The Fifth Street Floor Murals

The Fifth Street Floor Murals, Crossville, Tennessee

The Fifth Street Floor Murals

When I embarked on the ambitious project of painting this mural, the journey began in the early months of 2009, a time when the world was in a state of transition. Over the course of approximately six weeks, I dedicated myself to this creative endeavor, pouring my heart and soul into every brushstroke. This mural was located in the first sitting room of the quaint cafe that I owned on the bustling 5th Avenue in Crossville, Tennessee, a charming town where community and art intertwined seamlessly. This particular mural was the second of three that I would ultimately create for the cafe, each one reflecting my evolving artistic vision and connection to the space. The first mural I painted drew inspiration from the serene beauty found in Monet's renowned water lily paintings, capturing the essence of tranquility and nature. For the second mural, however, I decided to take a bold step by replicating a masterpiece by the illustrious French painter Georges Seurat. His iconic work, "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte," created between 1884 and 1886, is a stunning example of pointillism and is currently housed in the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. I felt a profound connection to this piece, as it encapsulated the joy of leisurely afternoons, vibrant social interactions, and the beauty of the outdoors. To prepare for this artistic endeavor, I meticulously removed the old carpet from the floor, ensuring that I had a clean and suitable surface to work on. I then applied a high-quality acrylic primer, which would serve as a foundation for the vibrant colors I was about to unleash. After establishing a solid base, I carefully graphed grid lines across the surface, a technique that would help me accurately translate the intricate details of Seurat's original composition onto a much larger scale. I chose to paint the image in a monotone format, but rather than opting for the conventional monotone color palette, I decided to infuse my work with deeper tones that would ultimately be layered to create a rich visual experience. For example, the base green color was enhanced with Phthalo Blue, which added depth and complexity to the hue. Similarly, I mixed orange and Van Dyke Brown into the yellow tones to create a more dynamic and engaging palette. This layering process was crucial, as it allowed me to build up the colors gradually, creating a sense of depth and texture within the mural. Each layer was carefully applied, and after each application, I would coat the surface with a clear acrylic layer, allowing it to dry for a full day before continuing with the next layer of color. This meticulous approach continued over several weeks, as I patiently worked to achieve the desired results. My ultimate goal was to create a mural that not only captured the essence of Seurat's work but also introduced a unique surface depth that would engage viewers. The interplay of light and color was paramount in this process, and while it was undeniably time-consuming, the results were worth every moment spent in front of the canvas. Notably, my interpretation of pointillism utilized larger dots than those found in Seurat's original masterpiece. This choice was made not only to save time but also to enhance the texture of the mural, inviting viewers to experience the artwork from both a distance and up close. As the mural neared completion, I applied the final clear layers to protect the artwork, ensuring its longevity and vibrancy for years to come. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience to witness the joy it brought to the community. People from all over the region flocked to the cafe, eager to enjoy a meal and our special Rembrandt coffee blend while taking in the beauty of the murals they had heard so much about. The cafe became a gathering place, where art and community converged, and I felt a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that my work had contributed to that vibrant atmosphere.

Stepping Over Art

By Eric Buechel

In galleries where silence breathes, A canvas whispers, dreams it weaves,

Yet here I stand, with careless grace, My footfalls dance on painted space.

Each stroke a story, bold and bright, Yet underfoot, they lose their fight, The reds

and blues, the greens so deep, Beneath my heel, their secrets weep.

With every step, a tale erased, A fleeting moment, beauty faced, The artist’s heart, in

layers laid, Now trampled on, their efforts fade.

Yet in this act, a truth unfolds, That art, like life, is brave and bold, For every mark that

I might leave, A new perspective, I believe.

So let me tread with softer care, To honor dreams laid bare, For stepping over art, I must

confess, Is to walk in wonder, not in distress.

So here I stand, with heart in hand, To understand and to expand, In every step, let

kindness flow, For art and I, together grow.

Eric Buechel Fine Art

P. O. Box 277

Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578

931-881-7806

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