I'm On My Way. . .

a possible theme for cement blocks

closeup of the cement blocks to be decorated

 
 THE beginning of my mural project brings with it days of research and preparation.  I am in doubt about how to prepare the cement blocks even before starting to paint.  Will I "paint" on the smooth surface of the blocks or do I want to create some kind of relief surface using cement or glue? What colors, that is paints, should I use for permanancy under sun and rain esposure?   Lots of questions that I have to answer before I start. I have time and will take this slowly.  Here, in Italy, the heat of summer is already unbearable (thank goodness for the hotel's business) but it would be complete suicide to begin now.  I'll probably wait until September to actually begin the decorative work at Hotel Fontermosa (www.fontermosa.it) so I'll have time to work out my approach.

In the meantime I have found four slabs of cement block to use as trial surfaces.  My  husband, generous as always, had them in his warehouse and delivered them here at home for me to work on, A close friend who specializes in restoration of frescoes and wall paintings  has offered to help me choose the materials (paints, sealers, sizing, etc)

3  of the cement slabs propped up on the wall outside

  

Now they have to be washed carefully to get rid of dirt and color.  After they dry they have to be sized to seal the porous surface and so allow the paint to adhere well and be as permanent as possible.

In the previous post I wrote that the theme would be Etruscan.   Here are some possibilities:

botanical

animals

All photos are taken from reproductions of Etruscan wall paintings.

Just some ideas.  Would love to hear  suggestions from you.
Will write soon.