Page 16 - DPM3_Fall_2021_Flipbook

inspiration corner
FRENCH VILLAGE MURAL
by Kaaren Scanio
Late one afternoon in 1980, I walked by an art supply shop in Guilford, Conn., advertising a three-night class in decorative painting. Since I had an old milk can I wanted something pretty on, I took the classes, and I have been painting ever since. Studying for six years with Doreen Gammons of Killington, Conn., were delightful years of learning and friendship. Since then
I cannot count the things I have done. Recently, however, I was given a new challenge: a 32-ft. by 8-ft. high mural in the new cafeteria of my granddaughter’s French American school in Chandler, Ariz. I had done two other murals but nothing of this size and scope. Excitedly I jumped in and designed a small French village street.
I utilized the techniques of the decorative arts, i.e., pat-blending, scrollwork, a little stenciling, shading, overlaying, faux finishing, etc. After figuring out spacing, I used pencils to lightly sketch the buildings on the wall. I painted primarily on primed wallboard, but also a little plastic, a little concrete, and some wood. I used acrylics for the bulk of the mural, but in some specialized areas I used oils. For instance, the flowers in the florist windows were painted in oil on thin pieces of wood at home and then attached to the wall. The entire mural changed and evolved as I worked on it – sometimes executing a new idea because of circumstances – and also because of the desires of the children for whom I was painting it. The children, K-5th grade, were “with” me for most of the project and everyone had ideas, as children do. Sometimes their suggestions were good ones and I used them as best as I could. The mural consists of a fromagerie (cheese store), a traboule (a somewhat secret passageway found in Lyon, France), a boulangerie (bakery and pastry shop), and a fleuriste (florist).
My husband was a real helper. Since I wanted it to have a little three-dimensional quality to it, he framed the doors and windows with real wood, and attached doorknobs and decorative items. It made it much more fun for the children.
An added benefit was that as all the children watched, they questioned me about what I was doing, why I did what I did, and how I did it. With a group of 3rd graders, I even had a great discussion about the gardens of Giverny, Monet, and what was Impressionism. Loving art as I do, the opportunity to excite children about the arts was a tremendous gift to me.
Mural painting is different than sitting comfortably in my painting area with excellent lighting, etc. Sometimes the circumstances can test one’s endurance, patience, and improvisational skills. The rewards are worth it. We must all reach for new experiences. I will certainly be open to doing more murals, especially in schools. It was my gift to the school which is an excellent school both academically and in sending children into the world speaking fine, unaccented French and English. The joy the decorative arts have brought me has been immeasurable.
14 TheDecorativePainter • FALL 2021