"Home and Garden Television" (HGTV) recently paid special attention to my murals, filming my work in a Potomac, Maryland home. My painting transformed a vast, sunlit space – a young boy's bedroom – into the interior of a magnificent tree house on the African plains. This creation is tremendous fun. The bedroom floor represents the platform of the tree house. Branches enfold the space on all four walls, the surrounding panorama just visible in the distance. From the concealing foliage of this giant baobab tree, one can see several creatures sharing the hideaway: two monkeys, a few birds, a nibbling giraffe. A closer look reveals a snake lying hidden against the bark of one giant limb – a playful "Eye Spy." Beyond the tree's cool refuge, the distant savannah shimmers in the midday sun. Overhead, a 16-foot, tongue-in-groove, cathedral ceiling completes the bower.

The effect is both soothing and stimulating-the security of the hideaway combined with the possibility of adventure beyond. My client calls the room "peaceful" and says it is her favorite in her new 23-room home. She also claims it was the only project during the entire two-year home construction that was completed on schedule – "perhaps," she jokes, "because women were in charge!" Equally important, the room was an enormous hit with her two-year old son, whose love of African animals inspired my design. Another powerful inspiration was the room itself – its soaring ceilings and immense, exquisite proportions. Their architect particularly admired the way my design and colors harmonized with the wooden ceiling.

Also pictured here on this site are other recent examples of my murals – from the witty to the historical – created for clients in Virginia and Pennsylvania. This trompe l'oeil creation at the entrance to a wine cellar features lifelike "everblooming" geraniums. The door really opens; the window doesn't!

My "Colorscapes of Italy" show at the Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University in 1996 presented original views of classic Italian settings, to great acclaim. Helen Orem, director of the Lombardi Center's arts program, called my work "very, very strong." I have run a limited edition printing of one of the most popular of these paintings, "Aqua and Tomato Repose." This luminous rendering of northern Italy's lake region is available in limited edition prints that I have signed and numbered. Overall dimension of the print is 18" by 24", with the image size approximately 16" by 17". To purchase a print for $75.00 please contact me via email for postal address.

 I have been applying exquisitely-realized explorations of color and design to walls and furnishings through my decorative painting company since 1987. My work unites academic training in the fine arts and interior design with 20 years of professional painting experience and an exceptional eye for color. I take pride in working closely with my clients to create the precise colors, textures, patterns, and details needed to achieve their design goals. For convenience, I also offer base painting and prep work. Whether the project is small or grand, my clients receive the highest-quality service. The result is a complete, custom-designed look that has drawn the attention of the HGTV network, Fairfax News Channel 8, Better Homes and Gardens, Good Housekeeping, and Traditional Homes.

Glazing Marbling Graining Stenciling Murals

Trompe l'Oeil Gold Leaf Restoration Touch-ups

Thinking about your next design project? Whether a large mural or a faux finish, contact me by email. I look forward to hearing from you.

Email:
traceypaints@msn.com