Mural Project: Phase Two
May 9, 2016
The project was delayed due to water that had damaged the roof and percolated down some walls. Rather than risk damage to the mural, it was deemed best to wait until the repairs had taken place. The mural began with the under-painting in preparation of the finishing details. The mural team completed this part of the mural in three days from Tuesday May 4th until Thursday May 6th. The group is also working on individual panels denoting specific scenes from each of the communities being represented and the panels will be installed once they are completed.
The under-painting begins...
7 mars, 2016
Les artistes impliqués: Simone Desormiers, Flore Côté, Paulyne Charron, Raymonde Gaudette,Lauraine Laframboise, Louisette Tousignant et Clayton Windatt. La planification est terminée, la photo servant de toile de fond est choisie ainsi que les points d’intérêts des différentes municipalités à dessiner sur les panneaux en bois. Les panneaux ont été commandés. Par contre, un gros problème d’eau qui coule du toit ralentit le projet. La décision a été prise de concentrer d’abord de peinturer les points d’intérêt sur les différents panneaux et ensuite, quand glace et neige seront disparues du toit, l’entretien pourra le réparer; les artistes ne peintureront la toile de fond sur le mur que lorsqu’ils seront assurés que le toit est réparé à jamais. S’il est impossible de dessiner la toile de fond directement sur le mur, nous planifions la faire sur trois ou quatre grands panneaux.
Les artistes impliqués: Simone Desormiers, Flore Côté, Paulyne Charron, Raymonde Gaudette,Lauraine Laframboise, Louisette Tousignant et Clayton Windatt. La planification est terminée, la photo servant de toile de fond est choisie ainsi que les points d’intérêts des différentes municipalités à dessiner sur les panneaux en bois. Les panneaux ont été commandés. Par contre, un gros problème d’eau qui coule du toit ralentit le projet. La décision a été prise de concentrer d’abord de peinturer les points d’intérêt sur les différents panneaux et ensuite, quand glace et neige seront disparues du toit, l’entretien pourra le réparer; les artistes ne peintureront la toile de fond sur le mur que lorsqu’ils seront assurés que le toit est réparé à jamais. S’il est impossible de dessiner la toile de fond directement sur le mur, nous planifions la faire sur trois ou quatre grands panneaux.
, Using a Reference Photo
The use of a reference photo by artists is not to reproduce the photo in every detail ...but rather to select elements from the photo to be shared in an artistic and expressive manner. There are a number of things artists keep in mind when working from a photo:
First of all, artists understand the 'flat' nature of the photo and learn to interpret what they are seeing. When working from a photo, one has to take into consideration where the light is coming from as well as the actual depths and contours of the scene as well as the variations that may exist in hue and shade between reality and the photo.
Artists keep in mind that often, some aspects of light and shadows may have been lost in a photo and will need to be interpreted when comes time to paint. Subsequently, the artist may choose to further enhance the shades and hues or colours to more clearly define the illusion of depth. We are grateful for the use of a wonderful photograph taken by Michel Labelle, a former Expressions member from River Valley. The river scene similar to this one is visible in each of the communities represented in Phase 2 of the mural project.
The location of our mural does not allow the viewer to stand far back as may be possible in a Gallery. The mural is located in a somewhat narrow hallway which presents certain limitations. The viewer can not stand far back at a center point to easily view the entire wall at once, therefore, the artists working on this mural determined that it would be interesting to create a scene that would allow the viewer to enjoy it while approaching the hallway from either end as well as feeling they are following the river as they move down the hallway.
The use of a reference photo by artists is not to reproduce the photo in every detail ...but rather to select elements from the photo to be shared in an artistic and expressive manner. There are a number of things artists keep in mind when working from a photo:
First of all, artists understand the 'flat' nature of the photo and learn to interpret what they are seeing. When working from a photo, one has to take into consideration where the light is coming from as well as the actual depths and contours of the scene as well as the variations that may exist in hue and shade between reality and the photo.
Artists keep in mind that often, some aspects of light and shadows may have been lost in a photo and will need to be interpreted when comes time to paint. Subsequently, the artist may choose to further enhance the shades and hues or colours to more clearly define the illusion of depth. We are grateful for the use of a wonderful photograph taken by Michel Labelle, a former Expressions member from River Valley. The river scene similar to this one is visible in each of the communities represented in Phase 2 of the mural project.
The location of our mural does not allow the viewer to stand far back as may be possible in a Gallery. The mural is located in a somewhat narrow hallway which presents certain limitations. The viewer can not stand far back at a center point to easily view the entire wall at once, therefore, the artists working on this mural determined that it would be interesting to create a scene that would allow the viewer to enjoy it while approaching the hallway from either end as well as feeling they are following the river as they move down the hallway.
February 29, 2016
For the English version (scroll down after French version)
Hier les membres disponibles se sont rencontrés pour finaliser les plans de la murale (croquis et matériel requis). Nous avons d'abord dessiner, sur le mur, un croquis très sommaire (vous trouverez des photos en bas) de la scène qui servira de toile de fond. Ensuite, nous avons calculé combien de panneaux représenteront les points d'intérêt des 5 municipalités Ces panneaux, de différentes grandeurs, seront groupés et assemblés sur le mur (une sorte de collage) après que le fond (scène de la rivière Sturgeon) sera complété.
Sur le croquis, la ligne d'horizon est d'abord dessinée à l'aide d'un niveau, à cinq pieds du sol. Ensuite, le groupe a créé un point focal, environ 1/3 du côté droit et du haut de la murale. En se reférant à une photo de Michel Labelle, un croquis est dessiné au fusain nous permettant d'effacer facilement quand nécessaire. Les lignes sont tirées indiquant où se situe la rivière; des blocs indiquent où sont les régions boisées. Le tout donne l'effet visé car, que l'on regarde le croquis de différents angles et/ou endroits dans le corridor, on voit toujours la direction et le mouvement de la rivière.
Les membres doivent encore décidé quelles peintures et couleurs seront utilisées.
The group met today to make final decisions concerning materials that will be needed and to begin establishing a preliminary sketch on the wall. The panels will consist of a number of various sizes that will be assembled in a kind of collage once the wall scene has been completed. Today, some decisions were made concerning the various scenes chosen to depict each of the villages.
The preliminary sketch of the large scene of the Sturgeon River was drawn on the wall paying attention to the horizon line which is located approximately 5 feet from the floor. A level was used to ensure this line would be straight. The group decided to create a focal point one-third from the right edge and upper edge of the mural. Using the photo by Michel Labelle as a reference, a loose sketch was drawn using charcoal. This is a perfect medium to sketch-in at this stage as charcoal can be easily wiped off in order to make adjustments when needed. The lines were then drawn-in and the larger tree areas blocked in. The effect is that one can feel the direction and movement of the river no matter where the viewer stands in the hallway.
There was discussion concerning the paints that will be used and the palette that will be chosen by the group.
For the English version (scroll down after French version)
Hier les membres disponibles se sont rencontrés pour finaliser les plans de la murale (croquis et matériel requis). Nous avons d'abord dessiner, sur le mur, un croquis très sommaire (vous trouverez des photos en bas) de la scène qui servira de toile de fond. Ensuite, nous avons calculé combien de panneaux représenteront les points d'intérêt des 5 municipalités Ces panneaux, de différentes grandeurs, seront groupés et assemblés sur le mur (une sorte de collage) après que le fond (scène de la rivière Sturgeon) sera complété.
Sur le croquis, la ligne d'horizon est d'abord dessinée à l'aide d'un niveau, à cinq pieds du sol. Ensuite, le groupe a créé un point focal, environ 1/3 du côté droit et du haut de la murale. En se reférant à une photo de Michel Labelle, un croquis est dessiné au fusain nous permettant d'effacer facilement quand nécessaire. Les lignes sont tirées indiquant où se situe la rivière; des blocs indiquent où sont les régions boisées. Le tout donne l'effet visé car, que l'on regarde le croquis de différents angles et/ou endroits dans le corridor, on voit toujours la direction et le mouvement de la rivière.
Les membres doivent encore décidé quelles peintures et couleurs seront utilisées.
The group met today to make final decisions concerning materials that will be needed and to begin establishing a preliminary sketch on the wall. The panels will consist of a number of various sizes that will be assembled in a kind of collage once the wall scene has been completed. Today, some decisions were made concerning the various scenes chosen to depict each of the villages.
The preliminary sketch of the large scene of the Sturgeon River was drawn on the wall paying attention to the horizon line which is located approximately 5 feet from the floor. A level was used to ensure this line would be straight. The group decided to create a focal point one-third from the right edge and upper edge of the mural. Using the photo by Michel Labelle as a reference, a loose sketch was drawn using charcoal. This is a perfect medium to sketch-in at this stage as charcoal can be easily wiped off in order to make adjustments when needed. The lines were then drawn-in and the larger tree areas blocked in. The effect is that one can feel the direction and movement of the river no matter where the viewer stands in the hallway.
There was discussion concerning the paints that will be used and the palette that will be chosen by the group.
February 25, 2016
The wall has been primed and readied with a neutral blue-grey background tone in a matte base and is ready to receive the sketch that will outline the scene to be painted. We marked the center point of the wall to help determine the eye level or horizon line. The purpose of the horizon line is to give us the lay of the land, so to speak, that will enable a relationship between the viewer and the painting and, if we are successful, will help the viewer feel as though they can virtually enter the scene.
The wall has been primed and readied with a neutral blue-grey background tone in a matte base and is ready to receive the sketch that will outline the scene to be painted. We marked the center point of the wall to help determine the eye level or horizon line. The purpose of the horizon line is to give us the lay of the land, so to speak, that will enable a relationship between the viewer and the painting and, if we are successful, will help the viewer feel as though they can virtually enter the scene.
The format of this mural will be one large overall scene based on the Sturgeon River (see the reference photo further down this page) which travels near or through each of the five communities. The Sturgeon River provided an important travel way initially for people, and later for the lumber that became the life force of the area. Once the background scene (18 feet wide and 7 feet high) has been painted, a number of smaller paintings depicting points of interest from each community will be painted on 18 x 24 inch panels and installed on the wall.
This reference photo taken by Michel Labelle of River Valley, will serve as inspiration for the large background painting that will be painted on the designated wall leading in to the Marcel Noel Hall at the Complex. The painting will be approximately 7 feet high and 22 feet wide.
February 21, 2016
Today, members of the mural committee met for lunch to discuss the next stage of the mural. They also met with Lynn Duhaime to discuss a decision to paint a large background scene of the Sturgeon River based on a reference photo by Michel Labelle of River Valley. The group will subsequently install ten 18 x 24 panels depicting scenes from each of the five communities to be represented in Phase 2 of the mural.
Aujourd'hui, des membres de la comité sommes allées au Complexe pour planifier la murale Phase 2. Nous avons calculé d'utiliser 10 paneaux de 18x24 pour représenter les différents points d'intérêt des cinq municipalités qui restent. Nous avons rencontré Lynn Duhaime et avec les conseils et suggestions de part et d'autre, il semblerait que les paneaux ci-bas seraient idéal pour nos dessins.
Today, members of the mural committee met for lunch to discuss the next stage of the mural. They also met with Lynn Duhaime to discuss a decision to paint a large background scene of the Sturgeon River based on a reference photo by Michel Labelle of River Valley. The group will subsequently install ten 18 x 24 panels depicting scenes from each of the five communities to be represented in Phase 2 of the mural.
Aujourd'hui, des membres de la comité sommes allées au Complexe pour planifier la murale Phase 2. Nous avons calculé d'utiliser 10 paneaux de 18x24 pour représenter les différents points d'intérêt des cinq municipalités qui restent. Nous avons rencontré Lynn Duhaime et avec les conseils et suggestions de part et d'autre, il semblerait que les paneaux ci-bas seraient idéal pour nos dessins.
January 28, 2016
The next phase of the Mural Project will soon begin in the Sports Complex in Sturgeon Falls. The process began with discussion and reviewing reference photos collected from each of the communities of the municipality of West Nipissing: Sturgeon Falls, Crystal Falls, Field, Desaulniers and River Valley. The wall that will receive the mural has been primed and readied. The Mural Committee has met a number of times to determine their focus and plan of action beginning with sketching of various landmarks from the above designated communities of West Nipissing. The intent of the artists is to create a mural that will reflect the charm and natural appeal of this region. As the project evolves, visit this website often to learn more about the process and view photos of the work at this website under: More...Community Events...Mural Project.
The next phase of the Mural Project will soon begin in the Sports Complex in Sturgeon Falls. The process began with discussion and reviewing reference photos collected from each of the communities of the municipality of West Nipissing: Sturgeon Falls, Crystal Falls, Field, Desaulniers and River Valley. The wall that will receive the mural has been primed and readied. The Mural Committee has met a number of times to determine their focus and plan of action beginning with sketching of various landmarks from the above designated communities of West Nipissing. The intent of the artists is to create a mural that will reflect the charm and natural appeal of this region. As the project evolves, visit this website often to learn more about the process and view photos of the work at this website under: More...Community Events...Mural Project.
Mural Project: Phase One
The concept of a mural in the community was first presented at a Gallery general meeting by Raymonde Gaudette who has considerable experience painting large murals. She was inspired to propose a mural project to Expressions following a visit to her sister on Vancouver Island where she noted a small nearby village had many murals gracing its municipal buildings. Gallery members were interested in participating in a community based project that would highlight the many wonders of the West Nipissing district as suggested by R. Gaudette. Following membership approval, Raymonde Gaudette, Lana Richardson and Simone Desormiers presented a proposal for a mural consisting of a series of vignettes representing each of the communities making up the municipality of West Nipissing to Council for their consideration. The Municipal Councillors were interested and a location was proposed. After the Gallery's election of new executives, Hélène Chayer, the incoming president, presented the sketch prepared that had been prepared by the mural committee. The photos below follow the project on its journey.
Raymonde Gaudette, Flore Dauphinais, Paulynne Charron and Hélène Chayer work on the initial design plan. This follows an informal survey of members of various communities and research to determine recognizable features of each area including: River Valley, Field, Crystal Falls, Verner, Lavigne and Sturgeon Falls.
If you would like to view a video of the completed mural paste the following link into your browser:
https://www.facebook.com/helene.chayer/videos/10207257134683361/