Masters’ passion in creating playful and dreamy scenes and trompe l’oeil effects (French for trick of the eye) on walls and floors has become her profession.

Masters, owner of The Masters Touch in Cincinnati, has been painting murals for more than 25 years. Her work has been featured in several national magazines, including the premier issue of Birds & Bloom and Architectural Digest.

"I have been painting all my life," she said. "And I love it."

Masters, who was known by the name Sharon Freeland when she attended Alton High School in the 1960s, periodically returns to Alton to visit her sister, Becky Wrischnik.

In Wrischnik’s house, Masters created a mural of an Italian landscape in the living room on two walls.

"I am always updating when I come," she said. "There is always something new to add."

She also painted her signature open window that simulates a breeze coming inside with a fluttering curtain. Outside her sister’s house, Masters painted a propane tank to blend in with its surroundings. There are vines and shrubs painted so well one has to look hard to know where the natural plants stop and her work of art begins.

She said she always brings paint to any of her family or friends’ homes. "It’s so I can leave my mark," she said.

Masters has even created faux finishes inside Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin’s house.

"I have worked on his house many times," she said. "I have painted 16 coumns of faux marble and a faux marble fireplace mantle."

She said most people believe that the marble is real. Her attention to detail makes her work stand out.

Masters’ education includes studying in Nice, France, at the Atelier D’art Mural School, MacMurray College, Southern Illinois University and the University of Cincinnati and the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

Today, Masters teaches workshops on how to create your own murals.

She said that instead of simply hanging pictures on the wall, she encourages people to use their imagination.

"If you are creative and paint smaller craft items, you can create a mural," Masters said.

She said a mural takes more time, more paint and – most important- more planning.

"Search through art books and magazines for ideas," she said. "And keep a notebook of reference material that inspires you."

Masters said a mural should be explored from all vantage points, much like a sculpture. She said murals should be planned so the viewer is drawn to one part of the painting as they enter the room and are encouraged to explore the rest.

She said there are books showing how to paint murals, and she has written several step-by-step books.

"Don’t worry about making mistakes," Masters said. ‘I always tell my students and employees, "we do not make mistakes, we make adjustments.’"