britannia mural
Client
Britannia Village
Location
Toronto, Canada
Year
2022
This article outlines the process of creating a bold and colourful mural at the intersection of Howe St and Britannia Rd, located in the heart of Britannia Village. The mural aimed to celebrate the community's plethora of local attractions while adding to the area's visual appeal.
Britannia Village is an Ottawa neighbourhood brimming with life and a strong sense of community. It boasts a picturesque beach and yacht club, many small businesses, and access to the Trans Canada Trail.
Right at the corner of Britannia Rd and Howe St stands a local landmark: 2728 Howe St, which has stood there since 1910. It is well-known to the locals, but had been vacant for several years when it was bought by a new owner in 2019. While the intersection was always bustling with people, the south-west corner featuring 2728 Howe St was empty and derelict. This was a location full of potential to become a prime combination residential / commercial building.
The new owner refurbished it beautifully and commissioned me to paint a new mural on the east wall in 2022. We wanted to add a visually striking focal point to the intersection that encapsulated the essence of the neighbourhood, attracting visitors, and fostering a sense of pride among the locals. We also wanted it to blend nicely with the pre-existing public art in the area.
The chosen design was a bold and dynamic composition that added colour to the busy intersection while giving a nod to the vibrant and engaging aesthetic of Britannia Village.
The execution of the mural began by thoroughly prepping the mural board's surface to ensure a smooth and clean canvas. Next, I superimposed a grid over the digital illustration and recreated a full scale copy of the grid onto the board. I then sketched out the graphic elements using the grid as a frame of reference.
Once the design was mapped out, I started the fun part: painting. Because it’s an outdoor mural, I used high-quality, weather-resistant paints to avoid sun-bleaching and wear from the mercurial waterfront weather. Here's a video showing my painting process:
The renovation of 2728 Howe St gave new life to the previously under-utilized corner, and the addition of a bold and colourful mural was the cherry on top. Britannia Village already had a rich community, natural beauty, and a dynamic network of small businesses. I hope this artwork draws in new visitors by piquing their curiosity and enticing them to explore the neighbourhood's many attractions.
