Ok, I know, mural painting is meant for the walls. But it is a lot easier to do it on clothes. And a lot more practical and functional. You can easily transfer the exquisite beauty of mural painting onto our favourite piece of clothing of all times, the common t shirt, and by doing so, personalize it and transform it into a unique piece of wearable art – all those with just a little paint.
Mural paintings were first discovered in cave paintings of prehistoric times. You will find these paintings today as a legacy from those times in Egypt, Greece, Rome and India. These paintings are today done on walls using acrylics and latex colors. Earlier it was done using mud and natural pigments, but that is another story. On fabric, it is fabric paint all the way or acrylic paint with fabric medium.
The painting that is done on my simple black t-shirt is from a small corner of India called Kerala. All mural paintings of different parts of the world are distinct in their designs, style, colors used etc.; and this is no different. Here the painting style is different, colors are different and the way you shade is different. But the fabric painting principles all stands the same.
What do you need to start mural painting
Fabric Paint Colors commonly used in mural paintings:
- White
- Golden yellow/Yellow ochre
- Crimson red/Scarlet Lake
- Sap green
- Prussian blue
- Black
- Burnt sienna
Fabric medium (I would use the medium instead of water to mix the colors – this will ensure that colors do not spread). If you are using acrylic paint you will anyway need it to make it suitable for fabric.
A 000 number brush is recommended for outlines. A 0 number brush can be used for the rest of the work.
Check the T-shirt category to ensure the fabric is suitable for your painting. Cotton t shirts are more suitable for painting as the material is absorbent. Some low quality polyester tshirts may even repel water-based paints. This may lead to cracking or peeling of the paint as it dries.
Before you start, wash the t-shirt to remove any starch, or sizing new t-shirts inherently have. And, insert a barrier inside the t-shirt, such as a piece of cardboard or thick paper or fabric as I have done. Keep a layer of fabric or two inside the tshirt (to avoid the fabric paint seeping through to the back of the t-shirt).
Step 1. Draw your mural on paper.
Choose a design that you like from the different designs available that go along with the aesthetic of Kerala mural paintings.
Mythological figures and figures from the nature are usually used in Kerala mural designs. Usually pictures of Hindu gods, goddesses, and legends are used. Krishna, the young and beautiful (handsome) Hindu god is a central figure in many Kerala mural paintings.
If you don’t know, that is a peacock there. In Indian mythology, and everywhere else, peacock is considered a symbol of beauty with its beautiful turquoise blue plumage. The colors are vibrant, and the posture and bearing of the bird very graceful.
Step 2. Copy it onto the fabric surface with a carbon paper.
Ensure that you have ironed out all wrinkles from the fabric surface.
I am using a white carbon sheet to transfer the design, as it is a black fabric.
You can use an embroidery hoop to tighten the fabric- this is helpful if you are not an expert in fabric painting. As the painting involves going through narrow intricate lines, this will keep you steady.
Step 3. Give red outline to the picture.
Begin by outlining your design on the fabric with a mural Red color. Mural red can be made by mixing scarlet lake and burn sienna.
Draw over the whole picture with your 0 brush loaded lightly with this red paint.
Step 4. Give a white background wash
Since you’re working on a black t-shirt, applying a white wash over the areas to be painted will make the colors stand out more vividly.
This is not needed if you are painting on a light colored clothing.
Step 5. Give a Yellow wash
Give yellow wash throughout the surface, avoiding areas designated for white and blue..
For the Yellow wash, yellow ochre is used for ornaments and clothes and backgrounds. For figures, golden yellow color can be used.
After that red wash, green wash etc can be done on the design.
Step 6. Fill the design
Kerala murals often feature a dominance of warm tones—reds, yellows, and greens—complemented by the stark contrasts of black and white. These colors help in defining the outlines and adding depth.
You should use subtle shading techniques inside the figures to give them a rounded, three-dimensional appearance.
Begin by filling in the central areas of figures with light shades. Gradually add darker shades of the same color as you move towards the edges and contours of the figures. Use the darkest tones sparingly, at the very edges and in the deepest creases of the clothing and ornaments.
Use dots and lines for shading within the figures and the background to add depth and detail to your mural. You can add texture into the shading by using stippling or fine, hatched lines in the transition areas to create a more natural gradation between the light and dark areas.
Prussian blue is mixed with sap green to paint the peacock feathers ; you can mix your own color shades depending upon the requirement of the picture. Gradual transitions of colors can emphasize the natural flow and curves of the subjects.
Step 7. Outline
After finishing the picture give a black outline – this will enhance your painting and make it stand out.
Ensure that the painting is somewhat dry before you start the outlining. Use the thinnest brush you have for this – I recommend a 000 brush.
After the painting is done do not forget about setting the paint to ensure durability— You can leave it alone for about 72 hours or so and then heat set from the back using an iron. Only then can you wash it.
My simple black t-shirt serves as a great canvas for this painting and make the colors of the mural painting pop, don’t you think so? Now, I have a designer t-shirt that no one else has. Can I even stop bragging!
Related post: Painting on a t-shirt ; Cut t-shirt into designs ; Add a collar to a t-shirt ; Decorate denim jacket with painting
