of gold leaf to play with there!

See more of Jason’s work at artisanfactor.com.

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Behind the Texture with Tim Glastetter

Behind the Texture

with Tim Glastetter

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Hi my name is Tim Glastetter. I am a Decorative Painter and Design Fabricator. I began decorative painting in my youth, not knowing that this would later become a career path or even knowing what a decorative painter was. My official career in decorative painting started in the mid ’90s and later emerged into design fabrication as well. Just as I didn’t know there was a need for decorative painters, the same goes for design fabrications.   

Where are you from? Where and what did you study?
I am from St. Louis, MO area and my 1st class in decorative painting was a trip to Chicago in 1998. I’ve since traveled to many schools and states as well as outside the US, always thirsting to learn more and keep current with design trends, colors, & techniques.

What influences do you think shaped your approach to decorative art?
My greatest influence came from my parents. My father was very handy with all things ‘HOUSE’ – building, remodeling, home maintenance and repairs. My mom was always ‘home project’ driven – painting, wallpapering, furniture refinishing, decorating, etc. They would often allow my input on home projects at a young age.

As an adult I attended school for IT and computer programming, never satisfied with the work that came from this path. It was an interior designer that I hired that prompted me to painting, particularly decorative arts and specialty painting. She had seen my self-taught projects in my home and urged me to take it further. Not liking my current career status, it was all the push I needed.  

Do you play music while you work and what kind?
I almost always have music playing in the background when working, creating, designing … usually a form of folk rock, but I also enjoy other genres – instrumental, classic, and some old country.

Craziest paint spill you’ve ever had to clean up?
Fortunately, I have never had a memorable paint spill on any job site.

What do you enjoy most about owning your own business?

  • I love how the use of paints, textures, color, and coatings can not only change a visual finish but often it will alter or change a particular style.
  • The creativity – helping people solve design issues with the use of paint, color, texture, etc. to transform and unify a piece of furniture or an entire house.
  • Through the use of design fabrication it gives me great satisfaction to create beautiful and sought after furnishings to folks whom otherwise would have purchased new. Not only are they 100% satisfied, but working, thinking, & designing in this manner means less waste for our landfills. 
  • Working with repeat clients – this group of folks already know me and know my skills/talent and capability to deliver. This allows me to do my job with very little convincing or hand-holding along the way.
  • Being in control of my schedule and making the most of each day.

And what do you enjoy least?

  • Proposals / bidding
  • Clutter or cluttered working conditions
  • Marketing myself

What’s something you wish you could tell your younger self?
Always follow your gut. Create a job career path doing something you truly enjoy doing!

See more of Tim’s work at timglastetter.com.

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Decorative Finish: Mica

"Mica" decorative finish
DECORATIVE FINISH HOW-TO

Mica

Artist: Tobey Renee Sanders

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PROJECT SUPPLIES:

  • Benjamin Moore OC-65 Chantilly Lace
  • Golden Paintworks Sandstone
  • GlamRock by The Faux Pro in colors Champagne, Gold, and Pewter
  • Paint Roller
  • Steel Plaster Trowel
  • Blender
  • Mixing Containers and Stirrers
  • Drill and Mixing Bit
  • 320 Grit Sandpaper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 | Paint basecoat color, OC-65 Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore. Let dry.
(Photo 1)

2 | Trowel on a smooth layer of Sandstone. Let completely dry.
(Photo 2)

3 | Blend up Champagne, Gold, and Pewter GlamRock in a blender until completely diced. Add diced up GlamRock to Sandstone in a separate container and add 30% water to this mix. Blend carefully and blend well with a drill and mixing bit.
(Photo 3)

4 | Trowel on a thin layer of the GlamRock/Sandstone mix over the dry Sandstone. Let dry completely.
(Photo 4)

5 | Sand with 320 sandpaper to lightly knock down loose GlamRock in the Sandstone and expose the GlamRock that is embedded in the plaster.
(Photo 5)

Here’s the final texture.
(Photo 6)

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About the Artist
Tobey Renee Sanders is an accomplished Decorative Artist, Design expert and Tv personality born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Tobey Renee has more than 20 years of experience in Interior Design & Decorative Arts and is widely recognized for her custom faux finish techniques and stunning line of contemporary art. In 2003, She launched FauxDécor Design Studio, a super talented decorative painting company, providing residential spaces, commercial property and celebrity clients with uniquely designed and custom faux finishes. Tobey Renee specializes in rich high-end Plasters, such as Glassello and Marmorino. She is mostly known for her popular GlamRock Mica Finishes and Diamond Glass technique, that adorns the walls of Hollywood’s hottest A list celebrity homes. Her client list includes design firms and developers in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC, as well as entertainers and athletes across the nation. She has also been featured on HGTV’s Smart Home, Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and Vh1’s K Michelle’s: My Life. Her faux finished rooms have been showcased in numerous publications such as, People Magazine, Black Enterprise and The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

More from this artist

Looking for more inspiration? Click here to view all of the decorative finishes from our Limited Edition Collections.

Decorative Finish: Metallic Woodgrain

"Metallic Woodgrain" decorative finish
DECORATIVE FINISH HOW-TO

Metallic Woodgrain

Artist: Tobey Renee Sanders

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PROJECT SUPPLIES:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 | Paint basecoat color, OC-65 Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore. Let dry.

2 | Create glaze mixture using Sheer Glazing Medium mixed with Carbon Black and Raw Umber Slow Dry Fluid Acrylics. Using a 4″ foam brush, brush on the glaze in an organic motion, covering 100% of the surface.
(Photo 1)

3 | Gently walk out the Carbon Black and Raw Umber glaze with a terry towel across the surface to get rid of the foam brush marks. Leave wet for next step.
(Photo 2)

4 | Use a flogger to create the first layer of the wood grain technique. Gently pounce the flogger across the surface. Let completely dry.
(Photo 3)

5 | Create a metallic glaze mixture using the Glazing Gel and White Veil Metallic Paint. Brush on using the foam brush and walk out again with a terry towel. Leave wet for next step.
(Photo 4)

6 | Use the woodgraining rocker to create vertical wood grain lines. Use the striae graining tool to create more vertical veins.
(Photo 5)

7 | Use badger blender to soften lines until desired look is achieved. Let dry.
(Photo 6)

Here’s the final texture.
(Photo 7)

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About the Artist
Tobey Renee Sanders is an accomplished Decorative Artist, Design expert and Tv personality born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Tobey Renee has more than 20 years of experience in Interior Design & Decorative Arts and is widely recognized for her custom faux finish techniques and stunning line of contemporary art. In 2003, She launched FauxDécor Design Studio, a super talented decorative painting company, providing residential spaces, commercial property and celebrity clients with uniquely designed and custom faux finishes. Tobey Renee specializes in rich high-end Plasters, such as Glassello and Marmorino. She is mostly known for her popular GlamRock Mica Finishes and Diamond Glass technique, that adorns the walls of Hollywood’s hottest A list celebrity homes. Her client list includes design firms and developers in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, DC, as well as entertainers and athletes across the nation. She has also been featured on HGTV’s Smart Home, Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and Vh1’s K Michelle’s: My Life. Her faux finished rooms have been showcased in numerous publications such as, People Magazine, Black Enterprise and The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

More from this artist

Looking for more inspiration? Click here to view all of the decorative finishes from our Limited Edition Collections.