Art/Design: Multi-purpose Table

We looked everywhere for a table that would fit in our apartment and serve all our needs (somewhere taller than a coffee table, but smaller than a typical kitchen table). We finally decided to make our own table which is finally finished and in our living/dining area. These are the following stages (each of which could have worked on their own, but only the last really works with our interior).

Once we assembled all our materials, Christian put together the table, with a little sanding help from me. Next came painting, which I chose to do in three layers.


This is the first layer (mostly complete except for the top corner). I used acrylics (because I didn't feel like dealing with disposal issues associated with oils). Several different reds (alizarin, cadmium, and brick), blues (medium, ultramarine, deep), and a burnt sienna.

I wanted to get a playful undercoat that picked up on the reds in our house and tied the cooler subsequent coats to this theme of red (and now green as you can see in later layers).




This is the second layer, which is loosely based on Indian floral motifs (often found on semis) depicting versions of the four seasons (Counter clockwise from upper left-hand corner Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter). Between the central flower/Sun and the seasons on the left is a cloud and rain, on the right, a fire/flower. Colors used were burnt sienna, yellow ocher, white, and cadmium deep yellow.

Obviously this type of design can only work in certain decor situations (a hippy-funky-60s-retro type, an ethnic themed vibrant colored indoor situation, a bright and lush ethnic garden, or a bohemian drug induced eco house). Needless to say, this wouldn't really fly in our place. So what to do?!


We bought a can of satin finish leaf green and I sprayed randomly across the top, and thoroughly coated the legs. Then I took forest green, ultramarine blue, cadmium medium yellow, and a dash of white to mix a variety of greens to accent and pattern the spray. I tried to incorporate some of the earlier layers into the accented patterns.

Christian then coated the whole table with with 3 coats of clear poly to insure the condensation from our drinks wouldn't screw up the paint (among other things) and VIOLA!!!! We have a unique and beautiful table fit for our living space.

You'll notice the earlier layers really allow for the top pattern to come together (and add some nice surprises for the viewer upon closer examination).

Note: If you know anyone who is interested in decorative arts, or would like to commission a piece, I am for hire. I can design an unfinished piece of assembled furniture or a finished piece of furniture, in addition to wall murals etc. Just let me come and see the room where it will be located, and give me any specifics (such as palette or content, surreal through abstract) and we'll discuss price.