Tuscan Wall Mural

I enjoy painting murals on my walls.  I had painted this several years ago and had run out of green, didn't like the size of the house. I have been promising myself I'd fix it.

The is the Tuscan Scene from Social Art-networking.

 Yesterday, I decided it was time!  I got my pattern out and my paints and set to work.  I used a watercolor pencils to roughly hand draw the design. 

 

 About 3 hours later, Viola!  Here's my finished wall.

January Cardinal with DecoArt Premium Acrylics

The Cardinals were spotted in my yard Christmas day! 3 at one time!! That's extremely rare.  I was so inspired by their beauty, I wanted to paint one.

I just received my new set of DecoArt Premium Acrylic paints.  They have a satin finish.  I won't even have to spray the canvas when complete. 

The paint is creamy and thick.  

 The background started with gesso.  While it was still wet, I added some watered down Phthalo blue, grey, sienna and white. Allow the background to dry really well before stenciling your letters.

I sketched the cardinal in with a scribe-all pencil. Using Naphtali red, burnt umber, black, white and orange, I painted the bird. I used a DecoArt 3/8 angle brush. The brush strokes have to go in the direction of the feathers so you can get the correct look.

DecoArt new Premium Acrylic Mixed Media Paint Home Project

Recycling and creating something new has always been one of my favorite things to do. 

 The square "shadow box" I've been saving for quite some time and now have forgotten what came in it.  It's part of packaging. The initial C I purchased from Joanne's.

The "shadowbox" had a couple of layers in the bottom. Gesso, white acrylic, dry brushed black, titan buff. I used a small round brush to paint in the lines. 

 The new Premium Acrylic paint leaves behind a satin finish.  Really nice.

The background -which is a recycled 16x20 canvas coated in white gesso, was painted with Americana Deep Burgundy. Once dry, I dry brushed some Titan Buff (Premium acrylic) randomly.

I painted the C in black premium acrylic.  Glued it to the bottom right corner of the shadowbox with tacky glue.

I used a whie Posca pen to write my favorite verse around the edges of the shadowbox. 

I used Tacky glue and hot glue to adhere the flowers.  I like to use both. Hot glue helps it stick instantly, but the tacky glue keeps it in place forever!

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.

You can find the DecoArt paints -HERE