Ronald Layman, murals, imitation wood graining, painted marble finishes
Ronald Layman – Decorative Painter & Artisan
Ronald Layman is a fourth-generation decorative painter and master craftsman specializing in timeless, hand-applied finishes. With over 25 years of professional experience, Ronald has brought beauty, depth, and elegance to residential, commercial, and historic spaces throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.
His expertise includes Venetian plaster, Italian lime plasters, scagliola, gilding, murals, imitation woodgraining, and marble finishes. From restoring centuries-old architectural elements to creating stunning contemporary focal points, Ronald’s work blends Old World tradition with modern artistry. Every surface is approached with care, detail, and a deep respect for craftsmanship.
Ronald is also the founder of The Faux School, a premier training studio in Frederick, Maryland, where he teaches the next generation of artisans the fine art of decorative finishing. His work has been featured in prestigious institutions, private estates, and artistic commissions that require unmatched precision and passion.
If you’re seeking finishes that go beyond paint—work that tells a story, elevates a space, and honors heritage—Ronald Layman is the artist to bring your vision to life.
Welcome
A Mural That Welcomes the World to Frederick I’m painting a 100-foot-long hand-crafted mural at 306 E Patrick Street — and you can be part of it. This Art Nouveau-inspired landmark will welcome thousands to Historic Downtown Frederick every day. Sponsor a brick, leave your name, or become a top-tier supporter.
Projects
Click the image for more details about each project
Projects
Pool House roof Leesburg, VA
Lime Paint/ Lime Wash Darnestown, MD
Selma Masnion, Leeesburg, VA
Woodgrained doors Middleburg, VA
Walkersville, MD
Shjorter, AL
Snakeman’s tattoo Frederick, MD
The Johm F. Kennedy Center for Preforming Arts
Hollywood Casino, Charlestown, WV
PAinted ceiling Ijamsville, MD
Oak woodgraining, Helena, MT
Rustic plaster, Greenville, NC
Latest Blog & Articles
Nieman Eisman: The Unsung Maestro of Sideshow Banner Art In the golden age of American carnivals, one artist painted the pulse of public spectacle better than most. Nieman Eisman (active c. 1910–1956) was a Chicago‑based sideshow banner painter whose electrifying canvases brought the ballyhoo of the midway to vivid life. While names like Fred Johnson and Snap Wyatt often steal…
Snap Wyatt: The Bold Brush of the Sideshow World Snap Wyatt: The Bold Brush of the Sideshow World In the colorful, gritty world of American circus and carnival history, few names stand as tall as Snap Wyatt. Born Charles J. Wyatt in 1905, he would become one of the most prolific and recognizable banner painters…
Fred G. Johnson: The Grandfather of Sideshow Banner Art When we think of the golden age of American circus and carnival culture, vivid images of freak shows, daredevils, and exotic oddities come to mind—often accompanied by massive, colorful banners shouting promises of the unbelievable. Behind many of these hand-painted spectacles stood one man: Fred G.…
