Tropical Landscape Dining Room Mural by Peter Engelsmann

Referencing Tradition: Scenic Wallpaper

January 23, 2020

Antique wallpaper as inspiration for original mural art design

Vintage hand-made wallpaper never goes out of style. Many antique scenic and chinoiserie wallpaper designs have inspired some recent murals I’ve created. I often get requests to do custom artwork in the style of classic Chinese, French or English hand-painted or block printed murals from companies like Zuber, Dufour and DeGournay. I look to these classic scenic panoramas, fantastical landscapes or chinoiserie panels for examples of the craftsmanship and tradition which lies at the crossroads of decoration and fine-art.

Many of these classic wall coverings have graced the walls of historic homes and other spaces. Originally a less expensive version of hand-woven tapestries, Chinese hand-painted papers were initially brought back to Europe by the East India Trading company in the mid-17th century, and often assembled into larger wall installations. As they became more popular in the 18th century, Chinese artisans were producing hand-painted papers for consumers in England.

A River Runs Through It: Front Hall Mural Project

November 22, 2019

When a client said she wanted a mural depicting a river confluence scene in her St. Louis home I was excited at the challenge, as the city of St. Louis itself is situated at the juncture of the mighty Mississippi and Missouri rivers. The mural would be in the front hall of the house, welcoming visitors into the client’s newly renovated home. We decided on a landscape painting, symbolic of the area, not necessarily showing the actual St. Louis river confluence. The mural would depict an undisturbed natural setting, an expansive view of a river valley from high above a hilltop clearing or bluff (see early rendering below). It would wrap around 3 walls of the foyer, viewable from multiple rooms including the dining room and living room. The formerly white drywall front hall would be transformed into a truly one a kind St. Louis space.

St. Louis Forest Park Dining Room Mural: Process

October 18, 2019

In a residential dining room in St. Louis, I had the opportunity to paint a four walled landscape mural inspired by Forest Park, the 1293 acre public park that lies at the heart of the city of St. Louis, Missouri. The process of researching and designing the mural was a fascinating excuse to spend time exploring this St. Louis civic treasure.

Forest Park opened in 1876 and has hosted many noteworthy events, including the 1904 World’s Fair (Louisiana Purchase Exposition) and the 1904 Summer Olympics. Today, it is home to many St. Louis attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Science Center and the Missouri History Museum. It also boasts two golf courses, extensive bike and jogging paths, and the MUNY, the nation’s largest outdoor musical theatre venue. The park has undergone extensive restoration in recent years and is experiencing a new renaissance as a much beloved public amenity for the citizens of St. Louis.

From the beginning, the process of designing the mural was a collaboration between myself and the client.