Here are some photos of the finished mural in the gorgeous house I told you about. It got a little chilly that last day, but I wore work boots and skivvies under the jeans, so I survived. I used four paint colors, plus the wall color to create the tone-on-tone look. I purposefully did not add much detail to the mural so that it would look like a soft backdrop to the furnishings and lighting that will no doubt be spectacular. I'll list the colors I used below.
The wall color is Benjamin Moore 314-4 Spiced Vinegar. It is a neutral that looks really nice in different lighting. I used it as my base, and mixed it in with my other colors as needed. I basically made a palette of graduating colors: Sherwin Williams 6119 Antique White (BM 314-4 Spiced Vinegar) Sherwin Williams 6123 Baguette (love this color) Sherwin Williams 6124 Cardboard Sherwin Williams 6146 Umber By mixing each color with it's lighter and darker neighbor, you can come up with about 9 values of color. I mostly mixed as I went, except for when I needed to cover a large area with a mixed shade (like the cloud base). Then I mixed the two colors in a mixing tub to get enough to cover. I used Purdy brushes (2 1/2 and 3 inch) for most of it, with an angled 2 1/2 inch brush for the clouds and trees. An angled 1/2 inch Purdy brush is good for dabbing in trees and shrubs. So are "chip" brushes.
For the smaller details, I used artist brushes. The other useful artist tool is your finger (I personally use my ring finger) to smudge and soften. It's readily available at the end of your arm, for free.
For resource material, I used photos from magazines and books of Tuscan scenery. I kept the pages open in front of me as I worked, often taping them to the wall so I could easily see what I wanted. I would love to see this house when it is completely finished and furnished! I am very honored to have my artwork featured so prominently in this fabulous home. Feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments! I'm happy to share. 
