26 May 2017

Botanical Inspired Roll Top Desk by Jonathon Marc Mendes


I'm thrilled to share this wonderful project from my Painter in Residence, Jonathon Marc Mendes. Sadly this is the last of the projects from his residency, but I know for certain that we'll be seeing much more from him!

As we've come to expect from Jonathon, this piece brings together gorgeous colour combinations, intricate techniques (including his inspired fossilised leaf technique) and bold typography.


Jonathon started by painting the inside of this roll-top desk with a mix of Chalk Paint™in Old Violet and French Linen. He painted thickly and then cracked the paint by applying direct heat from a hairdryer.

Using masking tape Jonathon masked off an area around the edges to create a border of natural, unpainted wood. He painted the ‘Office’ lettering by hand, using Old White and Graphite over the top of the surface painted in a mix of Antibes Green, Graphite and Old White. To give it that aged, speckled look Jonathon flicked a little paint off of the end of a small artist's brush.

The drawers and cubby holes inside the desk were painted in various mixes and shades of bright colours, such as that hot pink – created by mixing Henrietta together with a touch of Emperor’s Silk.

For the top front drawer, Jonathon created a leaf design using a handmade stencil and completed it by painting the detail in by hand.

On the middle drawer, Jonathon used a fossil leaf technique, which is essentially like using real leaves as a stamp! To try this technique yourself, press leaves in to paint, vein side down, and leave there until the paint is nearly dry. Then, to highlight the beautiful slightly 3D print that this creates, use a little Dark Chalk Paint® Wax.

On either side of the desk is the fantastic contemporary leaf detail, which Jonathon expertly hand painted using Antibes Green over a mix of Graphite and Antibes.

To finish the piece and to bring it all together, Jonathon used my Sanding Pads to lightly distress areas over the whole desk. He then applied a coat of Clear Chalk Paint® Wax to seal in the paint and protect his wonderful work.

So finally, thank you Jonathon for the constantly inspiring work that you create with my paint and products.  I know that you will continue to be a huge creative force for us all!

Yours,

Annie

4 May 2017

Victorian Inspired G Plan Table by Jonathon Marc Mendes


Here's the latest project from my Painter in Residence Jonathon Marc Mendes. It has his stamp all over it: the thoughtful colour combinations, the clever mix of styles and influences, the excellent paintwork and, of course, typography!

This G Plan bent wood coffee table was picked up at a local junk shop. Jonathon was drawn to the waterfall edges and clean lines. It’s a classic example of 70s design, so Jonathon decided to keep some of the wood unpainted, and add an architectural heritage detail, in this case, his Victorian tile design.

The combination of the G Plan design and hand-painted geometric details creates a modern, interesting look that is pure Jonathon.


Using the famous tile company Minton as his inspiration, Jonathon first painted the base of the table in Old White. He then used various Chalk Paint® colours to create his tile design. Jonathan used mixes of Country Grey, Antibes Green, Graphite and English Yellow, but this look could easily be achieved with Honfleur and Amsterdam Green mixes too. The pop of Giverny really makes it sing!

Incredibly, Jonathan painted the majority of this design by hand! Lots of patience is required for this, but you can use a stencil to create a similar pattern. Try my stencil in Tallulah, for example.

He then painted the sides in a mix of Napoleonic Blue and Graphite for a deep navy, ready for the Minton typography, which he created with an acetate stencil.


A coat of Clear Chalk Paint® Wax was then applied over the whole piece, to protect the paint and give the woodwork a refresh too.


I love the modern, masculine styling of the piece. Those 1970’s stag carvings have been given a modern twist, diagonally painted in Old White to link to the piece of furniture. And that wall is a gorgeous backdrop in Aubusson Blue.

We’re nearing the end of Jonathon's residency, I have just one more project from him to share! It’s been a fantastic three months of inspirational work, and I’m not saying I’ve saved the best till last, but make sure to check back soon to judge for yourselves!

Yours,

Annie