Before the Paint: Foundations of Mural Making

DESCRIPTION
Ever dreamed of painting a mural but didn’t know where to start? This one-day, three-hour workshop with artist Erica Applewhite is designed to guide you through the planning side of mural-making—helping you turn your mural idea into an actionable plan. While you won’t be painting a mural in this session, you’ll gain the tools, confidence, and insight needed to start one on your own.

Together, we’ll explore design and composition, image scaling techniques like the grid method, and the considerations of interior vs. exterior murals. You’ll learn how to choose the right materials, plan your budget, and communicate with stakeholders — whether you’re painting for yourself or negotiating a public commission. We’ll also cover strategies for solo and collaborative mural projects, as well as how to seal and finish your work. You’ll leave with a clear sense of what’s involved and a plan tailored to your own mural goals.

SUPPLY INFORMATION
Students are encouraged to bring a notebook and pen!

COURSE DETAILS
After registration, course details are available via the Northwind Art School learning portal. Learn more

ABOUT ERICA
Artist Erica Nordfors Applewhite specializes in hand printed soft-cut block prints, creating a variety of handmade images. Her most recent works are printed in black or color and finished watercolor or colored pencil. She currently shows at Collective Visions Gallery in Bremerton, Front Street Gallery in Poulsbo, and at the Bainbridge Arts and Crafts Gallery on Bainbridge Island. 

With a B.A. in studio art and a professional background in art instruction, museum education, and intergenerational activities, Erica lends her artistic experience to teaching others.

Artist website: Erica Applewhite

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DISCOUNTS
This course is eligible for a 10% member discount at the Supporter level and beyond. Get a membership today!

Don's Pharmacy and Art Toolkit in Port Townsend offer Northwind Art School students a 10% discount on art supplies.

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CANCELLATION POLICY
If Northwind Art has to cancel a course for any reason, all enrolled students will receive a 100% refund (including any materials fee).

Students who withdraw from a course at least seven days prior to its first meeting will receive a 90% refund (less any materials fee). 

Students withdrawing fewer than seven days from the first day of class are not eligible for a refund except in the case of illness or injury, in which case they are eligible to receive a 40% refund (less any materials fee).

Please note that 10% of every course registration fee is considered to be a non-refundable deposit in cases of withdrawal to cover administrative overhead. All refunds will be applied to the same credit card that was used for enrollment. No credits or transfers will be granted. 

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.