This sourcebook of decorative painted finishes covers paint, mediums, and their usage, the decorative painter's colour palette, varnishes, brushes, and tools, and surface preparation and clean-up procedures. In addition, Finkelstein presents the history of the two schools of decorative painting.

Detailed demonstrations show how to utilize all kinds of special paint techniques. Business aspects are also covered.

Written for beginners and professionals alike, The Faux Finish Artist is a training manual for people who want to earn at least $500 a day as a working Decorative Artist. Whether you are a canvas painter, contractor, subcontractor, interior designer, or maybe youve never picked up a paint brush and simply want to earn extra income, Jimmy Eldridge Hager draws on his 35 years of experience as a working Decorative Artist to show you, step by step, how its done. From your first sample board, to your first client presentation, to building a successful business, The Faux Finish Artist will cut years off your learning curve. If youve ever considered a career as a working Decorative Artist, this book was written for you.

The essential reference for amateur and professional alike, The Handbook of Painted Decoration is the first book to cover the whole spectrum of trompe l'oeil decorative painting, from classic marbling and wood graining to ancient techniques of decorative painting that have been nearly forgotten.

Provides step-by-step instructions for twelve projects using a mixture of apple cider vinegar, dry pigment, and soap to refinish items such as shoe boxes, picture frames, and furniture.

Discover a fresh, fun approach to painting unique flowers! Forgo reference photos and discover a more organic and joyful way of painting! With its friendly step-by-step format, Painting Imaginary Flowers features a simple, three-stage approach to creating flowers only you can make... 1. Drop in color (ink, watercolor or fluid acrylics) to create abstract backgrounds full of beautiful textures and "blooms." 2. Just like spotting shapes in the clouds, search for shapes in your background that suggest blossoms and leaves. Paint around them and watch the flowers emerge! 3. Add patterns in pen to create a lovely, faux collage effect. With plenty of mixed-media techniques throughout for building up luscious texture and color, even beginners can achieve happy results. Ten demonstrations show the versatility of this approach--from large-format pieces, to work in a series, and even Zen doodle landscapes. Never again will you be stuck for ideas or dependent on a photo. Every flower you paint will be unique, personal, and fresh from your imagination! Let your imagination blossom!

Liberate Your Creativity with Acrylic Paints! Acrylic Revolution is your essential, all-in-one guide for acrylic painting techniques and more. It features over 101 ways to break through the boundaries of conventional painting and re-define the creative potential of this all-purpose medium. Every page provides insight on how to use acrylic paint in ways you never thought possible to create stunning visual effects and textures. Ten complete sections detail a range of empowering applications, including how to: • Prepare and paint on virtually any surface • Create textures of all kinds • Work with transfers, collage, resists and mixed media • Achieve innovative stenciling and line work • Customize your paint to adjust thickness, transparency and drying time • Simulate other mediums, such as oil, tempera or watercolor • Create faux finishes, magical effects, sheens and more To give you additional insight and inspiration, this book features a gallery of finished works by fellow painting revolutionaries that blend various acrylic techniques to create amazing effects. You'll also find practical advice that covers the basics and beyond—from selecting materials and cleaning your brushes to finishing and preserving your artwork. There's even a complete glossary of terms for fast and easy referencing. Pick up a brush and start your own acrylic revolution today! Use the techniques in this book to free your creative spirit and create the paintings you've always dreamed of.