Landscape Mural Painting - Part 1: Getting Started With Materials and Paint

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Part 1 of the "How To Paint A Landscape Mural" series. Learn about what paint to use, types of brushes, mixing colors on the wall, and lots more! In this free tutorial, Joe walks you through the tools and materials he uses on his murals.

[@MemphisBlues-JG]

I don't think there's a better teacher on You Tube. He holds back nothing. He explains and demonstrated brilliantly, and shares generously from his vast and deep lake of experience and knowledge. Thank you Joe.

[@garyfigueroa8537]

I like this guy.I've been painting murals since the 70's.1970's.This guy knows what He's talking about.He's not flogging products,He's giving practical advice.A very good how to for beginners & old hands can learn something too.Everyone has their own method,their own style & you can learn at any stage.If you can use it,if it works,run with it.

[@lily.m7486]

Thanks so much Joe! I am doing a big mural but I haven’t done one for years and I’ve been watching your tutorials this week getting tips and inspiration. Funny thing this morning I was thinking about supplies and you post this! So grateful! Your the best, I absolutely love your work and your style of teaching!

[@rellaingram4205]

I wish I had seen this two years ago before I did my mural at church for their nursery. I had not done a mural in years and had no idea where to begin! I found your channel back then and watched everything you had done. My mural turned out great, and it was because of the tips I took from you! Thanks.

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

yes, I'm doing one too.

[@zoweegeewhiz]

Joe, you have such a generous spirit.

[@brookeuporsky5321]

I'm very excited about this series, my old high school always paints murals for the back drops of the plays and we are about to start for the spring. This will help a lot!

[@lisengel2498]

Such an inspiring demonstration - I love the way you dance your paint on the Wall and all the practical advice for doing murals. Thank you so much

[@alexgourdine4895]

Excellent, I just requested this of you... of the types of materials you use in your paintings. This video could not have been more timely. Thank you buddy for all the info. . You've helped me tremendously.

[@alexgourdine4895]

Hey Joe, I just finished watching one of your videos where you go on to say, that if an individual doesn't have enough money to order your videos, he or she can still order them because, you don't want to think that the only reason they can't continue to learn from your videos is because they can't afford the price. Wow, that is very kind of you dude! Very kind! I have yet to look up the price of your vidz, so I don't know if I can afford them or not. However, I will do all I can to not take advantage of your offer, knowing all along you deserve to be paid for your work like everyone else, and that your kindness shouldn't be taken advantage of. Thanks for being so generous...

[@ahicardohincapie6941]

I see your tutorial so easy to follow because you explain each step from the bottom...Tools, paints and how to apply each coat.

[@philprincon9964]

Dude your my hero! I'm contractor and I just started artistic painting. For my first painting I used samples of house paint and it was on 4'x8' piece of masonite and I mixed my colors on the canvas, and boy, did it dry to fast! I didn't think about using paint extender! Your an awesome artist! Keep up the good work!

[@sarahdell4744]

😍 thank you so much. I've been wanting to know the types of paint to use for this type of work. I paint on canvas and want to try this as soon as I'm able to. This is a HUGE help.

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Very helpful, will watch many more of yours as I set off to do my first mural. Thank you Joe!!

[@mercurythunder3927]

Thank u for sharing all your fave materials and info on painting! Greetings from my hubby and myself in Texas!

[@SMOKINGfeet9]

love it! I've been painting a long time and learned a few things ! Love your carefree creative attitude, "don't be afraid of paint " (we can just paint over it)! super motivational video for me, thank you !

[@teacherlisa163]

Exactly! I am getting ready to do my first painting *ever* - a whole wall mural! A few people have questioned it and kindly suggested that I might judge my own work or be critical of it, but I told them I'm just doing it to have fun! If I don't like it, I can paint right back over it! :) You "gotta" start somewhere! (So here I am!)

[@ginir00kami]

Those five dollar angled cut brush! I’m with you doesn’t have to be expensive it’s the end product. I’m lucky enough to have a set similar for dollar from Daiso here in Japan. Thank you for always caring about getting us the information and tips! I think the draw for so many viewers is your concern for us. Thank you

[@serenitycries3266]

Just got contracted to do my first mural! You're a life saver

[@MrDuaneLee]

Thank you for making these videos and sharing all of this knowledge. You have a very good eye for colors and I'm truly impressed with your paintings. I also love how you create a lot of detail by layering the paint. You are a great inspiration. :)

[@Kathy3245]

Thanks for all the great tips and giving away your secrets!

[@ivorydiskinside]

I cannot thank you enough @muraljoe because of how many and how preciuos your tips are, and I'm sure not to be the only one thinking this way

[@jesshasnofilter]

Currently bingeing this channel. Explained like i needed to be explained to. Thank God! Im working on a mural today. Never done galaxy before n panicking slightly.

[@murallukisan8166]

thank you for your tutorial. Now i know more about paint, brushes, mixing color, etc.

[@Artchick1972]

Excellent video! I have been thinking about doing some kind of painting on my walls. Had no idea where to begin. Thank you for the upload!

[@OriBengal]

That was wonderful - very helpful / informative, and well explained. Just what I needed. Thank you.

[@melaniehellum1281]

You give the best advice. Years ago I some how, decided to take on muraling a extended care facility and a school.. Yes I did the what the beep did I do to myself... Then I watched your video and servived the ordeal. It took me way longer than I expected . I purchased a white base a clear base then the tints . I made a colour wheel from the primary colours to get a feel for the intensity and my range of colour . So it saved my butt.

[@NinjaFalllow]

Watching the bit with the 4 inch roller is really interesting. I'm more of a dry media fan but have been commissioned to do some art for the city. My painting experience is limited to art classes in high school and a few years in a ceramics project in 4H, which is were most of my technique comes from. Seeing the techniques that can be done on a large scale are super interesting. I loved the texture the roller created when you first started blending! I noticed i have a hard time with fine detail in paint, which is hard for me to come to terms with because i can do it with dry media. I think i have a..painterly painting style and I'm trying to roll with it!

[@cannabis1490]

Very interactive. Thanks a lot for sharing your talent!

[@alianajacobs5703]

Thanks Joe for your video's especially the Mural ones I am gonna do my first mural painting for a paying customer. I am so happy and nervous at the same time.

[@FarmleagueSportscards]

love the fact that you went to Sherwin,I paint as a hobby but before my stroke painted houses for a living and only use purdy,the very best, still use them for backgrounds and other things,just love their stores,and products,just wish they carried odorless thinner, for white still prefer Sherwin Williams for deepest white just use their exterior paint known as super paint,keep'em coming man have a great one Joe

[@elizabethcain2614]

Thank you for sharing your gifts!

[@danijelac3511]

You are simply the best!Thank you

[@absolutelyfabulous1957]

Really nice person.....great learning with you....love your channel, I’ve learned a lot

[@natalysaiz939]

Excited for the next video!

[@voiceofmanywaters3720]

Thank you for all your videos ! I am going to attempt to do waves from your video~

[@robertkimble5936]

Your Video was very informative. I was actually looking for a tutorial for making clouds for oil painting and saw the word mural so thought I would check you out. Some of your concepts of Making clouds on a Room satisfied my thirst so I bought your full packed videos and was overwhelmed. After I get the oil painting skills I am yearning for, I am considering doing some mural stuff myself. Go for it dude and thanks for the lessons. Buying was definitely worth it.

[@muraljoe]

Right on Robert! Thank you for sharing that.

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

yeah, it really helped me too

[@garyfigueroa8537]

Don't wait to learn oil painting.Start with acrylic or latex & learn oil on the side.

[@diannekelley4736]

@@muraljoe Can you post a link for the part 2 for this video? I have searched for a part 2 and can't seem to find it. Love your style of teaching videos. I have learned a lot just watching your techniques. Thank you!

[@asharleahgray599]

This was exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!

[@hardheadcathardheadcat9028]

I have been referencing you teachings for years now thank you

[@Donna-vh5ym]

I'm so happy I found your channel. You're great. Making my list and checking it twice. Edit: oh my gosh you're good. I'm going back thru ALL your videos. Binge day. You should have wayyy more subscribers. Keep up the great work. I'm watching you 👀and ❤ LOVE it.

[@teacherlisa163]

He's added one more today! 😇

[@natalysaiz939]

Wow, awesome video Joe!! Best equality yet!!

[@lisengel2498]

I love the way you mix colors and extender or water directly in the process and the fine way you move your brushes and paintrollers - great stuff. I want to make a landscape on an outside Wall that are very old - how do you prepare the surface for an outside mural?

[@gabrielavalencia416]

I like those too! Thanks for sharing

[@LavenderRain24]

Thank you for this... I've just accepted my first ever commission for a small outdoor wall mural of a mountain/river portrait scenery! I'm super excited but quite nervous as well since I've not done anything like this before. I'm doing my research before I dive into it. My client is still choosing their landscape for me to paint so its given me time to research on mural painting.

[@teacherlisa163]

You should upload your own video to show your skills from "newbie" status to... whatever you become! :)

[@ericaolsonmalouf7838]

So very helpful!! Thank you Joe!!

[@Louis.024]

Very thoughtful Video for amateurs like myself to recognise products. Thank you

[@Mimi-cq4bg]

Cheap extender for latex paint is clear liquid dish soap. One ounce per gallon and mix very well.

[@rosemaryclark610]

Hey Joe, if you haven't tried Wooster brushes yet, you should try them. They are great! About the same price, and clean up real well. Easier than Purdy, in fact. I love them!

[@mjpete27]

I realize this is an older video, but I did see you are still posting videos and I was wondering where I might find part 2? or others for this series? I have looked but seem unable to find it. Thanks for your time and your videos on creating your Murals! Wonderful content!

[@miudo5919]

Thank you so much Joe, very useful info. I'm a begginer in acrylics and I'm wondering if you use second coat when you are painting any kind of elements? Thanks!

[@shoshke113]

Thank you! your video is very informative and well done. Very helpful! Thank you very much!

[@TheBobimkd123]

Dude, nice tips. im digital artist, but from time to time i wanna mix in some traditional painting :) Always get back to the roots :D keep up the good work and maybe a time lapse video of you painting something would be cool

[@alexanderquiroz2003]

Hola máster Joe!!! Saludos cordiales desde Medellín Colombia son espectaculares tus trabajos , me gustaría que fueran traducciones en español.... por favor 😊

[@articbrushr3917]

Excellent tips thanks so much!!!

[@judithmoloba2446]

Excellent very very very helpful! Thanks!

[@basilleonardo]

Fantastic video! One point: I've always heard that thinning with too much water will undermine the strength of the paint. Your extender will retain more of the durability of the paint. Glaze would work too, but likely will alter you colour intensity. True for acrylics, too - use medium instead of water.

[@tiagodagostini]

That is almost a myth. too much water will make the bound weaker, but too much is not 20 or 50% is more on the level of 9 parts of water to 1 of paint.

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

I have been asked to paint a mural This really helped

[@GTH-rl6kn]

Thank you for this! ❤

[@felixnunez1]

Superb insight. Thank you bro.

[@TieuLamNguyen]

You do whatever you want haha...love this!

[@helium73]

I was surprised how great the brush with the angle works.

[@19aries81]

Hi thanks for the great advice, i did a mural a few years back on my sons wall and did it all in acrylic paints, it has lasted well but is this generally not used by mural artists because of cost or other reasons ?

[@goldiecrane4944]

Is YT messing with us? I read a lot of excellent questions that are from 1-3 years ago but haven't gotten a response from you. I was disappointed to see no replies but now see it was just published! I love your videos so guess I'll just wait to see your answers. Can't figure out the discrepancy in the timeline. Thanks for your great instruction.

[@naples4962]

Goldie Crane it's because he reads comments on the next video. Every video he usually reads comments for 10+ minutes.

[@goldiecrane4944]

Thanks for the explanation, Naples. I like to read comments and replies and didn't catch that he likes to address them in his videos. I'll pay more attention in the future. Thanks, Joe, for sharing your wealth of experience with us.

[@brendaferebee8282]

What is the best kind of paint for a wood fence?

[@STLwildlifeArt]

really great video

[@love2drone656]

hi joereally impressed by your murals, have you ever thought about using spray paint in your murals .

[@lam7por962]

So informative. I love it :)

[@brandonbrodjeski1997]

@muraljoe I do not know how to send you a private message so I just want to thank you for your videos in public comments. You are the best art teacher I have ever had. My other art teachers convinced me to pursue a career in engineering and now you are inspiring me to pursue art.

[@Jamz1726]

I am doing my first mural for my baby's room. Can I add water to the paint to thin it down if it dries too quick? I told the man I wanted a matte finish but he gave me satin which I just noticed. Is that matte? My paint says acrylic latex satin?

[@HenkJanBakker]

On getting the 'rightest' primary colors: Befriend the local paint mixer. He has to do the 'hard work'' to get you your money's worth. The cans come with a less paint than is stated on the can. The machine will supplement it with the right amount of pigments to get to the amount you pay for. It can be as much as 1/8. You can actually see on the display of the machine what will be added. So if you want the yellowest yellow you try to find the one color where the machine will add only the yellow pigment. Do the same for the red and the blue.

[@loverofjesus4856]

Can you explain a little further what you mean?

[@Olhamo]

i didn’t ‘t quite get that either and used to live with a colourist , who was “born in a paint can”. it’s a fascinating world... and usually, you get less pigment than would really be correct: I do know that much

[@raineynight]

Hi Joe! Is it necessary to prime the wall before doing a mural? Thanks!!

[@annajakubowicz224]

Very handy info, thanks :)

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Ok, I have been using Latex paints for my artwork for about ten years now, and the biggest thing I have found out about the "base" in latex paint is that it will thin out into the base color, NOT the pigment added into the base. This will present a problem when trying to layer on thinner washes, if you want to do that kind of shading, or technique. One thing I have done to supply myself with better and much longer lasting amounts of paint is to goto Home Depot and have the attendant mix up sample color of each of the pigments into a pure 200ml squirt (the highest amount the machine can add to a sample base) so that I have a concentrated sample of ALL the pigments that the paint mixer has: 8 colors. When I need a good vibrant color, (pure yellow, a "redder" red, or a phalo green...) I have the most intense version of the pigmented dyes in a sample container which I can mix into the paints no matter what kind of latex base it has. That additional benefit is that these sample will extend the saturation of the color and I can add more medium to the paint, such as a "pho" clear base, which allows me to make crisp washes overtop of other opaque colors.

[@diannekelley4736]

So to clarify, what size sample of paint ar you having them put 200ml color into? Every paint store I have gone to has their color chart, they put the can under a pigment squirter and it's computerized. So when you ask them to do anything differently they don't know what to do

[@reikilovelight]

Thank You for your constant education... I'm getting braver & braver and hope to try a mural on an outside garden shed.Would you still use latex or should it be oil?

[@Here_Today_]

GypsyTravels Art whichever you use,make sure it's an exterior paint ( has uv additives). Go for it! The worst that can happen is you'll have to repaint;)

[@CosmicButterflyDesign]

Hello! I LOVE watching your videos. I'm a professional mural artist. I like to use NovaColor acrylic paints, they are fluid like housepaint... I'm wondering why you prefer the paints you use as opposed to paints made with a high pigment-load like artists paints? Price factors in, but I love your explanations of color and light and have found your tutorials helpful so I wonder what attracts you from any technical perspective to the paints you use. I notice they seem to blend more like oil paint, creating softer edges? THANK YOU!!!

[@urfrienskeeter7531]

Would you choose Lemon yellow or Cadmium yellow, and what bias do you choose for the red and blue?

[@diannekelley4736]

What is the blue that you have mixed at the Sherwin Williams paint store with the ultra deep base?

[@sharonhamanm3507]

What can I use instead of Latex Extender . I live in Cabo Mexico and there is nothing available here. I want to paint a mural outside on cement and would love to keep the paint wet longer. Thank you your video's have been a great help and I will continue watching , Sharon

[@hunterrivord6609]

Do you have any tips on painting over interior old bricks? I have a client that wants a mural from me but I've never painting on brick before. My style is very abstract so I think I can make it work but if you have any suggestions for materials or do's or don'ts, it would be much appreciated.thanks love your work!

[@tairaarts]

Hello can i ask what paint should i use for concrete wall outdoor to do mural paint is it acrylic?

[@alvinjones670]

THANKS!!!

[@Jesusistruth3]

Hey, instead of red would magenta be better for colour range? I’m not sure 🤔

[@sharonhamanm3507]

What type of paint for outside cement wall, eggshell, satin, flat, gloss. Thank you !

[@ElohiSilverEarthVentures]

I started feeding and caring for a feral kitty who i found hanging out in my backyard. It was a very cold winter and squirrels stopped hanging out so often where he could hunt them for his dinners... I wanted to thank him for providing me with a couple dozen squirrel tails for my paint brushes. He eats the whole squirrel except the tail. Perfect. The brushes i make with the tails are so awesome. I think I like better than horse hair brushes. What do you think about squirrel tail hair brushes? Ever used one?

[@vojinvmilojkovic7622]

great vid, take my like, and respect

[@kingshaw6576]

Hey there can I use that paint on my canvases?

[@OnlyASparrow]

Can someone please help me understand if I am to buy the 'yellow base and dark base' paints without any tints? And does anyone know what the numbers at Sherwin Williams for red or blue or yellow numbers are specifically?

[@Here_Today_]

Gail Bryant you want the tints added to the various, appropriate bases. The tint is the actual colorant.

[@martaescobar7625]

You can get pretty good brushes in the larger size at Harbor Freight for $.89 or $.69 cents each. Drop cloths too and 20% off coupons all day long....also check out miss tint colors.

[@Ponzini705]

Hi Joe, nice to meet you, so to speak. Quick question, what type of finish is your latex paint? Satin, eggshell, flat, gloss, ???

[@daltonvannucci3788]

Could you please make a more indepth video on the materials needed for making a mural?

[@Tawadeb]

Thanks

[@spoddie]

yellow, magenta, cyan

[@coyoteheartdestinythesylph5902]

Hi Mural Joe... how do I get to your, Part 2 in this series, there is a lot out there-- did you go to a canvass and step away from the wall offer? just trying to fine THANKS

[@LAASTofTHEMAGUAS]

Which store do you shop at to pick up the talent ?

[@debddit]

Dude! I went to NAU!!! You were probably a toddler. 😁 go lumberjacks!

[@ilhamhammoune3005]

Merci 🙏

[@chrisgriffith1573]

Preface: I love your channel and videos! Just discovered them, and I myself am an artist, and a commercial painter. Your knowledge of color theory is excellent! I have a few things to say about some of the advice you gave in this video, however, and I do not mean this as "condescending" or an absolute, but I have my own experience as a professional. While wrapping a brush in plastic will help to prevent the air from curing the paint contained on the brush, (and is a good trick when you may need to go out and get lunch only to return and pick it up again) what you say about brushes lasting longer the less you clean them out is ... not good advice to give the general public to be sure. (I'd tell someone the *faster* they clean out their brush after each use, the longer it will last, *AND* be sure that you load the brush up with a lot of paint before you wrap it in plastic) Three things about bristols: First they are smoothest when new, and as you scratch them against a wall, they become harder to clean, because the surfaces of the individual bristols become pitted and rough. Second, the Purdy brush you are using are nylon, and the bristols formed at 250-275 degrees, but slowly cool and solidify at about 200 degrees, meaning that when you run hot water over them (about 150 will do) you can retrain the bristols slightly. This is good when you first pick up a brush that has dried into a funny bristol pattern. Last, no matter how well you have treated your brush, the bristols will give out faster if you use the brush on rougher material, or more abrasive paints, such as primers, or flat paints grind into the bristols more than a gloss or eggshell, and a textured wall, brick or raw drywall will "eat" a brush very quickly. You may notice at the top of a brush the paint begins to get "gummy" around the hilt as time goes on while using your brush, this cannot be avoided, but you should clean out your brush as soon as you notice this and give it a good shake to remove as much of the water as possible then return to painting. If too much paint gets gummed up in the hilt area, it will prevent bristols from "gliding' as you try to manipulate the brush tip, and eventually will begin to spread the bristols apart. If you rinse your brush often, then this is less likely to ever be a problem. If you have dried paint on the top end of the bristols after a painting session, then use a stainless steal wire brush (Purdy makes about the best wire brushes for this purpose) to run out the paint by stroking the brush from the hilt to the tip of the bristols, while under warm water. If the dried paint persists, then soak the brush in hot water and Dawn (soapy water) for about ten minutes and repeat. After this, condition the bristols by putting a small amount of fabric softener in some water and rinse. This brings the high PH of the soap down, and will soften the bristols. You can "comb" the bristols into place and replace the brush in the sleeve it came with or wrap it in newspaper to "train" the bristols. This is how commercial pro painters have been doing it for as long as there have been nylon brushes. If you have to use a solvent on latex, then you are seriously effecting the nature of the bristols, and this will make them more brittle, so I would "retire" a brush at this point to use as a "duster" or a primer paint brush... This is the absolute best anyone can do for their brush. If you get 3 months of daily use out of a Purdy, then you have done well. You may want to wrap those roller nap's in tape to pull off the stray hairs and "de-fuzz" them before you get into paint... lest you like crinkly little hairs all over your art. LOL the last time I saw or used a 4" roller like that... was before they started to make "winny" rollers, which are faster to use, give less sprinkles, and are FAR cheaper to buy replacements for. Roller naps "sprinkle" for two reasons: First is how fast the roller is moving, and two, how much paint is under the nap itself. Wetter paint is less likely to sprinkle if you are going slower, but this is also effected by the viscosity of the paint. As the paint gets thin on the wall, it is more likely that the nap will fling it, too. The type of roller nap greatly effects the way rollers will sprinkle, a sheepskin roller nap will give you a better dispersement of paint, and pull the hair of the roller off the wall and therefore sprinkling less, whereas a nylon or cheaper synthetic nap will throw paint out everywhere. Sherwin Williams now has a "premium" nap which I like a lot, and it acts a lot like the sheepskin naps, with shorter hair. You might try some of these alternative naps for mixing, as they will grab more paint, blending them together better using the technique you showed.

[@Ad.Tattoo.Studio]

New techniques for me!

[@Realis_AIQ73]

Very good

[@user-pk2ck7pt9i]

you inspired me

[@seluna007]

What is the black paint for?

[@lacey3880]

Wat to do if I only get exterior colour paint..., N dull colour, I need primary colour..I don't understand it