The Handbook of Painted Decoration is the first book to cover the whole spectrum of trompe l'oeil decorative painting, from classic marbling and wood graining to ancient techniques of decorative painting that have been nearly forgotten. In this authoritative and practical guide, two distinguished teachers and award-winning artist-painters share their knowledge and the secrets of their trade, providing clear step-by-step instruction on all the techniques and expert advice on tools and materials. From the simplest geometric borders to panoramic murals, they cover every conceivable subject, providing an endless repertoire of clever visual effects. These include basic patinas and variations for aged, antiqued, colored, marbled, cloud-patterned, sponged, rag-rolled, and jaspered finishes; step-by-step instructions on the imitation of marble, brickwork, mosaics, ivory, terracotta, mother-of-pearl, leather, parchment, wood, and other materials; sections on decorative friezes, ornamental devices, and drapery, including striped and patterned voiles, silks, satins, velvet, brocades, and tapestries; and demonstrations of the decorative painting of trelliswork, glass engraving, grisaille, marouflage, stained glass, lacquerwork, and glass painting.