The Tuscan Villa Project consisted of three murals of varying subject matter, positioning and technical challenges. The client’s property was based on an Italian villa by design, including a loggia and peschiera. In keeping with the property, and taste of the client, we created a series of murals inspired by Italian gardens, landscape and architecture.

The Formal Italian Garden

The Formal Italian Garden mural was inspired by some of Italy’s finest gardens, as exemplified by author Vivian Russell in her book “Edith Wharton’s Italian Gardens.” The aim was to transform a somewhat lifeless area consisting of a peschiera (fish pond) and a facade with lion’s head fountain. Utilising the existing framework on the facade, and lion’s head, we created a trompe l’oeil fountain and formal Italian garden that opened up this area.

existing-wall
Before
pond-mural2
After

The height of the existing pond’s walls was a little low, so this was raised to accommodate the trompe l’oeil pond and overflow.

explanation
The initial concept in sepia pen & ink
colour-study003_oil-study
A small oil painting study was done to show the client how the trompe l’oeil should look.

Inspiration was taken by 17th & 18th century Italian gardens and architecture, including that of English architect Inigo Jones.

crw_0987_doric-gateway
The Greco-Roman God Apollo occupies a Doric gateway / grotto inspired by examples from Villa Cetinale in Tuscany, and a 1621 version at Beaufort House, Chelsea, by Inigo Jones.
crw_1097_dolphin-detail
Overflow from the painted pond reaches below the waterline. The trompe is prepared and sealed with great care to ensure the water doesn’t destroy all the hard work.
peacock-detail
Detail of the resident peacock. Another Gatehouse is seen in the distance, housing the Roman Goddess Flora.

pond-trompe-detail

trompe_from-inside
Since this photo was taken, the pond has now become established with reeds and lilies and gold fish.
pond-mural-after
The surrounding area of the facade and walls was finished with washes of time-aged yellow and red ochres.