This was my second mural for this client. Remember the nautical theme mural for the triplet boy's room? Well, this room was done for their 3 month old baby sister (her soon to be nursery).
I enjoyed doing this mural from start to finish. We started with a few mural pictures that I had printed out from the internet. I had the client pick and choose elements that they liked from each picture. They wanted a castle, unicorn, flowers, and fairies. They also wanted a beautiful colorful sky.
My favorite part of the mural is the castle and the stone walls.
I recently was emailed this question:
Hi Dawn! I am really inspired by your spirit and talent!
My question is, do you set time lines for a job? I am currently working on a mural in a pet store, and the owner stands behind me and rushes me. I explain that i can't speed up the process that takes it's course in details.
I have my 5 year old son who accompanies me on this job while daddy is in Iraq. he sits and paints paper while I paint walls.
Should there be a time line? How should I manage the time? Has a client ever told you it must be done within "their" limits of time, or do you set the time "you" need and let that be the clock? How do I stand strong when a client is breathing down my neck?
Thank you, Iris
Hi Iris, I would be happy to answer your question for you. Time limits can definitely be difficult when doing work for a business. I do set time limits for myself when doing a job. Yes, I have had clients need me to finish within their time limits. It is only fair, because you are working for them. If they need the job done by a certain date, make sure it is feasible for you before accepting the job.
Because I have several years experience, I can pretty much guess how long a mural will take me. I give my client a general idea of how many days or weeks and try to stay within that time, unless there are things that come up that are out of my control.
If your client is "breathing down your neck" - that is a problem that needs to be addressed. As an artist, you need your space. You can kindly let the person know that it is difficult to focus when being watched all the time.
It is good to discuss these things before you start a project, especially for a running business. The owner may be rushing you because they don't want your painting to hinder their sales, etc. Also, did you ask permission to have your child join you on the job? This may be an issue as well, because it can be very unprofessional in the eyes of your client. They may think that it is cutting in on the time that they are paying you for to paint.
These are just a few thoughts and suggestions. I hope that you are able to talk with your client and get your job done in a timely manner.
I would LOVE to see pictures when your project is all done! DAWN "the painter"
Here are a few great resources for you to check out:
Also, check out my new blog: www.muralsandfaux.blogspot.com
Even though this bathroom was small - the awesome part was - it was empty! No sink, no toilet, completely empty. So, I was able to get the job done quickly and without having to reach over anything.
I know you can't tell in this picture, but I am actually 5 1/2 months pregnant. I am still trying to keep painting as long as I can or until I can't get up and down my ladder anymore.
The finish came out beautiful. I am actually working on a picture / video tutorial on how to do this finish, so stay tuned. We will be offering it on my buddy's site: www.thatpainterlady.com
I have been working hard on my new Murals and Faux blog. Check out the new logo! Here is a list of all the recent posts. Be sure to subscribe so you can get an email every time I add new posts.
Here is a list of Recent Posts:
This was a nice one day mural job. I enjoyed getting a break today, from my little ones at home, to be able to paint. This was done for a client in White Plains, NY - for her 4 month old daughter's nursery / bedroom. She wanted the trees to be a bit whimsical and not as realistic as my usual trees.
What a difference a couple simple trees can make in a room. They frame the window that faces the real trees in their yard outside. What a great way to bring the outdoors in.
I can't wait to see the room after the furniture is in and it is decorated.
I decided to start a new Murals & Faux Finishing Blog focusing on Great Tips, Resources, and Painting Ideas. You can subscribe to the blog separately if you would like to get an email every time new posts are added. Check it out and let me know what you think so far. I always love to read your comments.
www.muralsandfaux.blogspot.com
Sheila Eastman of Eastman Art & Painting, LLC is a muralist & faux finisher out of Phoenix, Arizona. She contacted me through an international painter's forum, that we are both involved in, about possibly re-doing her website. I welcomed the challenge and for the past couple weeks we have been working together by phone and email and have come up with a great website that fits the needs of her business.
www.zartiststudio.com
Please let me know what you think! I may consider doing this on the side, especially now that I have a 3rd baby on the way (and it is something I can do it home). I started this interest, by creating my own website about a year ago. Feel free to check it out. www.surfaceswithpaint.com
Feel free to contact me through my website for a quote on re-doing your art or painting related website.
Stippling is a very soft finish that can be done in any color. Picking the right colors was quite a challenge because of all the neutral tones already in this room. The cabinets had a pink hue. The tile back splash & floor had taupes, beiges, and even tans. We went through several faux finish samples before we came up with something that would compliment the room instead of compete.
I use a wonderful stippling brush called the Leon Neon. I brush the glaze on with a 2 inch brush and then pat the glaze with the stipple brush, being careful to maintain and even and blended finish. Click here for more info on our main website.
Click here to order the Leon Neon Stippling Brush
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