Lane's End Decorative Arts

Is it finished?

2011-07-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

I Added some Smoke and finished it up, unless my client has any other ideas. In a week, after it cures, I will be applying an exterior varnish.

Summit Mural In Progress - Soldier

2011-06-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

Working on the Soldier and the Cannon

From Bad Sponge Painting to Rocks

2011-06-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

Finally getting toward the end!

2011-06-14T14:05:00.000-07:00

Though I have been busy with many projects, I have finally been able to make some progress, between other projects and rainy weather. Here are some of my latest pictures. I still have to finish painting the rocks and a plaque describing the scene.

Back at it

2011-03-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

Soo, It has been a long cold and wet winter. After the one day in January that was above 40 degrees, I stopped by the job site and discovered that some of the paint had run down the window again, and some had chipped off. Well, I decided that I had better wait awhile, so the last 2 days were in the sixties, so I finally got back to work. Of course the it will be turning cold tomorrow with rain in the forecast ahead, but it will get finished, I promise!

Break in the Weather!

2011-01-16T22:28:00.000-08:00

I had 1 day in the last 2 Months that the temperature was over 40 for more then an hour. I was able to correct a few mistakes and continue to add detail to the Revolutionary War Figure. I still have work to do, but luckily my client would rather wait then have the paint peel off!

Of course First I had to shovel a spot to paint from!

Revolutionary War Sodlier- In Progress

2010-11-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

The Signal Beacon has been lit, and I started painting my soldier. It is a challenge to paint a composite figure. I used 3 different photos to incorporate the stance of the soldier, while attempting to depict an accurate uniform. More painting tomorrow.

Almost Finished!

2010-11-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a chance to update my work in progress blog, until tonight. I painted some trees in the background after adding some starlight to the hills. While we suffered from some bad weather I drew the soldier and cannon in my studio, on paper, which I then transfered onto the Mural. I also painted the signal beacon. Take a look at the progress!

OOps!

2010-11-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

Well after some rough weather I survived to return to Summit and have made a little progress on our Mural. I say little, only because I have been polishing my background and 20 ft of Hills illuminated by starlight is time consuming, especially when I catch the oops. My whole family is known for our clumsiness, and today was one of those days for me! I will just say this. Thank-goodness for drop cloths! Here are a few more in progress pictures

More Stars!

2010-11-03T21:03:00.000-07:00

It just kept eating at the corners of my mind. There have to be more stars! In 1780 they must have been able to see more, even at dawn. Well, I painted more. I also, upon the advise of a good friend and fellow Muralist, Sue Granske, decided to darken the mountains in the background with some of the Indigo glaze from the sky. In the first picture you can see how pale the mountain looks on the right before I applied the glaze. In the days ahead I plan to block in the rest of the hills from background to foreground- weather permitting, ofcourse!

I have been honored to be put in The Summit Patch Online News. Sondra Ferra interviewed and photographed me while I was painting. Here is the link:http://summit.patch.com/articles/about-town-area-artist-spruces-up-downtown-storefront#photo-2827148

In Progress Summit Mural 10/30

2010-10-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

Had a great Day today. All the kids were downtown for a Halloween Parade. I think I gave out 6 bags of candy. They were so adorable, but I also got a little painting done, mostly on the clouds, and a few stars. Hope to finish the sky on Monday (if it doesn't rain)

After The Rain Thurs. Oct. 28th

2010-10-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

After about 30 hours of rain, I was able to return today and of course I first had to fix the drips, as it started raining right after I left the other day. I used less glaze and extender, so fewer drips and more time to move on to the far background. The colors are very muted yet in silhouette against the twilight. A TV crew came from Home Towne Television to interview me for the local news. They are a sponsor for the Mural and will be airing updates of my progress. Beth Welsh, from Bassett Associates, also stopped by to see my progress. Beth is the brainchild of the project and commissioned my work. It is a pleasure collaborating with someone who is so knowledgeable about the history of the town, and has an appreciation for Art.

Summit Mural In Progress

2010-10-27T02:09:00.000-07:00

Finally the First Paint goes on! I mixed 6 colors to replicate dawn. Then added some glaze to extend the open time and facilitate blending the colors together on such a large scale. As you can see, due to the glaze, and unexpected rain showers I returned to the Mural to find a more abstract version of my sun rise! lol An inconvenience, but hopefully one that won't be repeated.

Summit Mural In Progress

2010-10-27T01:50:00.000-07:00

After I Primed the surface I let it dry overnight. I then returned and translated the grid of my sketch to the painting surface, using water soluble color pencils and a level. Each 1" square was enlarged to 2 '. Finally I started sketching in the background. Just a general idea of where the Sky meets the Mountains, to begin with.

Summit, NJ Mural in Progress

2010-10-27T01:19:00.000-07:00

After deciding on a sketch, ordering the paint (Nova Acrylics) and Zinnsser Oil based Primer, the location had to be sheathed in an aluminate surface so the Mural can be moved to another location in the future. A couple of great Carpenters installed and framed out the panels. They were Carmine and Miguel from Valley Industrial Contracting. I then started sanding the shiny surface, cleaning it off and priming.

In Progress: Summit NJ Mural

2010-10-27T00:17:00.000-07:00

Along with Beth Welsh of Bassett Associates and Fred Honold from Hometowne Television I have begun a 8'x20' Public Mural on Springfield Avenue in Downtown Summit, New Jersey. Our goals are to create a Mural depicting a time in Summit's History that can attract discussion and interest in it's origins and culture. The television station is recording the Painting on video, and I decided to start this in progress blog.

The Subject and Title of the mural is: Beacon Hill at Dawn, June 7th, 1780 After doing some research we chose this moment in time as a starting point of Summits rich history. According to records, just before dawn , on this historic date, an urgent message was received that The British forces were crossing over the river from Staten Island to launch an attack on the Continental Army. The #10 Signal Beacon was lit and The Old Sow Cannon discharged to alert George Washington and our Troops in Morristown of the impending battle that were then played out in The battle of Springfield over the following days.

As with any art project once a subject is decided a sketch soon follows, therefore without further comment here is the beginnings of my In Progress Blog

Another Ceiling Medallion

2009-03-03T22:01:00.001-08:00

Ceiling Magic! Paint a Trompe L'Oeil Medallion

2008-08-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

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

2007-02-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-26T18:51:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-26T18:15:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-26T17:09:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-26T12:22:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-26T11:06:00.001-08:00

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

2007-02-22T16:36:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-22T16:18:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-22T16:00:00.000-08:00

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

Nantucket Lighthouse!

2007-02-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-14T20:43:00.000-08:00

Acrylic Painting A friend with his Dog

2007-02-14T20:32:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-11T15:28:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-10T21:03:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-10T16:56:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-09T22:02:00.000-08:00

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

Kitchen Faux with Vines

2007-02-09T21:49:00.000-08:00

Very soft and painterly looking vines embelish this faux finished kitchen

Shadow Striped Dining Room

2007-02-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

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

A Stenciled Breakfast Nook

2007-02-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

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

Boy's Football Room

2007-02-09T17:04:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

Animal Nursery

2007-02-09T16:19:00.000-08:00

Here's an Adorable Nursery for an Adorable tyke!

Moonlit Ocean Nursery Mural

2007-02-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

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

Faux Wooden Pillar and Faux Granite base

2007-02-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-08T18:39:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-07T18:43:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-07T17:08:00.001-08:00

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

2007-02-07T16:35:00.000-08:00

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