Venetian Plaster Process & Technique

Before any paint touched the wall, the first task was to build a perfect surface. The original wall texture had to go, so I started by applying a new layer of drywall compound as a skim coat to create a smooth foundation. After sanding and leveling, I primed the surface with a quartz primer — the essential bond coat that allows Venetian plaster to grip evenly. From there, I applied multiple coats of Marmorino Venetian plaster with a stainless-steel trowel. This particular plaster uses a larger grain size of marble dust, giving it that subtle stone texture and depth you can only achieve through authentic lime-based materials.

Artistic & Functional Impact
The Venetian plaster became the backbone of the mural. Its natural sheen and tactile surface caught light differently throughout the day, creating a sense of movement before the painting even began. The larger marble aggregate created tiny facets that refracted the ambient light, adding an understated elegance that a flat wall could never replicate. It wasn’t just a preparation step—it was part of the artwork itself. This textural foundation elevated the final piece from a painting on a wall to a living surface that breathes with the room, merging craftsmanship with atmosphere.

Lime Wash Paint for Textured Walls and Venetian Plaster Alternatives

Transition and Technical Process
Originally, the plan for the lower half of the dining room was a glossy Venetian plaster finish to complement the marble texture above. However, as the mural developed, I needed finer control over color blending and tonal depth. Venetian plaster has a subtle translucence, but it can shift unpredictably when burnished to a sheen. To achieve a more balanced palette that harmonized with the mural’s natural tones, I transitioned to lime wash paint. The lime wash provided the mineral texture I wanted while allowing precise color adjustment in real time. Its breathable nature also made it ideal for layering over the plaster base without sealing in moisture or dulling the surface.

Visual and Artistic Result
The lime wash gave the walls a velvety, organic look that perfectly complemented the cypress tree mural. Soft, diffused light moved across the surface, revealing delicate variations in hue and texture that a glossy finish could never achieve. The result was an atmosphere that felt aged yet alive — a continuation of the mural’s natural story rather than a separate design element. By combining Venetian plaster and lime wash, the room gained both durability and artistry, merging two old-world techniques into one seamless modern aesthetic.

Teamwork in Mural Painting – Collaboration with Sarah Wright

Working Together on the Underpainting and Client Coordination
This stage of the project brought a different kind of artistry—teamwork. Sarah handled much of the client communication and scheduling, keeping the project organized and flowing smoothly while I focused on design and technical direction. She also jumped right into the creative process, helping with the underpainting and the early color fields that set the tone for the finished mural. Her steady rhythm with the brush allowed me to concentrate on composition and texture, and her presence kept the atmosphere light and focused. It was a reminder that large-scale art isn’t a solo effort—it’s coordination, timing, and trust working together on one wall.

Painting on Venetian Plaster and the Joy of Shared Creation
Here we’re painting directly on the Venetian plaster—a surface that’s both beautiful and challenging. Because of its stone-like texture, every stroke covers more surface area and requires more paint to achieve depth. It’s physically demanding but incredibly rewarding, and having Sarah there to balance color and momentum made the process fun. We worked side by side, adapting to the plaster’s texture and using it to our advantage, letting the natural variations influence the brushwork. The result wasn’t just a mural but a shared expression of craft and partnership, blending two artistic voices into one cohesive vision.

Scaling Up Artistic Vision – Reaching New Heights in Mural Painting

The Challenge and Symbolism of Scale
This photo captures more than just the physical act of reaching high on a wall—it represents the leap I took in scaling up my art for the first time. Moving from canvas to architecture was both exhilarating and intimidating. Every brushstroke had to hold up from a few inches away and from across the room. Working at this size demanded a new mindset, a new rhythm, and a willingness to embrace imperfection as part of the process. The mural became a symbol of growth, not just in size but in confidence. Each stroke higher on the wall felt like a step into new territory—uncharted, yet entirely where I was meant to be.

Discovering a New Passion for Large-Scale Work
By the time this mural was complete, I realized how much I loved the scale, the energy, and the presence of mural painting. The physicality of it—the climb, the movement, the perspective shifts—connected me to the artwork in a way that studio painting never could. This project wasn’t just a commission; it was a breakthrough moment in my career. It taught me that artistic expansion isn’t just about ambition—it’s about saying yes to opportunities that stretch your abilities and redefine your creative boundaries. Now, every time I see a blank wall, I don’t see an obstacle—I see potential, and I can’t wait for the next project.

The Completed Mural and Full Transformation

The finished mural captures the tranquil atmosphere of Caddo Lake — the soft reflections of water, the intricate Spanish moss, and the grounded strength of the cypress trees. Every stage, from applying the Venetian plaster to the final brushwork, built toward this moment. It’s more than a painting on a wall; it’s a complete transformation of the dining space into a living piece of art that shifts with the light and seasons. For me, this project represents the balance between craftsmanship and imagination, and the discovery that scaling up my work brought new life to my creative process.

Watch the Full Video and Learn More
If you haven’t yet watched the full journey, you can view the entire process — from plaster to paint — right here:
🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/IxghlTAtbuU
For more details about custom murals, artistic techniques, and upcoming projects, visit my mural portfolio and commission page here:
🌐 Book murals with Joel Wright: Mural Artist Booking

Every project tells a story, and this one marks the first chapter of a series dedicated to transforming spaces through art.