<![CDATA[CHRISTIAN MUSSELMAN Illustration

<![CDATA[CHRISTIAN MUSSELMAN Illustration - Blog]]>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 07:19:03 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[More Frames!]]>Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:32:15 GMThttp://www.christianmusselman.com/blog/more-frames

As a result of my last blog, I got a few more photos from previous clients that wanted me to display what they've done with their framing.

I always follow-up once a homeowner receives their artwork, to make sure their artwork arrived safely, and that they are happy with the final result. When writing that email, I include a "if you'd like to send a photo...".

I get quite a few responses to the request for photos. I love seeing what they've done. The frames are all so unique and it adds another layer to the homeowners making the artwork "their own".

I've decided I'm going to keep this blogpost active and continue to include homeowners framing photos.

Thanks to everyone who has shared an photo with me!

The homeowners use of the aqua anodized aluminum frame is totally inspired.

What a unique frame...Love it! It plays off the irregular angle of the fireplace base.

I hope you'll check back for more photos of how homeowners have chosen to personalize their artwork. I'll keep adding to the collection.

]]><![CDATA[Framing: Homeowners Get Creative]]>Sun, 29 Oct 2017 16:27:26 GMThttp://www.christianmusselman.com/blog/framing-homeowners-get-creativeOver the past couple years of creating home portraits, I've asked homeowners if they'd send me photos of their framed artwork. I wanted to create a blog post, showcasing what their framed portraits look like. Quite a number sent photos...and here's a portion of what I received.

Very fun for me to see how the homeowners have "put their stamp" on the finished, printed artwork. How great to see how they've chosen to express themselves in their framing choices, and how they've made the artwork their own.

These homeowners have been part of the process of creating their home portrait from the very beginning, and it's wonderful to see their creativity come through in their framing decisions.

Thank you homeowners for sharing these photos of your framed artwork! I'll continue to add to this collection, as new photos come in.

It's a lot of fun for me when clients let me push color boundaries a bit. This home portrait is a good example of how the use of vibrant and moody colors can pop a home's architecture and makes for a dramatic portrait.

I did this home portrait for the writer at RetroRenovation.com who did a story about me and the process of creating the artwork. The photo links the the article.

This home was on a corner lot. Both sides of the home were beautiful and distinctive, so the homeowner chose to have both sides illustrated.

These homeowners agreed to let me illustrate a nighttime scene. I wanted to showcase their side yard entertainment area and outdoor lighting. They titled their portrait Canela's Starlight Ranch. Canela, their dog, sits at the front door.

I LOVE this chartreuse frame! ...and yes, the home is purple!

These images also provide a great way to see the variety of sizes homeowners chose to print their artwork. Most homeowners chose an image size of between 18" and 30" -add a 3" border for the full paper size.

Most clients only see their artwork on their computer screen until the printed image arrives at their door.

One of my favorite aspects of doing this work is when I get an email telling me the artwork has been delivered ...and the homeowner has used many !!!!!!!! to express how excited they are.

Occasionally, when the client is local, I get to meet the homeowners I've created the artwork for. It's great fun to learn more about the owners, their homes, and I often get an inside tour. I've even had a few times where I've met a client while traveling.

These two images are framed in an additional style I'm offering. The artwork is back-printed on acrylic. It has a beautiful and very contemporary look. This option is great for homeowners that would like a minimal look. The artwork can be printed on 1/4", 1/2" or 1" acrylic. Although the images shown don't have a white border, that option is also available.

Lime green door - lime green horizontal color bar below the home to tie it all together. What a great location for hanging their artwork.

The oak framing on this print fits beautifully into the home's Craftsman style decor.

]]><![CDATA[DENVER DESIGN WEEK - Starts this weekend!]]>Tue, 11 Jul 2017 15:12:20 GMThttp://www.christianmusselman.com/blog/denver-design-week-starts-this-weekend

Year 2 - Dive In!

Those are my drip/splash icons! I was asked to create them for the promotional campaign as part of the week-long event.

I'm excited about going to the Launch Party this Saturday (July 15th) at Stanley Marketplace. Last year was a great time! It was fun to have a part in the event last year -- having created the 20' interactive coloring wall.

This year, I'll be there promoting my custom home portraits, and the work I did for Sundays (July 16th) Virginia Village Home Tour. --You can still buy tickets here:

In addition, I'm offering a Custom Home Portrait as one of the Give-aways + Prizes for the event. I'm in good company - Knoll, Room & Board, etc. It'll be interesting to see who wins the prize, and what kind of home I'll be working with.

]]><![CDATA[Starlight Village - On the Rise!]]>Fri, 27 Jan 2017 20:52:06 GMThttp://www.christianmusselman.com/blog/starlight-village-on-the-rise...years in the making! From concept to bricks-and-mortar - Starlight Village - takes shape.

I wanted to give you an update on how things are developing at Starlight Village in Leander, TX.

The hardscape for the village is in place, and the first 6 homes are just about ready for an opening celebration next month.

I thought you'd enjoy seeing how the homes have gone from the developer's concepts, to the architect's plans, then on to me for the home illustrations. ...and finally, the (nearly) completed homes.

The new Starlight Village sign at the entrance to the development.

You'll notice some differences between my renderings and the actual homes, which is to be expected as the project developed... however, some of the differences stem from the many options and personalization available when purchasing these homes: roof styles, surface materials, window style and placement, etc.

These are a few of the 6 homes that are nearing completion. Eventually, the community will have 29 homes, based on 8 plans that can be personalized by their new owners. Can't forget the pool!

The Gemini

The retro Lido Club pool

The Apollo - with a shed roof variation

The Orion

The Palm Springs

The Telstar - variation

It's amazing to have been part of this process from the beginning, and to see the homes so close to being ready for their new owners. It's quite a place! Hopefully very soon, I'll get to see the development in person.

The start of a new neighborhood.

]]><![CDATA[Rooflines That Defined A Movement]]>Wed, 11 Jan 2017 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.christianmusselman.com/blog/rooflines-that-defined-a-movementAtomic Ranch - The Design Issue

A couple month ago the editor, Sarah Jane Stone of Atomic Ranch, contacted me about the possibility of illustrating a story the magazine was writing about the 4 defining rooflines of the Mid-Century Modern movement. Uhhh...how fast can I say YES!!! What a great opportunity to work with such a well-respected publication.

An MCM Classic - The Butterfly

I was given free reign to create visual examples of the 4 rooflines: Low Slung, Flat Roof, Butterfly, and A-Line. Fun! I searched for reference ideas of each of the rooflines to begin the process of creating what I felt personified those styles. I got to play Mid-Century Modern architect...well...sort of. I had a GREAT time working on this project. I'm very thankful to Atomic Ranch for this amazing opportunity. You were amazing to work with!

This morning, AR posted an interview about my home illustrations, the process of creating them, and why I'm interested in Mid-Century Modern architecture. I hope you'll get to check it out. It was fun to have the opportunity to talk about why I'm so passionate about these unique homes.

These cropped details of the 4 rooflines give an idea of what the finished product looks like.
I hope you'll pick up a copy of the magazine at the newsstand. The Design Issue is a special edition -in addition to the quarterly magazine. It is absolutely jam packed with stories and photos of "Icons of the MidCentury Era". A great issue!

- The Low Slung -

- The Flat Roof -

- The Butterfly -

- The A-Line -

]]><![CDATA[The Atomic Ranch Interview]]>Tue, 15 Nov 2016 18:19:09 GMThttp://www.christianmusselman.com/blog/the-atomic-ranch-interviewThis morning, Atomic Ranch posted an interview about my custom home portraits; the process of creating them, and why I'm interested in Mid-Century Modern architecture.

It was fun to have the opportunity to express why I'm so passionate about these unique homes, and why I enjoy the process of working with homeowners.

Thank you, Atomic Ranch!

]]><![CDATA[A Harlem Brownstone]]>Mon, 17 Oct 2016 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.christianmusselman.com/blog/a-harlem-brownstoneI was contacted recently by a client who had seen my work on Pinterest. That was a first for me! I was thrilled to get the call and to discuss working with her on a portrait of her classic New York brownstone.

What a great opportunity to work with rich terra-cotta colors and classical elements!

This Harlem brownstone is so grand that I knew if we didn't focus on just a section of the structure we'd risk losing much of the detail. - especially since the artwork was being printed at 11"x14".

In this case we chose to showcase the classic brownstone entry, stairwell and surrounding elements. Doing this allowed me to capture some of the amazing detail, yet still give a sense of what makes this home such a work of art.

I'm including a photo of the whole structure to give an overall feel for just how magnificent and beautifully cared-for this home is.

-the finished illustration.

The brownstone in all it's Fall glory! You can see why we didn't try to show all this in 11"x14".

Simplification of elements is determined by the print size -which is an important consideration when working on these portraits.

You gotta' love that oversized acanthus leaf keystone.

Although the whole building wasn't included in the illustration, I can't help showing this metal cornice and window trim on the 3rd floor. What a beautiful structure! ...and what a fun commission.

]]><![CDATA[The Holidays Arrive Early in South Carolina]]>Thu, 13 Oct 2016 16:24:39 GMThttp://www.christianmusselman.com/blog/the-holidays-arrive-early-in-south-carolinaFrom Home Portrait to Personalized Greeting Card

Last June, I was asked by homeowners Marian and John Scullion
to create a portrait of their Mid-Century Ranch Home. Fantastic!
South Carolina! ---a part of the country I haven't gotten a commission from before. I had a great time working with them to capture a likeness of their classic MCM ranch.

More recently, they contacted me to ask if I could adapt their home portrait for use as a Holiday card. No need to ask twice! I had a concept in my head before I could finish my email reply.
---Hang on to your tinsel tree!

The Scullions 2016 Holiday Card

Jokingly... I mentioned that I'd be more than happy to do a Halloween, 4th of July, Easter and Valentine's Day version for them as well....just to keep John busy.

---This is roughly the cropped area from the original portrait that I used as the basis of the holiday artwork. Focusing on the front door allowed for more detail to be visible.

---Here's the finished portrait of their home. You can view a larger image by clicking on the image.

To get started, I asked how they decorate their home for the holidays -then started playing. Of course, I added in a few suggestions of my own (it's my nature).

That said...Marian liked what I had done so much, she sent her husband on a mission -to match the decorations in the portrait! Seems Marian thinks John has too much time on his hands.

....you gotta' admit, it's pretty funny. Especially since I'm not the one putting up all those lights under the soffit.

---The owners already had the deer statues. I put the red bulb on the end of Rudolphs nose. All I can say is "duct tape!"

I'm looking forward to working with other past clients who have similar idea about how they might want to reuse their home portrait artwork.

I have a reasonably priced resource for printing greeting cards, note cards, postcards and invitations. The finished product can be shipped directly to your home. My fee is based on the amount of time to make the alterations to your home portrait and readying the art to send to the printer.

If you're interested in learning more, I'd be happy to speak with you about the possibilities of creating your very own personalized North Pole.

In the meantime, I'll be thinking about what their South Carolina home might look like draped in red, white and blue bunting with
flags along the walkway.
--sorry, John...I just can't help myself!

]]><![CDATA[4-Wheeled Family Members!]]>Mon, 01 Aug 2016 17:45:24 GMThttp://www.christianmusselman.com/blog/houses-and-cars-pets-too

I started receiving requests to include family pets in the home portraits I've been creating for homeowners.

Cool! ...cats on steps at the front door or sitting on a windowsill --dogs looking out the picture window or front door...it has been a lot of fun to include these important family members who are very much a part of the life of the home.

Recently, I've been asked to include a “family member” of a very different kind -homeowners vintage cars! In this case, Mid-Century cars. Seems MCM’ers like the cars in their driveways to fit the era of their home…I’m ALL FOR THAT!

I created a separate illustration of the car
for the homeowner. I thought "Cookie" needed her own spotlight moment.

A 1963 Plymouth Fury named "Cookie"

Ford Thunderbird - 1966

Here are the complete images of the homes with their companion cars.

]]><![CDATA[Just Completed! - a new series of Mid-Century Modern home prints.]]>Sun, 24 Apr 2016 15:11:56 GMThttp://www.christianmusselman.com/blog/just-completed-a-new-series-of-mid-century-modern-home-prints

Over the last year of creating home portraits for clients, a request kept coming up - something like: "I don't live in a Mid-Century Modern home, but I'd like something similar to your home portraits for my walls". I even had calls asking if I'd sell prints of other people's homes! It got to the point that I felt I should listen -and act.

I gotta' tell you, I love the enthusiasm that MCM'ers have for the homes, and the styles of that era. They LOVE their homes, their furnishings, their artwork, the history and pedigree of what they fill their lives with. It's truly exciting to be a part of that enthusiasm. It brings me much happiness to have found (and be found by!), this amazing group of people.

I experimented -quite a bit- with the color palette for this series, as well as working with (and reworking) the homes to see how best to show their MCM style; complete homes?, cropped images of the homes?. There were benefits to both ways of presenting the images. Ultimately, I liked the graphic qualities of the cropped version the most and they seemed to highlight the design styling of the homes. The illustrations filled the print area with larger blocks of bold color, and cropping allowed for some extra details.

I'm offering the prints in 2 sizes (20x16 and 14x11) and in limited editions of 250 each. I hope this series will find it's audience. It's great to get them "out into the world" I listened! ...and more importantly, acted! ;)

I've been working on this collection for quite some time. My hope was to create a series that embodied the iconic styles of homes from that period -and had a feel for the unique optimism of the era. Architecture from that time period had this great forward-thinking sensibility. What did it mean to be living a modern lifestyle in the 50's and 60's? You can easily see the answer to that question in the homes from that period.

Clearly some very new and exciting experiments were happening during that time, many that are still part of how we choose to live today... open floor plans, kitchens that were not separated from the activity of the main living area, big windows...lots of light!, the use of new materials. You get were this is going...

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