This month I’d like to share two related projects. Both have their roots in my first career as a sign painter. The skills I learned as that have served me well. The Art of Lettering has truly become a thing of the past. Computers now supply vinyl cut letters; digital production makes graphics and copy so accessible but there will never be anything as glorious (in my own humble opinion) as the moment when the lettering quill connects to the surface and a beautifully executed piece results. In the decades when I was “Sharon the Sign Painter”, my work was confined to commercial endeavors, my favorite being lettering names of boats on their transoms.
Indeed, it was when the decorative painting arena started to include painted lettering (you remember little quotes on kitchen soffits) that I felt the tug to leave commercial sign writing behind and to stretch my aspirations towards what has become the most satisfying of second careers, being a decorative painter.
The call from Janie Ellis of Anything But Plain Decorative Painting and Plasters in Houston began this first project. A mural involving the historical collection of Aston Martin logos in a dream garage her team would be developing. Check out the precision of the double racing stripes that cover the walls, seamless as they pass over the interruptions of cabinets. The star of this show, the indescribably beautiful Aston Martin DB9.
Here are close-ups of two of the logos. Keep in mind they are all approximately only 12″ wide.
Sign painting provided the experience to paint this amount of detail. Decorative painting had opened the possibilities of using materials that were hitherto unknown to me. The richness of Golden brand metallic acrylic paint gives each of these logos the dimension I wanted to achieve.
Recently, I got a call from the fine folks at Kaskie, Plude & Company in Monroe, CT (whom I am delighted to recommend for the perfect combination of professional abilities and warm and friendly accessibility. Check them out at www.kaskieplude.com).
I have to admit there was a little confusion at first. I had been recommended by their painter (the talented Dino Tetu 203-258-9818). The client was looking to have their logo painted in the foyer, but a perusal of my website showing murals and artisan finishes made them wonder if I could help them.
Fortunately, the confusion evaporated quickly as we discussed the project on the phone. This was something I could easily take care of. They were adamant in that they were looking for hand lettering, not “stick on vinyl” to portray their corporate image. A tentative question came up soon: might there be a metallic element incorporated into this?
You bet there could. I showed them the Aston Martin images I’ve just shared with you. Here is the sample I created for them.
Oh yeah, now we are on the right path!
Take a look as the work began, creating letters that appear to be three dimensional.
Shoulder pats all around. Everyone is pleased.
The best of both worlds, precision and imagination. I bet I’ve got a solution for something you might be considering.
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