Decorative Arts/Expert Profile


Ask A Question

Expertise

I can answer many questions about faux painting techniques, especially Venetian Plasters, marbling, woodgraining as well as all questions related to mural painting. Also restoration of historic plaster decorations and sculpture is my favorive subject.

Experience in the area

I have been restoring architectural decorations (mostly plaster reliefs and sculptures) in historic places in Europe and recently in USA. My biggest professional achievement in this area was restoring baroque vaults and columns in one of the most significant buildings in Wroclaw, Poland. I have also worked in Czech Republic, Germany, England and Sweden before I have moved to America. Here I had a chance to work mostly in private homes and mansions. I have done some restoration work in historic home of former Mayor of Oak Park, IL, few sculptures in Phoenix AZ, and historical spiral staircase in Broadmoor Hotel in my town Colorado Springs, CO where I have my own decorating business. You can vist www.EuropeanPainter.com to see most of my recent work.

Organizations

DarCo International - an organization for fine artists and designers.
ISDPM - International Society of Decorative Painters and Muralists.

Education/Credentials

BA in fine art, private Art School in Katowice, Poland; Faux Design Studio, Elmhurst, IL

Past/Present Clients

Coca Cola Poland, University of Wroclaw, Poland, Rosatti Pizza Troon, AZ, Bed and Breakfast Divide, CO, Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Gale10/21/0910101010Thanks, Darek, That's kind of what I .....
Monica07/29/0910101010I will go for metallic!
michelle07/03/0910101010Thanks for your help! I'm going to .....
john w davisj05/21/0910101010exactly what i needed.thanks
Yvonne03/19/0910101010 

Recent Answers from Darek Sokol

2009-10-20 faux painting:

Hi Gale, Thanks for asking. To make paint durable I would use either oil based primer and paint, or if you want to make it a bit easier spray enamel paint for metal surfaces. Depending what your final

2009-07-28 Mirror:

I'd try using the materials that you bought first. Paint just a part and see how it looks. Remember, you can always add another coat, so start with a thinner layer first. Then, repeat the process or change

2009-07-28 refinishing a mirror frame:

Hi Lainie, With the brown wall use a very dark brown, almost black for darkening the spaces in between the scrolls. Home Depot sells a little jars of metallic paints which are very rich in colors and

2009-07-24 Mirror:

Hi Corliss, I'm sorry I couldn't answer your question on time. I was so busy with my work. It sounds like you had some fun with your project. Have it turned good? If you need further assistance let

2009-07-02 toning down gold mirror:

Hi Michelle, You will need to glaze it over. Just buy a quart of water based faux glaze in Home Depot and mix it with some darker brown latex paint (the color that you think would work the best) and

 

Ask A Question

All Answers

Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.