A mural is a large piece of art, usually a painting, that is painted on the surface of a wall, ceiling, or floor. It can come in a variety of styles, but all are intended to add beauty to the structure, both inside and out. Murals can be found along freeway sound barriers and underpasses in many major cities. One might also be seen on the side of a downtown structure. Outdoor murals are sometimes used refineries and energy companies to add color and brightness and to divert attention away from industrial stacks and machinery.
Though most people are familiar with outdoor murals, they may only associate indoor murals with works such as Michelangelo’s famous Creation or Last Judgment, both of which can be found inside the Sistine Chapel. The Renaissance embraced realism-focused artists, resulting in works that are still unrivaled today. The indoor mural is most commonly used today to open up a wall extending an outdoor landscape or transforming a room into an exotic jungle, Roman bath, or scenic mountaintop. A fleur de lis-inspired mural above a doorway adds an authentic French touch and can be used to tie in antique furniture to create a nice theme.
A mural can be used to create a faux finish as well as art. A wall can be painted to look like weathered brick, rich paneled wood, or white Greek plaster with vines, balconies, and a view of the Mediterranean. For a tasteful accent, trim and molding can take on any look. Marble pillars, ornate tile, and the warm feel of adobe can all be achieved with it.
Indoor murals are frequently used restaurants to convey a theme. Images of a festive Mexican village are frequently seen in Mexican restaurants. An outdoor painting on a traffic-facing wall can double as an advertisement for a small business.
Someone who is skilled with a brush might consider creating their own mural. It can be used to hide a door, create a reading nook, open up a space, or soften the right angles of walls. Those who don’t feel up to the task or who don’t consider themselves creative can hire an artist to paint the area for them. He or she will be happy to make recommendations for what kind of design will achieve the desired effect.
An indoor mural should complement the house’s theme, as well as its colors and furnishings. If the homeowner intends to change them, it’s best to do so before the mural is painted. A good artist should have examples of his or her work in the form of photographs. Someone considering hiring the artist may want to see his or her work in person if the portfolio includes any local public buildings.