by Leslie Ann Powers

Step 2B

The base of the grasses should vary from the bottom of the mural - between 1 1/2" to 4" (see sample). Use your samples again, and then paint your grasses.

Layer 3 Upright trees

Step 3A

Measure for the trees as shown in picture. Draw lines up the wall for the two side trees, curving slightly near the tops as shown. The middle tree is 11" wide. Draw two lines straight up 11" apart as shown.

Step 3B

Use the single-wide tree stencil for the two trees on the sides. Using light brown, paint the two smaller trees. Using medium brown, shade the edges of those trees. *Note: using a natural sea sponge requires liquid latex or acrylic paint. Add a tiny bit of green color to the light brown and, with a natural sponge, dab up the middle of these two trees. When sponging a small area, cut a piece off your large natural sponge. It will be easier to control the paint. The center tree uses the same stencil -- one time up the left side and one time up the right side of the chalk lines you've drawn (see picture). On the center tree, use a medium brown to paint the tree and a darker brown on the edges. Add some green to the medium brown and sponge up the middle of this tree (see picture).

Layer 4 Slanted Trees

Step 4B

Draw a line from bottom left point to upper right point, and then between the two points on the lower right. Using the smaller tree stencils with medium brown (for the body) and dark brown (for the edges), paint the tree along your chalk lines. Mix a little green in the medium brown and sponge along these trees.

Layer 5 Vines

The vine designs are made from the whole and parts of the vine stencils. Only the measured swags (or loops) in vines (shown below) need to be copied. The others just follow the ideas in the mural. You may add or delete as you go. If you want a vine to go a different way, flip it over (clean the front before you flip) and change the direction. Just remember where you flipped so you can do the same with the companion vine. Have fun. Use the medium brown with green mixed in. The small companion vines are done in light beige with a little green added.

Step 5A

Follow the directions for the measurements and make a mark for each swag. These are your swag-bottom. With your chalk, draw the swags through the marks (see picture). If it's easier for you, draw the remaining vines in chalk before you begin painting, then use the
whole stencils (or parts of them), to paint the design.

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