is a captivating form of visual expression that transforms plain walls into vibrant canvases. Often found in urban spaces, murals narrate stories, convey cultural messages, and ignite emotions through intricate designs and bold colors. Mural art serves as public art, murals beautify and engage communities while fostering a sense of identity and creativity.
Media: Spray Paint on Brick
Size: 16′ x 14′
Date: October, 2021
Price: $10,000 – Fixed Budget
I worked with the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce to design this mural for the city of Lockhart following their official designation as the barbecue capital of Texas. They wanted to commemorate this special title on a wall prominent to the square, embodying the heart and soul of the city. With the city name of Lockhart set subtly as the background, I used a classic western style font for the phrase text and included a longhorn from a photograph I took from my backyard in South Austin a few years prior. The native cactus with the beautiful yellow roses and bluebonnets were also added to cradle this beautiful longhorn.
My process though, it was actually the real showstopper. I used an underlying text grid that was actually a love letter to the city to set up my composition. This garnered lots of attention from passersby and even the local newspaper as they were not familiar with this process. Once the text was on the wall, I used an image overlay software that I turned every part of the letters into reference points. When the mural was complete, the entire love letter had disappeared underneath and revealed a lasting piece the city was incredibly proud to own.
Media: Spray Paint on Brick
Size: 13′ x 14′
Date: August, 2022
Price: $10,000 – Fixed Budget
Working with the Bastrop Youth Arts Council on this mural, we decided to highlight a few landmarks around Bastrop including the water tower, the famous bridge, and the beautiful lobby pines. Piggybacking on the style of my Lockhart Mural the year before, I enlarged the city name in the background and put another Texas famous longhorn in the foreground.
This layering of city landmarks with bluebonnets also in the foreground, was somewhat of a collaboration of myself, and the youth arts councils desires for the composition.This mural was painted over four days and nights in the blistering summer heat, but resulted in a landmark mural that will be an attraction for generations.
Media: Spray Paint on Brick
Size: 25′ x 75′
Date: April, 2023
Price: $5,000 – Fixed budget and complete artistic freedom.
This piece titled The Yard was painted in 2023 in South Austin at the St. Elmo Arts District also known as The Yard. When given the opportunity to paint whatever I wanted, I immediately knew that I would utilize the size of the wall to shrink the viewer to give them a different perspective. Within the grass, looking up at a personalized big red wagon and walking among giant cactus and bluebonnets, the viewer ends up in some kid’s backyard with the Austin skyline peeking out from over the trees.
There is something about humanity’s relationship with our creator that can make us feel small and yet incredibly significant at the same time. I hope the colors and energy of this piece brings a warm and nostalgic joy to all who see it.
I was very excited to work on this for The Black Pumas to prepare for their upcoming shows in May. We were hoping they wouldn’t get canceled, God willing! They had been Grammy-nominated for their classic, soulful sound that certainly brought everyone to a warm, comfy place.
I wanted to extend a big thanks to Rob and Adrian for all their help throughout the process, and Andi and Antonio for their love and support for the local community!
This mural is from Uptown Sports Club, located on E. 6th St. & Waller. It was an incredible experience engaging with the community, especially with the vibrant foot traffic from SXSW.
The energy and excitement of the event made this project even more memorable as we got to connect with so many people while bringing the mural to life!
This project was an incredible personal challenge, where I created five murals for Charley Crockett over seven days during SXSW 2025.
With the support of my amazing wife and Tony from Story Media Co., we let Charley’s music guide us through this exciting mural marathon!
This mural is from Uptown Sports Club, located on E. 6th St. & Waller. It was an incredible experience engaging with the community, especially with the vibrant foot traffic from SXSW.
The energy and excitement of the event made this project even more memorable as we got to connect with so many people while bringing the mural to life!
This mural is from Waterloo Records on West Sixth and Lamar. We worked on it well into the night, and had the chance to meet the owner, who shared legendary stories of the musicians who have passed through.
It was an unforgettable experience when he invited us to be his guests for Charley’s performance, one of the last live shows at this historic location before they moved up the street.
This mural is from Magic Isle Record Shop on 12th and Lamar. After I finished painting it, Charley Crockett held a pop-up concert here during SXSW.
The mural was completed over an intense 16-hour stretch, making it one of the most rewarding and fast-paced projects I’ve worked on!
Have a vision you want to bring to life? Contact Aaron Darling, a seasoned mural artist, to transform your space with captivating artistry. Let’s collaborate and turn your ideas into vibrant, immersive murals that inspire and delight. Get in touch today to discuss your project!
