By Melanie Royals
Jacquelin Vanderwood September 15, 2001 This is a 'how to' book on the use of stencils to create great and exciting wall murals. Stencils are a unique and extraordinary way to establish consistency in a mural. In Chapter One you'll learn so much in this book like how to create your own stencils, the tools and supplies you'll need, hints, what kind of paints to use, how to clean brushes and stencils, and stenciling technique like swirling, stippling, using rollers, using oil based creams, and proofing your stencils. Chapter Two you'll discover shading and highlighting, successful stenciling, fixing gaps in the stencil, visual layering, how to paint a trompe l'oeil pot, what you'll need, and light sources. Melanie will show you how to create beautiful realistic molding and free-form stenciling, and hand painting details, the art of line work step-by-step, and a side loading technique. You'll create a free-form window project too with open shutters, a window sill, sky and clouds, landscape and geraniums. Chapter Three is about how to create your own designs, what stencil materials you'll need such as mylar, stencil card and posterboard, freezer paper and e-z cut plastic, how to cut the mylar and the keys to successful cutting, the hot-knife stencil burner and tips from a pro. Chapter Four is on creating faux finishes and textures, what materials you'll need such as waterbased glaze mediums, sea sponges, other materials and brushes, how to create used brick and the supplies you'll need for that, how to create stone blocks, refined limestone, distressed painted wood, verdigris, terra cotta and bamboo, marble, velvet brocade drapery, basketry, heavy metal, and faux bois (fake wood). Chapter Five is on composition, color and perspective. Discussed under composition is symmetrical balance, asymmetrical balance, harmony and variety, movement, dominance, contrast, examples of each, color basics and how to use color - hue, value, intensity, and temperature. How to create more depth in your mural which covers size, color, clarity, contrast and temperature. Perspective which explains linear, aerial, and two point perspective, point of view, scale, and how to create a floor grid. She'll teach you how to create a skyscape step-by-step, how to create round brick window, a lattice window, a limestone niche, a romantic window, a by-the sea project with windows opened in perspective. At the end of the book you'll find the gallery and how to create a potting area, a golf scene, an arbor, a Greek isle scene, Bunny the Donkey, a garden mural, a free-flowing garden mural, and a country scene in a dining room. 
Melanie Royals has written such an informative book, you'll learn so much from this great author and professional. This book is a must read for any professional or anyone considering becoming a professional muralist. Copyright 2002, Jacquelin Vanderwood, All Rights Reserved |