Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Steam Train Mural Completed by Cleveland Artist Nicole McClain

A few changes and additions were made to the steam train mural. The railroad cars in the middle were completed, more snow was added to the mountains, and the railroad ties and trees were more defined.


Steam train mural by Cleveland artist Nicole McClain

The trestles supporting the bridge were painted in and highlighted.


Vintage train mural by Cleveland muralist Nicole McClain

Fasteners for the train track to the railroad ties were added.


Train tracks of steam train mural by Nicole McClain

Per the client's request, a "72" was added to the front of the steam train as the company was founded in 1972. The grill of the train and curves of the steel on the front of the train were highlighted also.


Cleveland Ohio artist Nicole McClain's train mural

The bolts and cables that fasten the bridge to the rock cliff were emphasized.


Some lowlights were added to the steam of the train and the second steam spout now pipes out hot steam.

The only piece left is to 'sign' my name in the corner, prime it for protection, and deliver it with a smile to the client.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Steam Train Mural by Artist Nicole McClain

The canvas measures 48" x 40" done with acrylic paint. The client was looking for a "train through the mountains motif" featuring water, trees and all the colors of nature. The painting will be displayed in the front lobby of their office building upon completion.


Any mural I create begins with a pencil sketch directly on the canvas or wall where the mural is to be located. The next step is to begin painting in some of the background scenery such as the grass and trees shown below.


I outlined the mountains to be sure where I wanted them to reside before painting the sunset sky. Add a little blue for the lake and suddenly the painting quickly starts coming to life.


Detailing more of the mountains and hills of the grass is shown below.


One key to this mural is the depth of each piece including the trees, mountains, train and lake. I have filled in more of the water below and will later add more shading to show the reflection of the sunset in the water and to show the water in the foreground.


A base layer for the sunset sky is dropped in behind the mountains.


Shades of blue are added to the sunset to show the gradient of sunset to the nighttime sky above. White is also added to tone down the yellow for a more natural look.


Here the sunset is softened behind the mountains with hues of orange and the detail of the mountain range and train begins.


Mountains with a dusting of snow are added way off in the distance to give depth and additional character to the painting. The foreground rocks and railroad ties begin coming into focus with earth tones for a faded, rustic look.






The mountain lines are further defined to make each peak and valley "pop," as well as the water near the cliff's edge.


Refined details of the train are shown below keeping in mind the angle of each curve, line, and light reflection.


The cliff on the right side of mural is added with brush and rocks.


The train cars and mountain valley are painted to come out of the mountain once again keeping in mind each curve, line, and angle of the train.

The bridge, track and train wheels begin coming to life.


The grill of the train is added as well as the beginning of the train tracks.