Novak Art Studio Blog

Cosmic Muraling

Jenifer Novak Landers — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 03:20:15 +0000

Sometimes I’m more excited about a mural design than my client. Hmmmmm. I got inspired to add swirls and decorative elements all over the planets, and doing a layerd glaze for the “sky”. . . Still might get a chance to paint this one.

Visualizing the mural can (sometimes) be more fun than painting it !

Banging Your Head Up Against a Brick Wall?

Jenifer Novak Landers — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 22:27:00 +0000

It can be a beautiful thing! Bricks beneath modern wall surfaces. . . a lovely way to add character your home.

How do you lay a brick wall? ONE brick at a time. . . .

Getting Your Mural Started – Part X

Jenifer Novak Landers — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:00:40 +0000

This is the final post in a series of blog posts I have been writing on Your Successful Mural Business. Each post has covered a specific step in creating a successful mural project. I have been a professional muralist since 1992 when I established Novak Art Studio. To learn more about me, check out my website at Novak Art Studio.

STEP #10: Finalize Your Mural

Mural Project Completed

Meet with your client to receive final feedback, requests for any changes or additions and then go the extra mile to make it perfect. Add optional sealer or clear coat as the final step.

Mural Project Completed

Voila’!

Mural Project Completed

Take fabulous pictures to add to your portfolio!

Jenifer Novak Landers
Artist Entrepreneur, Muralist, Award Winning Illustrator

Jenifer has a BA in Fine Art, is an award winning children’s book illustrator, and a certified professional coach. She established Novak Art Studio in 1992, specializing in murals and decorative painting. Her mural expertise is in children’s rooms and “kid-friendly” businesses. She is the author of the forthcoming book “Seven Steps to Your Successful Mural Business.” Her popular workshop “From Artist to Entrepreneur” is now available as a workbook. Jenifer offers creativity coaching programs to entrepreneurs, executives and people in transition.

Getting Your Mural Project Started – Part IX

Jenifer Novak Landers — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 06:00:29 +0000

This is the ninth in a series of blog posts I will be writing on Your Successful Mural Business. Each post will cover a specific step in creating a successful mural project. I have been a professional muralist since 1992 when I established Novak Art Studio. To learn more about me, check out my website at Novak Art Studio.

STEP #9: Add Details and Finishing Touches

Add Details and Finishing Touches Keep your momentum going by focusing on one area at a time. Many applications will require 2 or 3 coats depending on the color and type of paint you are using. Plan ahead so that you are painting certain areas and allowing them to dry while proceeding with other areas to make your painting.time more productive.

Next time, I’ll be talking about how to: Finalize Your Mural

Jenifer Novak Landers
Artist Entrepreneur, Muralist, Award Winning Illustrator

Getting Your Mural Project Started – Part VIII

Jenifer Novak Landers — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:00:23 +0000

This is the eighth in a series of blog posts I will be writing on Your Successful Mural Business. Each post will cover a specific step in creating a successful mural project. I have been a professional muralist since 1992 when I established Novak Art Studio. To learn more about me, check out my website at Novak Art Studio.

STEP #8: Block in all main color areas

Color Blocking Start with large shapes and any areas that are “background”.

Next time, I’ll be talking about how to: Add Details and Finishing Touches

Jenifer Novak Landers
Artist Entrepreneur, Muralist, Award Winning Illustrator

Getting Your Mural Project Started – Part VII

Jenifer Novak Landers — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:00:22 +0000

This is the seventh in a series of blog posts I will be writing on Your Successful Mural Business. Each post will cover a specific step in creating a successful mural project. I have been a professional muralist since 1992 when I established Novak Art Studio. To learn more about me, check out my website at Novak Art Studio.

STEP #7: Draw Over Each Pattern to Transfer Images to the Wall

Draw Over Each Pattern Reposition your patterns onto the markers making sure each pattern is securely taped back onto the wall. The chalked side is facing the wall. Use a ballpoint pen to DRAW OVER the patterns following the lines exactly. You are simply transferring the drawing to the wall at this point. The black chalk will copy onto the wall and your drawing will be precise and clean.

Next time, I’ll be talking about how to: Block in all main color areas

Jenifer Novak Landers
Artist Entrepreneur, Muralist, Award Winning Illustrator

Getting Your Mural Project Started – Part VI

Jenifer Novak Landers — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:00:45 +0000

This is the sixth in a series of blog posts I will be writing on Your Successful Mural Business. Each post will cover a specific step in creating a successful mural project. I have been a professional muralist since 1992 when I established Novak Art Studio. To learn more about me , check out my website at Novak Art Studio.

STEP #6: Chalk the Back Side of Each

Chalk the Back Chalk the back

I use black charcoal pastel sticks to cover all lines on the reverse side of each pattern. Be very careful to maintain the dust that accumulates as you are rubbing the pastel.

Chalk the back

Rub out all the lines. Use a paper towel and rub over the entire back side of each pattern. This keeps the chalk from transferring to the wall and making a mess on your mural.

Next time, I’ll be talking about how to: Draw Over Each Pattern to Transfer Images to the Wall

Jenifer Novak Landers
Artist Entrepreneur, Muralist, Award Winning Illustrator

Getting Your Mural Project Started – Part V

Jenifer Novak Landers — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 06:00:09 +0000

This is the fifth in a series of blog posts I will be writing on Your Successful Mural Business. Each post will cover a specific step in creating a successful mural project. I have been a professional muralist since 1992 when I established Novak Art Studio. To learn more about me , check out my website at Novak Art Studio.

STEP #5: Tape your patterns into position

Taping Your Patterns

Once background is dry, start taping all of your patterns into position according to your scaled concept drawing. Use precision measuring tools to ensure correct placement. This step is critical to a professional looking mural.

Taping Your Patterns

Once you have everything positioned perfectly, use a second color tape to create markers on all corners of each pattern. You will want to remove the patterns for the next step, AND be able to tape them back up in the exact same position.

Next time, I’ll be talking about how to: Chalk the Back Side of Each

Jenifer Novak Landers
Artist Entrepreneur, Muralist, Award Winning Illustrator

Getting Your Mural Project Started – Part IV

Jenifer Novak Landers — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:00:08 +0000

This is the fourth in a series of blog posts I will be writing on Your Successful Mural Business. Each post will cover a specific step in creating a successful mural project. I have been a professional muralist since 1992 when I established Novak Art Studio. To learn more about me, check out my website at Novak Art Studio.

STEP #4: Plan the background of the entire mural

Planning the Background

Separate your mural design into two distinct elements: Background and Images. Decide where you can paint large areas of color prior to adding images.

Next time, I’ll be talking about how to: Tape your patterns into position

Jenifer Novak Landers
Artist Entrepreneur, Muralist, Award Winning Illustrator

Getting Your Mural Project Started – Part III

Jenifer Novak Landers — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:00:13 +0000

This is the third in a series of blog posts I will be writing on Your Successful Mural Business. Each post will cover a specific step in creating a successful mural project. I have been a professional muralist since 1992 when I established Novak Art Studio. To learn more about me, check out my website at Novak Art Studio.

STEP #3: Make enlarged patterns to size for all images in the mural

Make Enlarged Patterns

Size each image according to your scaled concept drawing and use an overhead projector to draw your individual patterns or go to Kinko’s and make oversize copies. The 15” robot tracing needed to be 225% enlarged to make a 2 ½’ pattern for the wall.

Next time, I’ll be talking about how to: Plan the background of the entire mural.

Jenifer Novak Landers
Artist Entrepreneur, Muralist, Award Winning Illustrator