You don't need to be an artist to achieve this simple effect. As long as you can hold a paint brush you can do this. The effect is achieved by creating fake shadows behind simple shapes. The shapes then appear to be floating above the wall surface. Follow my directions and apply the technique to any shapes you like. OK lets look at how to do this.
Choose your image- I will use a star shape to illustrate the idea. Create as many different star sizes as you wish. Keep the position of your shadows consistent on each image. If you have a definate light source like a window, look at which direction the real shadows are cast and copy that position. To transfer the designs to the wall use either transfer paper or rub the back of the paper with a soft graphite pencil or coloured chalk. When you draw over the lines (a ball point pen is good for this), the design will be transferred to the wall. Tape your tracings to the wall and transfer the design as above. You are now ready to paint. If you have some of your original background wall colour so much the better. If not, try and mix a similar colour. With this colour you can now paint in your shadows that you have drawn. Now paint your stars in your chosen colours. You're done!
Need some shape/theme inspiration? Ready made stencils are an endless source of good simple designs. They can also save you some work of tracing and copying a design. Click here for a list of mural themes that might help you decide Click here for more great stencil books.
TIPS Use tester pots of acrylic wall paint available form DIY and paint stores. They come in small quantities and are inexpensive. Mix them with white to create a subtle pastel version of the colour for softer effects. Keep your design simple. Look at the butterfly on the right. It's not complicated will look great dotted around a room and fluttering above a bed head. |
The trompe'loeil affect applied to a rocket theme I painted this rocket space mural for a little boy's room. A simple rocket shape, numbers and stars all with shadows look great and give a simple design an impressive look
Trompe l'oeil butterfly design
|