We have started yet another new project in the Hutchins’ household. This castle mural in Noah’s room is a complete team effort! I just love that the three of us are getting to work together on this one.
Obviously we are still in the beginning stages, but I thought I would share the process with you a little bit here. It is a reminder that all creative endeavors are not completed in a flash. Rather they are ideas in the mind which are cultivated, planned out and implemented.
We have included Noah in the project’s development from scratch so that he too can learn this valuable lesson. First we brainstormed what he would like on his bedroom wall. After he decided on a castle theme, we researched castle imagery and ideas started to come together to form a complete scene. He decided which style of castle he wanted, that there should be a moat or lake surrounding it, trees, and the all important friendly dragon with a wizard riding on it (completely his idea!).
I sketched out his idea onto a blank piece of paper and asked for his feedback. “It’s BEAUTIFUL!” was his reply – Score Mommy!! Next we measured out our canvas space on his wall. Then I drew the landscape and castle image with pencil directly onto the wall. Dan was called in for his expertise on dragons and wizards. He sat on the floor and drew them in using a plastic toy dragon as a model. After everything was sketched in we took out the paints and our art smocks. Together, Noah and I painted the loose, under-painting of the image.
And that takes us to where it is right now 🙂 The next step is we will go in and start adding details and depth to the image. I’ll be sure to post our progress.
If you are interested in doing a similar project with your family I highly recommend it! If you aren’t ready to let your child go willy nilly with paint on the walls, consider buying an extra large canvas for them to paint with you.
Have a wonderful, creative, joy filled week!!
Love & Blessings,
Jeniffer
February 13, 2012
Jennifer, I hope you do no get offended, but as I told you before, you are one of my favorite artists ever. I hope you take this as a complement, but I painted one of your paintings. I put on flickr, here http://www.flickr.com/photos/_ana_/6869835115/in/photostream
Full credit, but will take down if you feel uncomfortable.
February 13, 2012
Hi Ana! I’m not offended at all. Quite honored actually 🙂 Art students throughout the ages have been making representational work based on other artists. It is one way to study and expand your own skills.
Your painting is executed quite nicely. I’d love to see you do another sunset image on your own and use what you have learned!
A reminder for anyone else who practices this form of study, it is very important that you always list your source and not take personal credit for the work. (You did this very clearly, thank you!)
Love & Blessings,
Jeniffer