"FRIENDS AT CIBOLO CREEK" was commissioned by Michelle Neal, Media Specialist at Wiederstein Elementary (Cibolo, TX). Michelle wanted a mural to welcome visitors to her library that paid homage to Cibolo and her school. You'll find explanations of each element included in the descriptions of the photos. On a personal note, when I first started doing murals about three years ago, I was pretty dependent on the use of projectors. I have grown in confidence - especially over the last three months - and I have gotten free from such dependence. Since cutting the projector out of the process, I have found that my paintings are actually better and have a more lively quality - not to mention that I can paint with more spontaneity and speed. Given my utter lack of training, I know that I had to use projectors as I was first starting out (and will continue to use them at times for certain forms of lettering, etc.) but cannot express how much this has added to the joy of painting for me. I had a blast designing and painting this mural and interacting with the great kids and teachers at Wiederstein. This may be may favorite mural yet!
11' X 8' Latex on Concrete Block. Mural #68.
"Cibolo" is the Native American word for "Buffalo."
There is a family of foxes that lives in the courtyard at Wiederstein!
The bluebonnet is the state flower of Texas. I used a bit of artistic license as these are a bit larger than bluebonnets are in real life.
Mrs. Neal teaches a unit on the Painted Lady butterfly each year. She wanted something in the mural that was specific to her legacy at Wiederstein and I was more than happy to oblige.
There are an abundance of coyotes in the area.
A mockingbird sings outside the window of Mrs. Neal library every day.
The great kids at Wiederstein!
A great teacher at Wiederstein!