Cement Floor Compass Painting

Much of my artwork is small-scale: under three feet tall/wide.

But sometimes, I go big.

Not side-of-a-building mural big, but wall-sized, or in this case, floor-sized.

In 2011 I was set loose in a large, relatively empty room with an open invitation to create what I like. It was a converted garage, and cheap carpeting had been laid down over the concrete. I hate carpet.

U.G.L.Y.

Four long days later, with an aching back and bruised knees, this is what emerged.

I’ve always been pulled toward compass/nautical images, both ancient and modern; and for a long time have had a black and white sketch that’s been dying to get painted on a floor (or a wall, roof, ceiling, forehead, whatever).

Not done in paint, this was all done with different variations of concrete stain on a very rough and unprepared slab of cement. There was no sanding or acid involved because I hate prep and get too excited to start once an idea pops into my head. Rather, I ripped up the carpet, scraped away the larger chunks of old glue, mopped, and went at it.

You can see in a few of the pictures lines of stubborn glue that refused to budge and ended up being stained over. (And please forgive the crappy photos.)

I've always loved cave painting and the artists' 'signatures.'

After it was all done and dried, I coated it with two layers of clear epoxy to keep it safe from feet and whatnot. I haven't seen it since it was completed, but the homeowner loved it and said she would often put candles at the four corners then sit in the center and meditate.

Which is awesome.

Step One. Note the giant glue line on the right.

Step Two. Looking like a compass now.

Step Three. All that's left are a few more lines, the directional letters, and the signature.

Et voila!
Incidentally, it is oriented correctly.

I hope you enjoyed and thanks for reading!
Please resteem and share the love.