The drapes are up! The lights are on. It has taken 3 years to complete this modern day castle!
And finally, after many moons (and millions) it is finished! I had to run out west last week to do a little final touch-up. So I snap a few pics so you can see how things are winding up!
Empty rooms are ...
filling up!
When I finished glazing the master suite a couple of weeks ago the fireplace mantle looked like this. 
But upon return last week, it looked like this.
But upon return last week, it looked like this. 
Beautiful!
Great job by Laura Ricker, one of the other faux painters on the job. Laura, is the best I know at wood finishes!
This photo is a close up of the kitchen island.
She also finished these 12 columns. 
More kitchen.
These cabinets, dining and entry and media were painted by Amanda Lundgren and her assistant Donna. Good job, girls!
Beautiful hand forged iron pot rack. Made in the wine country of California.
Lovely iron Cantera doors entry the wine cellar.
The walls are paved with Antique Chicago Brick Pavers. Awesome!
Way up high in the game room.
Welcome home!
P.S. This house was designed by an young woman and new mom, Christina Johnson, http://www.lwjdesignandconsulting.com/ , 28, who was also the project manager throught the entire construction. Congratulations Christina! You are amazing in so many ways. Buckle up! You're future is bright!!!
We watched and listened and then went to work at our on easels. Here is mine ... I tried so hard to copy her, but try as I may, I got a different look. Which she encouraged. I wish now I had taken photos of Marie and Lettie's paintings too. They were all good, but like our personalities, so different.
Here is mine. 
The third day we had to find or take our own photo and paint from it. I really liked my painting until just now when I saw the photo again.
It looks a little sick. Oh well! I'll learn from my observations and practice alot!
Then on the last day we picked out a photo and painted a snow scene. I enjoyed every minute! 
Now they are framed and hanging on my walls. I can hardly wait to start the next on. I've already picked out three photos and will be painting this weekend. I'll post pictures. Thanks for letting me share! I've got alot of work to do, to get where I want to be....but I'm in a good place to start.
and then some turned out pretty good ...considering I never stopped the car. 
I arrived just before the sun set, rolled down my windows and drove slowly down main street. 
Savoring each and every sight! I then continued 5 miles out of town to the Rocky Hill Guest Haus. This authentic 'dog trot' log cabin was the ideal place to stay! From top to bottom...it was perfect!
Monday morning at 8:00 sharp, I walked into the Rather Sweet Bakery and Cafe. What a way to start a day! So many delicious choices.....I decided on a Bacon-egg-cheese Kolache (and knew I'd be back). At 8:45 I pulled up to the studio of tonalism artist, Nancy Bush (formely the studio of G. Harvey). At this point, to say I was excited would be an understatement! I quickly met Nancy Bush (www. nancybush.com), who introduced me to Marie and Letti, who had driven from Houston, both in pursuit of painting excellence. As I set up my easel and paint palette, my heart was a flutter with anticipation. I had no idea what I was about to encounter but I knew it would be good for me!
She walked us through part 1 of the first painting. We listened carefully and took notes and then
...it was our turn. For the next 4 days we worked hard, asked alot of questions and learned alot. Nancy was a wonderful teacher. Generous and patient. Truthful and encouraging. She has an 'eye' for color and makes the most of every brush stroke. 
Painting 9:00 to 4:00 daily, we progressed quickly. By the end of Tuesday, I was overflowing with joy and gratitude (and had a tearful, but happy evening)! It felt like God had given had given me the 'best birthday present a girl could hope for' and it wasn't even my birthday. I felt His love enveloping me in an overwhelming way. I am deeply touched by the power of His love. 
Nancy makes painting look very easy.
Thank you, Nancy for an unforgettable week. You'll probably never know exactly how much it meant to me. You are a very good teacher. You shared alot. I appreciate all you gave me and I'm making a commitment to paint, paint, paint!
The home has been a 3 year project and with completion insight, the faux finishes have begun. Several decorative artist's were hired to finish the walls of this house. Each of us were assigned different areas. I would be responsible for the 24' high rotunda, which houses the circular stairwell 
and beautiful 'hand forged' iron railing, 
and the adjoining living area which is of equal height. So Beth and Kim bravely climbed up the scaffolding and began to paint.
Juliet balcony.
during...
and after.
Beautiful leaded glass windows highlight the whirlpool tub enclosure.
More master bath and hallway to closets.
His and....
hers!
Closet carpet.
The scaffold is up and the work begins and ends. 
Beautifully elegant.
This house is beautiful.... a true work of art. It has many amenities which I will continue to post over the weeks to come. So check back. Ther is more to come!
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