This post features a community mural commission project I designed and painted last summer. My philosophy is simple, make something that reflects the spirit of the community. Typically I interview the business or community and following that I will draft a mock-up so everyone can get an picture in their mind’s eye. Although on commercial murals we tend to copy exactly from the original artwork (that includes the colours and the compostion) I like offer a simple picture that shows the composition. This gives us some room to work with the imagery and it allows for some creative flexibility.

when in flow it is good to flow with

This is my third largest independent mural to date, it took one month to complete thanks to some much needed help from my partner. I like to use vibrant colours in all of my murals. I keep my colours stocked because quite often I will ask those who pass by what their favourite colour is and will add it as long as it flows well. This really excites people and they makes them a part of the process. I like to both mix my colour and use prefab colours. I have been rolling with Golden products lately they have great colour selection and also make a special aribrush medium that promotes adhesion to the surface, which is helpful on sea cans and smoother surfaces. An important step for me is a nice finishing coat. This protects the mural from the elements, and human nature. I don’t like to compromise to much when it comes to my independent murals but given certain budgets one has to be resourceful and learn to work with what you have. I really try hard to make sure nothing goes to waste and I use a layering technique with my paint that allows me to use a little less paint overall, although it is a little more labour intensive. Also I only had two airbrush guns working on this one, a medium and large format, I find two brushes is easier to maintain and keep clean, the more guns you use the more you have to clean, and cleanings a huge part of murals, there’s no way around it. The last thing I do is apply a topcoat that protects from the weather elements and also human nature.

My murals is art for the people. I put a lot of pride into my work and although it is a lengthy process, when it is complete the feeling is like no other.

fotoMahalonessspacetime mural moments.

inked mock up and tools of the trade and the office/lab where the mixology goes down.

sunset Mahaloness

I am working on putting a time-lapse video animation experience together for you of this mural, patience please these things take time, Thank you, Management

to contact me for mural work click here (hälts art FB page)
hälts nifty online art store and gallery

Thank you
Mahaloness