Murals are such a fun and creative project to undertake. I have created several murals since 1993, and the most fun, intense and well documented mural was one I did in the summer of 2009 for John O’Groats a restaurant in Encino, CA, commissioned by M. David Paul and Associates.
John O'Groats Mural, painted by Hal Hefner – 2009
This project was for an entrance section of a bar/pub/grille. I really wanted to use the history of the name John O’Groats which is a location in Scotland, marking the greatest distance between any two points in Britain. For this mural commission I was able to use all of my skills as a graphic designer, artist, color theorist and craftsmen.
It started off with a conceptual pitch I mocked up in Photshop using my sketches, and images I took while surveying the site.
initial conceptual pitch for John O'Groats Murals
Then based on these concepts we formalized a final plan so I could begin working on the final piece.
WALL 1: I proposed 4 paneled painted board montage for the first wall. It consisted of 48″ X 78″ boards and 48″ x 65″ boards (to work around a railing). The client wanted an impressionistic interpretation of the landscapes.
WALL 2: I proposed a museum installation like wall, which would sit above a table facing the bar. I wanted to capture the history and give it some class. I was able to get some quotes on an idea I had to etch the image of the hotel into metal for the description board and to groat out a larger board containing the map. These boards were both 68″ x 38″ .
Once approved, I begin sketching and having fun.
Then it was on to painting, with golden acrylic paints.
With my first coat I focused on laying down the colors for my underlay to begin rendering the details.
Below you will see a gallery of the final installation, which came out extremely well and was greeted warmly and appreciate by the owners.
If you are interested in getting a quote on a mural project, please contact me and let’s brainstorm!
