Adrian Card
harpsichord painter and historically-based decorative painting
This client came to me with the idea of turning an ordinary eyesore of a vinyl hot-tub cover into something that would be a little easier on the eye. She thought a trompe l'oiel koi pond would be just the thing. This particular project required a special primer that would block both the heat from the tub as well as the plasticizers (chemicals in the vinyl which would migrate through the paint and keep it from ever drying). The same company that manufactured the primer was also able to provide a special varnish with UV inhibitors, that also remains supple when dry. To play up the tromp l'oiel effect I picked up a few leaves from the trees the surround the hot-tub, and painted them floating on the surface of the "pond" and around the edges. More of these same leaves fall onto the cover and the deck to further the effect.