Jersey Boys/ Girls & Eli VP Presidente

I spent the majority of this past week in Upper New Jersey, working with some fantastic artists and decorative painters.  I will be back in the area this coming week in Long Island and Connecticut.  (Circling the Big Apple)  While I circle, Jackie Jordan the Color Marketing Director for Sherwin williams, will be in NYC at the D&D building presenting our 2011 ColorMix on Wednesday from 11:00AM- 1:00PM.  (Be There or Be Square. For more information contact Andrea Dinice at andrea.dinice@sherwin.com.  or http://www.swstir.com/

The Jersey Boys kept me very busy in both Edison and Paramus.  (In Paramus, I was able to see the Empire State Building from the Sherwin-Williams parking lot!) We had our usual fun and exciting blend of Paint Contractors, Interior Designers and Decorative Artists.  At one of our sessions, I even met a 3D visual artist, who was interested in better understanding faux finishes and wall textures, to use in his work both in TV commercials and movies.  Really Cool guy and a very fascinating topic.

Here is a photo of one of the 2-step metallic/metallic plaster finishes created by an assistant store manager in New Brunswick.  Take a look at Jeff Doane's creative textures.  He even used the quart lid to help with his, garden inspired swirls.

I have a video of an inspired and inspiring contractor, Paul Knakkergaard discussing with Tony Spatarella, DSM the advantage of our quick, easy and repeatable metallic base coat with Quartz Stone, Plaster finish over.  (I actually took a good video for once!!)

The , NJ/ NYC Territory is a hotbed for creativity and style and I immensely enjoyed being with this group of professionals.

Where's Ed:
This coming week, I will be in Plainview, Long Island on Tuesday and Wednesday and Camphill, PA on Thursday.

SW Faux Impressions Preview, Hand-On Sessions: ("Where's Ed Now?")

Tuesday and Wednesday October 5 - 6, 2010.  Plainview Long Island, NY:  9:00 AM and 1:30 PM at:

80 Express St., Plainview, NY

Thursday, October 7, 2010.  Camp Hill PA:  8:00AM at:

1905 State Street, Camp Hill, PA

Phoenix, Birmingham, Seattle and a Big Event in Tampa on Friday October 22nd!!

While, I was busy trying to keep up with the Jersey Boys and Girls, a VERY special Venetian Plaster situation was taking place in New Mexico.  Eli Lucero was rocking some Sherwin-Williams, Venetian Plaster and Quartz Stone, Metallic Plasters on a commercial installation.  Eli is the Presidente of Venetian Plaster or the "PofVP"!

I had the pleasure of meeting Eli on Tempe AZ a couple of months ago, when we spent an afternoon together talking shop and playing with our new line of products.  It was pretty funny when I showed Eli how easy it was to roll out our plaster and backtrowel it for a VERY fast and easy installation.  He politely, told me "Put away your roller, "and showed me his "Blades of Fury!"  Eli has worn down as many trowels with his supernatural, efficient method of wall application as most painters have worn out roller covers.  Eli also mentioned more than once that our VP moved, "Like Butter!"

As always, when I am learning something, I sat back and enjoyed the view and tried not to miss anything important.  I was very pleased to have made the trip to Arizona to meet this master and planned to be certain that Sherwin-Williams products and field support would not let him down. I am well aware that a new product needs to be "taken for a ride" and am very excited to see Eli doing just that.  See his efforts with our products and others at http://www.ivenetian.com/ and the you tube videos at "elilucero." 

In his most recent video you will see him crank out a Venetian Plaster installation and hear Eli say..."If anybody has any doubts about how Sherwin-Williams Venetian Plaster works, watch this...Virtually NO resistance to my knife...Flown Across this wall!..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na1O5opnKe4

I look forward to working with Eli on pushing what can be done in this category and I can't wait to see what he and his team come up with next!

As if that wasn't enough, Pat Ganino and Mike (Faux God) were busy installing Venetian Plaster in Manhattan at a modelling agency.  Pat and Mike were cranking out the VP Jams and covering a lot of square footage in their first overnighter.

I guess this week, 3's Company, because I received a photo from Jeff Davis from Indiana, who just happily and successfully installed our Venetian Plaster with it's Super Easy Burnishing resin.  (Photo below)

What a week, I was a very "Proud Pappa" and can't wait to see what Long Island has in store for me.

As promised last week, here is a photo of my Extreme Crackle finish with the step-by-step details.

Extreme Crackle:

Step 1:  Apply 2 coats of SW 6132 Duration Home matte finish with a 3/8" nap roller.

Step2:  Once dry,apply a coat of Faux Impressions, Metallics tinted to SW 6132 with a 1/2" microfiber roller or a 3/4" Collossus roller sleeve.

Step 3: After overnight dry, apply a thin and even coat of Faux Impressions, crackle medium.

Step 4: 1 hour later, apply SW 6108 Duration Home matte with 2 large, Fully loaded, Sea Sponges in a pouncing and banging method.  Allow the paint to spatter and drip and crackle...(This technique will definitely wake up the neighbors!  If the walls not rocking, than this finish ain't poppin!)

Step 5:  After overnight dry, glaze and colorwash the crackle fissures and drip and distressed areas with SW 6103. Rub the glaze into the crevices and rub it off of the high spots.

Step 6:  When dry, take a medium grit sanding sponge and sand off the high spots to create a further distressed appearance.

Step 7:  Reglaze with both the metallic color, and a lighter and darker glaze to your liking.

This finish and variations on an extreme distressed crackle will be featured in upcoming Sunday blogs.

PDPA, Ecucation Summit, Paschal Video peak:

Take a look at the cool exterior mural on the facade of the St. Louis, Sherwin-Williams training center.  Next week I will discuss my earlier visit to this decorative finishing hot spot!

For more information contact me at ed@mattinglynolimitspaint.com or go to www.sherwin/faux or stop into one of our 3000 stores near you.

Thanks!

Ed

Design Boston w Designer Mentor and Craftsmen in Chicago

This week, I almost didn't get this blog done due to the fact that my youngest daughter's video project for HS was putting us both through some serious agony!!  Thank goodness for the Geek Squad...  (Just kidding, this BLOG happens Every Sunday, NO Matter What! .)

To set a lighter tone, here is an old favorite cartoon of mine, that used to made me laugh and it worked again today.  Take a look and share with your stressed out paint friends, on busy Monday...

The Caption, if you can't make it out says, "I'm sorry Sir, but I cannot sell you any color of interior paint without a note from your wife."  (Or decorative artist or interior designer) Poor Guy, I know just how he feels.

Business of Faux: So this week, I was back in Boston at the Boston Design Center for "Design Boston."
http://www.bostondesign.com/

I was expecting a lot from the experience and was not disappointed in the least. At most of the interior designer events that we host, I end up meeting interior designers and in many cases, their decorative painters.  I started my day with set up at the Sherwin-Williams Color Design Studio on the 4th floor.  It is like being in a life size fan deck and Colormix card. (See photos)
http://www.sherwin-williams.com/pro/paint_colors/paint_color_trends/

The last photo features the work of a local artisan and edcucator by the name of Joe Fiorello.  Cindy Sampson, the Designer Account Executive and Color Studio Manager from Sherwin-Williams is standing next to Joe's creation.

I love being in Design centers to see the showroom windows and newly featured products and especially fabrics.

So, I began a very busy day, having the pleasure of meeting with Marilyn McLeod in the SW Color Center.  She and I had met in Golden,  Colorado the previous week and she was nice enough to stop by for a closer look at our new line of products.  I shared several versions of our Venetian Plaster, Quartz Stone and Metallic finishes with her.  Marilyn's showed me her portfolio and it was incredible.  She showed me a featured Ostrich finish, for which I need a recipe. Check her work out on Facebook or http://www.leedesign.biz/ Hopefully, she will be teaching contractor classes for us sometime soon in her studio.

The Showroom, began to fill up and I had the pleasure of meeting with several Interior Designers.  I was fortunate enough to have sitting in the front row, Cynthia Curcio, IFDA, Principal Interior Designer of "four lexington, l.l.c." and her decorative artist, Susan Fiorello.  (Yes another Fiorello??)

As, the group came in, I passed around several samples for their review.  I also listened to and participated in their conversations before and after my presentation.  Cynthia, was commenting to her decorative artists and a few others, how faux has gotten an unfair bad name, due to the large number of sub-par installations conducted by mediocre installers.  She mentioned how she could tell, "In a Instant," whether or not a decorative finish had been applied by a true professional or not.  The key for her seemed to be in the design, color and the organic appearance..She said that if she sees a finish that looks, "Authentic...Like it was always there," That also meant that she could not tell how it was created, (Meaning sponge, rags, etc).

Cynthia was "speaking to my heart" with these words.  She made my week, by telling me that the kind of finish that she spoke of was in her hands.  She said that she would not leave without discussing, excatly how I had created the crackled and ditressed metallic finish. (I obliged)  Speaking with Cindy after the session was "food for my soul."

In next week's blog, 1 will show the step-by-step, How-To on this technique.

I will be back in Boston on November 9th, for several Hands-On sessions and look forward to seeing my new paint friends.

Speaking of my Faux "Tour of Duty" and where I will be over the next days and weeks:

SW Faux Impressions Preview, Hand-On Sessions: (aka: "Where's Ed Now?")

Tuesday, September 28, 2010. Edison, NJ:  9:00 AM and 1:30 PM at:

226 Talmadge Rd., Edison, NJ

Wednesday, September 29, 2010. Paramus NJ: 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM at:

176 N State Rt 17 # 3, Paramus, NJ

Tuesday and Wednesday October 5 - 6, 2010.  Plainview Long Island, NY:  9:00 AM and 1:30 PM at:

80 Express St., Plainview, NY

Thursday, October 7, 2010.  Camp Hill PA:  8:00AM at:

1905 State Street, Camp Hill, PA

Phoenix, Birmingham, Seattle and Tampa SOON...

So, From Boston, I headed to, Fenton, Michigan and had a fun hands-on session with some great decorative artists and contractors.  Lisa Basinski of http://www.dare-to-dream-designs.com/  has already used some of the new products and created a great looking board, using metallic and metallic plasters... Picture below features, Lisa's finish.  she is surrounded by Trace and Crystal, her SW Tag Team Champions!

No rest for the wicked.  (Speaking of Wicked...I should have some photos coming soon, from a restaurant named, "Wicked"  of a Venetian Plaster installation.)

Another Faux Workaholic, Pat Ganino, had Ron Francis at his studio, prior to the PDPA Summit and found time to have the students play with the new Sherwin-Williams Venetian Plaster.

I ended the first 5 of 7 day week, back in my hometown of Chicago at an inspirational event called the: 

2010 Craftsmanship Conference

Inspiration, Tools and Applications for your Craftsmanship-Oriented Company

Katie Bernhard, DDM from Sherwin-Williams and I had an opportunity to meet some of the country's most dedicated PDCA craftmen in the industry. Mario Guertin of Painting Partnership, Inc. is the visionary behind this highly regarded annual event.  http://paintpartner.com/  The attendees were  a powerful group and were knee deep in how to better their craft and raise the bar for their employees and the industry as a whole, but they found time and were fully engaged in our Faux Impressions preview.  I look forward to more interaction with this PDCA consortium of excellence. http://www.pdca.org/

Next week, as promised I will post another little taste of what happended at the PDPA Education Summit, featuring a video of Pascal Amblard...

This weekend, I also have completed a few sets of Faux Impression samples that will be used in an upcoming ASID Fashion show.  I will be sure to share the pictures.

For more information, please contact me at ed@mattinglynolimitspaint.com

Talk to you next week!!

www.sherwin.com/faux

PDPA Highlights & ASID Interior Designer Metallic feedback VIDEO

I had a life changing week in Golden, Colorado at the PDPA, Education Summit!  Andre Martinez and Pat Ganino put on an amazing event.  The physical elevation of nearly 6000' above sea level, played with my limbs and lungs and the artistic and inspirational elevation played with my mind and soul.

I met and got to spend quality time with so many industry icons.  People like: Pierre Finklestein, Pascal Amblard, Melanie Royals, Linda Bannining the current IDAL preseident, Ron Francis, (Got to drive him from the airport and hear about his class at Pat Ganino's studio the previous week) Sean Crosby, Sheri Hoeger, Nicola Vigini, Howard Thaller from Golden and the list goes on...

I was excited to see this incredible group of decorative artist taking home a copy of Stir magazine   http://www.swstir.com/ &
The Sherwin-Williams, ColorMix 2011
www.sherwin-williams.com/pro/paint.../paint_color_trends/
from the Portrait Competition reception on Thursday.

I have several blogs worth of live video and up close photos,  that I will share over the next several weeks from these 3 days of Education and Stimulation overload.  Lots of details to come!!! 

For now, I wanted to feature my Top 3 favorite Moments of the week:

1. Ilia Anossov 's Lecture (aka: Ilia Fresco)  If you ever wanted to really meet a Fresco Expert, Ilia is your guy.  Watch for a lot more details and cool stuff from this Master! His lecture was awesome.  I can't wait to see his videos and his studio/school in person.  http://www.truefresco.com/anossov/

2. Portrait Competition; Many brave artists got up and gave it their all, but Pat Ganino or The Faux Forum and Creative Evolution, ran away with the honors!! This Guy's Got some serious Game! http://www.fauxforum.com/

3. Working with Linda Banning, National president of IDAL. http://www.decorativeartisans.org/

I will need to decompress and organize my thoughts, photos and videos this week, so that I can share what I was fortunate enough to experience first hand in Golden.  By the way, Coors Light tasted REALLY fresh at the evening gatherings.

I had the luxury of getting to talk shop with several of the industry's best decorative painters. I was also excited to find out that I would be seeing many of them again soon, at upcoming Hands-On,  Sherwin-Williams, Faux Impressions session in their areas.

Ed's Upcoming Sessions:

Wednesday, September 22nd, Boston Design Center, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Thursday, September 23rd, Sherwin-Williams in Fenton, MI, Noon - 2:00PM

Tuesday September 28th in Edison Park, NJ, 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM

Wednesday, September 29th in Paramus, NJ, 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM

October in NYC, Lancaster, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Birmingham, AL, Seattle, WA and Tampa, FL!!

It will be great to meet you and play with product!!  Please contact me for the exact time and locations.

While, I was at the Education Summit, I shared a "Project Presentation" from my past years as an installer, with this elite group of experts.  (Lost a little sleep preparing for this crowd but, I was glad that I put myself out there!)  I spoke with several decorative artist about the importance of Metallics.  The ensuing conversations were very educational and confirmed the many issues related to metallics and crackle, that we have all dealt with in our careers, "On the Real Walls!"  During this busy week, I also received my usual countless phone calls and emails form installers getting ready to use it for the first time on an upcoming project. In all of my discussions, I stressed that "It is all about the right roller Sleeve!! " (Home Video below)

Interior Designer Presentation in Pennsylvania: The previous week, I had the pleasure of presenting to a group of 60+ Interior Designers in West Chester, PA. While discussing the importance of metallics and the inherent difficulties of installation, I had an experienced, interior designer, raise her hand an comment that "I haven't found any use for metallics in my client's high end homes. My clients are old money, who live in  traditional homes on the Main Line." 

I listened and then broke one of my cardinal rules... Rule: Never argue with an Interior Designer! I didn't exactly argue, but I asked her to keep an open mind and mentioned that in our program we have the metallic as a foundation or under layer.  "The shimmer is always sophisticated and subdued, embedded beneath a topcoat of glaze or as a matte finish overall color."  Half of our color combinations have the entire room getting painted with a coat of paint and then a random rolled coat of our Metallic glaze. 

Later in the presentation, as I passed around samples of the Faux Impressions, Metallic under with the Faux Impressions, Quartz Stone over, (featured in previous blogs) she raised her hand and said, "I take back what I said earlier, this is beautiful and I could definitely use this with my clients!!!"  (The extra !!! are mine, I was thrilled.)

I explained further during our subsequent hands-on session, that our Metallic glaze lays down and levels beautifully and looks as if it was sprayed. We made it our priority and went to great lengths at our lab and during testing, to make this happen for the installer. It works consistently, if you apply a generous amount of product and use the correct roller sleeves. All attendees, tried it for themselves.

It is all about the correct Sleeves...

Correct Sleeves: 1/2" nap x 6" microfiber mini roller sleeves for the corners and 1/2" nap x 9" Colossus, for the body of the wall.  (This also worked well recently at the high Point, NC furniture market, using 18" Colossus rollers...Woah!)

This was my first home made video done with camera in left hand and rollers in right.  You can see a professional version at www.sherwin.com/faux and then go to smooth metallic.

Please keep in touch by email and facebook. ed@mattinglynolimitspaint.com

Next week look for more details from Golden Colorado and some hands on video from Creative Evolution as Pat's students tested our new Venetian Plaster.

Thanks

Ed

Kathy Carroll Hostess with the Mostess and Fun Class photos

Well it was another super busy week of travel which included, Cleveland, Nebraska, West Chester/Philadelphia, with a special Saturday trip to Carol Stream, Illinois to meet with the Chicago area IDAL chapter members at Kathy Carroll's, Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes.  What a place, what a lady, and what a group!!  http://www.fauxbykathy.com/

I hope that in the picture above, you notice in Kathy's arm, "The Cutest Guard Dog in the business," Bella.  Bella was a good kisser, and she is named after Kathy's private label product line.

I know that for many, Saturday is an important college football day and Sunday a shrine to the NFL.  As many got ready for their favorite teams, I got up early to work off some nervous energy and put in a couple of hours of studio time in before heading to Kathy's Institute.  (Paint Nerd!) I spend my Saturdays and Sundays in the studio trying to keep up with what I learned from you all in the field and then do my best to catalog it for you each Sunday morning in this blog.  (Family time too, don't worry, they still know what I look like.)

As I was completing sample boards for some commercial architects and the PDPA event, I was very excited and a little bit nervous to be headed to meet Kathy and present to her IDAL chapter later that morning.  (It was 5:00 AM, so later was 7:30.)  I was concerned because I did not want to disappoint this group or waste their valuable time.  It was a honor to be invited and I wanted to "Deliver!" I have seen Kathy's work in person and have heard for so many years about Kathy's teaching prowess, her student's impecable reputations, her product lines, and her overall positive impact on our industry.  I also knew many of the IDAL chapter member by their stellar careers.  (An Industry Maven and a Tough Crowd!!) 

I know that Veronica, a local assistant Sherwin-Williams, store manager felt the same.  She was prepared and had packed some nice goody bags, which included new fan decks, Stir magazine, etc. for the attendees. Kathy Carroll, supplied the cupcakes and goodies!!  (It was her and Barb Runyard's birthday celebration.)

Speaking of goodies; if you haven't seen Stir magazine get online and register for an electronic copy! http://www.swstir.com/ 

8:55 AM: I arrived a few minutes early and the parking lot was already filling up.  Kathy opened that door and gave us all the sign to come in.  As I carried in the product and tools, I was greeted by Bella.  I also found out that it was Kathy's Birthday. (Saw it on Facebook as well.)

Like I said earlier...Too cute. Later, I mentioned to Kathy that Bella might be going home with me in my Blue 5 gallon bucket.

Well fast forward, and thankfully I was pleased to be welcomed as "one of the girls."  (These Girls GOT GAME!)  Kathy gave me a tour of her facility and it was even better than I had expected.  She has great products and tools, stencils, sample boards, state-of-the-art school environement, a good slop sink, (That's how I really judge a studio) 2 tint machines and shakers, a spray booth, and great insprational finishes everywhere you look!!!  She also has a new line of foils that were great.  Check them out on her site.

As I sat back and watched her present to the group, I could see why the many students of hers' that I have met over the years, are always so pleased with their experience at her school.  She takes charge with a team approach, and moves FAST.  The entire group was going to spend the day testing 2 new prototypes of products, as well as work with our new Venetian Plaster and Metallic plaster lines.  (There is No Wasting Time at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes!)  They also found time to fit in IDAL chapter business and Birthday celebrations.  Kathy previewed a super high-end cut glass class that she is holding in the near future, as well as featured a stencil mask product that she is using in a class this coming week in Atlanta.

 When she graciously gave me the floor, I was impressed with and thoroughly enjoyed the group's expert questions and comments.  It is so much fun to talk shop with real experts.  After an hour of discussion, sharing of product information and samples boards, Veronica and I left the artists to their day of testing and play.  I am looking forward to seeing some of the results and comments.  I will feature these in upcoming updates for you to see. 

Happy Birthday Kathy Carroll and thanks for being a great Host!

Since I don't have the pictures of finishes yet from the day, I will share some photos from other sessions this week...

You can see that those who attend a Sherwin-Williams, Faux Impressions event, have a lot of fun and get right to playing with product. Usually attendees leave with at least 2 sample boards to show to prospective clients.  I am excited and pleased to say, that many have already led to successful and profitable installations!

Next week, after 3 days at the PDPA Education Summit in golden Colorado, I should have some great stories to tell.  Can't wait to see Pierre, Nicola, Pat, Ron, Andre and friends in action!

I am still working on adding video and will do my best to get some for you soon.

If you are interested in getting a glimpse at our new line of products, you can see the How-To videos on www.sherwin.com/faux or stop into to a store nrear you.

I look forward to continuing to meet you in coming months as this road show continues.

Contact me with comments at ed@mattinglynolimitspaint.com

Thanks

Ed

Crocodile Rock & Nicola Vigini in San Antonio

I recently had the pleasure of working with a group of commercial contractors and decorative finishers at a Sherwin-Williams hands-on session in San Antonio. I was also excited to know that Nicola Vigini was planning to attend and was going to give me a tour of his studio later that evening!!

At this session we were all working with our new metallics and metallic plaster. We layered the smooth shimmering metallic as a base, put the samples outside to dry in the extreme dry heat provided by the afternoon sun. (Truck pallets stacked in the back of the store, facing directly into the blazing afternoon heat, combined with a warm breeze, proved to be a most effective fresh air "drying rack" system.)

I always encourage the artists and contractors who attend my hands on sessions to bring their own "torture devices" to work with to allow them to leave with sample boards that reflect their own hand and personality. I also try to bring along a few fun suggestions of my own. On this occasion I brought my newest toy; a Crocodile Rocker Tool from Atova.You can purchase this rocker tolls at Atova.

http://www.paintandplasters.com/index.php?x=main/cat/BrushesAndTools/3202

We then applied a coat of our new Quartz Stone product over the metallic and while it was still wet, we banged it with crunched up paper, or pulled through it with a wallpaper brush to create a striae effect, or rolled through it with a sea sponge roller, or Rocked it with an Crocodile Rocker tool!

How To: To recap the process was: Step 1: Apply the metallic over a painted or tinted primer surface in random roll application with a 1/2" microfiber or Colossus Roller sleeve.  Allow to dry.  Step 2: Roll or trowel on a coat of the Quartz Stone in the same color and while it is still wet, use your tool of choice to break through the thin wet film of metallic plaster to reveal the smooth metallic beneath. (Photo above shows the "Croc") 

I will have video in coming updates featuring artists from St. Louis, Nebraska, Philadelphia and NYC all showing their creativity at the easy 2 Step. (As soon as I can figure out how to view and insert the video?!)  Anyone with recommendations on a good video software for dummies, email me your suggestions!!

The simply sophisticated, subtle beauty of these finishes, make them an instant favorite with interior designers, architects and consumers.  Metallics, softly veiled underneath  layers have always been my favorite way to view and sell metallic installations. These finishes are also fast to the wall and profitable to in$tall!  (Just right for this economy and for commercial projects.)  In fact, one the the attendees at our session was a GSA contractor who is currently selling these finishes in place of commercial wallcovering in government office buildings.

You can see the metallic Quarts Stone Striae, How-To video at www.sherwin.com/faux 

The session was a success and it was time to leave for Nicola's Studio...

Nicola is an incredible artist and I was pleased to find out that he is also a wonderful gentleman.  His facility has a truly world class showroom, which showcases some of the finest work to be found in our industry. The space also has a state-of-the-art classroom and an area large enough for some of Niciola's commissioned canvases.  At this one location, he runs a showroom, art studio, fax finishing school,  design studio, and a succesfful installation business.  If that wasn't enough, Nicola even designs a line of Stencils; BUSY Guy!

I was amazed at everything that I saw including Nicola's authentic Italian designs and ornamentation and old world finishes, but the thing that stopped me dead in my tracks was his extraordinary skills in trompe l'oeil.

The photo above, I took with my phone. (Sorry for the lack of quality, battery died on camera.)  I wanted to share with you a shot of Nicola in front of some amazing works of art.

Getting to spend time with someone this talented, who knows how to share his knowledge in a way that is meaningful,  was an inspirational learning experience for me. As soon as possible, I will take to take one of his classes. Nicola has curriculum for beginners with an introduction to faux class, as well as many mid and expert level offerings.

Learn more about Nicola and Vigini Studioes at: http://www.viginistudios.com/

I am looking forward to seeing Nicola in action in a couple of weeks at the Education Summit in Golden Colorado.  For more information go to the http://www.fauxforum.com/ or http://www.pdpa.org/

Next week, I will share some more of my travels and hopefully will include some on-location videos of artist and contractors in action!

Contact me with any comments or questions at ed@mattinglynolimitspaint.com

For more information on the Faux Impressions line by Sherwin-Williams, please stop into one of our 3000 stores nationwide or visit www.sherwin.com/faux 

Strike a Pose in Times Square

I always expect to be surprised and impressed by the artists and contractors that I meet in my travels, but a recent trip to NYC tops my list of "WOW" moments! A few weeks ago in Long Island City,  I trained some 2nd year apprentices on how to apply our new Venetian Plaster and Metallic Plasters. The instructor was shocked at the ease with which the product could be applied to the wall and was particularly shocked with the ease of burnishing.  He said "We have had every company in here over the years and this is the BEST Venetian Plaster that I have ever seen!"  His comments were great to hear, but the invitation that I received to come back ASAP was even better.  The local Sherwin-Williams commercial sales team needed me back the following week to meet with the largest commercial contractor in NYC who was installing 23 floors of high polished Venetian!  A date was set for a Times Square morning meeting...

Like any good tourist, I got to Times Square early to have a Starbucks and soaked up the vibe. I then arrived early to the building to meet the contractor and field rep.  As I stood there, I was shocked at the vast numbers of "Beautiful People!"  (I mean all shapes, sizes,genders, ages, etc, decked out and looking spectacular!)  I wondered if all people in Manhattan looked this good while hurrying to work.  I was feeling under dressed and a little out classed.

I was prepared with my SW fan deck to match several colors and take a look at the previous Italian Plaster texture and finish. My hosts met me and we went through security, up the elevator to our first viewing. When I stepped off of the elevator into the first lobby, it all made sense.  We were in the international headquarters of VOGUE magazine.  (Soundtrack from Madanna or from Glee began running through my head.) 

I tried to stay on task, but I was a bit mesmerized by the location, the racks of clothes, models, production staff, posters of previous magazine covers and of course a certain CEO's presence in the offices.  I did my job and got out of the office without disturbing their fast paced intensity of purpose.  In other words, I managed to exit without knocking over any clothes racks.  Before I could recover, we stepped out of the elevator onto the Vanity Fair floor.  More of the same...Then it was Glamour, Bride, Wired... (I was wired!!)  As we left the building, I joked with my hosts that perhaps next time a little pre warning would be helpful.

See photo of Vogue Editor-in-chief Anna Wintour below:

Check out a great article in the Huffington Post regarding thing to learn from this icon!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rj-cutler/what-i-learned-from-anna_b_472236.html

That afternoon, I spent a couple of hours working with the commercial foremen and journeymen, getting them squared away on the correct application and burnishing of our new Venetian Plaster.  They really took to it quickly and stated that they felt that this formulation and approach to application was going to allow them to make an appropriate amount of profit. (Not usually the case)

Last week, while at my interior designer presentation, I showed the New York designers some of the samples from this high profile installation. They loved finishes and were shocked that such a high polish was achieved in only 2 coats and without the use of a wax or clears.  I left my presentation at the D & D Building and hurried over to see how the boys were doing.  They had completed 4 of the 23 floors and were doing a GREAT job! I could even see my reflection in the mirror polished finish of their Venetian. Their "Real Walls" looked just like the approved samples and all was WELL!  After rave reviews and compliments,  receptionist commented on the low odor, as she remembered the last time that wax was used, how the smell lingered for days.

I can't wait to see the completed project, and I am thrilled and proud to have our Faux Impressions, Venetian Plaster in on of the most important fashion and design buildings in the world. 

You can find out more first hand at your local Sherwin-Williams store or at www.sherwin.com/faux  

Next week I will share my recent visit at Vigini Studios in San Antonio.  Nicola is incredible!

Hope to see you at the upcoming PDPA Education Summit in Golden. Co.

Email me with any questions or comments at ed@mattinglynolimitspaint.com

Ed's Faux Impressions Nationwide Tour of Duty

Hello Everybody! This is the maiden voyage of my blog.  You can expect weekly updates from me which will catalog my travels and meetings with the many extraordinary artists, contractors and designers around the nation. In any given week during my Sherwin-Williams, Faux Impressions tour of duty, you might hear about what is happening on the walls and canvases of San Antonio, NYC and Boston. (Lots of sleeping on airplanes) 

This brutal travel schedule really pays off and teaches me things that I could not learn from my studio in Chicago or laboratory in Cleveland. The "Real World" with its "Real Walls" and my interaction with decorative artists as well as some of the most capable professional contractors in the business, provides me with an extraordinary amount of information and inspiration. Each week I will share that information with you.

Check out our new professional line of decorative finishing products at:  http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/faux/

I recently met with and heard from some of the top interior designers in NYC and Boston. In both cities, I was excited to see our new design center showroom, Faux Impressions Display at the Sherwin-Williams Color Center in the Robert Allen Showrooms.  See some great inspirational fabrics, colors and design trends at: http://www.robertallendesign.com/sherwin-williams/  You can also see it yourself at:

D & D Building
979 3rd Ave, Suite 301
New York, NY 10022

While in New York, I viewed our first commercial installation in Times Square. (More details next week...You won't belive it!) 

You can expect to see videos and photos from my upcoming travels, with details on how-to create some amazing new looks!

Keep in touch and email me at ed@mattinglynolimitspaint.com