Friday, January 3, 2014

TROMPE L'OEIL HAND PAINTED BISTRO FOR LAURIE'S PATIO & POOL AREA

TROMPE L'OEIL HAND PAINTED BISTRO FOR LAURIE'S PATIO & POOL AREA

LAURIE WANTED A BISTRO ON HER PATIO


So, she asked me to paint a mural of a bistro on the wall behind her patio bar.
She showed me some pictures of what she thought she wanted and left the rest up to me.


This is one of my most favorite jobs EVER!! 
I LOVED painting the red door and steps.  And, I always enjoy painting gardens and flowers.
I think I painted my signature close to the red door but don't remember where, exactly.
Or, maybe at the base of the small tree on the other side of the bistro.



I drew the outline where I wanted the bistro and stone wall to be.
Then, I painted a beigy color as my base coat.
I had to look at a picture of awnings so I could get the angles correct and just drew them on the wall with a pencil.  Then, I drew the shutters.  Those were the most important parts of the structure to get accurate dimensions.   


Ha!  There's me taking a picture, reflecting in the (real) window.


Laurie's home surrounded this pool area with huge glass windows on three sides.  
So, the bistro was very visible and a major part of her patio. 


This is the long, flat wall as I was getting started.
After I was working on the outline and the awnings, Laurie came out and told me they were watching as I worked.  They were amazed and couldn't believe my perspective, that I could just look at the small pictures and draw what I saw.
To tell you the truth, I feel the same way when I'm finished with most of my big jobs.
I believe that special someone is always with me and guides my hand.
I always say that it was "me and God".
Laurie LOVED her bistro and I'm so glad I took good pictures.
She gifted me with a beautiful book of bistros around the world.
Not long after I painted this mural, Laurie's husband was transferred and they moved.
I wonder if that artwork is still there!

39 comments:

  1. Oh my, what beautiful work! I do so admire those who are so gifted and talented!!! Wishing you a wonderful week! Cathy

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  2. Your work and mural wall is beautiful.. well done! I wish you all the best in 2014, Happy New Year!

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  3. Beautiful work. It would be a shame if the new owners painted over it.

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    1. Thank you! I know, but I've had to paint over artwork before, too.

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  4. Your artwork is fabulous and I hope the new owners appreciate the bistro.

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    1. Thank you!!! I hope so, too. One of these days, I might get to see it. again.

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  5. Laurie had wonderful vision and brought it to life so beautifully.
    From a distance one would never know it was a trompe l'oeil - it looks so real - perfect perspective.
    I feel it was a satisfying commission for you Lynda!

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    1. Thank you! Yes, I'm proud of the way it turned out and wonder if I could ever do it again!!

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  6. Oh, I can't believe they had to move! I bet she was so sad to leave her bistro! You did a fabulous job and I had to look 3 times to figure out the red door, I was sure the wall turned there! Great idea to make it look like a corner!
    Jenna

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    1. Thank you so much!! I'm guessing it was hard for her to leave because she loved that home.

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  7. Wow! Great job on this. Really amazing.

    xo

    Sheila

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  8. WOW! Absolutely beautiful...such talent!!! Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY, always a pleasure having you.
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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  9. Hi Lynda-
    What an amazing artist you are!
    I am also glad to find another Texas blogger-
    I live in the Rio Grande Valley.

    Enjoyed visiting, and I am a new follower.

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

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  10. THEY MOVED !!??!! Oh, my....
    you are so gifted and I just know it has to be the most wonderful feeling to accomplish something like this.

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    1. Thank you, bj! It is a great feeling when it's over and my client is happy.

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  11. You are an amazing artist and what a beautiful bistro you have created, I love it. Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

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  12. Wow! Lynda, you did an amazing job! What dimension it brings to the pool area. Splendid! I hope the new owners are enjoying it. Thank you for sharing at my HOME and Happy New Year!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    1. Thank you so much, Sandi!! Maybe, some day I'll get to see it again...maybe!

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  13. This is so charming! What a great job you did! Thanks for sharing at TTF!

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  14. Love it! Drooling here! See you next time at SYC.

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  15. Lynda, you did an amazing job. The awnings and shutters look real! I love it and I'm sure she does too! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thank you, Jann!! From a distance it could make you do a double-take.

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  16. You are so talented! I love this bistro mural! I really like the windows. Thanks for sharing at Submarine Sunday!

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  17. Wow, Lynda, this is superb - you did an amazing job! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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