For generations, we humans have adored various visual artworks created by artists, both famous and unknown. Humans have been known to create images of our surroundings and ideas for thousands of years, with cave paintings that are said to be at least 45,000 years old.
As the centuries went by, visual artists continue to use their craft for expression and decoration. From famous portraits, such as the Mona Lisa, to more large artworks, such as Michelangelo’s work on the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel, and even to Salvador Dali’s surreal 20th-century paintings, humans have proven how creative and imaginative we can be.
Even in the digital age, as we continue to progress into the online world, we still have found a way to express art. Through digital artworks and virtual reality, we continue to push the boundaries of art.
While we bask under the new glow of the digital medium of art, artists never veered away from the old methods of creating art. Painting is still relevant to this day. The drawings on the caves from thousands of years ago have now evolved into wall paintings of the modern age.
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Murals
More commonly known as murals, walls of buildings all over the country are now being used as a canvas for paintings. These artworks are usually large, with some occupying an entire wall of a structure.
Why Do People Create Murals?
There are plenty of reasons why an artist would choose to paint a wall. For one, murals are a perfect way to bring art to the public eye. Since the facade of the walls is exposed in public places, they can be seen by more people.
This method has benefited artworks that tackle social issues, as it sparks conversations about the subject and conception of the artwork. Artists such as Banksy have thrived through this method.
Furthermore, corporations and private businesses see this art form as an opportunity to advertise their brand and products. With the ability of murals to spark conversation among the common pedestrians, they can have artists create eye-catching artworks that feature their brand.
With that, painting on walls is not so primitive after all. Even modern civilization has benefited from a method that has been around for thousands of years.
So what does a mural project entail?
Getting It Done
Creating mural art takes preparation. There are multiple factors that one has to take into account to create one.
The Artists
Of course, to create murals, there must be an artist to bestow their creativity on these bare walls. Artists and painters often find themselves being commissioned to do mural work for buildings and companies.
These people often have a smaller version of the artwork before creating it on a larger scale.
Supplies and Equipment
To create their artworks, artists need their supplies. These usually range from multiple types of brushes and paint. Other artists may also choose to incorporate other elements besides paint.
Since the artwork is exposed to natural elements, artists take precautions to protect their artwork. To do this, some artists may use acrylic varnish to create a protective coat over their artwork. Others also use epoxy resin to seal their artwork.
Apart from their needed supplies, they often use equipment to reach the higher parts of a wall. Depending on the height of the wall and the location, artists may use ladders and tables.
But for taller walls, such as sides of buildings, it may be best for artists to use equipment, such as a JLG vertical lift, to reach higher places with ease.
Weather
Weather is also taken into account when creating a mural. It is best to conduct the painting during days when the sun is out and there is no rain to spoil the paint. For this reason, organizers and artists should check weather forecasts and seasons to gauge if they can conduct the painting or not.
Time
Of course, these murals do not happen overnight. These can take several days to finish. This may depend on the size of the artwork and wall, as well as the weather. The elements and details of the artwork itself can also affect the progress.
It may also help to have multiple artists contribute to the project. With more people, it may be faster to finish the mural.
Murals are great pieces of art that speak to hundreds of people at any given time. They are a manifestation of how artists reach out to the population. While they can take time and effort to create, it is an endeavor that every artist should try and experience.
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