The Bastrop 2016 Transformer Mural Project

Tammy Brown

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE 2016 TRANSFORMER MURAL HERE

Bastrop Public Art

Bastrop has an active program for art in public places.  On our first visit, I noticed outdoor sculptures and colorful murals throughout the downtown area.  The transformer box murals in particular caught my eye–happy art surprises scattered around town like sprinkles on cupcake.  You’ll find them on street corners, in alleys, and at the curb depicting chickens, old trucks, dancers, roses on a trellis, and so on.  (You can see some photos on the Bastrop Art in Public Places website.)

The transformer murals add a lot of charm to downtown Bastrop, so I was thrilled to be among the selected artists for the 2016 Transformer Mural Project.

 

Day One–Before

Bastrop Art In Public Places
2016 Transformer Mural Project

A plain green electrical box wiped down and ready for primer.  This one is behind  The Grace Miller Restaurant adjacent to a parking lot.  The restaurant staff were the friendliest, most encouraging supporters you can imagine.

After the Primer

Bastrop Art in Public Places
2016 Transformer Mural Project

Looking better already.

Day 2–Blue Skies From Now On

Bastrop Art In Public Places
2016 Transformer Mural Project

 

Bastrop Art In Public Places
2016 Transformer Mural Project

Blocking in the shapes.  This was the day I discovered the fire ants who lived underneath the box.  Grace Miller employees came to the rescue with fly spray.

Next Day

I painted all day and met lots of friendly people including a professional muralist from California who spent some time giving me encouragement and suggestions.  After lunch I went to Sherwin-Williams for two more colors–a lighter green and a darker  brown.  That’s what added depth and brought the painting to life.  Gracie’s had outdoor music that day which made the afternoon even more pleasant.

2016 Transformer Mural Project
Bastrop Art In Public Places

Painting on a Cold Rainy Day

Added sides and longer shadows.  Painted fast because it was so chilly!

Bastrop Art In Public Places
2016 Transformer Mural Project
Bastrop Art In Public Places
2016 Transformer Mural Project

Two Weeks Later– Done!

Added clouds and a few wildflowers.  Signed my name and done!

Bastrop Art In Public Places
2016 Transformer Mural Project
Bastrop Art In Public Places
2016 Transformer Mural Project
Bastrop Art In Public Places
2016 Transformer Mural Project

Friendly Bastrop Folks

The best part of this project was experiencing the friendly encouragement of passers-by and chatting with the great staff at Grace Miller’s restaurant.  I think my painting reflects how much I enjoyed hanging out and painting behind “Gracie’s”.  One more reason I love Bastrop.

7 Comments

  1. I love how you separated the sky from the land and trees. I want to see this when we come out.