General Information for Walldog Mural Painters
There are certain things that might be helpful for each painter to know in preparation for attending, and assisting with,
a Walldog mural event. On this page we will include a basic outline of what to expect and a list of items that may not be required, but can be helpful to have.
The Kewanee Walldog event is scheduled to be held in Mid July and could present some weather related issues. The temperatures in mid July in West-Central Illinois could range from somewhat mild to very hot and humid. It is a good idea to be prepared for everything from very hot sunny weather to (I hate to even think it) thunderstorms.
Volunteer painters are welcome at a Walldog event, but need to keep a few things in mind. It is up to each Project Leader to decide how much volunteer help is appropriate for their project based on either the simplicity or complexity
of their project design. Other factors include the size of the project which determines how many painters will safely fit
in the work area or wall space. Some murals also require the use of various types of lifts, scaffolding, and other special equipment, which each painter needs to be aware of and familiar with. In general, there are more opportunities for lesser experienced painters in the early stages of the painting process. But there are no hard and fast rules, other than to be safe and enjoy yourself. Finally, please be patient with the Project Leaders, as we try to help everyone that is working on the project as much as we can.
Currently we are in the process of putting together a team of painters for the Roger Reiman Mural Project. If you are here reading this, you were most likely invited to visit this site by one or both of the Project Co-Leaders. Due to the detailed nature of the artwork, and limited schedule for this project, we are in need of fairly experienced artists and painters. If you are interested in joining our painting team, please click on the contact link in the upper right hand corner of this page.
First Stage - Projection and Layout
The evening before the main event is typically dedicated to projecting the mural designs on to the walls, or panels, being painted. The city or town sometimes
dims or turns off street lights during the process in order to better view and trace the projected artwork. Project Leaders and early arrival artists usually give each other a hand until all the walls are sketched up and ready to paint the next day.
First Day of Walldog Event
The first day of the Walldog event can sometimes start off a bit slow. If projecting the designs stretches out late into the night, or morning, much coffee is required to get the engine running on all cylinders. Last minute site setup is completed at this time, and the paint is hopefully on site by early morning? Then the magic begins?
Generally speaking, there are large areas of the mural design which need to be filled in on the first day or two of painting. Assisting painters will usually find that they are able to jump in and help with filling in larger areas of the mural design in the early stages. As the design develops, there are more and more details to
be completed which usually require higher level painting skills. Once again, it helps to be patient and roll with the pace of the project as it develops.
The Rest of the Event
I would like to say that these events are carefree fun-fests all the way through, but we strive to be somewhat accurate? For most all of us, the time we spend at Walldog Meets (as we call them) is the most enjoyable and rewarding of our entire year. Then again, trying to complete 600 or so square feet of mural in a few days can present some interesting adventures and challenges. The main focus should be to enjoy each others company and be grateful for the opportunity to provide a lasting contribution to the community that is hosting the event.
The Materials and Equipment
Paint will be provided for this project compliments of the sponsors of the Kewanee, IL Walldog meet and event organizers. We will be using Nova Color brand of Artists Acrylic Paint for the Roger Reiman Mural. Nova Paint is water-based and does not have the heavy fumes associated with the solvent-based lettering paint
of yore. Nova paint washes off skin fairly easily, but it will not wash out of clothing, so dress accordingly.
For the most part, there should be brushes available for painting assistants to use on the Roger Reiman wall. I cannot promise the same for the other projects?
A fairly stiff "fitch" style brush works quite well on the rougher wall textures. The Roger Reiman Mural project will be painted on Aluminum Composite Panels which is much smoother than the rougher suface of building walls. Most brushes that work well with water-based acrylic paints will suffice.
A Note About Safety
Most of the mural projects require some sort of scaffolding, or lift, to reach the higher elevations. If you are not familiar with this type of equipment, or do not feel comfortable using it, please look for ground level areas to assist with. Always pay attention while working near any lift as they are moved quite frequently.
Most of all, we want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe time painting.
Optional Items
Sunblock - It will most likely be hot and sunny.
Hat - See above!
Brushes - If you have some, great, if not, we'll provide them.
Sunglasses - You will be painting on a white surface in the bright sun.
Earplugs - Hopefully you will like the music we are playing and won't need them?
Folding Chair - Should be provided, but you never know?
Food - If you register for the event (thewalldogs.com), food will usually be provided.
Water - Most generally, delivered to each mural site throughout the event.
a Walldog mural event. On this page we will include a basic outline of what to expect and a list of items that may not be required, but can be helpful to have.
The Kewanee Walldog event is scheduled to be held in Mid July and could present some weather related issues. The temperatures in mid July in West-Central Illinois could range from somewhat mild to very hot and humid. It is a good idea to be prepared for everything from very hot sunny weather to (I hate to even think it) thunderstorms.
Volunteer painters are welcome at a Walldog event, but need to keep a few things in mind. It is up to each Project Leader to decide how much volunteer help is appropriate for their project based on either the simplicity or complexity
of their project design. Other factors include the size of the project which determines how many painters will safely fit
in the work area or wall space. Some murals also require the use of various types of lifts, scaffolding, and other special equipment, which each painter needs to be aware of and familiar with. In general, there are more opportunities for lesser experienced painters in the early stages of the painting process. But there are no hard and fast rules, other than to be safe and enjoy yourself. Finally, please be patient with the Project Leaders, as we try to help everyone that is working on the project as much as we can.
Currently we are in the process of putting together a team of painters for the Roger Reiman Mural Project. If you are here reading this, you were most likely invited to visit this site by one or both of the Project Co-Leaders. Due to the detailed nature of the artwork, and limited schedule for this project, we are in need of fairly experienced artists and painters. If you are interested in joining our painting team, please click on the contact link in the upper right hand corner of this page.
First Stage - Projection and Layout
The evening before the main event is typically dedicated to projecting the mural designs on to the walls, or panels, being painted. The city or town sometimes
dims or turns off street lights during the process in order to better view and trace the projected artwork. Project Leaders and early arrival artists usually give each other a hand until all the walls are sketched up and ready to paint the next day.
First Day of Walldog Event
The first day of the Walldog event can sometimes start off a bit slow. If projecting the designs stretches out late into the night, or morning, much coffee is required to get the engine running on all cylinders. Last minute site setup is completed at this time, and the paint is hopefully on site by early morning? Then the magic begins?
Generally speaking, there are large areas of the mural design which need to be filled in on the first day or two of painting. Assisting painters will usually find that they are able to jump in and help with filling in larger areas of the mural design in the early stages. As the design develops, there are more and more details to
be completed which usually require higher level painting skills. Once again, it helps to be patient and roll with the pace of the project as it develops.
The Rest of the Event
I would like to say that these events are carefree fun-fests all the way through, but we strive to be somewhat accurate? For most all of us, the time we spend at Walldog Meets (as we call them) is the most enjoyable and rewarding of our entire year. Then again, trying to complete 600 or so square feet of mural in a few days can present some interesting adventures and challenges. The main focus should be to enjoy each others company and be grateful for the opportunity to provide a lasting contribution to the community that is hosting the event.
The Materials and Equipment
Paint will be provided for this project compliments of the sponsors of the Kewanee, IL Walldog meet and event organizers. We will be using Nova Color brand of Artists Acrylic Paint for the Roger Reiman Mural. Nova Paint is water-based and does not have the heavy fumes associated with the solvent-based lettering paint
of yore. Nova paint washes off skin fairly easily, but it will not wash out of clothing, so dress accordingly.
For the most part, there should be brushes available for painting assistants to use on the Roger Reiman wall. I cannot promise the same for the other projects?
A fairly stiff "fitch" style brush works quite well on the rougher wall textures. The Roger Reiman Mural project will be painted on Aluminum Composite Panels which is much smoother than the rougher suface of building walls. Most brushes that work well with water-based acrylic paints will suffice.
A Note About Safety
Most of the mural projects require some sort of scaffolding, or lift, to reach the higher elevations. If you are not familiar with this type of equipment, or do not feel comfortable using it, please look for ground level areas to assist with. Always pay attention while working near any lift as they are moved quite frequently.
Most of all, we want everyone to have an enjoyable and safe time painting.
Optional Items
Sunblock - It will most likely be hot and sunny.
Hat - See above!
Brushes - If you have some, great, if not, we'll provide them.
Sunglasses - You will be painting on a white surface in the bright sun.
Earplugs - Hopefully you will like the music we are playing and won't need them?
Folding Chair - Should be provided, but you never know?
Food - If you register for the event (thewalldogs.com), food will usually be provided.
Water - Most generally, delivered to each mural site throughout the event.