Rendering 103: How to add Sheen to Flooring

Many of you have asked about how to get light effects and sheen on a flooring surface. Here is one of the ways I do this…

1. Start with drafting tape…it’s not as sticky as regular masking tape. I usually put it on my jeans or my skin a few times to get most of the tackiness out of it. Then figure out your light source, and tape out some rays of light. A piece of furniture will block the light…so leave that part of the floor dark.

2. Use white chalk pastels (the hard ones) and something to scrape some powder off…I’ve used a bulldog clip edge…then scrape some of the powder between the tape lines.

Build up the powder…not too much, not too little. You can always put the tape back down and add more, but you can’t take away. Actually, that’s not true, you can blow it off still at this stage.

3. Rub the chalk powder in with your finger…not too much pressure.

4. Remove the tape carefully, by rocking it back and forth as you pull it.

5. I use a make-up brush to remove the excess chalk …you can do this before you remove the tape if you have lots of powder. Brush in the same direction of the light.

             

Interior Design by Patricia Gray Interior Design

What Painting Personality are You?

 

I was taking some photos for my new Etsy store yesterday, and realized what a different feel each of these pieces give to a space. The setting is virtually the same, but each puts  me in a different mood. What one best suits your style?

1. Scarlett Rhapsody- Acrylic on Canvas

2. In the Water- Fresco on Linen

3. Rose Red- Mixed Media on Canvas

4. November Beach Series, Acrylic on Canvas

My Etsy Store

I’ve hung up my virtual shingle at http://www.etsy.com/shop/schematiclife. Come on over and take a look! It’s a work in progress, but it looks like fun. I hoping to sell my paintings, renderings, sketches and art cards of all, but for now I have listed some of my favourite paintings.

New Deck Furniture

     

I’m dreaming of one of those sectionals for my back deck this year. Fewer plants and more comfort are in order for my small outdoor space. A sail from IKEA works lovely for cutting out direct sunlight. I want to do a piece of art for over the sofa…I’m going to use a wood cradle and spray finish it to protect it from the elements. Already looking forward to spring!!

Young at Heart

My sister called me last week and told me I should not miss “Young at Heart” on PBS that night. I loved it…and sure you will too. This is a part of the film/documentary where the group performs “Forever Young” at a local prison. It appeals to me on so many levels, making me feel nostalgic and utterly human.  It’s beautiful.

Watch the “official trailer” as well on youtube. They also have a website.

Wood Pile Shower

I found this image a few years back in one of Martha Stewart’s books. It’s always intrigued me…this idea of being outside for even the most personal of tasks. I love the simple bowl and sponge on the bench. Tres romantic!

Elegant Modern Bedroom

Elegant Modern Bedroom by MMID on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Ibiza Bed/King, $6,125
Ambiance Antiques - 1950's French Bergere Chair Upholstered In Leather...
Home114 - Home 114 Tibetan Lamb Throw - 1stdibs
Stylish Decor Featuring Products International Des
Oly Flowerfall Chandelier

5 New Paintings

 

“Into” Acrylic on Canvas, 18x24, Michelle Morelan, 2010

  “Equal”, Ink and Acrylic on Watercolour Paper, 22x30Michelle Morelan, 2010

“Scrape”, Acrylic and Ink on Watercolour Paper, 22x30, Michelle Morelan, 2010

“Circle Study”, Acrylic, Rice Paper and Ink on Canvas, 30x48, Michelle Morelan, 2010

 

“Upwards”, Acrylic on Canvas, 36x48, Michelle Morelan, 2010

Mom’s Christmas Table

        

The only time of year I eat meat is Christmas at my mom’s. This year, like every other, the bird is farm raised and chemical free.  We actually picked it up from the farm on the way to Ucluelet- 30 lbs of it! I set the table for my mom this year with her favourite things.  She also got everyone a lotto ticket that I put in those little red stockings. The  food was so yummy…I look forward to next year’s turkey feast already. Oh, that’s Spencer in the chair…he’s the best dog ever! 

It’s Christmas morning, and Bailey smells a dog bone in there somewhere!

A Kitchen Rendering Commission

  A rendering commission from this past year features natural stone and coral coloured accents; the designer used hexagon tile behind the stove and an end grain butcher block. There is a baking area, double islands, a walk in pantry and lots of traditional details.  The lighting, finishes and fabrics keep it young in feel. Below, annotations are signed off by the client before the final rendering step. I think she did a great job!