I love creating MURALS on the walls of schools or GIANT SIZED PAINTINGS that can be moved according to your school's needs. These works of art will encourage your students for years to come. The mural or painting can be produced according to your design or I can design it for you for just a small fee. The students can watch the project come together or it can be a collaborative effort that allows the kids to help! In doing the mural, my goal is to present to your students an excellent work of art but also one that will stir the imaginations and encourage the hearts and souls of all who see. Prices vary according to the design, but I promise that my fee will be less than artists who do murals exclusively and I promise that you will be happy with results.
While doing the mural I will be happy to throw one additional session of your choice for your school.
Please visit www.chrisrumble.com for more information on my author visits in schools.
Contact me today for details on how have a mural at your your school, library, office, civic facility or home.
Macedonia Elementary (Canton, GA)
MURAL #55: "EVERYTHING YOU NEED." This mural was commissioned by my friend Sue Benes for Hatley Elementary (Hatley, WI). She provided the quote and I created the design. The media center there was already "garden and blue sky" themed so it was my task to produce a work that would fit into that world. I typically use a projector to assure that compositional elements are correctly placed and to insure an exactness in my lettering. This mural, however, was done completely by free hand.
10' X 4', Latex on Concrete Block.
10' X 4', Latex on Concrete Block.
MURAL #54: "SAGE FOX." The good folks at Sage Elementary (Rock Springs, WY) commissioned this mural for their main hallway. They asked me to incorporate the surrounding environment in the painting. The mountains in Wyoming are far different from the mountains of North Georgia where I live, so the learning curve was pretty high. The part of White Mountain which can be seen from the school is in the background. The mural required me to hike the area (which I loved!) to study the plants indigenous to Rock Springs. I was able to complete the mural in two days. My hosts were delighted with the work. I felt pretty good about it as well, until the very next day when I visited the National Wildlife Art Museum in Jackson, WY and I saw the amazing paintings there and realized how much I had to learn.
8' X 5', Latex on Concrete Block.
Mural #53: "OPEN SKY." For eight years media specialist Pam Sowell had wanted the high, drab wall of her library to be transformed into an open sky adorned with fluffy clouds. I was delighted to bring her vision into reality! (Eastside Elementary. Cabot, AR)
50' X 8'. Latex on Sheet Rock.
MURAL PROJECT #13: "SCENE ONE, THE TREE HOUSE."
Mural #40: Latex on Sheet Rock, 10' X 8'.
Mural #40: Latex on Sheet Rock, 10' X 8'.
Detail of Barn.
"Tne Tree House." detail of undergrowth.
MURAL PROJECT #13: "SCENE TWO, THE CAT IN THE HAT."
Mural #39: Latex on Concrete Block, 4' X 7'.
Mural #39: Latex on Concrete Block, 4' X 7'.
MURAL PROJECT #13: "SCENE 3, RAINBOW FISH" is based on Marcus Pfister's internationally acclaimed tale. I did not know I was going to be doing this mural until I arrived on site at Robin Shuler's media center at Marshall Elementary (Orangeburg, SC) so I had to some research and planning on the fly. (Which I loved, by the way, because it added to the adventure!) In the story, Rainbow Fish discovers that his pathway to happiness lies in giving away his unique and beautiful multi-colored scales, his prized possessions. Painting this mural gave me the opportunity to learn how to reflect (at least a little bit) Pfister's water color technique while using latex paint, a first for me. To create the multi-color scales, I combined various colors of glitter paint, another first for me. For an artist, being forced to use new techniques and media is always a good thing. "Rainbow Fish" is one of four scenes created at Marshall as a part of Mural Project #13.
MURAL #38: Latex on Concrete Block, 10' X 3'.
MURAL #38: Latex on Concrete Block, 10' X 3'.
Detail of Rainbow Fish.
MURAL PROJECT #13: "SCENE FOUR, CHARLOTTE'S WEB." This mural is actually a scene taken from the Hanna-Barbera 1973 movie adaptation of the E.B. Whits's classic book. Although Garth Williams's illustrations for the book are beautifully done, I felt like this scene would make a better mural for Robin Shuler's media center at Marshall Elementary (Orangeburg, SC). Mirroring Hanna-Barbera's style was a good exercise for me. Might as well learn from the best, right? I enjoy the contrasts of the lights and darks of this composition and the choice of blues used in the barn wood. Wilbur's expression of elation in response to Charlotte's message puts a smile on my face, as well. But, for some reason, what I love most about this mural is the depiction of the little goose at Wilbur's side.
Mural #37: Latex on Concrete Block, 5' X 3'.
Detail of "CHARLOTTE'S WEB." The expression of elation in response to Charlotte's message puts a smile on my face, as well.
Detail of "CHARLOTTE'S WEB." For some reason, what I love most about this mural is the depiction of the little goose at Wilbur's side.
MURAL PROJECT #12: "WELCOME TO THE WILDCAT DEN!" Two of these massive, eye-catching murals (one on each side) radically transformed the gymnasium at Macedonia Elementary School (Canton, GA). I had a blast from start to finish. I especially love how the lettering pops right off the wall.
Murals #35 & 36: Both are Latex on Ply Wood, 35' X 7'.
MURAL PROJECT #11: "GEORGIA THE BEAUTIFUL," PANEL 1: "EMERALD COAST." I love peaches and sunrises and the opportunity they give the painter to blend reds, yellows, purples and oranges.This is my favorite of the six murals commissioned by Clarkdale Elementary (Austell, GA) designed to transform the white cinder block walls of their media center into a world in which the kids could experience the beauty and variety of the Georgian geography. I especially enjoyed doing this mural because I love the way the morning sunlight plays off the skin and clothes of the children and the castle they have built. But also because it elicited so many wonderful memories of watching my own kids play at the beach. To me, the curious sea gull wound up being the perfect touch to this sweet scene.
Mural #34: Latex on Concrete Block, 10' X 3'.
Mural #34: Latex on Concrete Block, 10' X 3'.
MURAL PROJECT #11: "GEORGIA THE BEAUTIFUL," DETAIL OF PANEL 1: "EMERALD COAST." I especially enjoyed doing this mural because I love the way the morning sunlight plays off the skin and clothes of the children and the castle they have built. But also because it elicited so many wonderful memories of watching my own kids play at the beach.
MURAL PROJECT #11 "GEORGIA THE BEAUTIFUL," DETAIL OF PANEL 1: "EMERALD COAST." To me, the curious sea gull wound up being the perfect touch to this sweet scene.
MURAL PROJECT #11: "GEORGIA THE BEAUTIFUL," PANEL 2: "FARMLANDS." I love peaches. And I loved painting these. Other than sunrises and sunsets, there are not many other opportunities to blend reds, yellows, purples and oranges. They really pop against the green and blue background.
Mural #33: Latex on Concrete Block, 7' X 3'.
Mural #33: Latex on Concrete Block, 7' X 3'.
URAL PROJECT #11: "GEORGIA THE BEAUTIFUL," PANEL 3: "PIEDMONT." With hot air balloons in the sky and Stone Mountain in the background, this was my first aerial view mural. I like this panel and I enjoyed doing it, although I did not get the perspective of the nearest balloon just right. I am still proud of it, however, and will do better next time. Live and learn!
Mural #32: Latex on Concrete Block, 8' X 6'.
Mural #32: Latex on Concrete Block, 8' X 6'.
MURAL PROJECT #11: "GEORGIA THE BEAUTIFUL," PANEL 4: "SWAMPLANDS." I really enjoyed painting this world in which light and mist interplay with the reflective surface of the water. I especially enjoy scenes that convey depth. Once we learn to convey depth, we can fit a lot in a small space. I like that the way the girl in the front of the canoe looks like she can't wait to see what's around the next corner. But, my favorite part is how the onlooking bird appears to be just as interested in these new guests to his world.
Mural #31: Latex on Concrete Block, 10' X 3'.
Mural #31: Latex on Concrete Block, 10' X 3'.
MURAL PROJECT #11, "GEORGIA THE BEAUTIFUL," PANEL 5: "MOUNTAIN STREAM." This panel features a mountain stream being visited by a young boy and a cardinal (Clarkdale's mascot). Set in the North Georgia Mountains, my home and favorite place to hike and explore.
Mural #30, Latex on Concrete Block, 8' X 4'.
Mural #30, Latex on Concrete Block, 8' X 4'.
MURAL PROJECT #11 "GEORGIA THE BEAUTIFUL," PANEL 6: "CLOUDS." A corner of clouds was requested to round out the murals. The clouds really were a nice touch and adds an airiness to that side of the media center.
Mural 29, Latex on Concrete Block, 20' X 4'.
Mural 29, Latex on Concrete Block, 20' X 4'.
MURAL PROJECT #10 - "THE PRIDE OF LIONS." Commissioned by Lorraine Elementary (Conyers, GA) for the gymnasium captained by Coach Brian Smith and (and previously by my brother Coach Butch Rumble), this mural was designed to to transform the ply word rock climbing wall into a world where the kids commune with this gentle pride of lions (they are the Lorraine Lions, after all). At 60' X 15' and requiring the use of a (really fun!) platform lift, this is my largest single mural to date. This mural - combined with many other murals and paintings around the school - took 80 hours of painting over five and a half days. Over the week, I painted 21 unique lions, which was 21 more than I have ever done! For any other schools out there whose mascot is the lion, I am ready to come decorate your walls!
Mural #28: Latex on Concrete Block, 60' X 15'.
Mural #28: Latex on Concrete Block, 60' X 15'.
MURAL PROJECT #10 - "THE PRIDE OF LIONS." These images were placed all around the gym to encourage the kids. Standing up, the lions are ten feet tall.
Murals #19-27: Latex on Concrete Block, Average size 5' X 8'.
MURAL PROJECT #9 - "THE PRIDE OF LIONS...and Other Creatures." Author Mike Thaler had drawn his "Librarian from the Black Lagoon" on the media center wall. The good folks at Lorraine asked me to add color. I did my best to reflect Jared Lee's Illustration style.
Mural #18: Latex on Cocrete Block, 3' X 5".
MURAL PROJECT #8: "100 YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE." This 16' X 8' mural was commissioned by the Pond School of Pond, CA to celebrate their Centennial Anniversary. The school is surrounded on all sides by almond groves, a primary crop in this part of California. The groves are depicted in full bloom. I designed this mural in hopes of weaving together the past, present and future. I took some iconic photos from Pond yearbooks from the 1940s and 1950's. The school had a kindergarten classroom with a fireplace! (The fireplace is still in existence today but is covered by file cabinets.) Eddie the Eagle (a mascot adopted only two years ago who shows up at school events) is surrounded by present day students. My first outdoor project, I learned to deal with constantly changing lighting and air moisture conditions. I also learned the the challenge of painting on stucco and how to paint using only the gray scale (in the black and white photos). More than any of these, however, I became a part of the Pond family as we already have another week penciled in for 2015 for me to return!
Mural #17: Latex on Stucco, 16' X 8'.
Mural #17: Latex on Stucco, 16' X 8'.
MURAL PROJECT #8 DETAIL OF OLD PHOTOS. I absolutely loved reproducing these black and white photos and learning to paint with only shades of gray. The kids at the school had no idea what the majorette was doing. They did not even know what a majorette was! I love the picture of the basketball team. A couple of the guys look like they had to draw the "P" on their jersey. One poor guy just has a "2." And, regarding the cheerleaders, those might be the largest pom poms I have ever seen. Someone was shooting hoops in the background when the photo of the cheerleaders was taken. The ball still hangs mid-air in the background.
MURAL PROJECT #7: "ALLSTAR ACTIONS." The seed of this project began in the heart of Anne Dimitrious, the art teacher a Acworth Intermediate School in Acworth, GA. Concerned about the issue of bullying, Anne wanted a mural prominently displayed to combat the problem. She initiated a discussion with me about potentially being the artist. Out of our conversation, we decided that instead of "No Bullying" emphasis we wanted to exalt positive virtues instead. I have always believed that inviting people to do the right thing to be way more powerful than ordering them not to do the wrong thing. So, the school polled students and teachers at the school and compiled a list of ten "Allstar Actions" and commissioned me to design and create the mural. My largest project to date, the project measures 120 feet long and ranges from 4' 6" to 7' 6" high. It took 10 days and 200 hours of labor to complete. On 4 of those days, I recruited the help of four very talented and delightful assistants: Kara Rumble, Miranda Rupkey, Katie O'Shields and Zachary Rumble. It is my prayer that Anne has the desire of her heart and this work of art inspires those who experience it day in and day out to live out the virtues of Friendship, Honesty, Helpfulness, Fairness, Safety, Respect, Kindness, Sportsmanship, Responsibility and Caring. What and honor to do this work for this great school!
(120' X 4.5-7.5', Latex and Concrete Block. SOLD.)
(120' X 4.5-7.5', Latex and Concrete Block. SOLD.)
Mural #16: Latex on Concrete Block, 55' X 4.5'.
Mural #15: Latex on Concrete Block, 55' X 4.5'.
FRIENDSHIP. Up until this point, all of my murals have been mostly nature scenes. This was really my first attempt at incorporating humans in a project. It was truly a baptism by fire as these murals feature 56 unique characters. This is one of my favorite panels.
HONESTY. The school solicited local businesses to donate funds toward the project in return for being incorporated in the scenes.
HELPFUL. Individuals also gave donations. I added the nearly 200 names of these generous people to the gold stars in the background of the mural.
FAIRNESS. The school mascot at Acworth is, by the way, the "Allstars."
SAFETY. Another of my favorites.
RESPECT. I love the way the little girl is saluting with the wrong hand.
KINDNESS. The setting of this panel (as well as the Friendship, Helpful and Responsibility panels) are actual places at the school.
SPORTSMANSHIP. There is an funny and nearly unbelievable story about this panel. Ask me if you want to know...
RESPONSIBILITY. I like the depth conveyed in this panel.
CARING. This could be my most favorite panel of all.
MURAL PROJECT #6: "THE SPARK HOUSES AT RIVERVIEW." What a blessing it was to be commissioned to design and paint the four 5' X 15' wall panels in the rotunda at Riverview Elementary (Dawsonville, GA). The panels tell a story and bear the names of the houses (similar to those at Hogwarts). Through the SPARK Program the school seeks to instill the overarching character trait of SERVICE ("S"). The names of the four houses are Greek words for four english words which begin with P, A, R and K, the four remaining letters in SPARK: Magnificentia (Pride), Habitus (Attitude), Dignatio (Respect) and Benevolentia (Kindness). The final picture shows Principal Julia Mashburn with me in front of one of the panels. Riverview is one of my favorite schools on the planet. Ann Lott is my friend and media specialist extraordinaire. I loved interacting with the incredible staff and cool kids as they passed me in the hall as I painted. Riverview is indeed an amazing school characterized by an pervasive atmosphere of encouragement. It is obvious that the kids and staff love being at this school. Such a thing does not happen by accident. It flows from the heart of Julia Mashburn. When I think of how my paintings will be a prominent part of the powerful work going on at Riverview, I am very grateful and gratified. Here we see PANEL 1: Magnificentia House. Looking out the window, we see an eagle (Riverview's mascot) soaring high above the clouds. He has something in his beak.
Mural #13: Latex on Concrete Block, 12' X 3.5'.
MURAL PROJECT #6: "THE SPARK HOUSES AT RIVERVIEW." PANEL 2: Habitus House. The eagle gets closer.
Mural #12: Latex on Concrete Block, 12' X 3.5'.
MURAL PROJECT #6: "THE SPARK HOUSES AT RIVERVIEW." PANEL 3: Dignatio House. The eagle approaches the window.
Mural #11: Latex on Concrete Block, 12' X 3.5'.
MURAL PROJECT #5: "THE SPARK HOUSES AT RIVERVIEW." PANEL 4: Bevolentia House. The has landed and now we can clearly read the banner he bears: "SERVICE to ALL."
Mural #10: Latex on Concrete Block, 12' X 3.5'.
MURAL PROJECT #4: "A.R. WALL OF FAME." My favorite part of this particular project does not lie in the artistic quality primarily, but in the purpose of the mural. This mural - commissioned by my friend Ann Sample Lott - can be found in the media center at Riverview Elementary School in Dawsonville, GA. As kids accumulate Accelerated Reader points by reading books and taking quizzes on the books, Ann will lovingly place their photos on the "Wall of Fame" as their Eagle mascot looks on. I know that if I were a student at Riverview I would want to see my photo up there and moving rapidly towards the 300+ zone!
Mural #9: Latex on Concrete Block, 15' X 8'.
Mural #9: Latex on Concrete Block, 15' X 8'.
MURAL PROJECT #3: “MUSTANG’S TREASURE.” What an honor it was to create five different murals at Mount Holly Elementary School (Rock Hill, SC). This project was commissioned by the very kindhearted and trusting media specialist Jenny Newstead, who allowed me the artistic freedom to design every aspect of the murals from start to finish – from concept, to color schemes, to placement and production. The end result is five scenes that that tell a story featuring the Mustang, Mount Holly’s mascot. Now (in my opinion!) her library is even more of a wonderland that will entertain, inspire and stimulate the imagination of her students and, if I have my wish, motivate them to follow Mustang’s example and go on a treasure hunt of their own. What a joy it is to know that my work might be a part of nudging her kids towards life a changing journey.
The project includes over 400 square feet of art. It took 60 hours of intense work over the course of five days to complete. Before this project I had only done three murals in my entire life! Every painting or mural I have done over the last nine months has expanded my horizons as an artist. This project did that for me in more ways than I can express.
The project includes over 400 square feet of art. It took 60 hours of intense work over the course of five days to complete. Before this project I had only done three murals in my entire life! Every painting or mural I have done over the last nine months has expanded my horizons as an artist. This project did that for me in more ways than I can express.
Mural #8: Latex on Concrete Block, 18' X 4'.
MOUNT HOLLY SCENE 3. Mustang finds the treasure chest. Notice the subtle parrot on the far left of the mural.
Mural #7: Latex on Sheet Rock, 24' X 6'.
MOUNT HOLLY SCENE 4. Mustang opens the chest to reveal the treasure inside. He has company!
Mural #6: Latex on Sheet Rock, 7' X 8'.
MOUNT HOLLY SCENE 5: Mustang displays his treasure. He still has company lurking in the shadows!
Mural #5: Latex on Sheet Rock, 15'' X 2''.
MOUNT HOLLY, Mural #4: Latex on Concrete Block, 10' X 4'.
MURAL PROJECT #3: “TREASURE.” This mural is 35 feet long and can be seen in the Media Center at Eastside Elementary in Cairo, GA. I completed it in 22 hours over the course of two days and had more fun than I can express. I love diving in and going BIG! My host, Brenda Cassels, gave me free reign to design something that was “kidsy” and incorporated the themes of sky and nature, included a quote aboutbooks and featured an owl, their school mascot. The quote by Walt Disney reads, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” Knowing that the mural would be above a bank of book shelves, I designed the owl to appear as if he is pointing the way to the treasure. I am awestruck when I consider how this painting will become a part of the fabric of the lives of so many children at Eastside, something they will see often and (hopefully) never forget. When my passions for painting and encouraging the next generation day in and day out are so wonderfully merged, I am in heaven.
Mural #3: Latex on Concrete Block. 35’ X 6’.
MURAL PROJECT #2: "SPARKY'S CASTLE." I love it when a dream materializes in rapid fashion. When I picked up my paint brushes last fall and discovered that I could paint a little, I immediately began letting schools know that I was available to paint murals. The idea was to create works of art that would be pleasing to the eye and ALSO provide a constant source of encouragement to the school. A little over four months later, I found a school brave enough to take the risk and let me paint on their walls! They wanted me to paint their logo (Sparky the Dragon) and their motto. I suggested maybe Sparky could be in a castle and the motto could be on a sign. They liked the design and gave me the "go ahead." I painted this on their cafeteria wall in six hours one evening. It is situated so Sparky can encourage every kid every day as they line up for lunch. Painting this mural was even more fun than I imagined. Hopefully the first of many hundreds of murals that I will have the honor of painting the walls of schools across the country.
Mural #2: Latex on Concrete Block, 7 'x 6'.
MURAL PROJECT #1: "EXPLORE AND SOAR." My adventure into painting and murals began when I - on a whim - volunteered to "fix" the beat up tennis practice wall at Camp Twins Lakes (an amazing camp fpr kids with all kinds of special and medical needs in Rutledge, GA) by designing and painting a mural. I told them that I would provide of the materials and labor and if it didn't turn out, we could paint over it. They were overjoyed wiht the mural. I discovers a new talent and passion. The rest is history.
Mural #1: Latex on Ply Wood, 40' X 8'.
Before.
