I offer a full line of faux and decorative finishes including: tortoiseshell, malachite, verdigris, marble, wood graining, granite, limestone, ragging, rag rolling, colorwashing, fresco colorwashing, stippling, sponging, spattering, striping, dragging, combing, custom stenciling, distressing/rusticating/crackling, and any other finish if given the challenge. I use only the best tools, techniques, and materials to ensure the work will last the centuries. Often the finishes are applied directly on the surface. In some instances, however, the work can be applied on a removable canvas or linen.

This is a view of decorative work I completed for a client living in East Lansing, Michigan. The wall, which measures approximately 15x10', was first given a rusticated concrete texture using pumice suspended in an acrylic medium. I then added the bouganvillea flowers, handpainting each one. The flowers, painted in four progressive layers, were glazed with a liquid shadow to make them seem to pop off the wall. Once the flowers were done, my patron and I critiqued the wall. It was complete according to the original plan but we both felt something was missing. She suggested a wrought iron arbor to finish off the wall. Her suggestion was genius and I set to work on a custom designed arbor with a worn and cracked finish.

Detail showing hand-painted flowers, wrought iron, and concrete texture. e

Above are before and after photographs of a decorative mantel frieze. This hearth is the centerpiece of an Arts and Crafts living room in a home from the 1920's. The vine and flower frieze would have been painted originally and the owner wanted to bring it back to its original beauty. I worked closely with her to select an appropriate pallette of colors- bringing together various elements in the room, including the beautiful tilework.

Detail of the Arts and Crafts mantel frieze.

With the type of work shown in the above two examples, all designs are completed first on computer, with the final details added in direct consultation with the client at the site where the work is to be completed. The client can then see precisely what will take place in their home. This process virtually eliminates the age-old misunderstandings between artists and patrons.

Check back again to see more beautiful faux and decorative projects that are in the works!

If you have a question or would like to set up a commission please contact me: kirsche1@msu.edu or 517-648-0367

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