The Best of Painted Furniture

Rating:
Summary: Essential Decorative Painter's Source Book
Review: Florence de Dampierre's The Best of Painted Furniture is a "must have" source book for any decorative paint artist. It is filled with gorgeous photographs of exquisite furniture displayed both alone or "in situ". Each chapter focuses on a different region of Europe, as well as America, with an emphasis on the changing of painting styles from a fascinating historical perspective. It is an inspirational idea book, and is invaluable when trying to capture the feel of a certain era. Famous decorative paint artists from each coutry are discussed and featured, and the evolution of certain styles of painting, for instance chinoiserie, are examined. It is a painstakingly researched book, and the ideas from the past four centuries unfold in a unique and creative way. The author shows how the painted furniture styles of past centuries blend into modern settings, and also examines painted metal and papier-mache furniture, as well as the care of painted furniture, in general. Creative inspiration and practical advice and a healthy serving of decorative painting history gives this book 5 stars, in my opinion. Enjoy!