If you've ever walked down the streets of your city or town, chances are you've encountered a mural or two. Murals are a unique and vibrant form of public art that can transform a drab building or wall into a stunning work of art. But they can also be applied to brighten home and business environments.
Have you ever wondered what goes into the creation of a mural? I'll take you behind the scenes of the mural-making process and give you a glimpse into the world of mural art.
Step 1: Concept and Design
The first step in the making of a mural is coming up with a concept and design. This usually involves working closely with the client or community to understand their vision and goals for the mural. The artist will then create sketches and mock-ups of the design, taking into account the size, shape and texture of the wall or surface. This step is crucial for the success of the mural creation, as the mural design is the foundation of the artwork that the mural artist will create.
Step 2: Preparation
Once the design has been finalised, it's time to prepare the wall or surface for painting. Hopefully the base wall is ready for the design application but if not the surface may need repairing and prepping by filling in any cracks or holes, sanding and painting a base coat if appropriate. This preparation is necessary to ensure that the mural will adhere properly to the surface and last for many years.
Step 3: Materials & Tools
Mural artists use various techniques and tools for applying murals. They can range from high-quality traditional paints and brushes, spray paints, paint pens or even wallpapers and vinyls. This very much depends on the wall surface and location.
Step 4: Under Painting / Drawing
There are many methods used to scale up mural designs and there is a more detailed blog post on this subject here.
Step 3: Application
With the wall or surface prepped and ready to go, it's time to start painting. Depending on the size and complexity of the design, this may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or months. This step requires patience, attention to detail, and a steady hand to ensure that the mural painting is accurate and precise.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the painting is complete, it's time for the finishing touches. This may involve adding details and touching up any areas that need it. Plus removing any masking tape and cleaning up.
Creating a mural is a labour of love that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. But the end result is a stunning work of art that can brighten up a space and bring people together. Whether it's a community mural, public art, commercial or residential space, murals offer a range of benefits, including adding colour and beauty to a space, promoting cultural expression, and fostering a sense of community and pride.
To commission a mural (predominantly the South West of England and London) click here.