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Text Box: Muralist gains momentum with recent Topsail projects March 02,2006 Dorian Gibson  Topsail Advertiser To look at one of Tonia Michno’s paintings is breath-taking (to say the least), and if you ever have the chance to walk into a house or room displaying one of her murals be ready for a life-altering experience. Vivid colors and textures characterize the work of this Harnett County native, who said she has been vacationing in the Topsail area for the last 15 summers. Michno said her creative urge was spawned at age 10 when her mother bought her an art set. "I just jumped into it, and that’s all I ever wanted to do -- paint," Michno said. Michno further honed her skills in college as a Fine Arts major, and she still attends classes to keep her skills growing. Working in her preferred media of acrylics and oils, 20 years of effort have culminated in a new concept for Michno -- mural painting. Recently Michno has started a huge project for the Stancil Builders in North Topsail Beach, a 30-foot mural for their beach house that includes two bathrooms, the master bedroom and two ceilings. Michno said she has had so much fun with the Stancil project she wants to do more of these large projects. "The houses are just beautiful in this area, they are designed to have these kind of murals in them," said Michno, pointing out the windows at the water. "I have been painting murals for four years now, and I love painting tropical scenes. I feel this is a perfect area for the tropical scenes." Michno said that murals are a perfect opportunity to utilize the large entry walls in these beach homes. "I enjoy being able to see the murals through the large window from outside or just driving by on the road," adds Michno. Michno said she feels this is the perfect way to customize a house. She has a portfolio of ideas to pull from, and can filter any idea exposed to her through her unique lens. The mural form is one she said utilizes her love of bright, tropical colors and movement. "You create a smooth transition from room to room, it’s not choppy," Michno said. To date, Michno has done more than 150 murals in all sizes, and faux finishes are also a part of her repertoire. Over the course of her career, Michno has also worked on posters and portraits. She has won several awards, and recently started her own business, The Barefoot Artist. In the works is a series of illustrations for a children’s book. Growing her clientele through word of mouth, Michno said she stays busy traveling throughout the state, she said. She also noted that increased demand for her work has led to requests from here to Florida. She added that painting murals excites and inspires her, and that her skills grow with each new project. "Every house is different, and that’s what makes this fun," she said. Michno is presently working on a series of Topsail Island beach scenes, and she said she hopes to have an exhibition soon to display her work. For more information, you can visit Michno’s Web site at www.thebarefootartist.com, or call her at 910-890-0552.