Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I am painting a School Mural!

In my boy's elementary school there was a large painting that measured 57"x 75". It hung right inside the entrance so it was on e of the first things you noticed when you walked in. I Hated IT!!! Everytime I looked at this painting I would just shudder. The objects were too small, so was the lettering and there was too much empty space with nothing big enough or bright enough to be a strong focal point. No offense to the artist who first painted it. Painting on an extra large space is intimidating and takes a different point of view. 

So imagine my excitement when one of my teacher friends asked if I'd be interested in re-painting it. I literally jumped up and down (in front of a class of 4th graders). Talk about making my day! I just love painting BIG!! 


(I had started to prime it before I thought to take a picture. The only thing you really don't see are some word's at the top.) 

I don't think there are too many more inviting things than a large blank surface just calling to me. 

It was decided that I'd choose a few different quotes or inspirational sayings and the teachers would narrow them down to a couple of their favorites. They chose; "You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think." and "Reading is Dreaming with your eyes wide open."

Then I came up with a quick sketch for each quote. I think these were about 2' x 3'. 




It was decided that I'd bring both drawings into the school and show them to the students and answer any questions they might have. Then the sketches were hung up in the hallway for a week for the studetns to look over. As a school they voted on teh one they would like for me to paint as the final mural. 

Can you guess which one they chose? 

I was anticipating that they would choose the girl reading the book.





*************************************************************




But they didn't. They chose the cliff diver by an overwhelming majority! 

I was able to get started just a little before Christmas vacation. The school is nice enough to let me paint in an older unused school building. Thank goodness because I don't know where I'd put a painting this big to work on in my house. 


I'm so excited and I'm having a ball with it! So far I'm fairly pleased too. 

I think the students are excited too. One fourth grader asked just last week if I was finished yet..such optimism! The fourth grade teacher is also going to drop in on the room occasionally, with her class, so they can see the progress of the painting.  

I'll keep you updated on how it's going. My goal is to have it finished by spring break. Cross your fingers! 

8 comments:

  1. Wow! What an honor! You are one talented lady!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I have to say, painting murals is one of my favorite things to do. I'm still trying to figure out how I could make it into a profession!

      Delete
  2. LOVE that you are getting to do what you were hoping to do in 2013! Can't wait to see the finished product. ENJOY every moment!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been wonderful so far, finding time with Yahoo to paint has been a bit challenging but we're making it work. I can't wait to share the completed painting! :)

      Delete
  3. Beautiful already! The cliff one was my favorite of the two also!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. After finishing both sketches I really didn't have a favorite. I had fun playing with the cliff font though. That should be fun whenni get to it.

      Delete
  4. Fun! Wouldn't it be awesome to get paid to do something you love to do!!!

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear what you have to say! I try to reply to every one of them.

Related Posts with Thumbnails