SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival

Citrus Medley mural for SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival at Greenbench Brewing, St. Pete, FL.

I’m honored SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival asked me to come create my artwork in their beautiful city. My Citrus Medley mural will be up at Greenbench Brewing at 1133 Baum Ave. N. through October 2020.

Citrus Medley mural for SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival at Greenbench Brewing, St. Pete, FL.

I think this piece reflects St. Pete’s vibrant community and culture. Capturing juicy pulp at the peak of ripeness highlights the beauty and vibrancy of life.

I’m also thrilled they partnered me with Green Bench Brewing, who use a ton of citrus flavors in their beer and ciders

Citrus Medley mural for SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival at Greenbench Brewing, St. Pete, FL.

The experience was an absolute dream. Everyone I encountered — SHINE organizers and volunteers, residents, tourists, businesses — was extremely supportive and excited to watch the mural unfold. A ton of people who weren’t even associated with the festival also went out of their way to make sure I was hydrated, fed, and stocked with supplies. I had to keep pinching myself to make sure it was realm life!

It is an absolute honor to be part of St. Pete’s vibrant art scene. If you’re in the area, definitely go on a mural tour! Find the map to every mural in the area here.

Citrus Medley mural for SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival at Greenbench Brewing, St. Pete, FL.

Painting big in any setting can be a challenge but my biggest obstacle for this mural was the weather. There is no shade on this street so even with a pop up tent, painting in the afternoon in 90+’ heat was not a possibility for me. And then there was the hurricane! Luckily the weather didn’t turn too bad… but it did stay just wet enough to lose probably 30 hours, which is crucial during a nine day mural festival. Luckily, my best friend lives in St. Pete and was able to put in some long days and nights to help me complete it!

Citrus Medley mural for SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival at Greenbench Brewing, St. Pete, FL.

On a personal level, this mural is a bit of a departure for me. In my oil paintings I usually depict a single type of fruit very zoomed in and close-cropped. Between the different fruits and the length of the entire wall, trying to keep the whole composition dynamic but balanced was challenging. I’m really proud of this piece — it’s my biggest painting yet!