| This intensive three-day lecture/demonstration program is taught by one of the nation’s leading muralists, a highly rated instructor who combines time-tested techniques with the latest technological tools. The program provides a broad range of useful information in plain language and includes specific information, techniques, and sources, as well as work sheets organized by session and subject. Each session is a live demonstration with large-screen projection and not a hands-on workshop; you do not need to bring a computer or a camera, though you may if desired.
Each of these subject areas could justify its own week-long training by a team of experts, but you don’t have that kind of time. With one-half day on each topic, this class cuts a pathway through the thicket of technical and confusing information to show you what is most important from the perspective of a twenty-year mural professional. You learn how to develop your skills and are given the resources to find more information when you need it. When you walk away, you take with you an indispensable information tool kit for the working decorative artist and muralist.
Session 1: Materials, Substrates, and Surface Preparation
You can create murals in your studio and install them onsite, saving you valuable time and money. This session tells you how. Also covered are materials and substrate choices, from canvas to wood, cement panels and masonry walls. Learn about the enemies to your mural’s lifespan and how to address them. How can you assure your mural is “archival quality?” Which paints and pigments are best for exterior murals? An information-rich exploration of basic mural questions.
Session 2: Photoshop and Photoshop Elements:
Tools and Techniques for the Decorative Artist
Learn the 10 most important tools for a muralist in these amazingly powerful programs. See how to use them as a design tool, an image enhancement program, and a way to develop professional presentation materials. This session covers color correction, perspective, contrast problems, sharpening, how to create, light, fix, save and store images, and more.
Session 3: Intro to SketchUp for the Professional Muralist
SketchUp has long been a valuable, easy-to-learn 3D design tool for architects and designers. This session introduces the mind-blowing power of SketchUp to muralists for the first time. Learn how 3D models can solve common perspective problems, explore different lighting options, and develop and showcase your design. Impress your clients with professional quality sketches. This introduction will also show you where to go next to develop and refine your skills.
Session 4: Photography for Muralists
Tired of lifting images from books or the old masters? Learn how to use digital and/or film cameras to develop original reference material. This session provides the basic principles of good lighting, equipment selection and use, perspective, image quality and accuracy, getting rich color, documenting your work and more.
Session 5: Design Considerations
Intro to one-point perspective for muralists. Key considerations when painting people. Principles of good design and composition. Color fundamentals. Proper varnishing materials and techniques to preserve your work and keep it low maintenance. Lighting the work.
Session 6: The Business of Art
Copyright and artist rights: protect yourself under the law. Pricing your work. Dealing with clients. Presentation techniques. Professional attitude. General Q & A.
|
