Backyard Mural

In 2019 we bought a new home and I finally had a backyard I could make my own, any way I wanted, without permission. At the same time I was given the challenge of creating an art project for the newly established Vans Checkerboard Day for me and my family to accomplish. November, 21st 2019 was the inaugural day of celebrating creative self expression. To learn more visit the site here. The first thing we did was create the idea of a mural on one of the plain back cinder-block walls of our yard. I wanted something simple enough that others could help me but also something bright, cheerful and inviting. I can see the wall from the kitchen window and I knew I wanted something I would like to see first thing in the morning as I got my morning coffee. So we came up with the idea to create a multi-color sunrise. 
I headed down to the hardware store and picked out some pastel but bright colors and had them make small cans of each color. I picked up some roller brushes and tape and I was set. I washed down the wall and laid out the tape in a pattern of a geometric style sunrise. Then I had a few helpers paint in each section. It was a one day process and very stratifying at the end. Now I have a great view of a sunrise every morning and a great background for photos. Sometimes the simplest ideas give the biggest impact. It is important to not let time, complicated ideas or self doubt stop you from being creative. Go out and create your art any way you want and can!