Ron Ames began to paint with oils and mixed media while attending Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. Under the guidance of a commercial art instructor, he studied composition and perspective in the installation of public murals in the Los Angeles area.

In 1985, he expanded his artistic skills studying under Ina Brosseau and Allan Marx of the nationally famous “The Finishing School” of New York.  He studied the theory and application of such decorative and Trompe L'Oeil painting skills as marbling, patinas, wood graining, wall glazing, composition and blending of custom colors, to name a few.  

Ron has also trained extensively with Stewart Cubley, co-founder with Michell Cassou, of “The Painting Experience Studio” of San Francisco and author of the book, Life, Paint And Passion; Reclaiming The Magic Of Spontaneous Expression.   In addition, he has completed workshops with William Cochran, renowned public muralist who created The Bridge Mural in Frederick, MD, as well as a variety of European artists to ensure that he is well-versed in the latest techniques and materials.

Since 1987, Ron has been actively providing cutting-edge wall installations to the area and maintains his high level of excellence by regularly attending national and local workshops on contemporary faux products and techniques. 

His fine art has been exhibited at the Bergamont Art Station in Santa Monica, New Millennium Art Gallery in San Diego, Museum of Contemporary Art, Georgetown DC, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, Rockville, Rap Gallery in Rockville, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, and the Virginia Beach Art Museum. 

He participated in the 1990 Tidewater Builders Association Home-A-Rama and shared the Silver Award for best small booth design with “Mary and Me Interiors” at the 1992 Tidewater Builders Association Mid-Atlantic Home and Garden Show.   

Ron also participated in the 1990 and 1992 Haynes’ Furniture Expo where, in collaboration with three different architects, he supervised a crew of other decorative artists to create large scale set designs featuring three distinct themes: French country cottage, English Regency Townhouse, and Italian pavilion.  In these sets, the  team incorporated a wide variety of faux finishes, textured wall coverings, murals, and Trompe L’Oeil effects.  He has also participated in a number of Washington, DC Metro area Showcase Home events including the 2004 Center for Family Development Showcase in Bethesda, MD and The Lawn at Lawyers Hill, the Historic Ellicott City, Inc. 22nd Annual Decorator Show House in 2006. 

Ron offers classes in faux painting and has taught at such venues as Plaza Art Store in Rockville, the Chrysler Museum, and the Interior Design Students League at the Tidewater Community College in Virginia.  His work has been published in The Faux Finisher (a national magazine for decorative finishing professionals), Portfolio Magazine, and the Gazette and Virginia Beach Pilot newspapers. 

As a professional Color and Concept Consultant and a Decorative Artist, Ron is an invaluable asset both working one on one with residential clients as well as working as part of a team with architects, builders, and interior designers to provide clients with creative environments.  

Ron's Fine Art