Need more space? Create some!
Instead of using demolition tools, trowels, tillers or backhoes, paint can be the "tool."
With paint, entire rooms can become landscapes, or holes can be put into walls to create a new window or into the ceiling to create a
skylight.
Imagine...
 |
| ...building stone walls and tilling vineyards, |
 |
| ...tunneling underground without shovels, |
 |
| ...growing a garden without dirt. |
These tricks of tromp l'oeil (fooling the eye) are best accentuated with a foreground to increase the "visual" depth of the painting. The painting MUST come toward the viewer in some manner.
Frame your distant landscapes with painted window frames and ledges to push the middle and backgrounds back further. But, bring the painting forward with a vase on the ledge....
...or, create stone and mortar with paint to create a textured wall one wants to reach out to touch,
...or use ironwork & ledges to frame, but use shadows to bring it into the room. Always use shadows.
Let the lanscape feel like it flows "inside."
Inspiration is so easy to find with murals. Triggers can be treasured vacation memories, homesteads or simply dreams.
Occassionally, you may see a landscape mural and want to mimic it for your own home, but be sure to use it as an inspiration only and make the actual painting become yours. One reason is for the connection you will feel with the painting if it has elements of your own life in it, but most importantly...respect the original artist enough to have his/her painting be merely an inspiration to you. Use elements of the design you admire, but, don't steal the work. All art and invention is inspired from a previous plan, be it man or nature, but talent lies in taking that inspiration and making it new.
Let your talent reflect You.
