Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint [Hardcover]

Curtis L Heuser (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 24, 2007

Readers will love this "treasure trove of inspiration" filled with stunning before and after photography of finished rooms and interior details. Inside are over "30" astonishing mural and faux finishing "step-by-step" projects, accompanied with interesting chatty side notes and expert tips - as author and artist Curtis Heuser guides the reader "room-by-room" through his beautifully renovated Historic private residence. Readers will learn the secrets to creating unique paint effects, and pick up invaluable designer tips on everything from choosing colors to decorating a bookshelf. Whether a professional or novice in the field, "YOUR HOME A Living Canvas" promises to sweep you up to new inspirational levels!!!

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Bringing this book to life was the most rewarding challenge in my creative career! Using only paint, joint compound and a lot of imagination - I share with readers the amazing transformation, as a long neglected historic dwelling once again becomes a warm and inviting "HOME!"

The book is basically a pictorial walk-through of each room in my private residence. Along the way I explain how every room concept developed and relates to the adjoining space from a design perspective. I then highlight each of the dramatic paint transformations with tons of beautifully photographed and detailed step-by-step images. There are over 30 unique projects featured which are accompanied with all the paint colors and materials and tools necessary to re-create the wall or ceiling treatment. Also included are unbelievable "before and after" pics of each room. 

It was my ultimate goal that this book awaken the creative passion in each reader. If you are simply a novice admirer of decorative painting and/or just love interior decorating and learning the secrets behind good design, I truly believe you will find this book bursting at the seams with inspiration! On the other hand, if you are a professional artist / interior designer or architect / home builder or remodeler / fellow historic home owner or admirer, etc. -
"YOUR HOME A Living Canvas" is sure to ignite your creative juices!

About the Author

Curtis Heuser is a veteran professional decorative artist and home stylist, specializing in custom paint finishes - including exquisite custom murals and trompe l'oeil work. Heuser's artistry can be found in some of the finest private homes in the country. The artist has been featured in BEST Magazine, HOSETRENDS, The Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Magazine, Around the House and HGTV's Before & After Show.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books; 1 edition (October 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158180783X
• ISBN-13: 978-1581807837
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #216,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #10 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Interior Design > Painting & Wallpapering
  • #32 in Books > Arts & Photography > Painting > Acrylics

More About the Author

A self-employed artisan since 1987, professional Decorative Artist & Author, Curtis L. Heuser is recognized worldwide as a master muralist and high end paint finisher. Unique to his style of painting, is the seemingly effortless warm and atmospheric presence his work embodies, along with an innate sense of color balance and design harmony.

Heuser's fine work has been featured nationally on HGTV's "Before & After Show" hosted by Pat Simpson. Additionally, the artist has made numerous guest appearances with local TV, print and radio media, and has been featured in various professional trade publications - eagerly sharing and often demonstrating his undeniable passion for decorative painting.

In 2007 Heuser authored his first book, "YOUR HOME: A Living Canvas." The generously photographed hardback book, uniquely follows the creative transformation of the artist's private Newport, Kentucky home. From interior demolition of the historic Queen Anne styled circa 1895 structure, to hand painted masterpiece - Heuser shares with readers the complete floor to ceiling creative makeover. With over 30 beautifully and generously photographed and clearly stepped out projects inside, "YOUR HOME" is a must have for old home enthusiasts, do-it-your-selfers, home remodelers, builders and architects, interior designers and decorators, fellow fine and decorative artists, etc.

The author hopes every reader enjoys following the dramatic interior transformations featured in this book. If you wish to contact Curtis Heuser or learn more about the artist and his portfolio, please visit www.interiorvisionsgalleria.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best faux books to come out in a while, January 13, 2008

By 

Regina Garay "Faux Girl" (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint (Hardcover)

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best faux books to come out in a while. The colors are rich, photographs are plenty (great before, during and after shots), the directions easy to understand and follow and finally, the finishes shown can give anyone -- from the novice to the professional -- new ideas from which to choose from. Being in this profession for 10 years, I like books that offer something new to learn. I must kindly disagree with the negative review given -- I found the title was exactly on point and I found that the use of plaster for the mural and design elements was imaginative since it made the designs "pop" out even more. The mix of murals and faux made this book more versatile and interesting...something every living canvas should be.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning book puts magnificence within your reach!, November 20, 2007

By 

Captain Fig - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint (Hardcover)

"Awesome" has become a word so inappropriately and over used in contemporary language that I hesitate to include it in this review, but applied in its truest form is the only word that does justice to this book.

This work is an extraordinary journey in artistic expression and delight that includes a gift to the reader that, although promised by the introduction, delivers in greater abundance than I would ever have believed. While basking in the grandeur of seeing what a gifted artist has achieved in transforming a wreck into a palace, it suddenly becomes apparent that regardless of imagination or individual talent, much of what is showcased is achievable by anyone with even the most modest of abilities!

Don't know where to find your inspiration? Curt shows you where he found his - a beloved knick-knack, an interesting antique store item, a pleasing fabric pattern - you name it, he reveals that inspiration is a natural inclination easily found within the simplest of everyday items.

Don't know how to employ your source of inspiration? Curt shows you a myriad of ways to do just that.

Afraid you don't have the knowledge or talent to tackle faux finishing? I thought so too until seeing how easy it was to follow the simple step-by-step directions. This book inspired me to try my first faux finishing project with results that far exceeded anything I would have thought possible, particularly since it was my first attempt. People can't believe that what I accomplished wasn't done by a professional.

At a loss in selecting a color palette? (My nemesis!) Curt hands you many on a silver platter! I've always found picking colors that work together the hardest part of decorating. With more than two dozen examples, just find one you like and Curt gives you the exact palette down to the specific paint name that you just take to the store! It doesn't get easier than that!

I originally purchased this book because of my interest in renovation, remodeling and design, and love of art in general. I've always enjoyed improving the various homes I've owned and love seeing how others transform stones into gems. While I have painted many a wall and baseboard in my life, decorative painting was something I thought I would never attempt or be able to achieve. How wrong I was and thanks to Curt I know now that magnificence is within my reach. I can't wait to attempt my first mural!

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ordering more today!!!, October 22, 2007

By 

JA_HAWK "JA_HAWK" (Ohio) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Your Home A Living Canvas: Create Stunning Faux Finishes & Murals with Paint (Hardcover)

Well let me start by saying that I pre-ordered this book several months ago after touring the home by accident while on the local Garden Walking Tour. Curtis Heuser (homeowner/author/artist) - personally walked me through his marvelous home, and gave me a postcard about his upcoming book. I was mesmerized by the intricate workmanship thoughout the house (interior design, faux finish work, and mural artistry). I made my way home after the tour, and looked up this book and ordered it immediately! It's finally arrived and let me tell you it's worth every dime I paid & more. I found out he has a couple book signings coming up at a few events around town, and I plan on going back to congratulate him, and purchase a few more copies for gifts and get them signed! The pictures in the book were so vivid & well done it's as if I were there again! The before and after shots in the book show the REAL amount of work that he put into that home to bring it back to life. The how-to's are stepped out so easily that I think I may try a project or two in there to see how they work out for me half as well as they did in his home. Mr. Heuser's humor and wit come thru in of his writing - you'll know what I mean when you read about his trials & tribulations with "evicting the pigeons" from his attic! If you don't have a copy yet - GET ONE for yourself, and one for a friend...Enjoy! Five Stars out of Five!!! Best of luck...looking forward to a follow up already!!!