The Painted House: Over 100 Original Designs for Mural and Trompe L'Oeil Decoration

I bought this book and G. Rust's, "Decorative Design's" about a year or more ago. In my opinion, his work ranks with the classics. As an art professional for more than twenty years who specializes in trompe l'oeil murals, I am amazed that there is someone like Rust actually living, breathing and still walking the earth.

I just kinda stumbled upon this book and thought it was amazing. Rust displays murals for every type of room. As mentioned in some of the other reviews, this is not a "how-to" book per-se. But the reader can learn quite a lot from seeing how this master goes about his art. Everything you need to know is there except the actual rendering techniques. But he does explain how most of the murals were set up and designed. I highly recommend this book. Especially if you can find the hardcover. The softcover is a little too soft and I'm afraid its not the most durable book I've ever seen. But get it anyway and just be careful with the covers.

This is a truly beautiful book with lots of inspiration for all the do-it-yourselfers out there. It is not though at a level that anyone who is not a professional could even begin to do. The paintings are so beautiful and so detailed that it will delight anyone looking at it!

This artist is incredible and the book, print, designs, layout -- everything is top notch. I doubt I could ever reproduce such an incredible level of expertise (not exactly a how-to book) but I would buy again just for the sheer pleasure and inspiration!

As a professional mural painter, I've found "The Painted House", by Graham Rust, to be an excellent idea source book. In fact, it's the best I've found to date. The illustrations are not only imaginative, but extremely rich in detail. My only complaint would be that at times he shows the original sketch without showing the finished product. Otherwise, I've found the book to be extremely helpful and I'm ready for Vol. 2.