Paint Techniques
Below are some of the most popular traditional paint techniques Duncan uses. Each technique is adapted according to clients' wishes, types of surface, and architectural considerations.
Marbling
Marbling is a centuries old paint technique that can make any surface look like marble. In this example, Duncan mixed colour glazes to match those occuring naturally in Nero Marquina marble.
Sponging
Sponging gives depth and texture to any surface using complementary shades. Here, Duncan chose ochre shades and burnt orange to create warmth in this drawing room.
Graining
Using paint techniques, graining is the process of making any surface look like expensive hard wood. This technique is hundreds of years old and is used in stately and private homes across the country. Duncan painted this pine door to match existing old oak doors within the property. For more examples of graining, go to our gallery.
Hand-dragging
Hand-dragging uses paint and dragging tools to simulate shot-silk wall coverings. This period method emulates the silk coverings that were used in conjunction with lathes and stretchers in the 17th and 18th centuries. In this example, Our clients asked Duncan to copy the effect that a previous generation of this family had commissioned.
Trompe l'oeil
Trompe-l'œil is French for 'deceive the eye'. It is an artistic technique to create an optical illusion of three-dimensional space and objects on a two-dimensional surface. In this example, our clients asked Duncan to create a Bath stone (or Oolithic limestone) clad wall. He also added a niche with a shelf and stone vase. More examples of Duncan's excellent trompe l'oeil work can be found in our gallery.
Broken Ground/Stippling
Broken Ground or stippling technique adds depth to any surface. . It evolved from an ancient Renaissance printmaking method and now is a popular interior design able to hide imperfections and adds subtle depth. A large stippling brush is used to give an even and finer finish.
Murals
Duncan can create any mural of your choosing: from a Old Master to portraits of your family pets. In this example, Duncan recreated The Bucintoro at the Molo on Ascension Day by Canaletto in a cloakroom for a private residence.
Stone Blockwork paint effect
Using only paint and a trompe l'oeil technique, Duncan can create the effect of stone on any surface. Here, Duncan gave the illusion of stone work on a plaster vaulted ceiling.
High-quality wallpapering
High-quality wallpaper needs a specialist decorator. This psychedelic hand-printed wallpaper from Timorous Wee Beasties was chosen by our clients and can only be hung by an expert.
Canvas murals
Canvas murals created by Duncan or others can be produced and hung by Duncan. This mural was created by the nuns at St John the Baptist in Tolleshunt Knights and hung by Duncan in a Greek Orthodox Church in Cambridge, UK.
Chinoiserie
Chinoiserie is a European decorative style. Popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, and back in fashion today, chinoiserie is an interpretation of Chinese and East Asian motifs, and can add whimsy and interest to any room. Duncan created this hand-painted chinoiserie mural for a country house. A video of this work can be found here.
Restoration and creation of hand-painted furniture
Duncan can restore antique hand-painted furniture. He can also paint furniture to your specifications. In this example, he painstakingly restored a 17th Century hand-painted occasional table which had been severely damaged.
For any enquiries about these techniques or if you would like us to work on a project with you, please contact us.