Frequently Asked Questions, or questions we hope you would ask.

Client Comments...

I just want to thank you for all the beautiful work you have done for us in our homes here in Sacramento. Your talent and attention to detail is truly amazing and we are enjoying the artwork everyday. Also, it is a pleasure to have you here - you are professional and extremely neat and careful. Please feel free to use us as a referral source and have any potential clients contact us. -- Yvonne and Joe, Sacramento, Ca.

  1. What is "decorative painting?"
  2. Decorative painting is an art form that integrates a variety of painting styles and techniques including tole painting, stenciling, faux finishing, and free-hand painting. It is intended to embellish and enhance any surface from walls to furniture, from framed canvas to clothing-basically, any surface that isn't moving. On this website, most of the examples you will see will be walls but I have also painted on fabric, furniture, and kitchen cabinets.

  3. What kind of painting do you do?
  4. I use primarily free-hand painting and stenciling. Each project is unique, so I use a variety of methods to create the best effect.

  5. How long have you been doing this?
  6. I have been in business since 1997, though I learned to stencil almost 25 years ago. My freehand skills have developed significantly since then. Click on About Me to read more info about my life as an artist.

  7. How much does each project cost?
  8. Although it sounds like a cliché, it really does depend on a variety of factors:

    • First, what do you want done? Are you looking for a full room mural or just a little something?
    • How much time and expertise will be required to complete the project?
    • Second, what is your budget? Are you thinking hundreds or thousands? (I can work within either range.) I will ask you to give me an idea of what you are planning to spend, so I can design the project to fit your needs.
    • Third, what are some other factors that will affect the cost?
      • Location: Can I stand on the floor, or will I need scaffolding?
      • Supplies: Does the project require a specific stencil or special paint sealers?
  9. How long does each project take?
  10. Again, it depends entirely on the nature of the project. A larger, more detailed mural will take longer than a simple vine border in a small bathroom. To complete a mural can take as long as 2-3 weeks or as few as 2-3 days. A simple, yet beautiful motif can be completed in just one day. I am mindful of the impact my ladders and painting supplies will have on your home and lifestyle. As we start to set painting dates, we will take all these factors into consideration.

  11. Is the painting permanent?
  12. Yes, if you want it to be. I use water-based acrylic and latex paint products which dry quickly and don't leave much odor in the room. I make certain the supplies I use are non-toxic and easy to clean up. If the painting isn't in direct sunlight, you will see a minimal amount of fading, if any. I recommend using a sealer on projects which will be exposed to sunlight or to extreme temperatures. If you are ready to cover up a mural, all you need is a good primer and 1-2 coats of paint.

  13. Can you paint on textured walls?
  14. YES! Most of the homes in Northern California have some kind of textured surface on the walls, so nearly all of my work has been on textured walls. Over the years, I have learned to adapt my painting style to whatever surface I am painting. I can create beautiful effects without the cost, time, and mess of smoothing out an existing textured wall.

  15. Who comes up with the design ideas?
  16. We do! Our first step to designing your project is talking about what you want, how you want the room to feel, and what is important to you about the project. I get most of my inspiration from you - your preferences, your themes, your pictures, and the colors and feel of your home. I want to make sure that each project is unique and specifically created to suit your home and your family. When I present you my design samples, you will have several versions from which to choose.

  17. What is the process for hiring you?
    • First, we will talk on the phone. I want to make sure I have a good idea about what you are looking for before we sit down and look at designs.
    • Second, we will set up a time so I can tour your home, look at the design space, and get a sense of what the project will include. During this meeting, I will also show you some photos of similar projects I have done. You can share with me your ideas that will inspire the design of your project.
    • Next, we will draw up a Design Contract. This gives me the tools I need to go back to my "drawing board" and come up with design options for you to review. I charge a nominal design fee which will be based on the scope and complexity of the project we are planning. (This fee will be credited toward the final cost of the project.)
    • About 2 weeks later, we will meet again, and I will show you the Design Renderings (or samples.) With each rendering, I will also have a specific price and estimated time of completion.
    • Finally (This is the best part!), you select the design you want, pay a 10% deposit, and we schedule the project.
  18. Why do you have a contractor's license? Why should I hire a contractor to do artwork in my home?
  19. In the state of California, anyone performing any kind of construction work, including painting and decorating (such as applying paint, textures, and finishes to the structure of a building), on jobs that total $500 or more in labor and materials, must be licensed by the California State License Board. Anyone who charges over $500 and is not licensed by the CSLB is in violation of state law and may not carry the appropriate insurance, bond, or other legal credentials which permit them to work in your home. In other words, a non-licensed artist may not be fully insured, bonded or legally obligated to complete your project in a professional manner. As a licensed contractor, I carry a $12,500 bond, professional liability insurance, and am cleared by the State of California to perform work in your home.

  20. How can I get in touch with you?
  21. Simple! You can email me through this website. You can call my home office number (530) 647-9772. Or, you can leave a message on my cell phone at (530) 306-3360. I can usually return your call or email within 24 hours.