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