Gaia’s Glenn - Costa Rica 2017
While on vacation, my client’s neighbor decided to cut the fruit trees bordering their properties, and erect a prison-like concrete wall. Instead of having to constantly look at such a depressing site, she decided to find an artist to turn it into something positive.
7 panels-each 6.3’ wide x 6.7’ tall, we both discussed what I might paint to make the wall something she wanted to see every day.
Gaia’s Glen was created during 3 weeks of 12 hour days painting, during rainy season.
Gaia, sitting by a river in a verdant forest, with creatures and critters and other imagery found on my adventures around the country on days off.
It was one of the best experiences.
Panel 1 -Gaia's Glen- We start off the seven panels of mural with a sign, welcoming you to this magical spot.
Panel 2 - as the water flows, the fairies and butterflies intertwine as they flit amongst a bush. Hidden in the trees, a capuchin monkey and sloth peek out at thos who enter the glen.
Panel 3 - moving through the glen, you'll see a little puppy (my client's) playing with the fairies and butterflies. Behind them, various trees and vines (found in Costa Rica) line the glen.
Panel 4 -Gaia sits by the water and celebrates all that surrounds her.
Panel 5- On the other side of Gaia, little puppies (the neighbor's) and more fairies play.
Panel 6- We reach the waterfall (one that I actually hiked through the rainforests in Costa Rica to see) we also see a poison dart frog enjoying the setting sun sky.
Panel 7- At the edge of the glen, we come to another fairie door, nestled in a tree.
Taking a selfie with Gaia
My client (on the right) with friends, helping block in color.
Behind the Scenes-Tarp to protect the area and wall from rainy season in Costa Rica.
Morning coffee to start another day of this painting adventure.
Nighttime painting involved a strong headlamp and audible books.
Each panel ascended in varying degrees.
Little details included my client's puppy, butterflies I encountered, requests from neighbors, and other elements from the area.
El Chappo the puppy next to his painting.
Lady Slippers, requested by a neighbor.
Varying trees seen during hikes around the area.
A sloth seen from one of my weekend trips.
Butterflies were everywhere, and a few landed on me and the mural while I painted.
Fairy butterflies requested by a neighbor.
A capuchin monkey, seen on one of my weekend trips, this particular one stole a juicebox from a child and proceeded to drink it.
Sloth in tree, based on a sloth seen on one of my weekend trips.
The neighbor's poodle hybrid puppies.
Poison dart frog, native to Costa Rica
Angled view, waterfall viewed from a hiking trip near a volcano.
Angled view
Full view of the mural, tarp setup, and worktable.
Another view of three right side panels.