Babs Watkins

Venetian Dreams in Plastero

Our first featured article showcased a groundbreaking plaster process that blurred the line between artistry and architecture. Visionaries Armando Palacios and Cinda Ward commissioned us to transform this space into something timeless: a weathered Venetian canal-side wall, rich with history, texture, and atmosphere. Layer by layer, the surface was crafted to evoke centuries of sun, water, and age, capturing the romance of Venice's quiet waterways. The finish was designed not merely as decoration, but as an immersive experience, inviting viewers to feel the patina of time and the enduring beauty found in old-world craftsmanship. This project marked the beginning of our exploration into decorative plaster as fine art, setting the stage for many of the distinctive finishes that would follow. and continuity of the home.

A House Awash in Light

Featured in our third article for Veranda magazine, this project was a celebration of color, light, and collaboration. Working alongside the talented Babs Watkins, we developed a carefully curated palette designed to complement both the architecture and the lifestyle of our clients, who had relocated from New York in search of a brighter, more relaxed environment. The home was blessed with an abundance of natural light, and every finish was thoughtfully chosen to capture, reflect, and enhance its changing beauty throughout the day. Soft washes of color, layered textures, and luminous surfaces created a sense of warmth and elegance, allowing each room to feel both inviting and timeless. This project remains a wonderful example of how artistic finishes and thoughtful design can transform light itself into one of a home's most beautiful architectural features.

Where the Journey Began

These photographs were taken in Babs Watkins' shop, a place that would become the starting point of my journey into the world of decorative plaster. Commissioned to create custom plaster finishes throughout multiple rooms, I was given a rare and inspiring challenge: to transform each space into a destination of its own. Babs believed that interiors should transport the viewer, evoking memories of distant places and forgotten eras. That vision became a wonderful creative invitation. Through layered textures, aged patinas, and handcrafted surfaces, we sought to tell stories within the walls, allowing visitors to experience a sense of discovery, wonder, and escape. Looking back, these rooms mark the beginning of a path that continues to inspire my work today, where plaster is not merely a finish, but a medium for creating atmosphere, emotion, and a true sense of place.

A Celebration of Art and Architecture

This image is an outtake from my first feature article in Southern Accents, a project that allowed me to blend architectural illusion with fine art. Commissioned to enrich an elegant barrel-vaulted ceiling, I created an architectural mural that extended the character of the space beyond its physical boundaries, transforming the ceiling into an immersive work of art. Complementing the mural was a painted 15th-century genre scene, created to evoke the charm and storytelling of Renaissance life. Positioned as a focal point within the room, the artwork served as a bridge between architecture and imagination, bringing a sense of history, sophistication, and timeless beauty to the interior. This project remains one of my favorite examples of how decorative painting can transcend ornamentation, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and transportive.

Layers of Plaster and Light

Featured in another Veranda magazine article, this project was the result of a thoughtful collaboration with Babs Watkins, whose eye for design and color transformed every corner of the home. Together, we moved through the house one room at a time, carefully reimagining each space and crafting new palettes that reflected both the architecture and the personalities of the homeowners. Rather than treating the home as a collection of separate rooms, we approached it as a complete composition, allowing colors, textures, and finishes to flow naturally from one space to the next. Each room was given its own character while remaining part of a harmonious whole. The result was a home rich in atmosphere and individuality, where every space told its own story and invited the eye to linger a little longer. This project remains a beautiful example of how thoughtful color and artisan finishes can completely transform the experience of a home.

Layers of Light and Color

Another room from this Veranda magazine feature reflected our belief that the most elegant finishes often speak in whispers rather than shouts. Working closely with Babs Watkins, we created a subtle plaster surface enriched with delicate watercolor washes, allowing color and texture to blend effortlessly across the walls. The finish was intentionally restrained, revealing its beauty gradually as natural light moved through the space. Soft variations in tone and depth created an atmosphere of quiet sophistication, giving the room a sense of warmth, serenity, and timeless character. Projects like this remind me that decorative finishes are at their most powerful when they enhance a room's architecture and light, creating an environment that feels both refined and deeply inviting.

A Baroque Vision in Silver

This silver-leafed and sepia-glazed entry vestibule began as a shared vision between Babs Watkins and myself. Inspired by the elegance of a Baroque silver urn, we imagined what might happen if such an object were enlarged, unfolded, and transformed into an entire room. Layers of luminous silver leaf were softened with warm sepia glazes, creating a rich patina that felt both antique and alive. Whimsical painted ornament and intricate details danced across the surfaces, bringing a sense of movement, fantasy, and old-world grandeur to the space. More than an entry, the vestibule became an experience. Guests were welcomed into a world where art and architecture merged, surrounded by a room that shimmered with the character of a treasured heirloom and the imagination of a Baroque masterpiece brought to life.

The Beginning of a Journey

This was the very first plaster finish I created for Babs Watkins, and in many ways, the beginning of an artistic journey that would shape much of my work to come. Given remarkable creative freedom, I was simply asked to create something in an earthy, aged blue. Drawing inspiration from weathered European walls and the quiet beauty that comes with time, I layered texture, color, and movement into the surface, allowing the finish to evolve naturally. The result was a plaster wall that felt both timeless and lived in, rich with depth and character. What began as a single room became the foundation for years of exploration in decorative plaster. Looking back, this project remains especially meaningful, not only because it was the first, but because it opened the door to a creative partnership built on trust, imagination, and a shared love of artistry.

A Florentine Reverie

This powder bath was conceived as a journey into the grandeur and romance of a Florentine palazzo. Drawing inspiration from the opulent interiors of Renaissance Italy, we layered rich finishes, nuanced color, and handcrafted details to create a space that felt centuries old yet timeless in its elegance. Every surface was designed to evoke a sense of discovery, as though stepping through a doorway into another era. The interplay of texture, light, and atmosphere transformed this intimate room into a jewel box of artistry, inviting visitors to linger and experience the beauty of a world inspired by the palaces of Florence. Though modest in scale, the room embodies one of our favorite design principles: creating spaces that transcend their walls and transport the viewer to a place imagined, remembered, and beautifully reinterpreted.

A Texas Farmstead Reimagined

This wall, created for Babs Watkins' shop, was another exploration in the expressive possibilities of plaster and color. Beginning with a base of richly pigmented plaster, I gradually built depth and atmosphere through successive layers of plaster washes and translucent watercolor glazes. The process allowed the surface to develop a quiet complexity, with colors emerging and receding much like the patina found on centuries-old walls. Subtle variations in tone, texture, and movement gave the finish a sense of history and authenticity, while maintaining a softness that invited close inspection. Projects like this became an important part of my artistic evolution, demonstrating how plaster, pigment, and watercolor could work together to create walls that felt less like finished surfaces and more like living works of art.

A Room Full of Clouds

This close-up reveals a portion of a cloudscape mural I painted for the daughter of one of Babs Watkins' clients. When asked what she envisioned for her room, her request was both simple and inspiring: “A room full of clouds, like those painted by John Constable.” Drawing inspiration from the great Dutch-born tradition of landscape painting and Constable's luminous skies, I created an enveloping panorama of soft clouds drifting across an endless horizon. The mural was designed to dissolve the boundaries of the room, transforming the ceiling and walls into an open expanse of sky filled with light, movement, and imagination. The result was more than a painted room. It became a place of wonder, where every glance upward invited daydreams and a quiet sense of escape among the clouds.

The Palace in the Sky

Another view of the “Palace in the Sky,” this project was one of the most imaginative collaborations of my career. Together, we created richly textured plaster wall finishes that provided the perfect setting for a sweeping cloud vista I was commissioned to paint. Inspired by the limitless beauty of the sky, the mural dissolved the boundaries between architecture and landscape, allowing walls and ceiling to open into an endless expanse of drifting clouds and luminous light. The handcrafted plaster surfaces added depth and atmosphere, enhancing the illusion and giving the room a timeless, dreamlike quality. The result was an immersive environment where art, architecture, and imagination came together. More than a room, it became a place of escape, inviting visitors to feel as though they were suspended between earth and sky, surrounded by beauty in every direction.

A Moment in the Palace in the Sky

A rare self-portrait taken within one of the opulent powder baths of the “Palace in the Sky,” a home where we had the privilege of contributing extensively to nearly every surface. This intimate space embodied the spirit of the project, blending handcrafted plaster finishes, rich texture, and imaginative artistry into a room that felt both luxurious and transportive. The powder bath was designed as a jewel box within the home, layered with depth, character, and old-world elegance. Standing within it offered a moment to reflect on the countless hours of collaboration, creativity, and craftsmanship that brought this extraordinary residence to life. Projects of this scale are always memorable, but the “Palace in the Sky” remains especially meaningful, a testament to what can be achieved when architecture, artistry, and imagination come together in perfect harmony.

The Art of Welcome

A rare selfie captured in one of the opulent powder baths within the “Palace in the Sky,” a remarkable residence where we were entrusted with creating decorative finishes throughout much of the home. Surrounded by layers of plaster, color, and craftsmanship, this moment serves as a reminder of the creative journey behind the finished work. Each room in the house was approached as a unique artistic statement, and the powder baths were no exception. Rich textures, luminous surfaces, and carefully considered details transformed these intimate spaces into elegant retreats, each contributing to the home's larger vision of beauty and imagination. Looking back, the “Palace in the Sky” remains one of the most rewarding projects of my career, a place where artistry, architecture, and collaboration came together to create an environment unlike any other. This photograph captures not only the room itself, but also a moment within a project that continues to inspire me years later.

A Craftsman's Reflection

This hallway in the “Palace in the Sky” became a passageway between two worlds . After presenting the client with a small cloud study, I was commissioned to expand the concept into a sweeping cloud vista, transforming the space into an ethereal journey beneath an endless sky. To complement the mural, we created custom plaster wall finishes inspired by the weathered beauty of ancient Venice. Layered textures, soft patinas, and timeworn surfaces evoked the character of centuries-old Venetian walls, providing a rich architectural backdrop for the luminous cloudscape above. The contrast between the aged plaster and the expansive sky created a sense of wonder and movement, allowing the hallway to become much more than a transitional space. It became an experience, where the romance of Venice and the grandeur of the heavens met in a single, unforgettable vision.

A House Shaped by Vision

A favorite client and dear friend, attorney Bill Rosch approached his home much like a work of art, with a clear creative vision that guided every decision. Together, we walked through each room, discussing atmosphere, color, and character, allowing his ideas and inspirations to shape the process of developing a palette for the entire residence. Rather than imposing a predetermined scheme, we allowed each space to evolve naturally, creating colors and finishes that reflected both the architecture of the home and Bill's personal aesthetic. The resulting palette brought coherence and harmony throughout the house while giving each room its own distinctive personality. Projects like this are especially rewarding because they are true collaborations. When a client shares their imagination so generously, the creative process becomes a journey of discovery, resulting in interiors that are not only beautiful but deeply personal and meaningful.

A Wall That Launched a Journey

This wall was created during my very first project with Babs Watkins, a collaboration that would shape the direction of my work for years to come. What began as an exploration of plaster, color, and texture evolved into a finish that captured the imagination of both clients and designers alike. The layered surface was designed to evoke the character of aged European walls, with subtle variations in tone, depth, and movement that revealed themselves as light traveled across the room. Its richness and authenticity became hallmarks of the approach we would continue to refine throughout future projects. The significance of this wall extended beyond the room itself. It was later featured in a Veranda magazine book, a gratifying recognition of the artistry, craftsmanship, and creative spirit that defined those early collaborations. Looking back, it remains a meaningful reminder of where that remarkable journey began.

The Wall That Started It All

Another view from the first project I completed with Babs Watkins, this room became known as the “Constable Clouds.” Inspired by the luminous skies of the great English landscape painter John Constable, the mural was created to envelop the room in light, atmosphere, and a sense of limitless space. Soft billowing clouds drift across the surfaces, transforming the room into a sky-filled retreat where architecture gives way to imagination. The painting was designed to capture the ever-changing beauty of natural light, allowing the clouds to appear different throughout the day as sunlight moved across the space. This project remains one of my most cherished early works. It reflects the spirit of creative trust that defined my collaborations with Babs and embodies a simple yet powerful idea: that a room can transport us beyond its walls. The “Constable Clouds” became more than a mural. They became an invitation to dream, wander, and look upward.

An Echo of Ancient Venice

This view of the main gallery entry in the “Palace in the Sky” reflects one of the project's defining themes: the romance and timeless beauty of ancient Venice. Here, I created custom plaster wall finishes layered with texture, depth, and patina, giving the impression of surfaces that had gracefully weathered centuries of history. To further the illusion, I added hand-painted architectural details inspired by Venetian palazzos, enriching the space with subtle ornament and old-world character. The interplay of aged plaster, artistic detailing, and dramatic architecture created an atmosphere that felt both grand and deeply authentic. As the central gallery of the home, this space set the tone for the rooms beyond. It was especially rewarding to see these finishes united with such beautiful architecture, proving once again that decorative artistry is at its most powerful when it becomes an integral part of the architectural story rather than merely an embellishment.

A Favorite Client and a Lasting Friendship

This room was part of the first project I completed for a favorite client who would become a treasured friend. Located near the art museum, the home provided an inspiring setting for a comprehensive decorative finishes program that unfolded over many years. Beginning with this room, I created distressed painted finishes throughout the residence, along with custom plaster treatments that brought warmth, texture, and a sense of age to the interiors. Each surface was approached as an opportunity to add character and artistry, allowing the home to evolve into a collection of richly layered spaces. What makes this project especially memorable is not only the work itself, but the relationship that grew from it. It is always rewarding when a client places their trust in your creative vision, and even more meaningful when that collaboration blossoms into a lasting friendship.

Art in Motion

This close-up captures a portion of a mural that was painted on a specialized material and applied directly to a set of elevator doors. The project transformed what would normally be a purely functional element of the home into an unexpected artistic focal point. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding architecture, the mural allowed the elevator doors to become part of the overall visual narrative rather than an interruption within it. Rich color, carefully rendered details, and a sense of depth brought the surface to life, creating the illusion of a painted panel rather than a mechanical doorway. Projects like this illustrate one of the aspects of decorative art I enjoy most: finding opportunities to elevate everyday architectural elements into something memorable, beautiful, and uniquely personal to the space.

A Symphony of Color and Texture

This vibrant plaster finish was created to captivate the eye and celebrate the expressive power of color. Beginning with richly pigmented plaster, I layered translucent watercolor washes across the surface, allowing hues to mingle, drift, and reveal themselves in unexpected ways. The finish was intentionally bold and atmospheric, with each layer adding depth, movement, and a sense of discovery. As light travels across the wall, subtle shifts in tone emerge, creating a surface that feels alive and constantly changing. More than a decorative finish, this piece was an exploration of plaster as an artistic medium, where pigment, texture, and watercolor combine to create a wall that commands attention while inviting closer inspection. The result is a surface designed not merely to decorate a room, but to leave a lasting impression.

Where It All Began

This view captures the very first color wash I ever applied over plaster, created in Babs Watkins' shop during the earliest days of my exploration with decorative finishes. What began as an experiment in layering color over textured plaster would ultimately become the foundation for much of my artistic work in the years that followed. The finish combined the tactile richness of plaster with translucent washes of color, allowing light, depth, and movement to emerge naturally across the surface. Rather than simply painting a wall, I was discovering how color could become part of the plaster itself, creating an effect that felt aged, atmospheric, and alive. Looking back, this wall represents a pivotal moment in my creative journey. It was the first glimpse of a process that would evolve through countless projects, collaborations, and published interiors, all beginning with a simple desire to see what might happen when plaster and color were allowed to work together.

Where Family Gathered

This view of the kitchen and breakfast area comes from a home where I had the opportunity to create both custom wood finishes and decorative plaster surfaces throughout the interior. As the heart of the home, these spaces were designed to feel warm, welcoming, and rich with character. The handcrafted wood finishes brought depth and patina to the cabinetry and architectural details, while the plaster walls added softness, texture, and a sense of timelessness. Together, these elements created an atmosphere that felt both elegant and comfortably lived in, enhancing the beauty of the home's architecture without overwhelming it. Projects like this remind me that the most successful finishes are those that quietly support everyday life, creating spaces where family and friends naturally gather while surrounding them with craftsmanship, warmth, and enduring beauty.

A Study in Texture and Patina

Tis room, featured in the fourth Veranda magazine article created in collaboration with Babs Watkins, showcases a layered approach to decorative finishing that blended artistry with architecture. Throughout the space, I created custom plaster washes for the woodwork, softening and enriching the millwork with depth and character while preserving its architectural presence. The walls were finished with handcrafted plaster treatments that introduced texture, movement, and a subtle sense of age. Together, the wood and plaster finishes created a harmonious palette of surfaces that felt both refined and timeless, allowing the room to radiate warmth and quiet elegance. Projects such as this demonstrate the transformative power of decorative finishes. Rather than competing with the architecture, the surfaces work in concert with it, creating an environment where craftsmanship, color, and texture come together to tell a unified story.

Aged Elegance in Wood

This view of the sitting room showcases custom distressed finishes I created for the wood paneling, transforming new surfaces into elements that appeared softened and enriched by time. Through layers of color, glaze, and carefully controlled wear, the wood acquired the character and patina often found in historic European interiors. The finish was designed to complement the architecture rather than compete with it, allowing the paneling to contribute warmth, depth, and a sense of permanence to the room. As light moves across the surfaces, subtle variations in tone and texture reveal themselves, adding richness and visual interest. Projects like this reflect my passion for creating finishes that tell a story. By giving the woodwork a sense of age and authenticity, the room gained not only beauty, but also the feeling that it had evolved gracefully over generations.

From Clay to Ornament

This floret began as an original sculpture modeled in clay, capturing the delicate movement and elegance found in classical architectural ornament. Once the design was refined, I created a plaster casting, transforming the hand-sculpted original into a lasting decorative element. The process combined traditional sculpting techniques with the timeless craft of plasterwork, allowing every curve, petal, and detail to be faithfully preserved. Pieces such as this reveal the versatility of plaster, not only as a finish for walls and ceilings, but also as a medium for creating architectural art. For me, works like this represent the intersection of sculpture and decoration, where a simple clay study evolves into an ornamental feature that enriches a space with depth, craftsmanship, and a sense of history.

A Final Collaboration

This room was featured in the last Veranda magazine article I had the pleasure of creating with Babs Watkins, bringing together many of the techniques we had developed and refined over years of collaboration. It stands as a reflection of our shared appreciation for layered surfaces, subtle color, and timeless craftsmanship. Throughout the room, I applied plaster wash finishes to the woodwork, softening and enriching the architectural details with depth and patina. The walls received complementary plaster treatments, creating a harmonious dialogue between texture, color, and light. The finishes were designed to feel elegant and effortless, as though they had naturally evolved over generations. Looking back, this project serves as a fitting conclusion to a remarkable creative partnership. It embodies the artistry, trust, and spirit of exploration that made our collaborations so rewarding, and remains a beautiful example of how decorative finishes can transform a room into something truly memorable.

A Home Rich in Character

This view of the entry and one of the adjoining rooms highlights a home where every surface was thoughtfully crafted to enhance its architectural beauty. Throughout the project, I created custom distressed painted finishes on the wood paneling, giving the millwork the appearance of having acquired its character gracefully over time. The entry offered a warm and elegant introduction to the home, while the adjoining rooms revealed layers of texture, color, and patina that enriched the living spaces. Through careful distressing and glazing techniques, the paneling developed a depth and authenticity reminiscent of historic European interiors. Projects like this are especially rewarding because the finishes become an integral part of the architecture itself. Rather than simply decorating the rooms, the surfaces contribute to a sense of history, warmth, and permanence, creating spaces that feel both timeless and inviting.

A Touch of New Orleans

This room in Babs Watkins' shop was inspired by the faded elegance and enchantment of old New Orleans. Our goal was to create a space that felt as though it had been discovered rather than designed, layered with history, charm, and the beauty of age. The walls were finished with richly textured plaster and distressed painted surfaces that evoked the character of timeworn interiors found throughout the French Quarter. Above, hand-painted decorative motifs added a sense of movement and refinement, while cast plaster florets introduced a layer of classical ornament that enriched the architectural narrative. Every element worked together to create a room that celebrated craftsmanship and storytelling. The result was an immersive space filled with warmth, romance, and the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans, where plaster, paint, and sculpture blended seamlessly into a timeless work of art.

A Living Room of Subtle Elegance

Featured in the final Veranda magazine article created in collaboration with Babs Watkins, this living room embodies the beauty of layered finishes and thoughtful craftsmanship. Our goal was to create surfaces that felt timeless and effortless, enriching the architecture while maintaining a sense of quiet sophistication. The walls were finished with a custom plaster treatment accented by delicate watercolor washes, creating depth, movement, and a soft luminosity that changed with the natural light throughout the day. To further unify the space, complementary finishes were applied to the woodwork, giving the garchitectural elements a gentle patina and an inviting sense of age. This room reflects the culmination of years of creative exploration together. The interplay of plaster, color, and texture created an atmosphere that felt both refined and deeply comfortable, a space where artistry was woven seamlessly into everyday living.

The Spirit of New Orleans

This front room in Babs Watkins' shop was inspired by the captivating atmosphere of New Orleans, a city where history, artistry, and architecture intertwine. Our goal was to capture the charm of its timeworn interiors, creating a space that felt both elegant and steeped in character. Using layered plaster finishes combined with carefully applied paint treatments, we de mveloped walls rich with texture, depth, and patina. The surfaces were designed to evoke the feeling of an old French Quarter residence, where years of history have softened colors and enriched every detail. The result was a room that celebrated the romance of New Orleans, blending decorative artistry and architectural storytelling into an immersive environment. It became a place where visitors could experience the beauty of aged surfaces, handcrafted finishes, and the enduring allure of one of America's most distinctive cities.

A Restoration in Progress

This image captures an exterior project in Lafayette, Louisiana, during the transformation process. Using traditional masonry cement, stucco, and hand-applied lime washes, we worked to create surfaces that felt authentic, enduring, and deeply connected to the architectural heritage of the region. Rather than striving for a newly finished appearance, the goal was to build layers of texture, depth, and patina that would suggest the graceful effects of time and weather. The lime washes softened the masonry surfaces, allowing them to develop the character and subtle variation found in historic European and Southern buildings. Projects like this are especially rewarding because the exterior becomes part of the landscape itself. As the finishes mature and interact with light, weather, and the changing seasons, the architecture gains a richness and permanence that only handcrafted materials can provide.

A Work in Progress

This view captures another stage of the exterior transformation in Lafayette, Louisiana, where traditional masonry cement and stucco were being carefully applied to shape the character of the home. Even in its unfinished state, the project reveals the artistry and craftsmanship that go into creating surfaces with depth, permanence, and a sense of history. Layer by layer, the masonry and stucco work established the foundation for the aged appearance we sought to achieve. The textured surfaces were designed to reflect the architectural traditions of the region while embracing the timeless beauty of hand-crafted materials. Projects like this are especially rewarding because the process itself becomes part of the story. Watching the structure evolve from raw masonry into a richly textured facade is a reminder that enduring beauty is often built one layer at a time, through patience, vision, and skilled craftsmanship.

French Boiserie Reimagined

This entry marks the beginning of a project inspired by a remarkable collection of authentic French boiserie acquired by the homeowners during their travels in France. Drawing upon the elegance and craftsmanship of these historic panels, we were commissioned to recreate their character in two additional rooms within the residence. Through carefully layered finishes, we transformed new wood paneling to harmonize with the original French elements, capturing the subtle patina, depth, and sense of age that made the antique boiserie so compelling. The goal was not simply to imitate the originals, but to extend their spirit throughout the home in a seamless and convincing way. Standing in the entry, one is introduced to a residence where architecture, craftsmanship, and history intertwine. The project remains a wonderful example of how decorative finishes can bridge centuries, allowing newly created surfaces to carry the grace and sophistication of the past.

A Dutch Landscape Commission

This Dutch landscape was commissioned by one of Babs Watkins' clients as a focal point for their dining room. Inspired by the great landscape traditions of Northern Europe, the painting was created to bring a sense of depth, atmosphere, and timeless beauty to the space. Soft skies, expansive horizons, and carefully observed details were composed to evoke the quiet poetry found in classical Dutch paintings. The artwork was designed not only as a decorative element, but as a window into another world, inviting viewers to pause and wander through its landscape. Installed within the dining room, the painting became an integral part of the home's character, complementing the surrounding architecture and furnishings while adding a sense of history and refinement. Projects such as this are especially rewarding, allowing fine art and interior design to work together in creating spaces that are both personal and enduring.