Finishes First
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Patricia’s work has been exhibited in Versailles, The Hague, Italy, Tokyo, NYC, Russia and several museums. She creates faux finishes & custom fine art.
Patricia Swanson
Patricia began painting while studying theatre in London and then working as an actor in NYC in the 1980's. During her 12-year acting career she appeared in plays with Christopher Walken, Nathan Lane (and many others.) As Patricia translated her creative talents into decorative painting, she studied at numerous studios, and with teachers such as Michel Nadai, and Pierre LeFumat, i
I’m teaching a class on February 28 via Zoom, registration is available at IDAL.com. I want to pass on a series of simple rules that completely transformed my work. I’m keeping the price reasonable because there aren’t very many people still teaching these amazing concepts. So instead of taking another sample board class, consider taking a class in composition that will enhance all your future work. All registered students will receive access to a video of the class so scheduling is really not a problem. Visit IDAL.org to register. 
02/16/2026
New Online Class Alert 🚨
Transforming Craft into Art With
In this next IDAL Zoom class We’re excited to present these rules of organic composition taught by Patricia Swanson, an award winning decorative artist, who says these are the “greatest gift ever given to her during her career.” These rules employ an understanding of fractals instead of Euclidean geometry and assist the artist in creating beautiful organic timeless creations.
Both members and non-members IDAL are eligible to register and take the class — and scheduling? —not a problem.
All registered students will receive access to the recording and class materials
Visit IDAL.org to register, or if not a member — please email [email protected] to register.
02/15/2026
Isabel- this is for you and your friend. Let me know when you’ve read it?
My orchids also just adore fish tank water from my regular fish tank cleanings. Goldfish manure… Yum .
20 Things You Should Never Do When Caring For an Orchid The most common orchid mistakes I see (and yes, I’ve made plenty of these myself), along with what actually works.
What if the key to making decorative finishes look real has less to do with talent and everything to do with understanding how nature works.
In this class, Patricia Swanson, an internationally successful decorative artist shares the path to understanding how simple rules of fractal composition changed the organic beauty of her art, creating finishes that look exquisite or real.
Whether you are a decorative artist, a student, or fine artist, come and explore how these simple rules apply to painting and beyond (including faux marble and stone, murals, plasters, bas relief, abstracts and more.)
Both members and non-members IDAL are eligible to register and take the class, and scheduling? —not a problem.
All registered students will receive access to the recording and class materials. Prices have been kept reasonable in the hopes that Patricia can pass these rules to artists and craftspeople.
Visit IDAL.org to register, or if not a member — please email [email protected] to register.
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In this next IDAL Zoom class I’m excited to present these rules of organic composition that have been the single most important gift I’ve been given as an artist.
Both members and non-members IDAL are eligible to register and take the class — and scheduling? —not a problem.
All registered students will receive access to the recording and class materials
Visit IDAL.org to register, or if not a member — please email [email protected] to register.
02/08/2026
What if the key to making decorative finishes look real has less to do with talent and everything to do with understanding how nature works.
In this class, I will share the path that led to understanding how simple rules of fractal composition (rather than human geometry) changed the organic beauty of my work,
creating finishes that look exquisite and real.
Whether you are a professional decorative artist, a student, or fine artist, come and explore how these simple rules apply to painting and beyond (including faux marble and stone, murals, plasters, bas relief, abstracts and more.)
Both members and non-members IDAL are eligible to register and take the class — and scheduling? —not a problem.
All registered students will receive access to the recording and class materials
Visit IDAL.org to register, or if not a member — please email [email protected] to register.
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Tucson, AZ