TBT - Longhorn Basketball Mural

In college, I kept myself busy with lots and lots of school. Sometimes so much school that I could almost cry about it just reminiscing. I was up at the studio for hours upon hours, thankfully with people I liked, and had a relatively minimal social life. On the side, however, I managed to take on mural commissions to create a little income–I don't think I could have swung a normal job. I am sure many of those mural projects will pop up in future TBT posts.

Today's mural was for a multi-talented young man. He excelled at every sport, but basketball was by far the family's favorite. Both of his siblings also excelled in basketball throughout high school and college and are both currently coaching high school basketball.

This mural was painted for him when he was in middle school or early high school and UT was his college of choice.  Now he plays basketball at the U.S. Military Academy (West Point). I want to believe that he's still a longhorn at heart, but I'm also very proud of him for his choice to serve in the Armed Forces.

This was a very simple mural, as you can tell. To make it even easier, his family painted the wall burnt orange first. I came in and used chalk to draw all my lines. I then used the wall paint, added white and painted out the basketball. Then I took the white paint and traced my previously drawn lines for the longhorn with a wide flat head brush so I could keep a consistent thickness all the way around.  I also really like asymmetrical balance and thought it looked more professional outlined instead of solid.

Two coats, and I was done! Tada! Here it is. What do you think?