Coffee Shop Airbrush Mural (time Lapse Video)

by Phiske

7.4K925

Intro: Coffee Shop Airbrush Mural (time Lapse Video)

Painting can be a lot of fun, even more so when you make some money doing it!  


This is a mural I was contracted to design and paint for a non-franchise coffee shop.  Cool place.  So I did a quick sketch on the spot (well actually on paper) and was hired.  Here I'll show some of the steps for doing a mural such as this and there is a time lapse video included.

Check Out the Video Below!


Materials
Acrylic artist paints (diluted)
Poster board (templates or shields)
Water based polyurethane
Canvases (optional)

Tools
Air compressor
Paint gun
Airbrush
Stepladder
Table (to put all your paints on)
Some good tunes! 
Artists brushes

STEP 1: Do a Sketch

I always sketch out my designs on paper to get the proportions right.  First I'll measure the area to be painted and then draw a to scale rectangle on paper representing the area.  Here I had to include the half wall  In there.  Once approved by my patron,  I typically project it onto the wall with a cheap overhead projector I got at Michael's.  If you cannot do this you can always use the old-school grid technique.

STEP 2: Hang Some Canvasses and Paint!

I had the idea to hang some canvasses on the wall that would be the focal points of the mural.  I also thought that if they ever change locations they can always take the canvases with them as they could serve as stand alone works.  It also gives some depth to the mural.

STEP 3: Build It Up!

I used a combination of paint gun, airbrush and paint brushes to finish the work.  Probably about 90% was done with an airbrush.  Don't put on to much paint at once because it will run.   Having said that I did lay it on rather thick using it more like spray paint is used for graffiti.  

STEP 4: Finish Him!

Once i had all the main colors laid out I basically used black paint to outline everything and to shade in some extra areas.  Last thing to be painted was the steam coming off the coffee.   Once I was done painting I gave it the night to dry and put a coat of water based polyurethane over it to protect it . 

5 Comments

jsgraham 9 years ago

Curious question, why did you install the squares?? From what I could see from a few frames previously, the walls were clean and usable. It just seems like a waste to place something totally useless into the piece. What purpose do they serve? I guess my ultimate question is "Why?"

tici22 9 years ago

ummmmmm jsgraham I don't know if you were just skimming or actually taking the time to read but the artist clearly stated in section 2/4 why they used canvases "not squares" on the wall. The purpose being if the owners of the building ever moved they could take the canvas with them and it still works as a piece of art. Like hanging a picture on the wall

SpicyPandaCreations 10 years ago

can i ask how much does one charge for a wall mural such as this?? it's amazing

Penolopy Bulnick 11 years ago

That is so wonderful! It looks great as a mural and the up close detail is amazing! I just love the effect of having the popping out of the canvases and that they can be moved again! Great idea :D