Big News for Briny Irish Pub & Mabel Vittini Mural Artist Team

Big News for Briny Irish Pub & Mabel Vittini Mural Artist Team

There is a buzz around the beachfront of Pompano Beach recently!  You can hear the chatter amongst the locals, staff, frequent visitors and travelers.

The big question is: why did the Briny Irish Pub paint over the iconic Ocean Mural painted by Artist Mabel Vittini on their beach-facing exterior walls??

Let me start from the beginning, and then take you to where we are currently.  First off, Briny Irish Pub is in itself a cornerstone of the Pompano Beach waterfront!  According to their website, they were established in 1945.  I know as a resident for over 20 years, that Briny has long been known for their eclectic and laid-back pub, great live music, food and craft beer menu.  I see over 500 reviews on TripAdvisor…and back to the main subject of my writing…I see pictures of this commissioned mural on everyone’s Instagram when they visit The Briny Irish Pub for the first time!

Mabel Vittini is a Boca Raton native and phenomenal Artist that has worked in South Florida for over 26 years, working in Residential and Commercial settings.  She is renowned for her Rainforest and Wildlife Murals and is one of the most in-demand mural, faux and Decorative Finishes Artist around.  You can find out all you need to know by spending time on her website: www.artyourway.gallery

In 2012, The Briny Irish Pub located on the Pompano Beachfront commissioned the Artist Mabel Vittini of VittiArt Decor to create the Ocean Scene on its walls. For all of these 10 years, it has amassed notoriety for both the Pub and Mabel Vittini.

Fast forward to the present – June of 2022: Updated Briny Mural by Artist Mabel Vittini

With new ownership of the Pub in the last couple years, an upgrade to the mural has been agreed upon.  The beautiful mural walls have been painfully painted over in a base color, and the familiar and nostalgic feeling when you pass by is now gone.  It is quite amazing how much an Artists hand and craft can add to creating such a notable visual landmark.  It has been felt by everyone impacted – sadness, disbelief, curiosity, emotional – even a little anger!  But, ahoy – This is only temporary pain!

The Owner’s of the Briny Pub have a vision.  They have met with the original Mural Artist Mabel and her twin sister Liliana whom has been working with VittiArt Decor Full Time since 2018.  They had their first brain-storming session and now the preliminary design approval processes will begin.  The unconfirmed timeline for commencement of the new Mural is Mid-July.

We will keep you updated as to the stages of this process and then the mural progress!  Stay close to our Social Media and Website to keep your finger on the pulse of this exciting new project!  Congratulations to all people involved in the project.

Meet the VittiArt Decor Team by clicking here

TripAdvisor Website Review of Briny Pub in Pompano Beach Mentioning Mabel Vittini's Exterior Wall Mural. This mural has become a treasured trademark of the Pompano Beachside.

TripAdvisor Website Review of Briny Pub in Pompano Beach Mentioning Mabel Vittini’s Exterior Wall Mural. This mural has become a treasured trademark of the Pompano Beachside.

__________________________________________________________________________

Post created by Depict Essence Media Solutions with Approval from The VittiArt Decor Team.   Media questions can be directed to Depictessence@gmail.com

 

Faux Finishing 101

Faux Finishing 101

Faux Finishing 101

refinish chrome metallic finish exterior lighting fixtures jupiter florida paint faux
textured faux strie lines movement venetian plaster texture paint painting lake worth florida
paint faux gray soft cloudy layering layer painting ceiling foyer dining family living home decor lighting
trompe loeil faux texture 3d rebar construction false imagery painting paint pompano beach Florida

Faux painting is the Art of creating painted surfaces to look like expensive materials.  Some of these materials are marble, hardwood or venetian plaster.  There are different faux techniques that can be utilized to make furniture and other surfaces look textured, antiqued or multi-dimensional.  There are many options under the “umbrella” of faux finishes. We’ve described some of our favorite finishes below. Check them out.

Faux Finishes

Faux means fake or imitation according to the dictionary.  All of the different types of “faux” we discussed in the first paragraph are technically examples of faux finishes.

Metallic Finishes

The use of gold, silver or bronze paints to give elements the appearance of antique or aged (weathered) metals.  To create the appearance of rusted patinas, a base is first applied to the entire surface. We then apply a metal and patina glaze with a roller or paint brush, depending on the surface.  Use a sweeping motion which will allow the base color to come through in some areas.

Wood Grain or Faux Bois

Creating a wood grain of any type or color of wood that you desire with the use of painting techniques.

Strie

A French word for “streak” or “stripe”.  Adding thin striations of color to make an appearance of denim, linen or other fabrics.

Subtractive Technique

The use of a sponge, wet rag, plastic bag or dry roller to “take off” some of the paint to create a textured look.

Ragging

Handful of rags squeezed together to apply a unique texture.

Color Wash

Blending together multiple hues of tinted glaze to create variations of color within the design.  Color washing gives the appearance of a weathered exterior wall or even barn wood.  After your base coat is dry, a secondary color is mixed with glaze in a four-to-one ratio (four parts glaze to one part paint). How you apply your glaze determines how it will end up looking. Sponges give a more textured appearance, brushes produce noticeable lines, and cloths create a more downplayed texture.

Trompe L’oeil

“Trick of the eye”.  The addition of architectural design details which appear realistic.

Marble

Creating surfaces that appear to be marble.  For instance, I have painted plaster columns and ceramic tiles to compliment the already existing marble in the home.  Once I match the color to the existing marble, I can begin the process of marbling.

I have used many different tools and techniques over my career to create compelling and unique finishes for my clientele.  Art is all about thinking outside the box!

A more experienced Artist will thrill you with the possibilities.

The History of Faux Finish

It is hard to fathom that faux techniques have been used for thousands of years!  There is evidence of faux finishing going back over 5,000 years.  Faux painting has continued feverishly as an art throughout the centuries.  It was first felt in the United States in the 1920s as part of the Art Deco style movement. At that particular time, it was generally used in commercial and public areas.  In the 1980’s, we saw a significant shift in faux finishing to encompass residential homes.  This shift broadened the possibilities of home decor to an extraordinary bounty of beauty and excitement for Interior Designers and homeowner’s of the like.  Instead of textured wallpaper that is such a permanent choice for walls; the use of faux painting techniques were unleashed to create the same illusion of texture and depth.

The Professional Artisan

It is not an easy task to create your own faux finish, and it will be noticeable should you ever compare it to a skilled Artisan.  Most professional companies will provide a portfolio of their work and will be able to evaluate your home to know what will be good techniques to flow with your home decor.

Glaze 

The two most commonly used methods for applying a faux finish are glaze and plaster.  According to the definition by Wikipedia, “A glaze is a thin transparent or semi-transparent layer on a painting which modifies the appearance of the underlying paint layer. Glazes can change the chroma, value, hue and texture of a surface. Glazes consist of a great amount of binding medium in relation to a very small amount of pigment. Drying time will depend on the amount and type of paint medium used in the glaze.”  For the full article see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaze_(painting_technique)   With that said, faux painting creates the appearance of texture, but it will be smooth to the touch. Consequently, this is a good choice if you ever decide to make a decorating change in the future; you can just paint over it!

Wallpaper vs Painting

While commercial wall coverings and residential wallpaper do offer versatility, faux painting is considered more versatile.  Faux finishes can be applied to any surface as long as it’s plain and sealed.   The preparation and priming of the surface will vary depending on the type of surface that is being painted.  Again, as an experienced professional, we know the science behind the products we use as well as the technique for each product.

Additionally, faux painting will last longer than wallpaper.  Paint does not have seams, so it will never peel off as wallpaper will.  The maintenance is simple, and a professional painter can easily do touch ups. Using faux painting, you can achieve the appearance of dimensions, as well as giving homeowners the chance to cover up any imperfections in their home.

There are so many facets to faux finishing that it creates excitement in the world of home decor.  If you want the look of a stone or brick wall; we can achieve it.  It you want to have marble baseboards; we can create it!  Unleash the imagination!  The professionals at Vitti Art Decor & Painting have over 20 years of experience and can achieve ANY look you want for your home or office.  Let’s Create Something Great!

Follow this link here to see some picture of different faux styles.