Mural-Fayette-Sponsored by Downtown Merch. Assoc.

Photo's from completion

2008-11-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

ALL Done............I'm very excited with the final product. I think the hardest thing is knowing when to stop. I still see things that could be added....but......I'm thrilled of the outcome. I was 20 hours over from my estimate. I find this to me a feat in itself. Looking at a 12X 75 wall and getting that close on hours is a true stroke of luck in my book. (141.5 Hrs. for those that are curious)

Suggestions where noted for the addition of lights to the roof to wash the wall, and river rock added at the base of the wall to cover the rough brick and block. This would also help in keeping debris splashing on the wall in the future.

Train-Depot and Civic Center(Old Grade school) Small shadows where added to the roof of the depot to suggest the clay tile roof. I also spent extra time to add the crossing signal, and the ghost tracks in the foreground. Doc and Jeff (electricians) shared a story of when they wired the crossing sign they had the lights flashing and cars where stopping........tracks are no longer in place. (lol) I enjoyed getting to know Doc and Jeff. They where wonderful in allowing me to use their faucet for clean-ups and electricity to get my sprayer and radio working. The monument in the center, right of the large tree, is the Daughter's of the American Revolution monument. Ms. Louise Noland owns the building and she provided the monument at the courthouse. Linda Byers thoughtfully expressed the importance to include the monument on the mural. I appreciate Linda sharing so much information to make the projects truly special and one of a Kind.

2:30 is the time on the clock. I saved this for the last, the time I was able to finish.

The huge Flag in the center was completed the day before Veteran's day. This was important to me. My Grand-father Eugene M. Thomas was a WWII POW. (Pare-trooper) I remember he used to say...2 things fall from the sky.....bird sh*t and fools.(ha ha) I'm thankful for his service to our great country and all the other service men that are willing to give there life so we civilians can live and flourish in a free country. The monument in grey and black is the Veteran's of Foreign Wars monument. It has tiny flags in the urns at either side. You can read the War Names and lines where added for the names on the monument.

The center monument is where I choose to make the Sponsored By marker.

Far Right of wall: Regent Bank and the Middle School(old High School) in the foreground. The Middle school has such unique doors I spent a little extra time to shadow the arched glass that adorns the top of the doors. The Bank was tricky. The angle I choose to place it at made the structure appear thin at first and the addition of the newer addition to the right made me happier with it's appearance. I also had a little difficulty getting satisfied with the color of the brick. Teddy bear tan on top of the canyon stone made a well suited brick color for me. I also used sharkskin on the columns to blend them it. The last tree had a hidden ( M hearts T) in the bark. (Missy loves Tommy).

My new Buddie's at Becky's. Guess which photo is the one that some-one got goosed...ha ha. It tickled be that everyone scrambled for lipstick to get a photo for me. I just think the world of these new friends. While I was working they where so positive of the progress of the mural and allowed me to use the shop frig. as my vending machine. I was thank-full for the facilities too. This is the busiest beauty shop....so many pretty people walk Though their doors. What a group of talented ladies. I can't brag on them enough!

Mayor Nelson stated he wanted a photo with me. I wanted one with him too. He was out of town when I tried to track him down.

I Thank the Downtown Merchants Association for this wonderful opportunity to create this public Art Piece. It is a true honor to be a part of the beautification project of Fayette. I look forward to future projects......I left my number.......Have brush ready.....

Thanks to those that have followed my blog. Keep checking in......I have two in Guin in the works.......

Finishing thoughts..

2008-11-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

The final day for the mural was the 10Th. I worked 10-2:30. 2:30 is the time I painted on the beautiful Roman numeral clock on the Court house. I started the day correcting the domes on the court house, additional shading on the trees, and a check of the roof. My thoughts here where to insure the painting had a clean edge if ever seen from the air. I borrowed an extension ladder from Doc and climbed up with paint in hand. I was able to terminate the mural at the mid point of the wall capped tiles. I also was able to borrow some paint thinner to clean up a blob left from primer on the brick at the left of the wall. Isn't funny how little things bother people. I also find it funny how little things can make such a difference. With my epoxy, I attached my token worn out paint brush and signed on the bottom left.

List of wonderful things that occurred in the duration of project:
-Husband celebrated 47 Th Birthday
-became a Granny to beautiful Berklee Elyse
-received the honor of Gourd Queen at Cullman Gourd Festival
-became a Great-Aunt to Madison
-N.W. AL Arts Council raised enough fund for Moulding Hands, Hearts and Minds( children program) at the Hamilton Fall Festival.
-Father had stints put in. ( Problem corrected before an Heart Attack)
-Father celebrated 61st Birthday 11-10-08 date of completion.
-Having lunch with the wonderful group of Ladies at Becky's.
-Parents visiting me at the wall and taking me to Lisa's for lunch.
-making so many new interesting friends.
-achieved one heck of a farmers tan.

I truly feel blessed. I appreciate every ones well-wishes and kind words regarding my work. This was my largest project to date...12' X 75'. I amazed myself by keeping focused with so much happening. I look forward to creating the next one.

Thursday the 13Th I'm scheduled to meet with Crystal at the Paper. I will take photos to post then of the finished wall. ( I'm unable to get them off my phone at the moment) I appreciate Mayor Nelson and the City workers for being so helpful. Fayette is a wonderful, incredible town.

2008-11-10T15:01:00.000-08:00

Added bark to the trees with whiskers and warm wassil (colors) with washes of bewitched.

Daughters of the American Revolution monument.

Constructive criticism from my Father, helped me realize the domes on either side of the clock where to large. I knew something wasn't just right. Saturday I fixed the proportions and enlarged the clock.

Mulch was added to the bases of the large foreground trees. I used stonington and warm wassil with blotches of bewitched to achieve the mulched bark appearance.

Day 19

2008-11-10T14:55:00.001-08:00

Knuckles our cat was wondering where I was off to today.......Painted by clip on light. I really do not like the time change.

Day 17

2008-11-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

Added foliage to the Old High School trees.

Shadows to the doors and windows.

Day 16

2008-11-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

Adding shadow to the lettering-tiger tail orange. I started around 5:00 p.m. and with the time change, I lost my light to continue. So welcome is as far as I got today.

Details to the Regent Bank. I also added the newer connecting building . I was unhappy with the width of the building, and the added structure nestled it nicely to the hillside.

The Tan monument is going to be the sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association.

Blocked in the flag.

days 12,13,14,15

2008-11-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

Day 15

Day 14

I'm very pleased with the crossing signal. Day 14

Day 15

Day 15- the addition of monuments- The Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Veteran's of Foreign Wars.

Day 13- detailing to the Depot

Day 12

Day 13- little details of the lights and the beginnings of the huge flag pole in the center.

Day 13- leaves on the myrtles and shadows on the pavement add another dimension.

Day 12- blocked in the sidewalk and started the Crape myrtles that lead to the steps.

Day 12- blocked in the beacon of the Courthouse.
At the house. It was nice getting home today, If only for a little bit. I hurried to get ready to go the auction in Detroit Saturday night. I

Day 11 10-28-08

2008-10-29T07:49:00.001-07:00

It was a chilly morning and I started painting at 10:00 today. I gave the sun time to warm the wall up. I'm pleased with the progression on the Courthouse. Shading and the fine details are really going to make the building realistic. I roughed in some of the ground to keep the building grounded. I don't like keeping them appearing like they are floating over the grassy noels.

Today I also added another gable to the Civic Center. I had several visitors today. One mentioned attending 5th grade in the Civic Center when it was a grade school. He showed me the window to the class room where he learned that JFK was shot. The buildings selected by the Merchants Association have many memories for all the fine folks raised in Fayette. I enjoy hearing the stories. The mural project is an excellent way to promote the history and tourism for Fayette. In case I haven't already mentioned.....I'm honored to be apart of the project. Thanks to all the well wishers and kind words about the project.

Day 12.....very chilly....updating blog til wall warms up....starting around 11:00 today.

day 10 10-27-08

2008-10-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

I started the Courthouse today. Blocking in the main colors. I have been transferring measurements from my sketch that is 1/4 inch scale. Future note.....It will be easier at 1/2" scale.

The Courthouse is such a beautiful structure it can be intimidating. I breakup the details by shapes and orientation to each other to keep from getting overwhelmed.

I had to share my joy. This is Baby Berklee. I'm a Granny now. Allison delivered 2 weeks ago and we made time to visit her in MO this past week-end. So Pretty!

Day 9-10-21-08

2008-10-23T12:04:00.001-07:00

Today I started by adding more leaves to the large tree in the foreground. Not having a full top had been bothering me. I then began detailing the High school that was started yesterday. Fine details, side lites in a window for example, are a little tricky because of the texture on the block wall. I also noticed, around 2:00 the brick was getting to warm to blend paint. The paint was drying to fast. I draped my tarp over my ladder to provide shade to the area I was working.

Scaling the Court House was a stage I welcomed. I know many are looking forward to see the rendition this beautiful Architecture. I had a visitor who says she can see the court house from her kitchen window(with a big grin on her face). It truly is a gorgeous structure.

The shading of the trees and the ground planes are going to add to the depth in the mural. My main goal this coming week is to get the main color blocking done. The fine details are really going to make the artwork pop.

Day 8- 10-21-08

2008-10-23T11:50:00.001-07:00

I had intended to work on the wall Monday. The week-end required a day to get refocused. So, Today, Tuesday I sketched and scaled off the Old High School. I like adding the unique details to the buildings. The doors of the High School are very nice withe the side lights sweeping around meeting the arched windows above. The brick work is also unique. The columns bridging the gables of the roof line.

Gourd Fest info.

2008-10-23T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Cullman Gourd Festival this past week-end was great! So many talented gourd heads and whooo...the admission to the show seemed like it doubled from last years show. Terri Camp, one of my mentors from Opp Alabama and received many awards. She is so talented. At the Dinner on Saturday I was honored to be awarded Gourd Queen. "Gourd on" This is tallied by the total number of points by ribbon winners. I entered 21 categories and received 18 ribbons.

Saturday I also had special visitors to the show. Jerry and Kay Marshall brought Bilbo to visit. Sharing information about Katimine and the dangers to exotic breeds, is a mission for me to help save a life of a loved pet. Unable to locate a large enough box to keep the Gimli & Bilbo piece safe. The rode shotgun to Cullman.

day 7- 10-14-08

2008-10-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Civic Center now has a body. I was waiting on the brown sugar to paint the body of the building. The few days it only had a roof many where asking if there was a hill in front on the building. I don't like keeping people guessing for to awful long. I spent many hours today detailing the civic. There will be more details in the last few days of the project.

The details for the bank will also follow later. A close up of the detailing of the Civic Center. I have the Cullman Gourd Society show this week-end. I will be spending the rest of the week finishing my entries for judging. I will be back on the wall Monday 10-20-08. I plan to rough in the High school next. I hope every one has a wonderful week-end.

day 6- 10-13-08

2008-10-15T13:23:00.001-07:00

The bank was roughed in today.

The Third fore ground tree was shaded and blocked in with dark sage and cavern moss.

Day 5

2008-10-11T15:27:00.001-07:00

I was blessed with another beautiful day to work. I would also like to annouce the arrival of our new Grand-daughter, Berkley. She was born Thursday and Tommy and I are so excited. The banner will have the apperence of being framed and Tiger tail will shadow the letters.
The Civic Centers roof was added. I have had a little hang up with getting all of my colors so some of my scheduled stages have to be altered.
I appreciate all the kind words thus far in the progression. I apologize for not updating the blog sooner. I will do my best to keep the progression posted. My plans are to work on the wall Sunday, Monday, and maybe Tuesday of this coming week. I'm also preparing for the Cullman Gourd Society Festival the 18 & 19th.

Day 4

2008-10-11T15:20:00.001-07:00

The foliage from the large oak tree was added. I decided to include the cap as part of the design.
The Depo is roughed in and more detailed will be added later to bring out the tiled roof and brick.

To tie in the front brick, I decided to Jagger the edge to prevent the line across a whole brick. Grey and beige tones will also be added to the bark further into the project.

Day 3 photos

2008-10-11T15:18:00.001-07:00

Today I blocked in the train depo and the civic center. I also added the back ground tree line.

Day 3

2008-10-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

Today I scaled out the Train Depo and the Civic Center. My working drawings are 1/4" scale. To transfer to the wall in full scale several measurments were taken. The Depo is in a two point perspective and the Civic Center is in a one point perspective.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perspective_(graphical)

This was mainly today to get the roof lines. This allowed me to paint the back tree line. I used dark sage (Manor court) and bewitched for shading. Daping the 1" brush with irregular strokes the depth of the trees is achieved.

The streets where bustling with early visitors for the Frog level Festival. I appreciate all the kind words shared by everyone.
I will post more photos Wen(8th)

Day 2

2008-10-04T06:15:00.001-07:00

October 3
After seting up the tent for some shade, I climbed my 8" ladder to create a beigh back drop for the existing lettering. shadowing in tiger tail will be added later to enhance the Welcome banner.
Since this is Fayette's Frog Level Festival ....I brought Terrapan Turtle ( I didn't have a frog). The working drawing is set up for my reference in measuring out the detailes.

End of the second day ground planes, and sky where blocked in. The forground trees where also scaled in while some very talented skaters entertained me. The wall has full exposure to direct sun all day. The block heats up around 12:00 and thinning required for the paint to blend. I'm predicting a pretty good suntan on my arms and back of my legs by the end.Lol. Well....I'm leaving Hamilton to head to the wall this Sat. morning for day 3. I will be filling in more of the back ground today. I hope everyone enjoys the Festival this week-end!

Day 1

2008-10-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

October 3, 2008

Today was a great day. The start of a new adventure. Having my truck loaded I headed to Fayette to start the new project. I met with Gary at Lawerence's and worked out the paint selections and he was very helpful fulfilling the needs for the job. Primer used- Zinsser Bulls-eye 1-2-3, Paint used-Pittsburg Paints, Manor Court.

Photo taken beginning of day 2-primer complete. Masking the lettering was troublesome due to slight breezes. Simular to folding a tarp on a windy day.

Fayette Mural progression

2008-10-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm Missy Miles of Wayside AL. I have been commissioned to create and paint a mural to feature some of Fayette's wonderful landmarks. Linda Byers contacted me after seeing the Mural in Guin. She stated the Down Town Merchants Association have been wanting a mural for some years now. After our meeting on Sept 15 a rendering was worked up in 1/4" scale. Once presented with my bid I was contacted on the 26th that Larry and herself would me prepping the wall that week-end.