Part 1 of this two-part series described how a sand-painting inspired the creation of a four-wall panted Murals. This article illustrates how the client’s profession inspired the creation of a Fantasy Mural. Giving life to our clients’ dreams and decorating fantasies is part of what we do as painting and decorating contractors in the Chicago area.

This client lived on the sixtieth floor of a condo building. He had a two-story view of Chicago’s downtown area and Lake Michigan. When people walked into his place, he wanted them to look at his 2-story view of Chicago and say: Wow! He then wanted them to turn to their left to look at one of the murals and say: Wow! They would then turn to the right and say: Wow, looking at another of the murals. That was his decorative fantasy. It was the first key our client gave us about what he was looking for.

Painted Mural 1

The other key piece of information that inspired the concept for his mural was the nature of his work. He was in the travel incentive business. His work was about organizing exotic travel all over the world as a reward to the best performing employees for his clients’ companies. You might say: How was his work an inspiration for his mural? He already had a two-story view of Chicago. What he was missing were key Chicago landmarks that he could show off to his visitors in the comfort of his own home, like one of the tours he helped organize in his business. The concept of his mural was born!

The next step was to develop an oversized sample board. The client loved it! The concept included a foggy glazed background. The landmarks included The Willis Tower, the Aon Building, the old Stock Exchange Archway, the John Hancock building, Marina City, Chicago River bridges and many others. I remember our muralist telling us that this project “had pushed all of her Envelopes!” Pushing on the envelopes for the sake of a happy client is totally worth it. She agreed wholeheartedly.

Painted Mural 2

Painted Mural 3

Follow

Navaho Sandpainting

Mural painting can be gateway to express an idea, a fantasy of sort. You need an inspiration source. You also need to release your creativity.

One day, I came across a picture of a Navaho sandpainting with tall characters called “Medicine People”. I affectionately called them “Blue People”. I said to myself that, one day, Painting in Partnership, Inc. of the Chicago area will produce a painted mural with the “Blue People”. I attached a copy of the original sandpainting for your review.

I few years later I the right opportunity came along. I was asked by a designer to come up with a theme for a painted mural that would cover four walls: two in the kitchen and two in the adjacent laundry. The client’s favorite color was blue. I said to the designer that I had an idea for the mural that would involve the 4 walls. I proceeded to tell her about my idea:

1- Three Warriors Doing a War Dance in the Night Sky
2- The Peace Man
3- Farmers Tending a Corn Field
4- The Rain Man’s Dance

I still remember the process of working with my muralist like it was yesterday. We divided up the work. I was responsible for the background work: base color and the cloud formations in the sky. I was also responsible for a good part of the masking duties. My muralist did the rest of the work. I remember the creative process to be so much fun for the two of us.

Mural painting can preserve a memory, express a fantasy and open a path to unleash one’s creativity. In my painting company, our slogan is: “We Paint in Partnership with YOU”. That slogan is especially true for the mural work we do.

Night Warriors

Peace Man

Farmers

Rain Man

Follow