Display of Topics requires a JavaScript compatible browser with JavaScript currently enabled. Students find this course useful and aesthetically pleasing, as they paint exquisite faux marble, wood, and stone grains as well as non-illusionistic finishes such as strie suitable for walls, furniture, and doors. They learn the techniques of faux finishing without the fumes, odors, and toxicity of petroleum paint products. Using acrylic and latex paints, participants experiment with a variety of techniques, including glazing, softening, frottage, veining, ragging, stippling, dragging, and sponging.
Emphasis is placed on learning to make decisions regarding color schemes and design applications.
Students complete their own portfolios of finishes, applicable toward any interior scheme. Shared supplies are provided. Instructor Patrick Kirwin specializes in trompe l'oeil illusionism, decorative painting, faux finishes, and murals. He has received grants and commissions for such projects as the Uptown Bakery in Arlington and has shown his trompe l'oeil work at the Arlington Arts Center in Virginia.