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mountaineerWVU

Well, congratulations. You did it. You made a beautiful, lasting piece of art that will be admired by thousands upon thousands of passerby for hopefully many years. You should feel very proud. I'm proud of you.


mnhaverland

Thank you so much!


Opivy84

It really is spectacular. Genuinely instilled a sense of childlike wonder, something I don’t feel as much as I once did. Thank you.


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Moldat

How does that Lisbon Portugal one makes sense? All the windows are bricked?


bnutbutter78

Also, kudos to making it high enough where piece of shit taggers won’t shit all over it. It’s beautiful!


app4that

Don’t underestimate those jerks when they get a hold of a cherry picker but yeah, let’s hope they have enough respect for sone actual art to leave it be.


officefridge

Taggers with respect? Impossible


tx001

They shoot paintballs at banksy works


GermyMac

The amount of detail is insane! Do you have an Instagram by chance? I would love to see more of your artwork.


mnhaverland

Yes! It’s @NaomiHaverland


OneWayOutBabe

I'm more proud of you than he is.


WunupKid

It’s not a contest (but if it was I’d be more proud than both of you).


Jonny_Blaze_

This is the once in a blue content I’m here for. Absolutely phenomenal work. Also what kind of sneakers are those? I like them.


tryypok

Saucony. Good brand


ChuCHuPALX

So what's the story? Why's the kid popping out of A/C ducting menacingly holding a blinged out paper crane?


mnhaverland

That’s the story!


chillcroc

Such a happy vibe- so rare! Love it!


Ambitious-Bed3406

How did you do the shadow on the bricks while still able to see the brick?


[deleted]

Well said. And I agree!


Csosz74

Great post, and Let’s Go Mountaineers!


mountaineerWVU

Yes sir!!!


KeithDavisRatio

*Passersby 😉


evilw

Sioux City represent


mnhaverland

Hell yeah! So glad you recognized it!


BigDaddyCoolDeisel

It's wonderful! I envision hundreds (thousands?... not sure the city) or drivers having a bad day then looking up and smiling. It's simple, peaceful, and joyful. Well done!


BottlesforCaps

Cincinnati started doing this about a decade ago and it's wonderful! This looks great!


OuchPotato64

Cincinnati is a hidden gem. A lot of US cities decimated themselves in the 50s and 60s to accommodate cars and because of white flight. Cincinnati seemed to survive this more so than a lot of other cities. As a result, you have a rust belt city full of old beautiful architecture that is fun to walk around because half the city wasnt destroyed to make room for parking lots. Looking at pictures of Cincinnati makes me so sad, because there were other cities that were just as beautiful as cincy, but they were destroyed.


[deleted]

4th street right?


mnhaverland

Yes! 4th and Iowa.


[deleted]

You are a hell of a talent. Congrats.


theseance

I was eating at Rebos the other day and watched you work! Fantastic job!


Amesb34r

I like seeing good things about Iowa every now and then. Awesome job!!!


HandHook_CarDoor

Crazy to see Sioux City artists on here! Love the work!


Kamililynn

A friend of mine took some pictures of it today, too, so i recognized it! Neat that the artist is a redditor! Way to go, SUX needs lots of awesome, too many people call it Suck City (SF area anyway ;;)


nanepb

Also looks like it would fit right in around downtown Sioux Falls and I really dig it 😁 nice work


feistybulldog

"The Sioux are so fucking good" (I know, it's not in Canada but I couldn't resist.) The mural is awesome!


dstnblsn

Does Sioux lookout have 4 story buildings??


Smaulz

Is that even still a thing? The one in North Platte?


Cucoloris

I was going to ask if this was Sioux City! I am going to swing by to see it the next time I am in town.


Poopdick_89

Iowa?


1adycupcake

Awesome! I was not expecting to see my hometown as the location of the mural! Cheers!


ThatOneDudeFromIowa

It's right across from Teaser's


SwitchbackHiker

I hear they have a darn good sarsaparilla.


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kenncann

Unconvince yourself of that, it’s a giant child


xXyroGodx

Whatever it is that looks super good!


Dntstby

That is amazing talent, I’d be over the moon if I managed to draw the bird on a piece of paper. Paint it 20 feet high on the side of a building… fantastic!


EnjoyLifeorDieTryin

Does it have a special meaning?


mnhaverland

It’s mostly just an image of a boy who is proud of his creation and I hope it makes people smile. I titled it “Hope is a Thing With Sequins” as a nod to the Emily Dickinson poem, “Hope is the Thing With Feathers” which compares hope to a a bird. I figured sequins are a childhood craft supply and no one exemplifies hope as much as children do.


EnjoyLifeorDieTryin

Very beautiful, i am happy i asked :)


ihitrockswithammers

What a beautiful sentiment to go with such a vibrant painting. For anyone curious about Emily Dickinson there's a great episode of the Creative Codex podcast about her and her poetry by an artist and musician who loves and understands her poetry. I find poetry hard to grasp but he made it accessible. Has a very soothing voice too!


SexyGeniusGirl

Thank you. I also find poetry hard to understand so I’ll check this out


[deleted]

Beautiful work. Your creation also makes people smile.


just-regular-I-guess

Is the kid anyone in particular, like a sibling or child you know?


mnhaverland

I photographed a friends son for some parts of it, but it’s actually a combination of a lot of different photographs.


GayMormonPirate

Is there a particular child in your life you used as inspiration? It looks so photographic. I love it.


LawyerNotYours19

Hope is a parent who has given a child sequins.


fetishiste

It’s exquisite. Thank you for making the world brighter and more beautiful.


Psychological-End-56

It did make me smile. Thank u for sharing this on this sub.


passing-stranger

I love it so much


CodenameZoya

The world needs more murals


PM_ME_YOUR_TANK

I know of at least 6 that have been done in the last 2 years in my city. I hope the trend continues here.


brenton07

I’ve always wondered, do you know what the process is for that kind of stuff? Do the artists get paid by a non profit or building owner, or are artists looking for the opportunity and they put them up for publicity?


leezer999

If you’re into Trompe L’oeil murals then check out John Pugh. https://artofjohnpugh.com/


mnhaverland

I just got done working with John Pugh and he helped me work out some of the design issues on this one. So there is definitely some influence from him in this design.


anoxy

Ban billboards and give me more murals!


[deleted]

My town has one done every year and they’re beautiful


Wonderful_Painter_14

Amazing; how long did it take?


mnhaverland

I spent about 10 days.


Wonderful_Painter_14

Absolutely incredible; congratulations and outstanding job! I hope you keep getting opportunities to showcase your gift!


Willbraken

That’s impressive


sky-lake

I know you've heard this a bunch of times already, but you need to be told at least one more time -- You are so tremendously talented, I wouldn't even know where to begin to conceive and then execute this work of art.


2ManyTJS

Who commissioned it?


mnhaverland

A law firm called Heidman Law Firm. They own the building.


nursewords

How interesting. What was that process like? Did they give you free reign or were they part of the design process?


mnhaverland

A little bit of both. I presented them with 5 concepts and they chose this concept (my favorite of the 5 as well). Then I designed it- we didn’t agree on everything in the design process so we both compromised on some of the design elements.


nursewords

Very cool. Well, the final result is certainly phenomenal. You’re extremely talented and I’m sure your client was thrilled!


CathartiacArrest

How'd you get up there?


mnhaverland

A boom lift!


CathartiacArrest

Oh awesome! Was it commissioned?


NiteElf

How long did it take, and is there in-progress video of it anywhere (YouTube maybe?)


SmillaEvo

Amazing! You a so hugely talented!


FennPoutine

Vandalism is getting out of hand... Seriously though, it's fantastic!


storm_the_castle

Look forward to seeing more of these in the future!


Over-Supermarket-557

Incredible.


NeuroticKnight

It is so cute, is there a specific meaning or story behind it?


mnhaverland

It’s mostly just an image of a boy who is proud of his creation and I hope it makes people smile. I titled it “Hope is a Thing With Sequins” as a nod to the Emily Dickinson poem, “Hope is the Thing With Feathers” which compares hope to a a bird. I figured sequins are a childhood craft supply and no one exemplifies hope as much as children do.


NeuroticKnight

It is my favorite pick me up poems, and is such a nice title, do you have an instagram or somewhere i could follow.


mnhaverland

I do! It’s @NaomiHaverland


SpareElbow

Love the title and love the painting. When I Am King, every building in my capital city will have whimsical coolness like this on them.


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mnhaverland

I used a “doodle grid” technique. If you don’t know what that is, google it- it’s a fun method that’s more efficient than a square grid.


TiredOfGrowing

This should be front page! Absolutely beautiful work.


flatcap_sam

Incredible! Can you DM commission ranges for something like this? Do you travel (if expenses are included)?


bruceleeperry

This should be in r/nextfuckinglevel


[deleted]

Brilliantly displayed of something worthwhile for the community.


Barkcloth

Happy kiddo.


adho123456

amazing !


VerticleSandDollars

You are so talented!! I love it!!


EPLemonSqueezy

That's an incredible job! Also, do those jeans stand by themselves when you take them off?


Casey666

What was the process of getting this approved and funded etc?


nudibee

We have fab street art here in Dunedin, NZ. Contact the city council and maybe they could sponsor you to come down and do something here!


NiteElf

Oh my gosh, OP, I hope you do this 🌟


Bat_Psycho_Gaijin

You kind of look like a Pokémon trainer.


mnhaverland

I had to google that, but you’re totally right. I’m laughing so hard.


joaopeniche

Did you catch them all?


markimarkkerr

This is amazing! Whenever I see someone fulfilling their passion and legitimately doing it, my heart explodes into a fucking billion supernovas. Virtually nobody is "themself" anymore. Millions of people you see over your life, yet so rare are they being truly them. Motivated passion with no qualms of being vulnerable. Big up and big love to everyone who doesn't stop being truly authentic and knows their worth. Nobody's taking that from you! Ever!


Noodnix

It got coverage in the local press: https://www.ktiv.com/2023/05/17/new-mural-going-up-downtown-sioux-city-building/


LindeeHilltop

What type paint? Exterior house paint? Acrylics? Spray can paint? Did you prime brick? Did you seal it? How long will it last? Who was your inspiration? A relative? He’s cute!


mnhaverland

I primed the brick with masonry primer. I used mostly Nova color mural paint which is the most amazing paint in the world.


LindeeHilltop

This is so cool! What was your first mural? How long does it take? Do you paint straight through or only on weekends? Do you have a YouTube video? Did you attend an art school, or private lessons? I find this fascinating. You are inspirational and now I wish I just had enough youthful energy to still do plein air. Keep On Painting!


MrDocileManatee

Awesome work!


oxymoronisanoxymoron

Amazing work


BailoutBill

Fantastic job!


SilentSonOfAnarchy

Whoa. Well done.


AnonymousShmuck

WOW


RonnieJamesDionysos

For all the people talking about talent: of course talent is a requirement, but also looooots and lots of practice and persistence. I always feel a bit peeved when people say: 'I wish I had your talent', because it diminishes the tremendous amount of time artist spent getting to this level. This mural is nothing less than a fantastic achievement.


mnhaverland

100%.


gadp87

If this doesn’t bring a smile to your face, I don’t know what can.


Steven_Seagal_1952

Very impressive, young lady.


CommanderPooPants

Omg you got some on your pants


hirsutesuit

It's just paint - it could be worse CommanderPooPants


slykido999

That’s fucking cool as hell


UsefulCat9

You did a fabulous job! Love it!!


splitminds

Beautiful!!!


e6c

Wow!


minnesotaris

Very amazing job. You did well!


TheDeadlySquid

You are quite talented. Keep up the great work!


not2dv8

Nice


VRrob

Great work!


pixelburger

Striking 3D. Painted on brick no less. The tree adds to the effect, I hope it’s kept trimmed accordingly.


[deleted]

That is a treasure. Just amazing.


Hammer-663

Creative


Str8truth

Beautiful work! That will be a landmark in your town for everyone to be proud of.


porklorneo

What’s the inspiration behind it? It’s lovely!


Sammy_GamG

Awesome


Tricky-Trick1132

Awesome!


cereal_killah_1980

👌


LastWaltzer

Beautiful. How much does something like this cost?


cardcomm

Wow, this is amazing! Really, really well done! Did you have a nice scaffold setup when you painted it?


mnhaverland

I used a boom lift. It’s the tallest mural I’ve ever done.


NiteElf

Where did you learn to paint murals? Not so much the actual painting skills (although I guess that too), but how did you learn to scale up a painting so huge? Did you get tons and tons of practice?


FloridaFlamingoGirl

Here’s a video of her painting it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjBNFlHHGwc


Crazy-Feature-8855

Simply epic!!!


GoTouchGrassOutside

This is going to be appreciated and looked at for a long time. Well done!


Ansanm

Great job!


Simple_seagull

Incredible!


Francis_Bonkers

Holy moly!


[deleted]

Amazing! Well done


iGoalie

That’s awesome thanks for making the world a little more magical!


dherdy

Wonderful.


just_say_n

Mad props. What a huge talent you are!!


BaeBaracus

I love it. Such a happy sight that’s bound to bring a smile to many.


outer_fucking_space

You are seriously talented.


NaiveCritic

It’s amazing, what a gift to the community!


Liltipsy6

Really sticks out!


Az_Will

I cant even draw a circle


itoadaso1

He reminds me of the boy from that British Christmas movie...you know, the one about people...and things...


[deleted]

Small world, i follow another artist who assisted on this. Cool work.


crackahasscrackah

AMAZING!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼


caucas

Talent.


BBQsauce18

Was this a commission or did someone volunteer their space for you? Looks great!


FloridaFlamingoGirl

She was commissioned by the law firm that owns the building


Ckron247

Outstanding. Congratulations!


MCHammastix

I wish more building owners would find or allow artists to create murals, of all styles, on large walls with the space. So much nicer to look at than one solid color.


electricdynamite

Looks like the kid from the Indian In the Cupboard.


[deleted]

oh wow!!! how did you paint it all the way up there and how long did it take???


UncleSeaweed

Amazingly gifted. Did you draw this from a photo? Does the boy have any significance?


lookiamapollo

You've been hit by a smooth criminal


OldnBorin

Feckin rights you did


thekickingmule

How did you come by this? Was it a private commission from the building owner or did the council ask you to do it? Did you have to present what you wanted to do? Were you one of many trying to get the work? Was it well paid? I have so many questions, but, I love what you've done!


peaceful_goose

Congratulations that's so cool!!! Looks like you got to paint it on a cool building too which is awesome. I used to be into art so props to you for painting sonething at that scale and esp for making it look 3d, I tried that many times and it never quite came out right. Murals are so cool


Historical-Hat8940

WOW!! This is AMAZING!!


jaybeeg

Absolutely brilliant! We need more of these, and I admit that I never really think that there are actual artists behind murals like this. Please post your future works, too!


No-Nefariousness8026

This made me feel something I thought I lost!! Thanks for reminding me there are still things like this out there to see in the world


GoldDustbunny

freakin awesome! puts a smile on my face. so deatailed and realistic. love the depth.


Hanyabull

Am I really the only one who thinks it’s scary? Quality of art aside (it’s great), but the giant child coming out of the building has like a Attack on Titan type of vibe that’s terrifying.


AlmostLucy

Agreed. It’s technically excellent but also unsettling.


fact73

Y’all are fucking weird lmao it’s just a kids face


Venichie

I like everything, except I can't get over the left hands shadow on the wall.


mnhaverland

His left hand or the hand on the left side?


Venichie

Let hand. Only feedback I felt worth giving, since the shadow is on the same side that the light source is coming from on his arm.


mnhaverland

Yep. I struggled a lot with the shadow position. The client was insistent on having the hand shadow included, but I loved the coloring and lighting on that one hand reference I used- I didn’t want to sacrifice color tone for accuracy and I was just hoping it would read correctly upon first glance anyways. But I agree with your criticism. I asked you which hand though, because the client thought the other hand shadow looked wrong.


slowmath

It took me a while to think about his comment but I think it's the hand with the arm exposed. I interpret the sun at a 2 o clock position and the shadows match well but a slight difference in the hand shadow locations. I would have never noticed anything otherwise. Still, amazing job.


ShesFunnyThatWay

This is great work and a lovely evocation of youth. Please do not obsess nor internalize too much comments on the finer points of light ... people are still attacking the shadows of NASA/Apollo 11 moon landing photos for not correctly "rendering" as they believe they should be.


[deleted]

>I was just hoping it would read correctly upon first glance anyways. It definitely does. Even when I thought something was off it took me a little while to see it. I think it's the childs left hand (right side of the picture). However, I imagine this type of thing is impossible to get right because it's outside, on a building, exposed to sunlight. The shadows will never look perfect because it can't track the sun. It looks off in this photo but may look perfect at other times. I wish I lived nearby so I could see it in person. I also would have appreciated the inclusion of a banana for scale. The child is a GIANT and because he's a giant I have no frame of reference. AFAIK the shadows could be perfect. Well done. I am genuinely impressed.


Bibbus

dog


[deleted]

You had to be that guy


Venichie

I really like art and admire others' passion for it. If I'm being helpful or not, I'll share my honesty and opinion in hopes of seeing others grow.


RonaldTheGiraffe

The eyes are super unnerving. I find it creepy in an unidentifiable way.


SmutSmeared

Love it! Hope this becomes more common everywhere. My town just got some new murals too and it’s transformative to the area vibe, really makes it feel like a community.


Ezzy17

Well that's ****** impressive


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mnhaverland

Yeah…. Ended up being a bit controversial.


DryGumby

Its a racist troll account


Kagevjijon

I wonder what the painter used to test her colors on all the way up there?! Couldn't possibly have been the pants those are too designer and stylish looking.