19th century itinerate painter mystery

[LadyShea]

I thought Wildy and livius might have an interest in this, but not have looked at my vacation thread

Anyway, when we were in Boone, NC we got a private tour of this Historic Farmhouse (http://www.wataugademocrat.com/2006/0821web/blairhousecluesmaysolvesearch.php3) where they found beautiful stencils under the wallpaper, drywall, and milkpaint.

The artist remains a mystery so it's an interesting story as well.

[livius drusus]

The murals are gorgeous. That blue is like something you'd find in Versailles. I wish there were itinerant geniuses around now willing to make your house a palace for 10 bucks.

Also interesting is that milk-based whitewash. I wonder how they made it.

[LadyShea]

You can buy milk paints still, many use it during restorations, and I found a recipe even

1870 Milk Paint Formula (http://www.pioneerthinking.com/milkpaint.html)

* 1 Quart skim milk (room temperature)
* 1 Once of hydrated lime by weight (Available at building centers. Do not use quick lime, as it will react with the water and heat up. Hydrated lime has been soaked in water then dried.)
* 1 to 2 1/2 pounds of chalk may also be added as a filler.

Stir in enough skim milk to hydrated lime to make a cream. Add balance of skim milk. Now add sufficient amount of powder pigment to desired color and consistency (Pigment powder must be limeproof). Stir in well for a few minutes before using. For best results continue to stir throughout use.

Apply milk paint with a cheap natural bristle brush. Allow project to dry sufficiently before applying next coat.

Extra paint may be kept for several days in the refrigerator, until the milk sours.

Double or triple the recipe for paint. Allow to dry thoroughly 3-4 hours before use. For extra protection, give paint a coat of oil finish or sealer. Color may change - test in inconspicuous area.

[Ymir's blood]

My route home from work usually takes me along Deerfield Road, but I can't seem to place where this house is. It's not on the corner at US321 is it? There's an old house there, but it's covered in No Trespassing signs.

[LadyShea]

My route home from work usually takes me along Deerfield Road, but I can't seem to place where this house is. It's not on the corner at US321 is it? There's an old house there, but it's covered in No Trespassing signs.

It's on a corner and there is a light there. The house has dormer windows, and a large Oak (Live Oak maybe?) in the yard and a couple out outbuildings.

It's right near a golf course. Look up Blairmont Drive on Google Maps. This house is on the corner of it and Deerfield



ETA: We passed the house you mean several times and I commented on what a shame it's being left to rot...that's in the same general neighborhood.

[Ymir's blood]

I know where Blairmont is, after looking at Google Maps. The nearest light is at State Farm Road. I'll look for it next time I drive through there.

[LadyShea]

I know where Blairmont is, after looking at Google Maps. The nearest light is at State Farm Road. I'll look for it next time I drive through there.

Maybe it's not a light. I could see it from the first house on the right on Blairmont

[Caligulette]

That is beautiful - and using smoke to create marbling effects is something.