I've painted a total of 7 murals at schools. First of all PRIME. Be sure to
prime the wall. Especially if it is that cinder block type wall. You know
the huge bricks that the schools paint over with oil based latex. Paint
will streak when the kids put in on otherwise.
Ideas: Over the years I've always had contests. Give the kids a theme.
Have them completely draw and color their idea on paper. Then your
principal could choose which she wanted. The winning drawing could be voted
on by the faculty or just her. The winner would get to paint the mural
along with a few friends. I always painted after school hours or during my
plan times. I could never visualize 30 kids running around when they were
supposed to be painting. Plus I would never let a whole class paint because
there is alwys the few that don't care and would mess it up.
Next I take a copy of the drawing onto a overhead transparency. You know
those machines that teachers write on the plasic for the class to see. They
make a type for copiers. Ask your secretary to help you. I'm sure they
will give you one piece. Then project your drawing onto the primed surface.
You can pull the overhead cart back really far and focus onto the wall. Use
sharpie markers to let the kids trace the entire drawing onto the wall.
(Even better if your library has an opaque projector you can project the
student drawing right onto the wall. No need for copies. And it will
project in color).
We use regular acrylic paint. Store colors in babyfood jars. Put tarps on
the floor and have the kids wear old clothes or change to paint. Gravity
and tops of heads will meet while one student is painting up high and others
are down low. Warn them and send letters home about old clothes beforehand.
Keep in mind that paint eill run down the wall if too thin. Especially down
grout lines between cinder block. Hopefully your wall is flat. But
cinderblock can be painted too. Try paint pens for outlining and straight
edges. Also paint pens for artists to sign their names in the corner along
with the date. When dry wait a few days then roll over it all with an
acrylic clear sealer. This way if ketchup ends up on the wall the custodian
can scrub without damaging the artwork. (Do this yourself - takes five
minutes - but apply two coats).
May I suggest your older elementary kids!!!(I've always done this with sixth
graders, middle schoolers or high schoolers.) Maybe four max. Be prepared
for arguing about how to paint while they are working. Suggest that the
student who won the contest be boss when it comes to making decisions about
their work. They are merely lucky helpers.
Good luck let me know if you have any questions.
-----Original Message-----
From: lin [mailto:lina@infohiwy.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 8:33 PM
To: ArtsEdNet Talk
Subject: murals
My principle has asked me to do a large mural on the indoor wall of our
cafeteria using my kids (K-5). She doesn't want it to be "modern", whatever
that means.
I'm at a loss. I've never done anything like this before. I could use any
and all suggestions and advice as to subjects, materials, dos and don'ts.
