Welcome to Finishes First, the online portfolio of Patricia Swanson, Decorative Artist. Before you enter, please heed this warning: As you travel throughout this site, you may not like everything you see… and that is as it should be. You will find that Patricia’s work is as versatile and different as her many many clients. Each job has been created to reflect that particular client’s style and sensibility. But don’t worry – there is much to enjoy. And even for those styles that don’t reflect your own, please do notice the consistent attention to detail, and the master-level craftsmanship.

After an initial meeting with a client or interior designer, and a signed proposal –Patricia begins to create sample boards. Custom mixing her own pigments, plasters, and glazes, these boards are created in the colors and textures of the actual finish for that specific job. No two jobs are alike. Often times for motif work, sample drawings are created to scale; and sometimes for mural assignments, maquettes may be created. During Patricia’s several initial meetings with the client, these boards are checked and re-checked – then the job is scheduled, and the finish is created to match the agreed-upon sample.