Technical Aspects of Permanent Mural Making
– William Cochran, Instructor

This intensive three-day lecture/demonstration program is taught by one of America’s leading muralists, a highly rated, nationally respected instructor who combines time-tested techniques with the latest technological tools when creating his award-winning murals. The program provides a broad range of useful information in plain language and includes specific recommendations for materials, techniques and sources, as well as a formal, 60 page reference manual organized by session and subject with worksheets, as well as a CD of practice images with instructions. Everything is provided; each session is a live demonstration with large-screen projection; you do not need to bring a computer or a camera, though you may if desired.

Session 1: Photography & Photo Lighting for Muralists
Tired of lifting images from books, magazines or the old masters? This session shows you how to use the digital and/or film cameras to easily design and develop your own original reference materials. This session shows principles of good lighting technique, equipment selection and use, mage quality and color accuracy, documenting your work and much more.

Session 2: Photoshop and Elements: Tools & Techniques for the Working Painter
Learn to get the most out of these amazingly powerful programs that work both as image enhancement programs and potent design tools. This session includes all the important capabilities a muralist needs to know, including color correction, perspective and contrast problems, sharpening, how to create, light, fix, save and store images, file formats, fixing common perspective problems, filters, layers, palettes and more.

Session 3: Materials, Substrates, and Surface Preparation
You can create murals in your studio and install them onsite, saving you valuable time and money and creating a stronger artwork. This session tells you how. It covers a full range of materials and substrate choices, from canvas to wood and cement panels to masonry walls. Learn how to safely tackle that difficult site. Understand the six main hazards to your mural and how to address them, for both interior and exterior settings. How can you assure your mural is “archival quality?” Which paints and pigments are best for murals? Learn proper varnishing materials and techniques to preserve the work and keep it low maintenance, and learn how to light the work. This session is an information-rich exploration of these critical mural questions and more from the experience of a twenty-year professional.

Session 4: Mural Design, Composition & Perspective
An introduction truly effective, professional principles of composition and design, including perspective, focal points, depth, motion, negative space, texture, line, form and shape. Includes a powerful intro to one point perspective for muralists. Learn the six key considerations for painting people, color fundamentals, and more. This is one of the most enjoyable and enlightening sessions!

Session 5: Intro to SketchUp and InDesign for the Professional Muralist
SketchUp is now free and has long been a valuable, easy to learn 3D design tool of architects and designers. This session introduces the mind-blowing power of SketchUp to muralists for the first time. Learn how 3D models can solve common perspective problems, explore different lighting options, and develop and showcase your design. Impress your clients with professional quality sketches and renderings, and more. This introduction to an amazing program will get you started on the right foot and show you where to go next to develop and refine your skills. The session also covers InDesign, a professional grade page layout program, which often comes with Photoshop, and is an invaluable and easy to use tool for creating presentation materials, marketing materials and more.

Session 6: The Business of Art
Copyright and artist rights: always know how to protect yourself under the law. Ten key factors to consider when pricing your work. Dealing with clients. Presentation techniques. Professional attitude. Creating an effective portfolio. Develop impressive proposals. How to break into public art. Scaffolding and safety issues. Insurance, permits, licenses and contracts. General Q & A.

Resources and Appendix:
Sources for materials, supplies, information, updates and upgrades. Sources for free and reduced-price software and for copyright-free images, as well as free educational resources for further learning. A list of review and product information sites. A comprehensive, hand painted color chart. Special technical info for muralists. Information on acrylic gels and mediums. A copy of Form VA from the US Copyright Office. And more.