EXCLUSIVE: Hunger Games/ Vampire Diaries Set Artist Loves Brick-Anew

Renee Lesselroth Roberts

Renee Lesselroth Roberts’ career has been a wild ride.  She’s worked as a scenic artist on movie sets, built a business faux painting walls, cabinets and furniture, and created her own original art using a variety of mediums.  But that’s just the beginning for this Atlanta-based artist.  Her passion comes through as she talks about her work.

What is your favorite kind of art to create?

I’ve always loved painting realistic scenes, animals, and people’s faces.  As I get older I’m finding that I like to paint abstract designs.  I enjoy multi-texture mediums that involve mica, acrylics, paper mache, glazes,  gold- leafing and lots of  metallics.

What types of faux painting have you done?

For 18 years I’ve specialized in faux finishes.  I’ve faux painted cabinets and furniture to look antique and I’ve even painted a pool deck to look like cobblestone.  I’ve also painted walls to have a distressed, old world, Tuscan look.

How was your work on the television set of “The Vampire Diaries”?

It was a lot of fun.  I created caves out of styrofoam, mud, and moss.  We used hot glue and glue guns to create spider webs. I spent a lot of time painting tombstones.  It got a little stressful when the director would call me over in the middle of a scene when something didn’t look right on camera and I had to fix it.  I had to have a bag of tricks up my sleeve to fix any problem quickly since all the actors would be standing around waiting and watching.

What about “The Hunger Games” movie set?

I had to make everything look old.  The set had new walls and I had to use a variety of
paint techniques to make them look either distressed, or to resemble wood, stone,  or marble.  Sometimes it took layers and layers of paint to get the look I wanted.

You tried the Brick-Anew Paint Kit on a brick fireplace for one of your clients.  What do you think about the results?

The results were amazing. My client wanted to get rid of the dark colored brick in her den but wanted to keep the real brick look.  I didn’t have much time to spend on the project so I thought I’d try the Brick Anew Brick Fireplace Painting System.  We chose the twilight taupe, a light taupe/tan combination, which would lighten up her room.  The kit took out all the guesswork and trial and error.  The paint colors were perfect for the project.  There was no blending or trying to match colors.  The paint had the perfect sheen - not too shiny and not too flat so it really looked like real brick.  The paint was formulated to adhere to the brick so there would be no chipping or peeling.  There was no odor and a short drying time.   The clean up was a breeze.  I’d definitely recommend this product to anyone.  You don’t have to be an artist to use it, that’s for sure!

What do you plan to do next?
 
I plan on having a showing of my artwork this spring in Atlanta.  I have some acrylic
paintings on canvas and some other multi-texture art that will be on display.  I’m excited to finish the pieces I’m working on so I can put them in the show.

Reveling in the beauty of what used to be an ugly beast.

My husband and I purchased a house 2 years ago with the ugliest floor to ceiling brick fireplace. It was truly a dark, dreary eye sore and since our living room and dining room are a large open space it made both rooms look like a dungeon.

Last week I ordered your product in the twilight taupe. I should note, It was very helpful to have everything you need bundled up into one package, right down to the masking tape! The base coat took FOREVER, apparently we have a very porous fireplace. I ended up priming it first and then applying the base coat paint.

With that said, I am astounded by the difference in our fireplace after using brick-anew. The video was extremely helpful in understanding the steps. The results are still fantastic!

The photos speak for themselves! Unbelievable! I bought the clear coat and will apply that soon, for now I just revel in the beauty of what used to be an ugly beast. Feel free to share them.

Thank you! -  Julie R.

Afraid to Paint your Brick Fireplace?

This was an easier project then I thought. This product is amazing! I can't believe I didn't do this sooner! These are the most recent comments and letters that I have received after months of showing off my how to paint brick and keep it looking like brick. Brick Paint is not to be feared, just look at the amazing results. They are all over my blog. Not only have I personally helped with doing a lot of these fireplaces but I have also posted a photo of my own fireplace. You may be intimidated to get started but there is truly nothing to worry about. The brick paint kits that I have used repeatedly for many months now come with an easy to follow DVD and all the supplies you need to get your old brick fireplace modernized and warming your comfort room this season.

Here is Peg's letter to me last week:

"We’re so happy with these results. This is a remarkable product! I was nervous to start this project, but once I started it was so fast and easy. Everyone thinks this is the natural color of the brick. I’ve wanted to do something to this fireplace for years and was about to give in and just paint it when I found your website. Thank you for a great product!" - Peg

Peg used: Twilight Taupe

Why not add a beautiful new fireplace glass door while you are making things more beautiful in your home? Right now the cost's are down before the colder weather set's in. You can replace your glass