We're used to seeing murals in cities and towns around the world now, injecting life, color, story and ambiance into public spaces. You can find them in private spaces too, like stores, restaurants and offices. I have painted in both these spaces extensively, so when I received a request to paint a large mural in a private residence in Novato, CA, I jumped at the opportunity!

The house is on a sleepy side street, with the rolling hills of Marin surrounding it and plenty of sun in its beautiful backyard. A family of four, with two young kids, keeps this house and backyard active. The family has put a lot of work into the backyard, with redoing the pool, landscaping and fence. They also added a playset, hottub, and trampoline to extend their daily lives into the outdoors. The client described their yard as “…like most where you buy objects to decorate the space...patio furniture, a few plants, and umbrella and bbq. At the time our pool was the highlight.” Something was missing from their home. Something that would bring more energy, ambiance and meaning to their home - a mural.

I love the process of working toward the perfect design for clients. "Bright colors, patterns and energy," the clients said to me as we began to discuss concepts for the design. “That feel good California vibe.” Whether large companies, school groups or individuals, my design process is human-centered. Conversation is the foundation. Who are they? Where do they come from? What is important to them? Where are they going in life? What are their hopes and dreams? What do they want to feel with my art?

I believe that what we surround ourselves with matters - greatly! Change your surroundings, and change your experience of life. With everything I make I hope to create a trigger for experience - a thought, feeling, or emotion. I believe that if we surround and expose ourselves to certain experiences we can transform ourselves.

“Striders artwork completely transformed our boring backyard into an absolute suburban oasis.”

It was an amazing project from start to finish! From designs to painting, the energy at the household was fun and welcoming. It took me 6 days to paint and hearing the kids excitement about the progress each day was just wonderful!

I am so grateful to these homeowners for contacting me about their idea of a “residential mural,” as they are not very common. They had reservations we spoke about, mainly “the price [and] taking that leap from a safe solid house color to something radically different and somewhat permanent.”

Upon completion, we stood back together and clinked glasses with the setting sun behind their mural. Buzzing dragonflies, kids playing, and the cool air coming in after a hot day. We looked at the before and after photos side by side, marveling in what a difference the mural brought to their house. I asked if they would recommend a residential mural to anyone else and they said “Absolutely do not hesitate to take the leap. Striders artwork completely transformed our boring backyard into an absolute suburban oasis.”