Is your Artist Green?

People are so much more conscious of our planet Earth and how to treat her with more respect. I have sought for many years to find ways to be gentler on the environment. We can all do our part to lessen the impact of our carbon footprint. These are just a few ways I try to do my part.

RE-USE:

• I reuse meat trays and plastic lids as palettes for mixing colors.
• I reuse all my plastic yogurt and margarine tubs for water containers in my studio.

RECYCLE:

• I use recycled paint from Metro upon request and as a base coat on many of my sample boards.
• I offer it also as an option to my clients when asked for.
• I recycle my office paper and packaging.
• I compost all my kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, shredded paper, leaves and grass clippings.

REDUCE:
Things I do to reduce the impact on our Earth:

• Use only water-based materials to prevent harmful fumes and associated health risks.
• Grow my own herbs and vegetables.
• Avoid herbicides and pesticides.
• Conserve water by mulching and watering by hand just the plants that need it.
• Avoid the use of leaf-blowers and power tools in the yard to save fuel and preserve the peace & quiet.
• Patronize our local farmers markets and shop locally.
• Combine trips to shop with business errands and meetings to conserve fuel.
• Shop in your community and at resale shops whenever possible to avoid wasteful trips to the mall.
• Take vacations locally in our own beautiful state and enjoy the natural beauty we are blessed with.

How do I know if a mural is right for me?
Well usually, it’s because you are unable to locate anything out there that is in the right design or colors that you want. You are not satisfied with what everybody else has and desire something unique and all your own. In a word, you cherish self-expression.

How much does it cost? Custom mural work is really affordable when you consider the alternatives that are wallpaper or framed art. With premium wall coverings, by the time you find what you want, order the material and then pay for installation, you can be looking at quite a sum. And when you get tired of it, it has to be striped and repainted.

The beauty of a mural is that it can be painted over after you get tired of it without having to strip or scrape the walls. Often modifications can be done to update it as your tastes change or as kids grow up. Depending on the subject matter and the amount of detail, expect to pay at least $1,100.00 on up for an entire wall which takes 3-5 days. Smaller projects can be had for $400.00 on up.

When you compare that to a framed piece of art, unless you get something from China, you can expect to pay quite a bit for even a small painting, and then there’s the frame. (Check out the galleries if you don’t believe me!)

Can you tailor it to my budget? Absolutely. Just let me know what your price range is and I can design something to fit it. By keeping the design very simple and the details to a minimum, we can usually keep the cost quite reasonable, and still end up with something truly unique. When necessary, I can arrange a payment plan to divide the amount into three equal payments, allowing a little more time to pay, as long as it’s something agreed upon in advance.

How far will you travel? I’m based in the Portland, Oregon area, but I will travel as far as I need to go to get the job done. Pricing for out of town jobs will include the cost of meals and lodging, unless the client provides them. Mileage is charged for at a rate of 45cents per mile for the round trip.

How do I pick a design? It starts with an interview about what uses the room will be put to and who will occupy it. If it’s for a school age child, I prefer to involve them at least a little bit, in the design selection process. They usually have a favorite color, or animal, etc. I get my design ideas from many sources, including storybooks, fantasy themes, and magazine articles. I keep an extensive file of resource photos in a number of subjects and have access to the main library picture files as well. Usually if we put our heads together, we can come up with at least a beginning idea, which I can then develop further in the form of a sketch.

Can you work with my designer so everything flows? Of course! I love working with designers and find it usually makes my job easier. As a resource, they bring their talent and experience in interior design trends, which usually result in excellent ideas.

How long does it last? If it’s damaged can it be touched up? A custom painted mural or faux finish generally lasts as long as any good painted wall surface. What tends to happen is that people grow tired of the colors, or kids outgrow the subject long before the surface wears out. Minor damage can usually be repaired without too much fuss. I charge a flat rate to do touch-ups and there is a two-hour minimum.

How long will it take? That depends on the complexity of the design and the amount of detail. Murals featuring detailed and realistic animals and people take longer than less realistic figures or trees and grass for instance. Full wall scenes can take anywhere from 3-6 days depending on the size. Entire rooms can take 3-6 weeks, depending on working conditions.

A faux-finish takes anywhere from 2-3 days per room and depends on the number and layers of colors or glazes. Some techniques take longer to dry between coats, while others are a one-shot deal.