All work no play? No way!

11 hours today. And I'm not sharing a photo of today's final work because... I think we're nearly finished! Check back tomorrow for the big "unveiling"!

It's finally starting to look like a mural! Yeah! Passersby peek inside the windows and the brave ones come inside to ask us questions. The learning curve for both of us is huge. It might not be the fastest way to do it but learing on the job is happening every step of the way.

A flight from Calgary to Phoenix to Salt Lake City. And finally this morning, the last leg of the trip - a five hour drive to West Yellowstone, Montana. 

Our task? To paint a commissioned mural for the Brandin' Iron Inn by this weekend. Today, day one, we waited until it was super dark outside so that the projector would give us the best image possible. Simple right? Trace a drawing on a blank wall? Not even close. Good thing I came here expecting that something might not go exactly as planned. Sounds pessimistic but it's actually quite the opposite. There are no negative thoughts involved. In fact, my approach for this project is exactly the same as I would approach any of my other commissions: the end result will be fabulous, and the costumer is going to love it! But what I try and keep in mind is that I am open to the possibility that the unexpected might happen and that I might have to make some adjustments along the way. And trust me, there were plenty!

It's an ambitious undertaking. I've never painted a mural before. I've never painted a realistic mural before! With a partner, with so much planning, with brushes, and within a time constraint. 

Thank goodness for the gold medal winner of this project. The collaborating artist, Gisele Da Silva. My mom! I am relying heavily on her skills to pull this off.

Today was about getting the drawing on the wall. And we did. Finally. Tomorrow we begin again as soon as breakfast wraps up.

Eleven hours today.

And I am not sharing an picture of the day's final image because...

We're nearly finished! Check back tomorrow for the big "unveiling". 

I can't believe how close we are to being done. I can't believe we did it! We really did it!

11 hours today. 

And I'm not sharing the final image for the day on purpose... because I think we're nearly finished! And tomorrow is the day. The big "unveiling". Ahhh! I'm so excited! I can't believe we did this. We really did this!

A lay over in Phoenix, Arizona on our way to paint my first mural! See how I keep you posted? I said I would didn't I? And concerning the afore named scorpio sucker... I bought one. And I'll keep you posted on that too. 

Goodbye Calgary! I'm off to West Yellowstone, Montana to paint my first mural!

Dear mom, it's all because of you. My success as an artist and as a person stems directly from your encouragement, support and unconditional love. Remember the time when I had just moved in with you... I was in bed, frail, unhappy, unable to sleep. You brushed my dirty, damp hair from my forehead and said: "Samy, I see so much happiness and success in your future. I don't doubt it! I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. What you've been through has made you stronger, and as a result of your experiences you will be able to touch the lives of so many."

Frick mom, you were so right. I love you like crazy.