Jersey Mural Journal
Mural Techniques, Materials and Tutorials
This is my Jersey Mural Journal Blog where I write about my work as a muralist, my mural and decorative painting techniques, my materials and my experiences.
How To Draw Fairies: using models in your murals and paintings
The Tree Fairy in the South Window Mural from our Castle Series of printed murals.
I am very particular about the way my fairies are rendered. If the proportions of the arms and legs are off or if the hand looks vaguely like a claw, it detracts and doesn’t pass muster. There’s only one way to get it right and if I try to skip this step, it only wastes time and causes frustration. I must have a model. Fortunately, I have ready access to several lovely volunteers. (more…)
The Evolution of an Italian Garden: a mural for a hallway
Italian Garden mural, installed
I thought it would be fun to share the evolution of a mural from conception to completion. Our client asked us to create a view of an Italian Garden, specifically to include a fountain. We looked at images of fountains and gardens to create a composite sketch. Very excited about having a mural and a little apprehensive about getting it right, they called the next day with a change of plan. Instead of a garden, they wanted to see a panoramic view of the mountains and a body of water. No problem, we replied, you can have both the intimacy of a garden and a panoramic view. (more…)
Painting Realistic Clouds: a beautiful sky & clouds for a nursery
Palette for Sky and Cloud Colors
I viewed a video posted by Morgan Bricca that gave me some great tips for painting clouds. I pride myself in how realistic my clouds are, but Morgan has developed a formula that makes it really easy and she was generous enough to share it.
Royal Monogram: a nursery gets the royal treatment in a mural
We were asked to design a monogram in a nursery over the baby’s crib. First, we made an appointment to look at the room and decide how the monogram would look best. With a tape measure, we looked at the area the design would span. We wanted to make an impressive statement without looking gargantuan or, on the other hand, too diminutive and delicate.
Custom monogram, painted in Incan Gold metallic paint by Ronan. The blue is custom mixed to match the coverlet.
Jersey Shore Beach Mural: your own private stretch of beach
Jersey Shore Beach Mural: Ocean Sunrise by Murals & Moldings
We know that the couple who commissioned this mural for their home last year must be enjoying the warmth of it right about now! (more…)
Wood-grained Mantle: a faux finish for a fireplace
Sixteen foot high overmantle, painted and glazed in a faux wood grain.
Our client enjoyed a very special Christmas in their new home this year. We completed the 16 foot high mantle over the fireplace in their Family Room in time for the holidays. It was originally painted white, now transformed with paint and 2 passes of oil glaze to a rich, warm wood grain. (more…)
Magical Forest Mural: the sugarplum fairy on a little girl’s wall
Sample board showing a branch of a tree, a sugarplum and a fairy.
The beginning of the Magical Forest Mural with Sugarplum Fairies (more…)
Print Rooms for the 21st Century: of pooches & powder rooms
MacKenzie Childs Shot
Helen Morris, co-founder of stencil-library.com, wrote a very exciting article in the Summer issue of The Faux Finisher about Print Rooms. The Stencil Library has reinvented the tradition of displaying prints and small portraits on a wall that was popular with English aristocracy. Their designs are so inspiring, I want to order a stencil and cover a wall asap! (more…)
Plaster Relief Motifs: decorating with custom stencils, plaster & paint
Gold Acanthus Coffered Ceiling
Often, the design work we do for a client will require that we design a motif specifically for them and cut a stencil for it by hand. I love offering this because it makes the work so special and unique. I also love my electric stencil stylus! If I had to cut stencils the old fashioned way (a sharp exacto knife), my hands and fingers would pay a steep price. We order our stylus from PJ’s Stencils, found on the internet. (more…)
Columns & Corinthian Planters: finishes and transformations
Corinthian Planters: Before
These two small Corinthian style planters were a recent acquisition at a yard sale for $2.00. Don and I thought they would look great if they were actually mounted on 3 foot columns. Our neighbor was having the columns on her front porch replaced and was happy to contribute her old columns to our art project. (more…)