Twin Suns Mural, first three days

Hey Visionary Art Fans,

I’ve been working on a new project that has forced me to break convention and go old school, which means a big wall, very little planning, and using a 2- or 3-inch brush to do most of the work. Admittedly, I’m not as  experience working with latex paint, walls, and mixing colors on the fly, but it has been a good learning experience and a really fun project.  Only 4 main colors, shades of blue, yellow, orange, and red, with some white and (barely any) black for tint.  I’m having to figure out how the colors work together to create a sunset as I go.

The concept is simple: Twin suns on the Salt Lake City skyline. It’s at a new restaurant which is Star Wars themed, and the owner wanted to bring a little Tatooine to Utah. We have gorgeous sunsets in the western desert, and the sunsets over the Great Salt Lake are particularly beautiful.

Three days into a 5 day project.  Here are a few photos of the work in progress done September 10 – 12, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah:

Should have done this part with a roller.  It tool too long to do with a brush. And always two to three coats.

Practicing my clouds. Turns out Bob Ross made it look way easier than it is. Spent a whole day trying to figure out how to get the right colors, highlights, darkness and shape.

Once I knew where the suns were going, I had to add more color to get it to look right. Seriously, how do figure out how two sources of light interact with each other? Seems like the second setting sun would still be lighting up the sky. Might have to do a field trip to Tatooine to learn more.

Starting to add the darkness to the clouds. Added the street grid but will add more bright colors to this part later. Still a lot to put in before it’s done. At least two more days work, which I’ll finish in a couple weeks.

 

Twin Suns Mural and September Exhibit of Recent Work

Hey Art Fans

I’m excited to make some new vocalizations to the world. Things are changing for me in a most excellent way. Especially because life is giving me the change and space to do art again, with a renewed focus on creative work moving forward. In September, I’ll be taking my art studio mobile to continue my artistry beyond Utah. But before I leave Salt Lake City, I’m going to work on a couple of really cool projects.

A friend and local restaurateur has commissioned me to paint a mural in his new restaurant opening later this summer, called Twin Suns Cafe. Star Wars fans will recognize the reference immediately, which comes from an iconic scene in the original film. The mural I paint will be inspired by the movie, but will have a unique Aspen Moon twist as well. Should be done by the end of August.

In addition, it’s looking like I’ll be contributing to a month-long group exhibit and will be co-producing an event associated with the September Gallery Stroll in Salt Lake City. Details should be out in the coming days. The group exhibit will feature 11 of my original works, including three brand new works never before shown–Icaro, Manipura, and Le Gran Mystére (Yes, I do draw on other languages to name my work). Please keep an eye out for the event here and on my Aspen Moon Art facebook page.

As always, thank you for supporting hand crafted visionary artwork.

Blessings!
-am. July 25, 2017 Salt Lake City