Outdoor & Specialty Mural Case Study
This project was completed in conjunction with The WallDogs Association and paid for by The Dalles Mural Fest board. Denae’ was contracted to design, paint and manage the mounting of the Children Mural for The Dalles. This was a unique challenge to come up with something that would be both engaging for all the public to help paint, as well as something that would look cohesive and great to the eye once complete. Denae’ came up with the design of using color “blocks” and other somewhat uniform shapes that together create a fantastic mosaic effect. And to add more depth and to protect the mural, the parts of the mural “under water” were washed with a blue-green tinted varathane. And lastly, the need for a frame for this mural to make it pop was its own hurdle to tackle.
Read on to see how Manion Studios was able to created this design as well as paint it!
The Size needs of the Mural where already known, as the Polymetal sheets to be used were pre selected. Denae’ presented concepts to the the Walldogs and Mural Fest Board, to finalize the design. Here is an early sketch of a small section of the panel Denae’ completed as a study.
As the sketch is colored for the first time, Color palettes for this piece are confirmed, and its ensured all lines and colors work well together. This allows for any visual holes to shows themselves.
Completed concept. Note the addition of the inner tuber to remind us we are part of the Gorge as well.
This is a demo of a 16x20 inch “chunk” of the mural painted at the proposed real size. This was done primarily so the public can see the level of detail the final mural will have. This also works well to test the color blocking at a larger level and to ensure the promise of easy to paint for children holds true. It did and looks fantastic.
The public display with addition notes about project such as who its for, where its going, and why its a great fit for the location and the planned event etc.
Mural frame preparation and installation. Manion Studios sourced all materials and prepared the wood. Manion Studios worked with third party contractor Victor Marquez to mount the frame and install the mural pieces. They did a fantastic job! and installed exactly as specified.
It was time to Start painting! Denae’ Sketched out the design onto the large blank canvas of Polymetel. First sanding the surface for good paint adhesion. Then working to mix colors, assist and direct the children on painting, and answer questions, what a couple days!
The blank panels in their temporary location within kids reach.
The completed Mural as soon alongside WounderWorks in The Dalles.
by Denae’ Manion
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