Mural Painting Workshop with Robert Dafford
- kellis5
- May 27
- 3 min read
Robert Dafford, an Acadiana native and one of America’s most prolific muralists, is leading a rare and intimate mural painting workshop as part of receiving the 2024 Lineage Award! Over the course of several weekend sessions at Basin Arts participants will gain invaluable insights into Dafford’s process—ranging from conceptual design to large-scale transfers, painting techniques, client relations, and community collaboration. This workshop will culminate in the joint creation of a massive 20+ ft mural. Follow along as I document my experience and the progress of our mural!
Weekend 1: Introduction & Sketching for Composition
The first weekend set the stage for an inspiring journey. I was excited to be there with 10 other local artists, eager to make new friends in the art community. Dafford shared his extensive background in mural painting, answering questions about materials, marketing, and the fascinating stories behind his works. His experiences stretched across the globe, from historical restoration of downtown areas to massive public art projects.
We then got to work prepping the mural panels, five 4’x8’ cradled wooden panels, by rolling on two coats of primer to create a smooth surface ready for paint. The next day, guest artist and movement specialist Cissy Whipp brought in dancers for us to sketch. This exercise aimed to help us incorporate dynamic human forms into our mural design. Each artist selected 2-3 sketches to print out, then we began arranging them into a cohesive composition, carefully considering placement and balance.
Weekend 2: Transferring the Design
With our composition in mind, it was time to scale our sketches onto the mural panels. Dafford demonstrated several transfer techniques, including the grid method, projection, and grid scaling. We then lightly outlined our sketches, then came back with paint to lock in the edges of the figures.
On the second day, we started blocking in the dancers using different colors to establish depth and differentiate between foreground and background elements. This initial color blocking helped us visualize the movement within the scene to create a dynamic flow, and make our general color selections to layer upon.
Weekend 3: Color Planning & Scenic Integration
As we moved forward, we developed a detailed color plan for the dancers, focusing on blending techniques and refining edges to create a sense of depth. We discussed the importance of cutting edges and keeping brush strokes to a minimum.
Alongside the figures, we began introducing the Louisiana landscape and night sky elements that would surround them. This stage allowed us to determine how the background would integrate with and within the figures. The sunset horizon line flowing into the tree line of the background. Also developing that all the elements harmonized within the composition.
Weekend 4: Final Details & Reflection
The final weekend was all about pulling the mural together with thoughtful finishing touches. We focused on giving the figures an airy, transparent quality, allowing the horizon and landscape to flow through them and unify the composition. I worked mainly on layering the grass and painting the lavender sky, adding softness and a grounded sense of place.
Feeling so grateful for the incredible experience of working with and learning from Robert Dafford. His talent, stories, and generosity made a lasting impression. I’m especially thankful for the new friendships that formed along the way and the collaborative spirit that shaped this mural.
In the coming weeks, before the mural's permanent installation later this year and opening celebration, Robert intends to return to add more details and polish up the design. I can't wait to see it installed in its new home!
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