African scene
If you've never painted a mural before, you will be surprised at just how easy it is. An African theme provides a vibrant subject for a mural and could incorporate a jungle scene, the grasslands of the Serengetti, animals or the people of Africa. Whatever subject you choose, you can paint a mural with some time, paint, brushes and, of course, a wall.
Instructions
1. Choose your subject matter. Look for photographs or pictures of African subjects in books, magazines and the Internet.
2. Lay down your drop cloths and protect any furniture.
3. Prepare your wall with a coat of latex paint. This will be the undercoat. For instance, if you are going to paint a field of dry grass, make the undercoat a color that is part of your painting.
4. Transfer the photo or image you've chosen onto the wall. Use a projector for the most accuracy and to get an idea of what your finished mural will look like on the wall. Sketch in your image using the vine charcoal sticks. Erase any mistakes you make with a clean cloth. Sketch in the major lines for your mural.
5. Paint your mural in your choice of latex paint colors. Paint in the large, simple spaces first, then add the details. Keep your paintbrushes clean by cleaning the majority of the paint out in one canister of water, then let the brushes sit in the other canister of clean water, with the water not quite up to the wooden part of the paintbrushes, until you are ready to use them again.
6. After your mural is painted, clean your brushes well with running water. Squirt some dish soap on them and squeeze out excess water and soap. Reshape your brushes and leave out to dry.
7. When the mural is dry (after at least a day), apply a clear coat of water-based varnish to your mural with your 1-1/2-inch brush. Be careful of drips. Make your strokes in a cross-hatched pattern. The varnish will not only protect your mural but also make it easier to clean with common household cleaners and water.
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