The Feel of Old Spain
For many years, Edgar Medina knew that painting and creating art was and should be his career path, but he was aware that he needed to educate himself on its various techniques. He initially started by studying books about master artists and painstakingly trying to follow their processes, making sample upon sample in the learning process. Soon after, Edgar began to show and sell these beautiful finishes to clients and the word was out; more and more clients desired his talent for their homes. Edgar’s decorative business truly began to flourish after taking classes at The Studio at Faux Effects International, Inc. “My work and my life changed completely. Using the best quality on everything…that’s why I strongly recommend Faux Effects® products to all my clients and friends,” explains Edgar.
On one of his latest projects, Debbie and Harris Weinstein wanted to create some accents and highlights in their already painted Florida home. Debbie wanted the interior to reflect more of the home’s Spanish hacienda style. She showed and explained to Edgar her wall, flooring and furniture ideas to fit this styling, and he made them happen, plus much, much more. “I’m so blessed to work for the Weinsteins,” says Edgar. From the walls to closets to trim work and furniture, Edgar’s talents transformed Debbie’s vision into reality, many times with the addition of an embossed stencil. This reformation incorporated many Faux Effects® products, including FauxCreme® Clear, FauxCreme Color™, Stain & Seal™ and SetCoat® just to name a few. Old World Fresco® and True Tint Stone™ were used extensively throughout the home as these products can easily replicate old world Spanish finishes with the correct “eye” and skill. Ordinary flooring in the main entrance was decorated with a border stencil using Stain & Seal™.
The column crowns and bases were layered with AquaCreme™ glazes in a fashion to match the existing ornamental tile. In the living room, a dramatic focal point was created when FauxCreme Color™ was applied through Edgar’s hand cut, custom-made stencil over Old World Fresco® enhancing again the old Spanish styling. Another custom stencil was used around the entire living room as a border using the same products with the addition of True Tint Stone™ being applied through the stencil and then toned with FauxCreme Color™.
Edgar’s fine attention to detail drew him to create vivid three-dimensional shapes in the arches. These were made using True Tint Stone™, Old World Fresco®, Venetian Gem®, SetCoat®, FauxCreme® Clear and FauxCreme Color™. To keep within the hacienda styling, Edgar noticed that the chimney color needed to be altered. He achieved this aged look using SetCoat® and FauxCreme Color™.
Edgar also finished baseboard and trim throughout the entire home with Stain & Seal™. To keep in continuity, all metal doors and windows shown were changed from ordinary flat to extraordinary wood tone using FauxCreme® Clear and TransOxide Color™ along with some decorative nails for period relevance and added flair.
In the kitchen, all of the cabinetry was completely refaced using the AquaCrackle® system and Stain & Seal™, changing it from natural classic wood to distressed cabinets so prevalent in a hacienda-period home. The dining room table was also brought into the home’s Spanish styling using a custom stencil with Stain & Seal™. The chairs were crackled and toned with Stain & Seal™ to match.
An ordinary white closet was transformed into a library masterpiece using SetCoat®, Old World Fresco®, AquaSize™, AquaCrackle®, FauxCreme Color™, and Stain & Seal™. Edgar added shelving, and believe it or not, those were flat cabinet doors and drawers! Edgar’s tremendous talent with trompe l’oeil produced raised panels that truly “fool the eye.” To add to the authenticity, he created the addition of some hardware, and only if one feels the doors would one realize they are really flat. All furniture and cabinetry Edgar finished was top coated with AquaThane™ for added protection.
All of the light switches, outlets and exhaust fans were matched to their respective finishes,making them virtually invisible to the naked eye. From granite to brick and even hand-made talavera tile, Edgar fine skills were able to replicate them to a “T.” Again with Edgar’s keen skill, candle bases, lamp shades, curtain and drapery rods and even clocks were detailed to complement and match the home’s finishes and furnishings.
No surface was overlooked!
The powder room was finished with a dramatic marble, but the ceiling was left blank. Edgar matched the ceiling to the walls using his advanced finishing skills and a variety of Faux Effects’® Reactive Series products. Edgar’s masking techniques were used again—see if you can find the switch plate. During this time, the owner’s Schnauzers kept Edgar company, never leaving his side. They became good pals! He decided to paint their portrait using Faux Effects® products as a gift to the Weinsteins.
“All of the work rendered was completed with 100% Faux Effects® products, even the custom canvas painting of their lovely dogs, members of this beautiful family,” Edgar says. “I want to give special thanks to Debbie and Harris Weinstein, and also to Faux Effects International for their products and the technical support I received during the whole project.”
Thank you, Edgar, for sharing your remarkable talent!
DECORATIVE ART BY: EDGAR MEDINA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: E & C PHOTOGRAPHY
WRITTEN BY: JOAN SECKINGER
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