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Painting

Murals solve problems beautifully

By Helen Doane and Dale Michaels Wade

 
For your next renovation, put down the plans, the saw and the hammer and consider the possibilities of paint. To solve a remodeling dilemma or to create an area of special interest, a mural may be the answer. Murals have been used for 10,000 years, starting with cave dwellers drawing on walls to leave messages. Wall paintings progressed through the flat figures painted by Egyptians and Greeks to the more realistic renderings of the Renaissance and on to the full range of styles of today.
 
Difficult areas
Many homes or businesses have areas presenting difficulties that could be addressed by painting a mural, without the cost and mess of a major building project. Consider visual deception for a small room, a hallway without windows or a basement, all areas that could be transformed by using a mural or any number of trompe l’oeil effects (French for “to fool the eye”). Painting a faux window or door with a scene will “open” the room, lead the eye outward and give the impression of space while beautifying and customizing the area. Create architectural interest and dimension in an otherwise boring room by painting faux moldings, columns and pediments.

Walls that are not in perfect condition can accommodate a mural by executing the mural on canvas or panels that can be affixed to the wall. This also allows the mural to be removed and taken along to a new location. Ceilings and floors are frequently overlooked as areas where a mural can be painted to change the look and feel of a room. A painted sky with trellis, vines and flowers can “raise” a ceiling and lighten a room. A concrete floor can become flagstone, wood or even a fishpond. A floor in a large room can create a more intimate feeling with parquet inlay, all created with paint.
 
Personal style
Murals can add value in a unique way by reflecting the style of the owner. The subject of the mural may emphasize the function of the room (dining, kitchen, spa). It may become a “portrait” of the owner by including special interests, hobbies, locations, personal history or pets. The painting style, colors and intensity combine with the mural subject and location to create a matchless expression of personality.
 
Contracting a muralist
Create an idea folder to define colors, patterns, styles and shapes that interest you. Pick a few ideas for the subject matter. Keep photos you have taken, rip pages from magazines and add any other visual aids to help the artist understand what you like. Be as specific as possible in the initial contact meeting to ensure more productivity, but allow time and freedom for discussion of ideas with the muralist.

Have an idea about where you want the mural painted. Discuss with the artist which location and surface (wall, floor, ceiling) will be the best for perspective and to accomplish your goal. Do you want to give the impression of more space, bring color into a desolate area, add architectural features or make a room more intimate?
Think about the colors and styles you particularly like/dislike. Do you want your mural bold or muted, stylized or realistic, a trompe l’oeil illusion, a silhouette or a subtly colored vista to create a mood? Discuss everything with the artist.

Decide whether it is more appropriate to paint the mural directly on the surface of the area or on canvas.

Ask to see a portfolio of recent work. Photographs will help you decide if you like the artist’s style. If possible, view the artists’ work in situ. Check references. Discuss the planning process. Find out whether you will get a full-color scale painting of the mural or a simple line drawing. Make sure you are presented with the rendering for your approval before the project begins.

Discuss the price and payment schedule. Expect to pay per square foot, with the price varying according to the detail involved. Expect to pay a minimum of $1,500 for a mural. Vignettes may cost less, depending on the amount of painting and detail. Expect to make an initial payment for the work. If the mural is large, you may make interval payments as well as a final payment upon satisfactory completion. The better the planning, communication and color samples are, the better the working relationship and the final result will be.

Have fun. Murals are your own personal statement, as well as a great solution to a problem area.

Helen Doane and Dale Michaels Wade began their Orleans-based decorative painting business, Two Decorative Painters, more than 15 years ago. Their expertise includes hand-painted murals, trompe l’oeil, faux finishes and stenciling. See www.twodecorativepainters.com.

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