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