How To: Old World Mural with Monkey

1. I stripped the old wallpaper from the wall. The old wallpaper paste left such an interesting texture that I left it in place.
2. I found a photo of a monkey that I liked and sketched it the size I needed. Then I sketched the fruit I had around the house and worked on the composition. If you don't draw then find a scene you like and enlarge it to the size you need. Use a pencil and rub it all over the back of the copy until it's covered. Then place the copy in position and draw right over the copy. The image will be draw on the wall or object because of the pencil rubbed on the back.
3. Next I chose a color palate that would complement the surroundings. I decided on fine artiest oil paint to allow me more drying time. Another good quality of oil paint is that it can be wiped off in case of a mistake as long as the undercoat is completely dry. I also selected the brushes keeping in mind the detail of the monkey. I decided to use terpanoid for cleaner and an oil paint medium to thin the oil paint.
4. Then I started painting paying close attention to where the shadows would naturally fall on the items given the lighting in the room.
5. After the painting was completely dry (several days) I covered the painting with dammar varnish.