Saturday, August 20, 2011

Tricks of the Trade: Keeping it Simple

I've finally gotten a little smarter with age!

I did this in a day.  That has to be a mural record for me.

I'm finding more and more that a bold and clever design beats out intricately detailed murals every time.  People don't have as much money to spend on home improvements these days and frankly, I don't have the time.  I want to get in and get out of a job so I can get back to hanging with the kiddos; clients are looking for inexpensive options.

I've put my time in with detailed and tedious murals.
I'm proud of my old work, but I don't see myself taking on jobs like this anytime soon.

I had originally designed a mural that was much more involved than this one.  Time and budget shrunk the project down so this is the solution I came up with.
The bold shapes are recognizable for the kids and it took me a quarter of the time the other mural idea would have!

There is something so cool about a silhouette
These ads were brilliant in their simplicity... your impression of the product being sold wasn't shaped by what the person is wearing, the expression on his face, whether or not he had a zit on his nose.  You got the point with just a little bit of information.

I'm slowly working toward minimalism in my life and I think my work is starting to reflect that.  This blog is a wonderful resource if you're interested in simplifying your life through minimalism.

Back to murals.  Wow, that was a tangent!  I painted this on the "big kid" side of the room

I've done graffiti a few times before and failed miserably at it.  I had it stuck in my head that it all needed to be done with spray cans.  Real graffiti artists use super expensive spray paint and nozzles (which aren't exactly in the budget for me).  A regular can of spray paint with it's standard nozzle gives you very little control and just doesn't have the same effect.

I finally figured it out that it's easier to paint the graffiti with a brush and then do a few spray paint accents.  Again, just keep it simple and go with what you know!

Here it is in progress
Notice that I outlined in chalk

Some spatters and spray paint accents to make it look more "authentic".  I'm not sure if I'm fooling anyone :)

We'll see what the kids think.  They're the true clients here!

I hope you're enjoying the Tricks of the Trade series... there's still much more to come!  If you have an idea for a post or are curious about anything to do with paint, don't be afraid to ask in the comments.

Blessings,
Jamie
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23 comments:

  1. Oh. My. Gosh. You have skills-I'm in awe. No exaggeration. Wow.

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  2. I had no idea! What a talent! I, too, am in AWE!

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  3. I am not worthy...WOW!!!!!! Amazing. Amazing. Amazing!!!

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  4. Wow! Those look amazing! My Early Childhood Director did graffiti art in our 4th/5th grade class at my church, and the first mural she did she used spray paint for and wasn't happy with how it turned out. Then she did the next one by painting it, like you, and was so much more pleased. Plus it didn't smell as bad and wasn't as messy! Have you seen http://worldsofwow.blogspot.com/ ? So inspiring to look through what they do with Children's spaces.

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  5. These are beautiful. Great ideas. I would love it if you would stop by and share at the crafty link party going on right now at Lines Across My Face. I hope to see you soon,
    Rachel
    http://linesacrossmyface.blogspot.com/2011/08/cure-for-common-monday-5.html

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  6. You're amazing! All of the murals you created are beautiful and I love painting murals.. we have done several in the kids rooms a giant fairy.. a garden and a page from a book! Soo fun!
    Thanks so much for sharing with the Pink Hippo party.. can't wait to see what you share next!

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  7. Whoa. I love that. And that sunset background is beautiful! Thanks for linking to the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop!

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  8. Those are very stricking and I really like the animal silouettes. Thanks for sharing the ideas!

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  9. These are amazing! I totally see your point about a bold but simple design.

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  10. Thank you so much for your sweet comment on my kitchen makeover! I'm so glad you liked it! I would love to see your kitchen update too!!
    I also have to say WOW!! You are an AMAZING artist! I love the African silhouette mural! Great job!! xo, Reannah

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  11. I love the silhouettes! Very modern and popular right now! All of them look amazing. Thanks for sharing :)

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  12. WOW! These are so impressive. Silhouettes are a great idea for murals!

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  13. Wow! you have serious talent! Great job!

    Marie
    mylilpinkpocket.blogspot.com

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  14. Wow, wow, and wow! Those are aMAzing! I am super impressed. I totally agree with what you're saying about the silhouettes too...the safari mural is my favorite; the colors and the silhouettes are so striking. Visiting from delicateConstruction.

    Amy
    http://oneartmama.blogspot.com

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  15. I love silhouettes! I love the african look :) You've done an amazing job! :)

    http://maidenofnature.blogspot.com

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  16. Whether highly detailed, an elegant silhouette, or street-art inspired, your murals are incredible!!

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  17. you are EXTREMELY talented! I am beyond impressed!

    I would love it if you would share this and/or any other projects you have been up to at Tuesday Talent Show at Chef In Training! Plus there is a fun giveaway too! Thanks so much and I hope to see you there!
    -Nikki
    http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/

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  18. You are such a talented muralist. I featured this post tonight at Creative Juice, Jamie. Thanks for sharing it last week...

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  19. Thanks so much for linking up to Tuesday Talent Show! I would love to have you stop by and link up again tomorrow with more great projects!
    -Nikki
    http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/

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  20. Very modern and popular images you shared here. Such a that sunset background is beautiful, and enjoyed lot. Perfect collection for keeping at dining room. Second one is attractive.

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  21. Best selection i m really impress with your content and very useful it. jumboreviewzone

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