Friday 16 November 2012

a little flora and fauna



When I recently posted about a kitchen I hand-painted earlier in the year, I mentioned some murals that I was going to do. Well I took a couple of days off work this week and made a start.
My brief for the first one - a heart with the client's initials inside and some flowers and birds (flora and fauna), to be placed over the bed in the master suite. I'm ok with flora, but not so good at fauna, but then over confidence is not a good thing anyway !

I made a rough sketch, but nothing too definite, as I always find that my ideas change slightly when working on a large wall.


I drew straight on the wall (apart from the birds, which I made a tracing of first) and then used tracing paper to give a mirror image, so that the piece would be balanced evenly over the bed.


Starting to paint is always the most enjoyable part of the job.


This is the finished centrepiece. On the right of the heart is the male bird holding a flower and looking back at the B for Belinda and at the female bird who has a ribbon round her neck (you've heard of artistic licence, haven't you !) and who is next to, and looking at Jose's J.




I added lots of ribbons and bows to the design to keep it pretty and had to add pink to the neutral and pale blue shades, to pretty it up some more. It wasn't difficult to see my client's taste, when looking at the bed linen and other things in their home, and I like to tailor my designs to suit each client specifically.





Before

After


The client's love it, which is great, because I was definitely worried about those birds. It just provides an extra focal point to the room. 

I've started the next one, but have to go to work at the cafe till Tuesday now, so won't be able to finish it till next week. Although I won't have had a day off in about two weeks I really enjoyed doing this one - 'a change is as good as a rest' they say !!

linking up with
 
Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Cowgirl Up @ The Farmhouse Porch
What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants
Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style
Primp Your Stuff Wednesdays @ {Primp}
All Star Block Party @ Full Circle Creations
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
 

21 comments:

  1. I love it. You did a really great job on it. Your birds and flowers are wonderful!

    Have a great weekend!

    Holly

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  2. Absolutely gorgeous!!! How could they not love it?!

    Your painting and drawing talents are amazing!

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  3. Just WOW ... love it ... what a fantastic job. You are so talented.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z.http:.//audreyzumwalt.blogspot.com
    Timeless Treasures

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  4. Fiona, so beautiful. I love your murals. You are so very talented!

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  5. Fiona this is incredible! Absolutely love it! So chic and romantic, how could someone not love it? You're a natural talent Fiona!

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  6. Oh my goodness Fiona that is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! you have a real talent. Love the colours, soooo pretty! CJ

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  7. Fif..... you have such a gift. Honestly.

    Bliss

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  8. what a talent you have, fiona!! this is so charming, so pretty! have a great week!

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  9. You did an amazing job. What a wonderful way to earn a living.

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  10. Hi Fiona,

    My gosh! How talented are YOU?! Kudos for your gorgeous creativity. Your clients are extremely lucky! Love the colours and the fluidity; you make it seem so effortless.

    Poppy :)

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  11. AMAZING!!!!!!!!
    I cant believe you just did this!!! It looks soooooo great! I am jealous of your steady hand and creative capabilities!!!!
    GREAT WORK!

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  12. woow,,,,,that´s really great :)
    and do not miss.....

    S
    A
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    S
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    it is FUN :)
    WELCOME
    Håkan ( The Roseman)

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  13. Amazing!!! Those hands of yours are more precious than gold dust!
    It looks like wall paper, and it´s handmade!
    Congratulations! No wonder they loved it!

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  14. This is simply beautiful. Congratulations! I've dabled in such art, mostly on furniture and once did a set of faux 'marble' pillars in a show home. I couldn't cope with the anxiety that maybe the client wouldn't like the end product! (It didn't happen Thank God)
    x KL

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  15. With that kind of talent, what are you doing working in a cafe Fiona!?!!! This is just amazing!

    Gloria

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  16. GORGEOUS! You are an artist! It is always fun to come and see your talent!

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  17. Astonishing! I wish I had half your talent!

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  18. You are really talented. The mural is beautiful.

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  19. I'm just speechless at what you can create. The clients must have been downright delighted with the beauty and romance of their mural!

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It's always a pleasure to receive your comments. I really enjoy reading them, and a huge thank you if you are following as well !