Basics of Mural Painting

In this video, I share my experience and expertise in mural painting. I discuss the importance of practising on temporary walls and avoiding difficult surfaces for beginners.

In this video, I provide insights on choosing the right paint, preventing and fixing mistakes, and planning for a successful mural. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this video will provide valuable tips for stress reduction on your mural projects.

In this video, I share my experience regarding initial client meetings and site inspections.

EXERCISE:

-Download and study my Complete guide to mural inspections

-Save a checklist on your phone, so you can quickly run through it before you end your meeting to make sure you haven't forgotten to ask or note down anything important

In this class, I discuss important tips and strategies for mural artists. I emphasise the importance of planning before starting a mural, including creating mood boards and mock-ups. I also highlight the need for colour matching, stepping back to assess the work, and taking photos for better perspective. Additionally, I share the value of seeking feedback from mentors and being open to redoing parts of the mural. Overall, this video provides valuable insights and guidance for both beginner and experienced mural artists.

EXERCISE:

-Choose at least one mural you painted that you weren't fully happy with

-Write down the circumstances

-Write down 3 things you liked about that mural and the project experience

-Write 3 things you didn't like

-Write what you will do better next time and how!

Optional exercise: Send me the photo of the mural and ask for constructive feedback. You can do this any time, with any mural.

In this class, I talk about the main factors to consider when creating a mural design, I explain copyright issues and give you some tips on how to maximise your artistic freedom even when you're fulfilling a commission.

In this class, I explain what's a mock-up and how it can help you in your mural project. I explain what programs to use to create one and I show real examples from my portfolio and mural business.

In this video, I show you three ways you can do mock-ups. I personally recommend procreate or photoshop but I want you to be aware there are simpler ways if you're a beginner.

In this class I give you a super juicy insight into my very own design process. This might not suit your artistic style, but will help you understand how some design and mock-ups can be done efficiently.

I show how I use a powerful combination of Procreate and Prisma for this school mural project that didn't go ahead.

EXERCISE:

-Create a design and mock-up of a mural you wish to paint.

-Use my empty wall gallery to download an image of an empty wall to use for mock-up purposes (see resources)

-Share your favorite mock-up with me or share it on socials and tag @Mural_Nomad

In this class, I will explain the different techniques used in the mural industry to transfer the design onto the wall. I will cover the benefits of each one and reassure you of some common misconceptions.

Once you watch this class, proceed to watch the two videos in the external resources.

In this section, I explain the transition from canvas tools to mural painting tools. I'll show you what a basic mural kit is made of and also provide an ultimate muralist toolkit checklist.

EXERCISE:

-Check out my complete toolkit checklist and save a version of it on your phone so you won't ever forget a thing when heading to a mural job. Get in the habit of giving this list a scan when packing your car!

In this class, I teach you the importance of cleaning the wall correctly and also the area around it. I go over common mistakes and prepare you for how this crucial part of the job might look like.

In this video, I explain what this important product is and when to use it. I explain the difference it will make to your murals and some common misconceptions about it. I also show some practical examples directly from my mural business to give you a clear idea of how this process should look like.

In this important class, I explain what type of paint is best for murals. You will learn the difference and be able to make smart choices when it comes to painting your next project.

EXERCISE:

-Download the list of my favourite products to know what the products I use look like

In this class, I explain the main differences between canvas painting and mural painting. I go over popular painting techniques and show how using the right tools will make the mural process easier.

In this class, I talk about spray painting and its benefits for mural artists. I go over some basic knowledge and prepare you for the challenges with this fun medium. I also talk about how useful a spray gun can be, covering best practices around possessing and using one for your business.

In this video, I go over some other popular tools used to paint murals. I also explain what to avoid on a wall and why.

In this class, I explain best practices around spray cans. It's very important to know the risks of using toxic tools, how to stay safe and what safety gear is recommended.

EXERCISE:

Send a photo of yourself wearing your spraying mask, to prove you have one if you use spray cans! This is very good for public image too, and social media content idea, caption "safety first!" ;P

In this short class, I explain how to correctly use a new spray can and how to store it once you finish using them for the day. Spray can become frustrating to use when not shaken correctly and it can be avoided by knowing best practices.

In this video I explain the difference I found between the different spray can brands, this is my personal experience.

I highly encourage you to try different brands over multiple projects yourself to find what works best for your style.

The most commonly use spray can brands are:

-Montana

(MTN94 https://www.montanacolors.com/en/productos/mtn-94-aerosol-spray-paint/

Montana Black https://www.montana-cans.com/Products/SPRAY-CANS/MONTANA-SPRAY-PAINT/BLACK-Graffiti-Paints/

Montana Gold https://www.montana-cans.com/Montana-GOLD-400ml-Colors/284502 )

-Flame https://www.flame-paint.com/

-Loop https://loopcolors.com/en/home-eng/

-Molotov https://shop.molotow.com/en/spraydosen.html

-Ironlak https://ironlak.com/product-category/spray-paint/

EXERCISE:

Find out the best way to get spray cans in your area and share it with us! Is it an order online or do you have a local shop that stocks them?

In this video, I explain the difference between a hardware store aerosol can and graffiti-grade / artist-grade spray cans. I also give a quick demo of my favourite nozzles and adapters.

Please note:

I won't be showing any full mural execution with spray cans. I want you to understand what the tool does and envision yourself using it, for your style, without being strongly influenced by the way I use them myself. There is no right or wrong way to incorporate spray in your mural work. They're fast, great for uneven surfaces and offer extra colour brightness.

In this class I showcase why I like being able to use both techniques during my mural projects.

The best tool to be used is often dictated by the type of surface, more than the style *exceptions might apply.

In this case, a porous brick wall, ensuring good coverage of the little holes will guarantee a bright result. Enjoy this quick demo.

In this video, I explain my favourite way of introducing spray cans to beginners.

I do not like imposing my style, or the way I implement this tool in my practice. In this class, I invite you to practice lines and shading with a basic set-up, and figure out how this medium can be of value to your mural projects.

EXERCISE:

-Order/buy at least 2 spray cans (a light and a dark colour - ideally a black and white too) and at least 2 caps (a skinny one and a fat/wide one)

-Do the exercises and send a photo of the result

-Let us know if it was fun!