As I’ve shared the process of working on the dining room landscape mural, several people have commented on the “paint-by-number” look. (Not in a negative way, but pointing out the departure in style from my oil paintings.) I thought I would share more details about this look’s inspiration and how I landed on it. While the look is similar to paint-by-number in that each color is assigned to a specific place and not blended into other colors, my muse is older than that mid-century trend. I found my inspiration from a French company specializing in woodblock scenic wallpaper for over 200 years – Zuber.
A few years ago, I purchased the book Zuber: Two Centuries of Panoramic Wallpaper and I pulled it out as I was planning this hand-painted mural. Zuber wallpapers are made by hand by applying a specified paint color to a wood block and then pressing it on the panel of paper. Each new block pattern and color is layered on top of the previous layer, creating an intricate design. Some of Zuber’s designs are made with over 200 paint colors and 2,000 blocks! You can understand why these papers are so expensive. If you’re interested in reading more about Zuber, the book is excellent.
It was serendipitous that I had the chance to see a French woodblock scenic wallpaper in person in the Telfair Academy dining room in Savannah a couple of weeks ago. That’s it! That’s the sort of vibe I’m going for. I thought it might even be a Zuber paper, but this French woodblock wallpaper was designed by Joseph DuFour in the early 1800s.
(The photos below are from Zuber’s website. You can find all of the complete patterns and details HERE.)
I took some time to study antique French woodblock scenic wallpapers and played around with ideas for simplifying the look, making it something manageable for me to do in a reasonable time by hand. I don’t mind spending a couple of weeks on painting the mural, but I don’t want to use over 200 colors and I definitely don’t want to be working on it for months. When you look closely at some of these designs, though, specifically the trees, ground, and distant trees and hills, there aren’t too many colors in play.
Three or four in the grass, four in the foreground trees, three in the distant trees, two or three in the trunks, one or two in the sky. If you omit the people, animals, buildings, and scenes that tell a story of a specific time and place, the look could be accomplished in a limited palette and simplified shapes.
I actually considered painting a tonal mural to make it a little easier, but I was really in love with the palette I had already selected (you can read about that HERE) and wanted to stay true to my vision for a cheery blue/green-heavy scenic mural. Isn’t this monochromatic design lovely, though? Maybe our bedroom needs something like this…
Trust me when I say that I have had my doubts through this process. I spent two days on the clouds, trying to blend colors to make them more like my oil paintings, then changing them to make the edges hard and defined, then blending again because I was afraid they looked like cartoon clouds, and finally forcing myself to stick to the woodblock scenic wallpaper style. I changed the sky color three times and have been close to getting out a roller with primer to start over. I also thought I might scrap the idea entirely, but I kept reminding myself it’s just paint and I’ve been thinking about this project for months. I just need to settle into the process, embrace the discomfort, lean into my instincts, and do what I do – paint.
I’m still testing and learning how much detail is enough. For now, I’m working on the big shapes and getting that done and then I can go back in and add more detail and layers if I feel like it’s needed. I’m also considering whether I want to add an antiquing wax to the mural to knock down the colors a bit. I might not make that decision for a while, but it’s a possibility. If things go as planned I should have it done (or 90% done) next week.
One side of the room is mostly done and I couldn’t resist hanging the blue velvet curtains. Oh my. Hold onto your hats…
I was one of those people, so thank you very much for the response. This is really interesting and that book looks gorgeous. I’ve recently received the de Gournay book and I’m contemplating attempting some chinoiserie on a wall somewhere in my house.
I think it’s Young House Love that say that the middle never makes sense, and I can empathise with the overworking and second guessing. It’s going to be an interesting comparison with the mural in your last dining room.
I totally think your project is indicative of a mural painting. I admire you for carrying out your vision and bringing it alive in your dining room. Bravo!
I truly love this. It is distinctive in the best of ways. I really enjoyed reading the history behind this style and how you chose it. I hope you finish it and love it.
Love it. To reassure you, the clouds don’t look cartoon-ish. 🙂 And I agree with you, the monochromatic one would be wonderful in a bedroom. Sounds like a good winter project (as if you don’t have enough to do).
I love their wallpaper; many castles and stately homes have it. It is a way to create a grand scene and add details later. Do you watch French castle YouTube videos? A few use these, and a few paint themselves. There’s one chatelaine using her blow-up paintings of her father as wallpaper. You fit right in with your art. Keep on going, too much detail can ruin the whole.
It’s coming along, step by step! I like the idea of using a wax to finish the mural, similar to what you would see on an old painting. It will soften the colors and edges a bit, and fit in with the style of your other art work and furniture. Keep plugging away on it-it will bring you such joy every time you enter the room!
I love what you’re doing! It reminds me of the opening graphics of “All Creatures Great and Small” and Batsford village guidebooks illustrations.
Yes, exactly!
Can’t wait to see it all finished…I would be scared to death to even try.
Thought the same thing! It’s like the opening of “All Creatures Great and Small” and I just absolutely love it!
So pretty! I love the graphic pop and departure from your usual painting style which is equally fabulous. A lot of the greats dabbled in different styles. I love a mix of art styles in a home. It becomes more about the art and self-expression than just home decor.
As it looks now it reminds me of Brian Cook’s work (a homage was paid in the opening credits of All Creatures Great and Small)–I like it.
It’s turning out beautiful, but I must say, it’s hard to beat the murals you painted in your MN dining room. Maybe it was the softer colors and more blended look. I think I was just expecting more detail (not that it can’t be added later on). You are always unafraid to try new things and I admire that about you! The new dining room draperies a gorgeous!!
I love it! Absolutely gorgeous! I love the colors and I love that is your unique design.
Don’t change it!!!!!
I was, shocked at first, at your glimpse of the mural so far. Not shocked because it looked bad but rather because I loved the simplicity of it. It was not at all what I was expecting knowing your talent in painting! I never commented because everything you do looks amazing and I knew this would look awesome when completed! Now I understand the difference in style and I must tell you that I am just enthralled now that I know the direction you chose and why. Awesome job! I can’t wait to see the whole thing, drapes and all!
I think your new mural progress is beautiful! I like the style very much. It reminds me of art by Gary Redford shown at the opening of the PBS series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’.
Looking forward to more updates on your progress!
I loved the look of the mural you had on your dining room in your previous house and truly love the one you have going now as well! My daughter and I have done some painting on bedroom walls when her children were younger and it was loads of fun. Thanks so much for sharing the info about the wood block wallpaper. As a digital designer for a school system, I have been creating graphics for the past several years. I guess I have sort of adapted the style you are working on now in the graphics I’ve been creating – was following an art pattern and didn’t even know it!
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1_RcFkmAZ17zX8RIl2k-EJ3L-t77SHvD8MNVPDngm2MM/edit
Since I’m retiring, I might tackle painting something on one of our basement walls. It could use a little life because there are no windows.
Marian, it is looking so amazing! Your creative vision is wonderful, even when trying something new and different for you. Way to go! I can’t wait to see the finished mural and room!
Your creativity and talent are evident in everything you do! How many of us know someone who painted a beautiful mural in their home?! … Or know someone who can create all the pretty stuff as well as so the tough jobs — like that basement floor.
Do Jeff and your sons understand how unique and talented their wife/mom is? Do they notice all the special touches you’ve added to your home? Do they appreciate it or just take it for granted or even notice it? Or are they just happy to have clean clothes and good food and a place to lay their head. 🙂
I hope they love it and are proud of you.
Bravo. It already looks beautiful and I cannot wait to see the finished product. You are always an inspiration in the things you do and the spirit in which you do them. Thanks for being a happy light.
Your mural is really lovely, colors are wonderful. I would love to know what type paint you are using.
Marion, I’ve followed you for many years and don’t think I’ve ever commented but want to now! Beautiful!! Thank you so much for your explanation of the type of painting! I am absolutely amazed by the creativity! Velvet makes my heart patter and can’t wait to see it hanging in your room!!!
It. Looks. Spectacular!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The monochrome version is akin to a toile fabric.
If you don’t mind an observation from a fellow artist (and someone who has done murals) – I think what may be irritating your eye when it comes to your own mural is that it seems to lack a clear direction for the sun and shadow.
That’s one of the things that makes the wallpaper murals so striking and gives them such depth. For instance – the highlights on the trunk of your tree appear on both sides of the shape and highlighted leaves appear all over the tree canopy instead of primarily on one side.
Otherwise – I am impressed by your embrace of a style so different from your own and I love the colours and overall execution. It’s going to be fabulous when it is complete.
The colors you chose are so cheerful. That touch of yellow adds a bit of sunshine to the whole wall. You inspire me!!
I love the style you are going with. It’s hard to step outside your wheelhouse sometimes, but you did it so well, just gorgeous!! I can’t wait to see the blue velvet drapes hanging!!!! Your dining room will be unforgettable for Thanksgiving dinner!!
Thank you for sharing your inspiration. The Zuber wallpapers are stunning. I think you have captured the feel of it beautifully. I especially love the leaves in the last photo you shared. It adds so much texture to the trees. You have done a brilliant job of it as you always do!