Around March 2022, my friends Rajiv and Harsha asked me if I could paint a mural to add some color to their backyard. I was a little hesitant at first, but then decided that it would be a great opportunity to re-live some of my mural days back in Austin. They wanted something that is vibrant, and reminds them of Los Angeles. Before painting can start, I created proofs with Sketchbook Pro and Photoshop.
My initial idea was to create a Los Angeles skyline. I was imagining the Hollywood Hills against an evening sunset. The sunset would feature a gradient with a warm yellow, into orange and then a deep purple. It was interesting, but they wanted to see ideas that incorporated more green and orange.
The next ideas incorporated elements of Los Angeles. I was thinking about incorporating the Santa Monica Pier ferris wheel, the Chinese Theater, Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store. The ideas represented Los Angeles, but looked too busy.
The winning proof was an evolution of the sunset idea. This proof featured more orange and emphasized the sky. The Los Angeles elements were toned down, and became details within the painting. The Hollywood sign became more prominent.
With the proof approved, I bought the appropriate supplies and started working directly on the wall.
Within the first day of painting, I was able to put down all the elements. There was still a lot of work to be done brightening the sky, honing down the details and tightening the lines.
Putting down a few tape lines was very effective in defining the sunset, ocean and skyline.
After a few more hours painting by brush, I considered this mural done!
I was very satisfied with how this turned out. Painting against a porous surface was a little difficult, considering that the lines wanted to become blurry.
Taking the time to finish the details with brush was very necessary to create a clean looking painting.
Here’s me with some very satisfied customers!
