Hey,

I thought I'd ask my PBS peeps for help on this problem. One of my kids wants a mural painted in their new room. I'm not a great artist. I don't want to spend a small fortune on a kit to do it. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

Fallon

Is there a college or university near you?  An art professor might be able to recommend a student who would welcome an opportunity like this and work cheap to boot.  Even a high school art teacher might know someone who has the talent, time and energy for this job.

there is a college near me, but they just let out for the summer. Thanks for the idea though.

How about checking with a local paint store, or art storel  They may be able to help you find someone.

I don't consider myself a very good artist, but I have painted murals in my grandchildren's rooms.  The first one was a pond scene with treets, birds, frogs, turtles, dragonflies - whimsical types.  The other was Dr. Seuss images of all types on all four walls.  I used an art projector to project the images on the walls; penciled in the basic outlines and features; then painted everything with acrylics.  Dr. Seuss images I outlined with a black paint pen, but I think a sharpie would have been easier.

I purchased the projector at a craft store using a 40% off coupon.  I relied on various books to help decide what to paint on those walls.

Previously, in my son's room, I painted an aquarium type scene around and over the doorway.  For that I used images I found on the internet for tropical fish, coral, etc.  I also painted a beach/ocean/palm tree scene on two other walls.

You should try it - you can do it! 

Find a picture that you would like to use for the mural. Coloring books are good places to look. See if you can go to your child's school and ask them if they can make a transparency copy for you. It will be a clear film copy of your picture. Then ask if you can use an overhead projector. It will project the picture up on your wall. You can vary the size by positioning the projector closer for smaller and back for larger. Then trace the picture on the wall. From there-paint. Hope that helps. I teach at a school and we would do that for one of our parents. Good success to you.