Interview with Ronald Elling: expert in creative wall art & artisan painting

How did you become involved with creative wall art?

During a job, I was asked if there was an alternative to tiles in a bathroom. After some research, we came across microcement, and although I had no experience with it, I decided to give it a try and took a course in wall art. That’s how I got into it, really.

What makes your plaster designs stand out from standard plasterwork?

My work goes a step beyond standard plastering. Instead of preparing smooth walls for painting or wallpapering, I actually create the end result straight away. I use non-standard techniques that require a great deal of precision and craftsmanship.

Can you explain how your custom decorative walls are made?

Customisation is achieved by listening carefully to the customer’s wishes and working together to find a combination of, for example, wall finishes with specialist plasterwork that matches their style.

Once it is clear what the customer wants, we get to work with, among other things, stencils that are stuck to the wall and then filled with plaster. After removing the stencils, the pattern remains. Some wall art consist of eight to nine layers and take up to a week for just one wall.

In addition to wall art, you also specialize in artisan painting. What techniques do you use in painting that make your work unique?

I use techniques such as applying gold leaf, lettering, wood and marble imitation. Of course, I only use a small proportion of all the techniques I have mastered. Some techniques are very specialised and less frequently used.

How did you get started with lettering, and what appeals to you about it?

You can use it on front doors for house numbers or family names, for example, and you often see it on classic townhouses or 1930s homes. It’s really beautiful work; it gives personality to a home or (office) building. I offer it as standard wherever possible, but the style of the building determines whether it is appropriate.

What is the biggest challenge as a wall artist or artisan painter?

My work is characterised by tangible, visible depth. Techniques such as stencils, spatulas and layers create unique structures that cannot be replicated with paint or wallpaper. This requires a great deal of technical knowledge, craftsmanship and the ability to coordinate various disciplines effectively. Continuing to train to maintain all my skills is also a challenge.

Another challenge is that clients sometimes only call me in once the project is already underway, whereas getting involved at the right moment during a refurbishment or renovation is crucial to my work. By then, it is often too late to integrate my work properly. It is important that I am involved in the design process at an early stage, which is why I like to work with stylists or architects. This allows us to inform the customer in advance about the possibilities in terms of creative wall art and painting and to fully meet their wishes.

Do you often collaborate with interior architects or designers for your custom projects?

More and more often, especially now that I have built up more brand awareness with my specialisations outside of standard painting work. Fortunately, some stylists know where to find me, but there are still many opportunities for potential collaborations. Awareness is growing, especially through social media, word of mouth and contractors. But I am certainly open to new collaborations. I think many homeowners are still unfamiliar with the possibilities that exist beyond regular painting or wallpapering.

You mention that continuing to develop your techniques is very important in your field. How do you stay up to date with trends and skills?

By continuing to practise and train regularly to maintain your skills, especially in specialist work where the technique has to be very precise. Even if you haven’t had a job involving a highly specialised technique for a long time, you still need to find ways to keep training, otherwise you may lose certain skills.

Working with colleagues also helps to keep your knowledge up to date. Social media helps me to stay inspired.

What is a project that brought together all your disciplines, plastering, wall art, painting and lettering?

My brother’s house, which I finished from top to bottom with painting, wallpapering, wall art and lettering. That’s a project I’m really proud of!

What details make the difference between good work and true craftsmanship for you?

The difference lies in the finish, choosing the right tools and ensuring that everything is correct from start to finish. Craftsmanship also means that you can distinguish yourself through the precision with which you work. Craftsmanship is always reflected in the end result — you cannot fake it.

How important is the use of high-quality tools, such as brushes and paint, for your specialisations?

Very important. For years, I have been using certain brands that I trust, such as Staalmeester brushes. Good materials help to achieve a smooth, high-quality result and contribute to the quality of my work.

Why do you choose to use Staalmeester® brushes in your work?

The important thing is to discover what best suits your style and technique. In my career, I have worked with different paint brands and tools, but I always find myself coming back to Staalmeester brushes. They work well with the materials I use and I trust their quality. The One by Staalmeester® series in particular allows you to take your work to a uniquely high level.

In your opinion, how does the One by Staalmeester® series differ from other types of brushes?

The One series brushes are very soft, which ensures a smooth finish. No other brand can match this quality. In addition, the One series also includes a number of artist brushes for work such as lettering and gold leaf. Perfect for my profession!

In addition to wall art and artisan painting, you also do regular painting work. Do you use different types of brushes for that?

My favourite brushes for lacquering are undoubtedly the Staalmeester® Original series (2010) round brushes, which I have been using since my apprenticeship. They are nice and flexible and ensure a beautiful, even finish, even with the newer generations of paints. For interior painting – especially on wooden doors – I like to combine the Original series brushes with the One series spalters (1050) from Staalmeester®, which I use to neatly lay-off the paint. My colleagues are now also convinced, and they all use their own set from the One series for both specialist work and lacquering.

What advice would you give to young professionals who want to specialise in artisan painting or wall art?

Make sure you have a solid foundation, because craftsmanship starts with learning the fundamental techniques. Invest in yourself and dare to specialise, even if it takes time and money to take courses or training programmes.

In addition, networking and selling yourself well are also essential, perhaps just as important as craftsmanship these days. But remember, the best advertisement is always the work you deliver.