Ansel Adams Mural Project

I was asked to paint a mural with middle school students in South Central Los Angeles. The mural was to be painted on portable wood panels in an outdoor shopping mall. USC was sponsoring the mural, and required the following; that the students be involved in the painting process and that the mural reflect the local community.
At the time of the commission, I was already involved with two other mural projects, yet saying “no” to a mural project is not an option for me. Under pressure, having no time to work out a design and research it, I needed to streamline my work, yet not compromise the integrity of the mural project. I resolved the problem by using photographs taken by Ansel Adams as a backdrop and painting the students into the scenery. Utilizing photographs from Ansel Adams established an American West setting, while having the students pose and paint themselves into the picture, successfully fulfilled the requirements of the mural project. The Ansel Adams photographs used were selected from his mural project series, and were painted in a Paynes Gray value scheme. The mural project was a triptych, depicting scenes from New Mexico, Bishops Pass in California, and the Mojave Desert. Not only were the students proud of their accomplishment, the result of using appropriated art was a success visually.
The Ansel Adams project can be used with any local artist’s work. Choose a painter, photographer, or sculptor whose artwork reflects the local community or environment. Architecture, social events and landscapes of the local region would all work. Georgia O’Keefe would be great for the South West Area, Ansel Adams is great for the Western Coast; Thomas Cole for North East Coast; Albert Bierstadt for the West, but not exclusive to that area. Not only will the students learn about a new artist and their techniques, but also they will become more aware of their local history and geography through the process of being involved in the project. Other American artists whose artwork would be engaging, both visually and intellectually are; Thomas Benton, Charles Burchfield, Moses Soyer, Jacob Lawrence and Grant Wood.
After the artist has been chosen, photograph the students as though they were in the painting or photograph. Show the students the picture they will be posing in, directing them to respond to the environment. The students will come alive, inventing entertaining scenarios. Students who are uncomfortable with their art skills will feel like important contributors by posing as models for the mural project.
What I enjoyed most was observing contemporary students’ response to art that is not of their generation. Beepers, portable phones, backpacks and designer shoes are a reflection of a contemporary student, and having them in a setting by Ansel Adams provides an interesting contrast. The students not only learn about a particular artist but also learn how appropriated art can be successfully utilized.