The entry gallery of an extensively remodeled 1930's Estate.
Project Specs:
- 40' length x 7' width
- Built-In Antiqued Gilded Mirrors and Bas Relief Moldings
- Nine linear-feet-width Hand-painted Bas Relief Frieze'
- Wisteria Sky Domed Ceiling Mural
- Sixteen Custom Marble Columns
- Eight Custom Marble Ceiling Arches
- Oil Glazed Stipple Wall Surface
Project Notes:
Each project has individual quirks and interesting challenges. The Wisteria Sky Galley at a private residence in Palo Alto was particularly difficult. The greatest challenge was the piecemeal production of each individual element. There was no cohesive plan from the onset or throughout the production schedule. Each element was conceived, produced, and paid for in an isolated manner over different spans of time. Mistakes were made and do-over's happened. I persevered and the final space came out incredible, yet it was tough getting there.
I had three existing design reference points, the unique and beautiful leaf green Venetian hand-blown glass chandlers, the newly installed floor and a chunk of marble. These were the main forces directing the color palette development and the delicate nature of the wisteria vines and bas-relief frieze.
I first produced the antique 24k gilded mirror bas-relief moldings with Strie' inner frames and the 9 LF of five-color hand-glazed floral frieze with gold accents. I used historical botanical illustrations to draw inspiration from for the frieze. I needed to balance the green of the chandlers with the green mirror frames while introducing a wider palette selection to build from in the future. I really enjoyed painting the frieze -- no masking, maintaining a steady brush around swirling curves and tight spaces, and blending transparent glaze washes. Sweet!
The sky mural with entwining wisteria vines on the curved ceiling was painted next. Figuring I was the next Michelangelo, I dived right in. Big Mistake! Major lesson learned -- sample boards over and over until the design and the brush are second nature. After a restart, the delicate spring unfolding of the vines with the daylight sky and wispy clouds began to meld together with the frieze, mirrors, and chandlers and brought the outside garden indoors. Success!
The Corinthian marble columns and arches were next. I nailed the sample boards. Yes, I learn from my mistakes. The production of the 16 columns and 8 arches went smoothly. The fluted columns with Roman Corinthian Capitals and Bases were well executed. I brought in subtle color glazes from the frieze into the capitals' volutes, and acanthus leaves. This decision nicely tied together the rhythm and movement of the space.
The final element needed to complete the project and subtly unify and harmonize the gallery was the wall color. I choose a simple and evenly applied stipple technique to glaze the walls with. The custom mixed color was sampled multiple times until the perfect hue with hints of umber and citrus was developed.
Wow! What a project. Difficult, frustrating and glorious, the Wisteria Sky Gallery is one of my masterpieces.
-Julie Street
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