Several approaches to large works of art
Murals make a bold statement, but require some forethought and likely permission.
I allow only my advanced class to do 1 mural per year. It's like their legasy project and a privilege for taking all my art classes. They are the ones that best know my expectations.
We wak the school as a group and discuss what space "needs" attention. We consult too with administration because they ultimately need to approve the mural. Sometimes they have some ideas of something they feel the school "needs." One year it was a wall for graduating students to sign, other times, we send them proposals to vote on.
As we stroll around the school, inside and out, we take photographs of spaces and note their relative size and dimensions. Where a mural will be and it's surface will influence our materials and approach. It's hard to project in a narrow hallway. Outdoor murals may require special exterior paint. Some surfaces may need special foundations. Then too cost is an important consideration. Will the administration fund the project, will you need donations? Every mural will require a different approach.
How to make a mural is another thing and will influence it's look.
As I said, themes can come from administration. Thy can also come from me as the teacher knowing a good spot for exposure for my program. Students too can come up with wonderful ideas. When I let them choose they create proposals and sketches. We try to do themes that "fit" a school environment and are positive. We have a round of critiques with sketches and then do scale drawings. We do another round of critiques discussing "can we actually make that?" and finalize proposals including a written component to explain the imagery, symbolism, and explore a rough budget. We even bring in Administration for the last round of critiques for potential ideas, changes and budget concerns.
Final proposals are given to the administration to make a selection. The chosen mural is made with that artist as "leader." As a group we take on roles and divide jobs. We problem solve, "how will we actually make it?" In general, I plan 2 to 4 weeks for a mural project. And if there is down time, or not all students are needed for every step of the project, we may be working on individual art projects at the same time so everyone is meaningfully occupied. As the teacher I take daily notes on who is contributing, and judging by how much.
Below are some samples of murals we have done in the last 5 years at my school.
I allow only my advanced class to do 1 mural per year. It's like their legasy project and a privilege for taking all my art classes. They are the ones that best know my expectations.
We wak the school as a group and discuss what space "needs" attention. We consult too with administration because they ultimately need to approve the mural. Sometimes they have some ideas of something they feel the school "needs." One year it was a wall for graduating students to sign, other times, we send them proposals to vote on.
As we stroll around the school, inside and out, we take photographs of spaces and note their relative size and dimensions. Where a mural will be and it's surface will influence our materials and approach. It's hard to project in a narrow hallway. Outdoor murals may require special exterior paint. Some surfaces may need special foundations. Then too cost is an important consideration. Will the administration fund the project, will you need donations? Every mural will require a different approach.
How to make a mural is another thing and will influence it's look.
- Freehand
- Projected
- Grid-drawn
- Grid Modules
- Stencil
- Singular large pieces on canvas mounted on a wall
- A combination of techniques
As I said, themes can come from administration. Thy can also come from me as the teacher knowing a good spot for exposure for my program. Students too can come up with wonderful ideas. When I let them choose they create proposals and sketches. We try to do themes that "fit" a school environment and are positive. We have a round of critiques with sketches and then do scale drawings. We do another round of critiques discussing "can we actually make that?" and finalize proposals including a written component to explain the imagery, symbolism, and explore a rough budget. We even bring in Administration for the last round of critiques for potential ideas, changes and budget concerns.
Final proposals are given to the administration to make a selection. The chosen mural is made with that artist as "leader." As a group we take on roles and divide jobs. We problem solve, "how will we actually make it?" In general, I plan 2 to 4 weeks for a mural project. And if there is down time, or not all students are needed for every step of the project, we may be working on individual art projects at the same time so everyone is meaningfully occupied. As the teacher I take daily notes on who is contributing, and judging by how much.
Below are some samples of murals we have done in the last 5 years at my school.
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