Hall of Mirrors

The Set Up

Cover a wall with sticky backed mirror sheets at different heights, or gather every mirror you can find. Big old frames make it feel dramatic. Second hand ones work beautifully. At Smudge we often hang empty frames so reflections become the portraits inside.

Set out trays of paint with chunky brushes. Choose a bold limited palette or go for a full rainbow. Standing at the wall feels different from sitting at a table. Movements are bigger, marks are looser, and confidence builds quickly.


The Making

Step up and paint what you see. Trace your outline. Add a friend beside you. Fill the frame with patterns and colour. Watch reflections overlap and change as more people join in.

Variations

Try paint sticks or chalk pens if you want something easy to wipe away.
Take the mirrors outside and let the sky or trees join the artwork.
Hand out smaller mirrors with paper for quieter, detailed portraits.

Materials

  • Sticky backed mirror sheets or loose mirrors

  • Empty frames (optional but beautiful)

  • Paint trays

  • Chunky brushes

  • Poster or tempera paint

  • Optional: paint sticks or chalk pens

  • Drop cloth or sheet for the floor