Painter Mommy Update

As most of you know, I am very pregnant with only a few short weeks to go. I am taking a few months off from painting, though I am missing it terribly.

Here is a picture of my baby belly taken 2 months ago, so you can imagine how much bigger I am now.



I also have 2 little ones at home, so they have been keeping me pretty busy. They can't wait to meet their baby brother.


In the meantime, I have been working hard on keeping my blogs updated. I hope that you will take the time to check them out and subscribe via email so you can get email updates each time I post something new. I have found some great inspirational mural ideas that I am sure you would love.

Here are the links:





I will keep you all updated with pictures once the baby comes. I can't wait to get back to painting again!!

"Eight Great Children's Mural Painters" and I am one of them!!

I am proud to announce that I was recently included in an online article called "Eight Great Children's Mural Painters" on Spire.com, a social resource site which includes everything from Family, Arts & Culture, to Travel and Beauty.



Here is a blurb from their site that better describes who they are:

"We created Spire to provide a unique and much-needed resource for busy people like us—people with refined taste and no time to waste. We listened...and listened, and learned that it was not another social network people wanted, but an upscale, insightful lifestyle resource to live life well."

Here is what they wrote about me:

Surfaces with Paint

Mahopac, New York

"Artist and decorative painter Dawn Papandrea-Khan takes so many things into consideration when planning children's murals—colors, room lighting, furniture and accessories, adjoining rooms, style, taste and budget—it's no surprise she considers herself a perfectionist. A former elementary art and decorative painting teacher, and the mother of two young children, Dawn launched the company in 2001 and works mainly in the tri-state area of NY. She does all the work herself from start to finish, covering every detail from paint type to faux finishes. Prices vary from mural to mural, ranging from $500 to $5,000 and more. Themes cover fairytales, nursery rhymes, animals, marine life, boats and flowers, among many others, and you can work with her to dream up a personalized creation."

www.surfaceswithpaint.com | Phone: +1 845 669 9093

PO Box 575 | Mahopac, NY 10541 United States

Geography: Other, New York

Thank you Spire!!!

Geometric Frottage Finish

My client had the book Decorative Paint & Faux Finishes by Sunset and she loved the finish that was presented in the book. So, we picked colors that matched the walls in the book and we went from there.

This was the same client that I did the Crackle Finish Kitchen for several years ago. She enjoys bold paint finishes that stand out. She likes to take risks and loves to WOW her family and friends. This bathroom frottage finish definitely does the trick.

I chose to have the trim and doors painted with the base color that I used in the faux finish on the walls. It also matches the beige white color in the sink, counter top, tub, and toilet. The walls pop against the warm tones in the tile floor as well as the dark cherry vanity.

I look forward to taking more pictures when the room is complete. They still need to add the plumbing and lighting fixtures as well as put up the shower curtain, towels, and accessories. That will tie it all together nicely.




I recently posted on my Murals and Faux Blog step by step instructions on how to do the Geometric Frottage Finish. Be sure to check it out.

Nautical Themed Border

This hand painted nautical themed border was done for my client's 2 yr old son's bedroom. We worked together and came up with a plan that fit her taste and style of the room. We chose 4 symbols - an anchor, a life preserver, a boat steering wheel, and a sailboat. Each is connected by a gold nautical rope. The hardest part was doing the measuring and making sure that the symbols were evenly spaced on each wall.

We did have one unexpected situation, that I learned my lesson from - the ceiling was painted with flat paint. I did not realize this until the job was done and noticed, in one spot, that my eraser marks were showing. A mural should never be painted on top of flat paint, because any scratch, flaw, or marks will show. So, for those of you Do It Yourselfer's out there - make sure you base paint with an eggshell, pearl, or satin finish paint FIRST. I now have to go back and touch up the areas where the marks are showing. Thank God my client was very patient and cooperative.

Nursery Mural Ideas - New Site

www.nurserymurals.blogspot.com

I am happy to announce another new site that I will be hosting - Nursery Murals- Inspirational Pictures & Ideas. I will use this site to feature great mural pictures, nursery decorating tips, nursery mural theme ideas, and much more. If you are interested, please subscribe by adding your email address in the blog and we will send you email updates as we post.

Fairytale Mural

This was my second mural for this client. Remember the nautical theme mural for the triplet boy's room? Well, this room was done for their 3 month old baby sister (her soon to be nursery).

I enjoyed doing this mural from start to finish. We started with a few mural pictures that I had printed out from the internet. I had the client pick and choose elements that they liked from each picture. They wanted a castle, unicorn, flowers, and fairies. They also wanted a beautiful colorful sky.

My favorite part of the mural is the castle and the stone walls.

Setting Time Limits for Painting Murals

I recently was emailed this question:

Hi Dawn! I am really inspired by your spirit and talent!

My question is, do you set time lines for a job? I am currently working on a mural in a pet store, and the owner stands behind me and rushes me. I explain that i can't speed up the process that takes it's course in details.

I have my 5 year old son who accompanies me on this job while daddy is in Iraq. he sits and paints paper while I paint walls.

Should there be a time line? How should I manage the time? Has a client ever told you it must be done within "their" limits of time, or do you set the time "you" need and let that be the clock? How do I stand strong when a client is breathing down my neck?

Thank you, Iris


Hi Iris, I would be happy to answer your question for you. Time limits can definitely be difficult when doing work for a business. I do set time limits for myself when doing a job. Yes, I have had clients need me to finish within their time limits. It is only fair, because you are working for them. If they need the job done by a certain date, make sure it is feasible for you before accepting the job.

Because I have several years experience, I can pretty much guess how long a mural will take me. I give my client a general idea of how many days or weeks and try to stay within that time, unless there are things that come up that are out of my control.

If your client is "breathing down your neck" - that is a problem that needs to be addressed. As an artist, you need your space. You can kindly let the person know that it is difficult to focus when being watched all the time.

It is good to discuss these things before you start a project, especially for a running business. The owner may be rushing you because they don't want your painting to hinder their sales, etc. Also, did you ask permission to have your child join you on the job? This may be an issue as well, because it can be very unprofessional in the eyes of your client. They may think that it is cutting in on the time that they are paying you for to paint.

These are just a few thoughts and suggestions. I hope that you are able to talk with your client and get your job done in a timely manner.

I would LOVE to see pictures when your project is all done! DAWN "the painter"

Here are a few great resources for you to check out:



Also, check out my new blog: www.muralsandfaux.blogspot.com

Small Bathroom - Old World Plaster

Even though this bathroom was small - the awesome part was - it was empty! No sink, no toilet, completely empty. So, I was able to get the job done quickly and without having to reach over anything.


I know you can't tell in this picture, but I am actually 5 1/2 months pregnant. I am still trying to keep painting as long as I can or until I can't get up and down my ladder anymore.

The finish came out beautiful. I am actually working on a picture / video tutorial on how to do this finish, so stay tuned. We will be offering it on my buddy's site: www.thatpainterlady.com

Murals and Faux - Tips, Resources, & Ideas

I have been working hard on my new Murals and Faux blog. Check out the new logo! Here is a list of all the recent posts. Be sure to subscribe so you can get an email every time I add new posts.

Here is a list of Recent Posts:

• Metallic Ceiling Stencils
• Types of Tree Murals
• Color Washing - An Easy Faux Finish
• Stone Block Wall - Faux Finish
• How to Paint a Cloud Mural
• Window Frame Murals
• Nursery Tree Mural - How to
• Plaster Stamping
• Tuscan Landscape Murals
• Bas-Relief Plaster Murals
• Inspiring Nursery Mural Ideas
• Painted Stripes
• Fabulous Murals Above the Bed