KJ Bateman

Ta Da! The big reveal with detail shots! Want to see the mural in person? Attend a Theater Schmeater show; they're terrific. Or attend the Belltown Art Walk on the second Friday of the month. (Gentlemen, you will need an escort because it's in the Ladies' room) And that's how I make a mural. Thanks for following along.

My first idea was to have two figures on the side wall, Harlequin and Columbine who are often played as lovers. As I read more about the characters I decided to create a group setting. Color sketch Final composition on the wall. First color block in.  I am regretting Harlequin's pattern about now. The Captain's golden suit is based on a 15th Century illustration found  here . The red suit is Pantalone, rich and greedy. The white figure in back is Brighella, pugnacious and devious. And still having trouble with all those diamonds, I painted out Harlequin's arm. New arm, add hair and beard. More layers to deepen colors. Change beard color, add Brighella's mask and Pantalone's cape. 

Theater Schmeater is moving into brand new digs. They felt the ladies' room was a little bland and asked me to do a mural with a Commedia dell'Arte theme. I love doing murals. I said, "Yes!" This is how I make a mural.  I took pictures of the space View from entrance Sink wall I made tracings of the photos and transferred them to sketch paper View from entrance Sink wall Off to the library to do research. Pierrot, Columbine and Harlequin were familiar to me. But there are dozens of others. The Doctor, Harlequin and Columbine Pierrot Pierrot