Maria Rachiele is the owner of Central Florida School of Decorative Finishes and the primary teacher. She has degrees in fine art and interior design and is a member of the Stencil Artisans League - a professional stenciling and faux finishing organization. She has owned a very successful business as a freelance artist doing faux finishing and mural painting for over a decade. Maria has continually studied new finishes and products to keep abreast of the latest faux finishing techniques. Her studies include a trip to Italy to work and study in a 350-year-old villa. Maria's specialty is "Trompe L'oeil" or super-realistic painting which "fools the eye" into thinking that what is sees is really there. Although Maria is extremely passionate about her art, she has maintained a relaxed and casual style of teaching. Her goal is to have her students enjoy faux finishing as much as she has.

Marlene Byerly has a background in interior design. She owned a design business for twenty years before changing her career to art. She works locally with Maria and also on the East coast doing faux finishing and murals. Marlene is a member of the Stencil Artisans League and has traveled and studied extensively. Her specialties are stenciling and faux wood-graining.

Maria is now taking limited local projects, both commercial and residential. Call for an appointment: 407-496-3595