I am so pleased with how these came out! This was a really fun and challenging project- large scale murals in a basement without windows, painted on concrete block, depicting my interpretation of the 23rd Psalm. The painting part is done- all that remains to do is a coat of sealer to even out the sheen on the paints and protect the work, so these photos still have tape at the top and bottom edges- sorry.
My aim was to bring a sense of light, the outdoors and of course a religious theme to the room, since it is in a church and is used for worship every week (a coffeehouse style contemporary service) among other purposes. The committee wanted something a bit colorful, not too churchy and traditional (stiff), but not too out there either.
The stained glass effect allowed me a greater level of creativity, and the use of some pretty intense colors, layered in glazes to really give the ‘panes’ a translucent look to them. It was just magical as I painted in the outlines and leading in the three panels- the work just came to life! I hope you agree that this turned out just wonderful!
Below is an article posted on line in the Hometown Life section of the local newspaper:
‘Stained Glass’ Mural Brightens Local Church
Local artist Ellen Leigh has created three large murals to decorate the walls of a basement fellowship hall in Livonia’s Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church. Painted to look like stained glass, they add color, light and life to the large room, and have a positive impact on those who gather there every week.
Livonia, Michigan December 1, 2009 — Talented local mural artist Ellen Leigh has recently completed a stunning hand painted ‘Stained Glass’ mural in a Livonia church.
Ellen Leigh of Ellen Leigh Interiors was commissioned to design and create a large scale mural in the lower level Fellowship Hall in Livonia’s Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church. Adding light and life to a weekly gathering space, it has already created a positive impact on the people who gather there. “They are truly stunning, and add so much beauty to our Fellowship Hall. Beautiful work… which will be enjoyed for years and years to come.” said Becca Rowan, a member of the church. Barbara Gibbons agrees and says: “They are really awesome, and brighten up the Fellowship Hall.”
While the actual painting process spanned three weeks to fit with church scheduling, the project was conceived late last May when Ellen Leigh was contacted to propose studies and designs for the room. “Essentially it’s just a really huge basement- concrete block walls, with no outside light, but a weekly gathering space for fellowship and worship. It really needed a sense of the outdoors, sunlight coming into the room, and it needed to be pretty big.” Ellen says of the project she was approached with.
Additional challenges presented themselves with the concrete block walls. “The rough texture is difficult to paint on, small details are nearly impossible to achieve, and the designs needed to take that into consideration.” The plans took shape, and after proposing two very different designs for the space, committee members at Rosedale selected the very colorful and light filled “23rd Psalm Stained Glass” mural design. Committee member Linda Hively says: “Ellen Leigh Interiors exceeded our expectations, from the initial mural design to the finished art work. She took a bare wall and transformed a room into a warm and welcoming meeting place. We could not be happier with the exquisite masterpiece that she created.”
The mural is actually three separate ten foot square murals, painted directly on the wall from floor to ceiling that appear to be back lit stained glass. They depict an outdoor scene, very stylized and colorful with elements that continue from one panel to another like windows overlooking a scenic view. The effect was achieved using acrylic and latex paints and sheer glazes layered over a white base to give a sense of sunlight coming through colored glass. The 23rd Psalm was the inspiration for the composition and there are elements from that scripture to be found in the art. “I’ve been blessed with this creative gift, and I’m very glad to be able to share it with this church.” Ellen says about the work she has created.
Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church is located at 9601 Hubbard at W. Chicago in Livonia. Services are held at 9:00 in Fellowship Hall, and at 10:30 in the Sanctuary with Coffee Fellowship after in Fellowship Hall every Sunday. Ellen is a lifelong member of the church, and her work decorates several other areas of the church as well.
About Ellen Leigh Interiors:
An Interior Designer since 1979, Ellen Leigh began painting murals and designing specialty wall finishes in 1997 for an ever growing list of clients. Her talents and inspiration have lead her to paint creatively for many area homeowners and businesses in the past 12 years. A former Livonia resident, she is currently located in Plymouth and can be contacted in her studio at 734-420-5393. More information and photographs of her work can be found on her web site at
https://www.ellenleigh.com/.
The 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23 (New Living Translation)
Thanks for your kind comments- They are painted in Acrylics on concrete block.
Did you use glass paint of acrylic? They are beautiful.
Psalm 23 is my favorite prayer. Your illustration of it is truly inspiring. May your cup continue to runneth over each day too !