Our school has plenty of space for murals around the building but there was none for our school's mascot, a "Silver Hawk." As I explored the building I found an interesting wall where wings might be able to wrap around a corner to add the illusion of movement.
I could have done this with any group of students, but decided that I would "save" murals for my advanced classes so they could "leave their mark" on the school before graduating. I showed them the area, and the theme we would explore. I showed them a sketch I had made so they could see how a resolved good sketch should be. Mine looked appropriate for a school like Hogwarts, but our school is fairly technology driven, so we considered that in our designs.
We spent a day exploring hawk drawings, photos, designs, etc., printing out many. We shared what we found and narrowed down ideas to images that seemed to have a more modern or tech edge. Students worked individually to come up with a sketch or concept. After 2 days, we shared these and everyone gave feedback on each image. We decided, as a group, that the mural should include a logo for the school and a catch phrase. Some went more realistic with their design, some more abstract. The discussion prompted another sketch, which would be more "finished." All designs were put on a table, and we voted with post-it notes. Each student got 2 and were not allowed to vote for their own work. The top three were presented to administration for a final selection.
This was our process to make the mural:
Here are some images for our process. If you'd like any additional resources for your own program, please visit www.firehousepublications.com.
I could have done this with any group of students, but decided that I would "save" murals for my advanced classes so they could "leave their mark" on the school before graduating. I showed them the area, and the theme we would explore. I showed them a sketch I had made so they could see how a resolved good sketch should be. Mine looked appropriate for a school like Hogwarts, but our school is fairly technology driven, so we considered that in our designs.
We spent a day exploring hawk drawings, photos, designs, etc., printing out many. We shared what we found and narrowed down ideas to images that seemed to have a more modern or tech edge. Students worked individually to come up with a sketch or concept. After 2 days, we shared these and everyone gave feedback on each image. We decided, as a group, that the mural should include a logo for the school and a catch phrase. Some went more realistic with their design, some more abstract. The discussion prompted another sketch, which would be more "finished." All designs were put on a table, and we voted with post-it notes. Each student got 2 and were not allowed to vote for their own work. The top three were presented to administration for a final selection.
This was our process to make the mural:
- The final design was printed onto an overhead transparency.
- Students projected and traced the lines.
- Lines were re-done with blue tape.
- Edges of tape were painted with clear acrylic. (This prevents paint getting under the tape edges for lean lines)
- We painted with silver paint, 2 coats.
- Removed tape with the help of Exacto razors for stubborn spots.
- Touch ups (Important to have some of the wall color handy)
- Topcoat in clear a few weeks later for durability.
Here are some images for our process. If you'd like any additional resources for your own program, please visit www.firehousepublications.com.
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