This project was a monster. To begin I met with the owners of this new creamery and cafe to discuss their ideas for the mural. Emily had been an art major and had very specific thoughts about the murals theme. Being from Rhode Island, Emily and Bob are 'bringing New England to Colorado' with this venture. So, the mural needed to do the same. Emily's initial idea was to have skiers skiing off a mountain and onto the beach in Watch Hill, RI (a small resort town near their home). That seemed difficult to layout so, instead, I suggested using vintage poster images and overlaying them to create a sort of 'foreground and background' look. This seemed to work but, in hindsight, I think there may still have been a better option. The mural is interesting if you know anything about Watch Hill but, honestly, how many of us do? It was difficult to find maps and pictures to reference (and I rely heavily on visual references) and, the angle I chose for the viewer to be looking at the town from made things even more difficult.
There is a possibility that there will be more Snowcap Creamerys. I think that I will suggest meshing a more recognizable bit of New England in future murals (if at all)... Fenway Park, Cape Cod... etc.
In addition to this being a difficult mural in a style that was a challenge for me I was rushed. I hate being rushed! I think that I began the mural on a Friday and had to have everything (murals and menu boards) finished by the following Sunday. EEEEEKS!
I had done my research on the menu board materials but didn't have the finalized menu until Thursday so... I only had three days to do something I've never done and deliver it.
The menu boards were a challenge in themselves. I wanted, very much, to be able to do the illustration portions of the boards in chalk, seal those portions of the boards and then do all the lettering with the 'chalk markers'. Turns out that chalk is almost impossible to 'seal'. I couldn't manage it without the chalk dissolving or disappearing into the blackness of the boards....
So, I used the markers for everything and, since there was little room for illustration anyway, I think it all worked out okay. I do want to continue working on this however as I would love to make more 'menu boards' in the future.
Thanks to my friend Cathy (a faux artist in town) who painted the sky and blended it out beautifully, my ever patient husband and one fabulous baby Charlie I managed to get everything done on time and delivered to some very happy clients but... next time... things will be different.
Live and Learn!
