During the week of the ‘23 Autumnal Equinox, I installed my largest mural yet! The 36 foot by 20 foot scene is in a courtyard surrounded by plants and trees. Via contract through Urban Artworks, who also provided me with 8 amazing volunteers (aka Dream Team), to rock it out in five days. I designed this work for Bellwether Housing to be enjoyed by residents for years to come. Many of them, and their super-friendly dogs, visited us during our progress over the course of the week.

Earlier this summer, I visited the courtyard to meet the client and see the wall in person. I’ll admit it was begging for art. It was kind of a vibe-killer.

The courtyard has lush bushes, seasonal flowers and trees that have hand-made birdhouses hanging from the branches. Many residents spend hours in this green space so I decided to simply expand it. I took photos of the plants and trees already there and designed a landscape that would transport the imagination. I drew a path leading into the background with an evergreen forest on the horizon. I also added a waterfall for tranquility. Who doesn’t love waterfalls?

The shape of the courtyard is rectangular so anyone who exits the main building can see the waterfall from the far end of the opposite side as soon as they enter the courtyard. I also wanted the design to compliment the tall trees on the left, which hang over the art so their leaves blend with my painted trunks. I used a sponge to add texture throughout; adding moss on the rocks, leaves on the path and of course mist on the water hitting the rocks at the base of the waterfall.

Dream team member in this photo: Katy Basnaw. Progress photos above: 1. outline using paint pens 2. blocking the solid colors in the middle and background 3. adding the ferns in the foreground 4. final work

Enjoy more content, including videos, on Insta. I’m so grateful for the amazing volunteers, Bellwether staff and Urban Artworks for support! I was there from 9am til 6pm most days and while my body was tired, my heart was soaring.