A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of being commissioned to design and paint one of my illustrations for a mural located in the Centennial Gardens & Bird Sanctuary in Floral Park, New York.
Considering the "first-time" opportunities as a vote of confidence to my work, I'm glad that Floral Park Conservation Society entrusting me this project. Even though my medium is mainly digital, I was able to carry out this large-scale mural (Approximately 50' long).
The experience was quite a challenge, starting with the mural's irregular curved and sloping shape, which did not allow me to use a projector or many measures to sketch the initial idea on the wall. I had to do all eye estimating a basic grid while considering the angle of inclination, lengthening the illustration so that it was distorted as little as possible in the front view of the public. Also, the texture of the quite rustic and porous concrete wall played an important role when choosing the materials.
The location implied more difficulties. Being an outdoor area in autumn, it was a constant fight against the rain, the leaves of the trees, and animals, especially as a bird sanctuary. However, none of this was the real obstacle to stop the project with only two days to finish. It was the humidity. The wall is on a hill of earth, and medium temperature changes during those last days created a dew that prevented the paint from drying, so it also dripped. I did not expect that, especially so close to finishing. There was nothing to do but wait almost 6 months for the temperature to be adequate again to retouch all the paint, finish the missing details, and apply the sealer, but it was worth the result.
Regarding the design, I submitted the following two proposals:
1- "Color Collage" with an abstract organic style, playing with the scales to add that surreal touch
2- "Colorful Bird Town" (SELECTED BY THE CLIENT), with a curved design to play visually with the shape of the wall, which also has a more classic illustration style for children
Mural unveiling ceremony. Accompanied by the Floral Park Conservation Society, The Mayor of Floral Park, and volunteers and community members. Photographies courtesy of Christine Kozak
“We held the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new mural in the Children’s Garden. Our artist, Dilianny Espinoza, created a mural that is the perfect backdrop to our beautiful garden. ”