Watercolour Murals

Beyond the world of Watercolours on paper, Francy Atelier also takes the technique to the wall, through the watercolour murals.

The technique of painting on murals

First of all, I would like to talk a little more about the technique I use on walls, which is very special.

Currently, mural painting has gained a great deal of space on social media, with several emerging artists and companies creating permanent and colourful spaces to attract the public. Even so, the most used technique has been the organic one, made with wall paints, permanent pens and lettering. Jhenny Keller and Nina Cohen are two amazing artists who have mastered the technique.

Even though I think this style is beautiful, the wall mural that always stirred my heart was in the style of Tanya Bonya. The Russian woman makes spectacular murals that translate well her watercolour out of paper and that's exactly what I wanted.

In this way, I started to study the possibilities of paints and techniques to take my watercolour from paper to the wall, and eventually I achieved the technique I use today.

Materials I use in watercolour murals

First of all, the mural painting I practice doesn't have a big secret. Instead of watercolour paint, I I use acrylic paints, as they do not come out after drying. With water – the same base as watercolour – I can create a translucent texture on the wall and have results very similar to paper.

Despite being a more economical technique than lettering, it certainly requires more time to master, since water is quite volatile. Do you want to know a little more? So, Im going to tell you more about the technique of the murals.

Watercolour mural painting

Now that you know more about the technique, it's time for me to introduce you to the process of creating watercolour murals here.

1. Before painting – briefing and references

Before starting any project, I do a briefing and ask for references for clients to understand their dream. Even though I know the client well, this step is never skipped and is very important!

After all this pre-definition phase, we move on to the second stage, which is the creation on paper.

2. Project on paper – the dream takes shape

Right after we talk about the clients' desire for the space, I work on the paper project proposition.

I usually scale the drawing so the client understands the proportions and starts to visualize the idea. However, I try to make it clear that the artwork will undergo minor changes, as all the work is 100% handcrafted: I don't use a projector or stencil; it's all handcrafted.

Even though the client gives me the freedom to create, the project is made for him to understand the proportions and analyze whether he would like to add or remove something.

With the art approved, we agreed on the day of execution and set off to create!

3. The execution - mural painting

Contrary to what many people think, the process on the wall is not that different from paper. Here we also start with the scratching (which I do with chalk so as not to smudge and to be able to erase), I make a little stained background and then start painting the details.

There is not much to talk about the painting itself, as it involves a lot of feeling for the moment, the project, the client. When the client actively participates, we feel what he feels and the painting becomes even more fluid and more delicious.

Likewise, I feel the wall speaks throughout the production. There are places that are easier to apply, places that are more difficult to deal with… Anyway, much of the result comes from a brand new wall and a project made with the heart.

Check out some photos below and follow the process:

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Merci for following me, Francy ♥️