Lisa’s Mural Process
I have found that my customers need a complete visual display of the finished piece before I even begin the actual large (sometimes 25 feet long) panels on canvas which are then mounted on their walls. I do this by creating detailed, to-scale “sketches” of each proposed rendering of each wall. When these sketches are approved, I can drop them onto photographs of the walls using Photoshop, giving them an excellent preview of how it will look.
The end product is a completely original, hand painted piece of art which transforms the entire room, but doesn’t shock the homeowner. Because I paint these on canvas panels in my studio, the installation is relatively quick – usually one day – so the transformation is stunning. If it was something other than what they expected it could be a HUGE disappointment to them, but because I am working from sketches they have approved and have actually seen in digital images on their walls, there are no surprises. In fact, they are usually blown away with it because now not only can they see the general overview as previously presented, but they can also see all the details and nuance which couldn’t be represented on the small scale of the sketches.
Here’s an overview of my process:
1. Measurements and a photograph of the wall is taken. After consultations with the homeowner, the sketch process begins.
2. Historical research is done to ensure accurate period representations of buildings and events. The story starts to emerge.
3. Color sketches are rendered on scaled-down pieces of canvas. The full color sketch shows the intended palette, shading and scale of individual elements.
4. The sketch is “applied” to the photograph of the wall using Photoshop.This gives the homeowner a realistic preview of the appearance of the proposed mural.
5. After the full-size mural is completed in the studio on canvas, it is rolled and shipped to the home. A professional wallpaper hanger adheres the canvas to the wall with wallpaper paste and trims it to fit. (See the installation video on the About Lisa’s Murals page.)
Voila! The hand painted scene appears to have been painted directly on the wall!
To get started on a mural commission, click on “Project Inquiry” below and submit details of your project. Looking for some inspiration? Check out the Mural Gallery.