Another Ceiling Medallion

Ceiling Magic! Paint a Trompe L'Oeil Medallion

Ceilings are always a challenge to paint, but the results are worth the extra effort.

I glazed the center of the "Medallion" first, then stencilled the leaf pattern over that.

The hand painted flowers around the Medallion are taken from the Fabric used in the Window Treatments.

I painted the faux brushed nickle with metallics to match the chandelier

2008 Mansion in May

Once again I was chosen to participate in the Women's Association of Morristown Memorial Hospital's Designer Showhouse. It is a great honor, that I am proud to be a part of. The Mansion is called Froh Heim in Far Hills NJ. My space is a small hallway with a closet that I transformed into a trompe l'oeil bay window. The mural is of the surrounding landscape on the Far Hills Race Meeting Day in October every year.

I recruited another Artisan, Kirsten Briggs-Arcell to apply a Mantovano Plaster finish to the Hall walls and a faux woodgrain to the trim.

I was also lucky enough to borrow an equestrian bronze sculpture by James Leslie, from The J.M. Stringer Gallery in Bernardsville.

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.