Last fall I got a call to visit a place in Visalia and discuss a mural. I was very eager to do this mural because I know and like the business and because the subject was citrus. The ideas were flowing, so I did a couple of sketches and gave them several bids.

(FYI, I generally bid a mural based on size, the same way I price my drawings and paintings. The reason for multiple bids is so they could have me paint it all at once or do it in three sessions, whatever fit best into their budget.)

In December there was a hard freeze. It did big fat damage to the citrus crop and the trees and the farmers and the industry and the business who planned to hire me.

Bummer. No citrus mural for this artist this year.

What’s a California artist to do?

Paint Sequoia trees, that’s what.

I think this will look pretty fantastic on my garages.

Too many areas here for you to know just which one I mean. This door:

Yes, it is all ridgey metal, but I can do this. No sign that says “Parker Group” and sorry, no Brianna either. I’m fairly comfortable with citrus, Mineral King scenery and redwood trees, but little people are beyond my skill at this time.

No time frame, but it would be good to have it finished before the Studio Tour, March 21-23. Of course, if we get lots and lots of rain I won’t be able to paint the mural. That would actually be a better outcome than continued drought with a mural.

But why did I spend all that time and paint turning it dark brown if I planned to paint a mural there?

I didn’t plan it. I planned to have dark brown doors so they wouldn’t show up. Trail Guy suggested the mural, suggested the subject and chose the photo.

Can’t say no to Trail Guy!