The Rickie Report often receives questions and we look forward to bringing new information to all of our readers. In response to a number of inquiries, we asked Julia Longwell to share her expertise in transforming an entire room by using paint.  Julia is a well known artist in her own right.  Recently, she formed a new business with her husband, German (pronounced “Herman”) to do just that.  The Rickie Report shares here.

Using Paint to Transform a Space

Working with a significant other may be is a risky move for any relationship, but Lake Worth husband-and-wife duo Julia Longwell and German (pronounced “Herman”) Lopez have found that the business they formed last year, Lopez Longwell Painting and Fine Interiors, Inc.  has opened a whole new path. 

Julia Longwell and German (“Herman” )  Lopez

German comes from three generations of highly skilled Honduran artisans specializing in carpentry and furniture making and has 15 years experience in custom finish painting, including murals and faux finishes.

Floral Painting by Julia Longwell

Julia functions as color and design consultant, drawing on her fine arts degree in painting from Pratt Institute, the renowned Brooklyn, New York, art school founded in 1887, and she manages the home office. “We’ve discovered we have a real knack for working together. We balance each other out,” Julia notes. “And customer service and satisfaction is our number one priority. A happy customer will not hesitate to recommend us to friends and relatives and we’ve found that’s the best kind of networking there is!”

TRR: How do you help people choose a color for their walls?   

GL:  

Most clients already have a good idea about what they want. If a client is really lost and just needs a little change I usually suggest a bright or more intense color on one wall only as accent.

Lower photo shows “Before”. Upper photo shows “After”

TRR:  Are there different types of paint for different types of walls ( cement, sheet rock, outside, inside) ?

GL:

Yes, there are many different kinds of paint… Interior, Exterior, can be in Latex (acrylic) or Oil based. There is Flat, Eggshell, Satin, Semi- Gloss, and Gloss to choose for the sheen of the paint. Generally the flat is for the ceiling; Eggshell or Satin, for the walls; Semi-Gloss or Gloss for details like trim, base boards, crown moldings and doors.

Lower Photo shows “Before”. Upper Photo shows “After” Close-up

TRR:  What kinds of paints are available when people have breathing issues ?

GL:

Yes there are a variety of paints available from different manufactures that are low VOC and low-oder paints, which give off  less chemicals than normal paints. These are great in homes with elderly, young children, pregnant women, or just anyone who wants a less toxic environment. 

TRR:  Tell us more about the furniture refinishing

JL:

 

German can repair wood furniture to match or he can re-stain, re-paint… whatever the client wants. He usually does repair work in studio so he would pick up the piece have a consult with client and then return the piece when finished.

 

“Before and After”

 

Lopez Longwell Painting is able to offer high quality jobs for a reasonable price because German does most work himself. They can adapt to the needs of the customer, elderly, young children, or even seasonal homeowners.  They have done jobs as large as a church complex to only refinishing a front door. The firm feels strongly that the customer should know the full scope of the work up front, including costs, and what to expect as the work progresses. Constant feedback between the two and with the customers keep the lines of communication open.

St. Christopher Church Complex

Julia and German have some company in the studio, too. Budding artists Milena, 4, and German, Jr., almost 2 years old, have their easels set up in the studio right alongside their parents. This family enjoys Lake Worth’s art vibe and as Milena puts it “My daddy fix everything!”

Welcome to the Studio!

More information can be found on their website lopezlongwellpainting.com and on Facebook Page Lopez Longwell Painting. All estimates are free so contact them at lopezlongwellpainting@gmail.com or 561 307 1458. They also share studio space where German works on furniture refinishing and Julia continues her art career. Her paintings can be seen on Facebook page Julia Longwell Fine Art — and in an upcoming Solo show opening July 11th at Terebinth Gallery Coffee House located at 300 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401  or 561-342-1332.  The Opening Reception will be held from 7 – 10 pm.  The public is welcome!

Painting by Julia Longwell

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Rickie Leiter, Publisher

The Rickie Report

P.O.Box 33423

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Rickie@therickiereport.com

561-537-0291