More litter-ary ideas

Press, 27 September 1988, Page 18

More litter-ary ideas

Eliminate graffiti Graffiti is not only ugly, it is, often, also, offensive. If there is a fence or wall in your neighbourhood which has been spray painted with graffiti, you could offer to paint it for its owner, who might be prepared to assist with the purchase of the necessary materials. Paint a mural Some “graffiti artists” can’t resist the temptation to spray messages on blank walls. However they tend not to vandalise mu-

rals. Use your artistic ability to design a mural for that graffiti-prone wall. After obtaining the support of the wall’s owner for your project, discuss your design with John Coley of the McDougall Art Gallery, who can give you valuable assistance. Keep the design simple if it is to be painted by amateur artists. Before you start painting the mural, you must prepare the wall, first by cleaning it down, then by

applying a turpentinebased seal and an undercoat. After you have completed the mural, apply a water-based shield, in order to vandal-proof your artwork. Painting a permanent mural is an expensive, time-consuming project. Less expensive is a temporary mural, which can be painted on hardboard panels and attached to the wall or fence you want to beautify.