That said, the judging must have been really hard ... and the 3 top choices of the official judges were not the same as my 3 top choices, so I will indicate both. The judges with the prize; mine with * - first; ** - second; *** - third. Of course, my opinion doesn't have any monetary value
What fun it was to meet these talented artists and watch them at work. Their murals will remain up until next year when it's time for Reno's 2020 Mural Festival.
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| "Imagination" by David Puck ** |
@DavidPuckArtist
“To the eyes of imagination, Nature is Imagination itself.” — William Blake
Artist bio: David
Puck is a figurative painter and muralist, working in spray paint
& oil. Originally from England, they are currently based in
California. Through colorful abstracted portraits, their work explores
queer experience and mental health. They are inspired by the balance and
interaction of opposing forces - realism and abstraction, narrative and
obfuscation, joy and melancholy. They have an academic background in
Queer History from The University of Oxford, and is currently studying
towards working in mental health support. Collectors include Mayim
Bialik (TV's Big Bang Theory) and brand Hank&Henry Beauty. Their
supporters include drag icons Jinkx Monsoon, Mayhem Miller and Delta
Work. Notable mural projects include NYC World Pride, Wide Open Walls
festival, Art Share LA, and Meeting Of Styles - so far they have painted
murals in eight countries - from Nicaragua to Germany. They are
represented by Art Attack SF for the Bay Area CA, and exhibit
internationally.
 |
| "Fat Bird" by Eric Weatherford *** (tie) |
"Fat Bird" *** (tie)
OddWall Painting, Decatur, Ill
@oddwallpainting
After
receiving his BA in Studio Art from Millikin University in Decatur IL,
Eric has been doing freelance painting and design throughout the Central
Illinois area. He has painted murals all across the Midwest, designed
logos for local businesses, displayed his paintings at galleries all
over the nation, and has now created ODDWALL Painting to bring his
creative talent to those looking to take their business or home to the
next level.
 |
| "The Price of Royalty" by Ivan Roque * |
“The Price of Royalty" *
@ivanjroque
Ivan
is a prolific muralist focusing on contemporary metaphorical themes in
nature. He uses an unusual form of grid which we decided to call a
"doodle grid.” Grids tend to be mathematical and linear. Ivan’s grid is
loose, uses symbols placed in a somewhat chaotic form on the wall, and
as Ivan says, “It’s fun." The sketch is then transferred to wall using
the grid.
 |
| "Frida" by Rafael Blanco - 3rd prize |
-- 3rd prize
Painter, muralist and Art Professor at Feather River College in Quincy, California.
 |
| "Astro Crab" by Kate O'Hara - 2nd prize |
Kate O’Hara:“Astro Crab" - 2nd prize
@kateoharaillustration
I'm
a freelance Illustrator living in Reno, Nevada. I graduated from the
University of the Arts in Philadelphia with a BFA in illustration and
typography. I'm currently available for projects, please contact me at kateoharaillustration@gmail.com.
 |
| Tahoe Black Bear" by Melissa Ghiglieri - 1st prize & People's Choice |
“Tahoe Black Bear”
- 1st prize & People's Choice
Instagram: @mel.ghig
 |
| "Ice Queen" by Jiminai - *** (tie) |
"Ice Queen" - *** (tie)
@jiminai
Muralist inspired by all things Japanese.
