David, Author at Plaster Artistry

Venetian Plaster Fifth Wall Ceiling Ultraviolet

Venetian Plaster and the Fifth Wall

Venetian Plaster and the Fifth Wall Have you ever heard of the Fifth Wall in Interior Decorating speak? Ceilings are the fifth wall. Ignored in the US, they’re usually left a bland and barren white. A good interior designer will take cues from the Europeans on good ceiling treatment. European Ceilings vs. US Ceilings Europeans almost always tint their ceilings, and whether they are a subtle color just lighter than the walls, or whether they make a bold statement, the…

Just a Pinch or Two, Please?

Just a Pinch or Two, Please? Pinch? Yes, we had heard of it happening in Italy, but.. really? Seriously, it does happen, and it DID happen! Being from America, we could hardly comprehend that such behavior was considered (at least by many Italians) to be acceptable. The Pinch – Adventures in Venice, Italy What is the pinch in question? Allora, if you must ask, you may not know Italian men very well. Yep, when they see a woman’s nice derriere,…

So, What are Zebra Walks in Italy?

So, What is a Zebra Walk in Italy? A Zebra Walk by any other name… Just ask any native of Verona, Italy, if they are “Shakespearean” in all things – or just as the beautiful setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”. This is a true story about the Zebra Walk. Can you guess that it is not about a wild animal park? Or Italian Designer shoes? Hmm. In Italy, this is not a zebra walk: In Italy, this is not…

Could You Pass an Italian Driving Class?

Could You Pass an Italian Driving Class? Yes, I know that you took Drivers’ Ed in high school. You probably aced it. No tickets on your driving record? Great for you if true, he-he! Now, get ready for… “Italian Driving Style 101”. What is different about driving in Italy, you ask? Don’t they know right from left – unlike the UK? Right, uh, correct, yes they do. They have stop signs and traffic lights, right? Well, sort of. They just…

Fiat – Is It Really a “FEE-ott”?

Fiat – Is It Really a “FEE-ott”? There we were, Gail and I, with Filippo, owner and driver of a new model Fiat. It was nice, and comfortable for a small car. Filippo was driving us in and around Verona, Italy, for the grand tour. For Filippo, it seemed that driving was more of a non-contact demolition race. Yes, he is certainly an interesting driver. LOL! Rules for driving in Italy? Sort of like “Rules in a knife fight?” a…