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Painted Fresco Finish - Learn how!

artSparx has created a 3 stage step-by-step tutorial series. Series 1 begins with basic plaster application, our 2nd series illustrates antique glazing and plaster distressing methods, culminating in the final fresco simulation series 3, hand-painted elements. You can complete each tutorial as a finish and style in it's own right. Or, depending on your interests and style needs, combine the tutorials to achieve the hand-painted fresco appearance that will bring your environment to life.

The northern Italian region of Tuscany offers visitors an overwhelming experience for the senses, with the sounds of its music, the smells of its cooking and the visual richness of its distinctive style.

Painted Marble Finish - Learn how!

In Italy, the word marble is synonymous with Carrara, after the great marble quarrying region in the north of the country. Through centuries marble has enhanced interiors world wide. Creating the impression of real marble in your home can quickly elevate the presence of any furniture or object. It adds interest and charm and transforms everyday objects into heirlooms. I’ve chosen this painted white marble because of its rustic simplicity. Yet it illustrates the foundation for creating a variety of marble types, your imagination being your only limitation.

Specialty Brushes

artSparx offers a complete line of the highest quality brushes for burnishing clay Bole, stenciling, pouncing and artist brushes. These brushes are made from a wide range of high quality natural hairs.

Stencil Brush, Round China Bristle. #432

Badger Softener. #6835

All Purpose - Squirrel. #71

Varnish Brush . #125

Bole Polish Brush. #408

Sable Artist Brush. #530

Stencil Brush 432

Stencil Brush 432 Stencil brushes are special brushes with short firm bristles. When used properly they distribute a thin and even layer of paint. This reduces the chance of getting paint under the edge of the stencil. Made in Germany

In Stock

432/10 $ 9.50 Stencil Brush, 19mm, # 1, Round China Bristle	3/4in
432/14 $ 14.00 Stencil Brush, 25mm, # 14, Round China Bristle	1in	Contact Us
432/20 $ 23.00 Stencil Brush, 35mm, # 20, Round China Bristle	1 1/3in

Badger Softener 6835

Badger Softener Pure Badger hair - 3" Square Edge. High Quality. Made in Spain. Varnished Wood Handle.

In Stock

6835/3 $ 195.00
Badger Softener - Pure Badger hair - 3" Square Edge

3in

All Purpose 71

All Purpose #71 Flat Short Squirrel, with a Copper/Nickel Ferrule. Made in France. All Purpose - Squirrel -Flat -Short - Gray Painted Handle. Available in various sizes.

In Stock

71/1/2 $ 12.50 Flat Short Squirrel. 1/2" All Purpose with a Copper/Nickel Ferrule. Made in France.	1/2in
71/3/4 $ 17.50 Flat Short Squirrel. 3/4" All Purpose with a Copper/Nickel Ferrule. Made in France.	3/4in
71/1 $ 26.00 Flat Short Squirrel. 1" All Purpose with a Copper/Nickel Ferrule. Made in France.	1in
71/1.5 $ 35.00 Flat Short Squirrel. 1 1/2" All Purpose with a Copper/Nickel Ferrule. Made in France.	1.5in

Varnish brush 125

Varnish Brush #125 Varnish Brush. Short White Bristle. Short Raw Wood Handle. Made in Germany. Available in various sizes.

In Stock

125/1 $ 7.25 Varnish Brush. 1" - Short White Bristle.	1in
125/1.5 $ 8.50 Varnish Brush. 1.5" - Short White Bristle.	1.5in

Bole Polish Brush 408

Bole Polish Brush #408 White Bristle. Bole polishing brushes have short firm bristles that are used to polish gilders clay/bole prior to gilding. Made in Germany. Available in various sizes.

Also see Horse Hair Cloths, for Bole polishing.

In Stock

408/1 $ 8.50 White Bristle Bole polishing brushes. 1inch. Made in Germany.	1in
408/2 $ 9.75 White Bristle Bole polishing brushes. 2inch. Made in Germany.	2in
408/3 $ 14.00 White Bristle Bole polishing brushes. 3inch. Made in Germany.	3in
408/4 $ 18.00 White Bristle Bole polishing brushes. 4inch. Made in Germany.	4in

Sable 530

Sable Brush #530 are are made of Pure Red Sable Hair. Detail Brush - Selected Kolinsky - Black Varnish Handle. Made in Germany.

In Stock

Red Sable Hair

530/00 $ 9.00 Artist Brush, 0.9mm # 00, Kolinsky Sable	0.9mm
530/0 $ 9.00 Artist Brush, 1mm # 0, Kolinsky Sable	1mm
530/1 $ 10.00 Artist Brush, 1.25mm # 1, Kolinsky Sable	1.25mm
530/2 $ 12.00 Artist Brush, 1.75mm # 2, Kolinsky Sable	1.75mm
530/3 $ 14.00 Artist Brush, 2.2mm # 3, Kolinsky Sable	2.2mm
530/4 $ 19.00 Artist Brush, 2.75mm # 4, Kolinsky Sable	2.75mm

Quill 393 - Sable Pointed Quill

Quill Brush #393 Very pointed sable brush - are made in France. They have Raw Wood Handle. Available in various sizes. Quill Lettering Brushes for Hand Lettering Signs. Quill Lettering Brushes are best suited for working on smooth surfaces such as glass and metal.

In Stock

393/8 $ 11.00 Pointed Sable Quill, 1.5mm #8	1.5mm
393/6 $ 14.00 Pointed Sable Quill, 2.8mm #6	2.8mm
393/4 $ 16.75 Pointed Sable Quill, 3.7mm #4	3.7mm
393/2 $ 27.00 Pointed Sable Quill, 4.5mm #2	4.5mm

Related Features

Early American Style

Colonial Amercians drew inspriation from their European heritage. Curent design styles would filter across the ocean and become reinventedin early America. Proportion and scale took reign over ornementation, A neutral color palette of grey blue, greens and rose pinks is readily apparent.

Stucco Rustico - Aged Plaster

Stucco Rustico is a Traditional interior and exterior textured plaster that epitomizes the rustic old world charm commonly associated with Tuscan environments. I love this treatment for its ease of application and the natural, organic glazed appearance that results when using mineral based plasters and glazes. Whether a rough application or a smooth finish, this treatment holds true to the test of time and, in fact, feels as if time itself stopped to wash the walls personally.

The Rustic Color Palette

The Rustic Style color palette falls within a distinct range of color tones and is essential in creating a successful Rustic interior. By using the appropriate color tones you can create a variety of design styles ranging from Period and Historic, regional or thematic. Color helps define our experiences within an interior and exterior environment. It affects us on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level and can be calming and passive, expressive and vital.

Painted Floral Details

Floral patterns used as accents in fabrics and furniture are common place details in the English Country home. These graceful and organic patterns complement the cozy interior of this style and work particularly well with lace window treatments, an heirloom tea service set and the natural and rustic charm of wooden ceiling beams and slightly irregularly textured walls.