I got commissioned to paint a wall ( 14 X 10 feet / 4,25 X 3,25 meters) for Mancini, a new restaurant opening near a cocktail bar. Since I usually work small and using digital color, it was particularly challenging to translate my style (overcrowded, detailed and graphic) into a large format and traditional media.
I wanted to have race cars, a pin-up and 60s glamour aesthetic, so started with this brush and ink illustration.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/1ed1183ae3adf5f2ac26c8c7_rw_1920.jpg?h=f26de2f37075d691d7d38e2e37e4d5f2)
But coloring and linework would be difficult to replicate at that size in the available time (3 days maximum)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/0e9668cba7a48824265d8b89_rw_1200.jpg?h=44e951cdcd1556a4a674d3919474dd57)
...so I tried something more simple and graphic with some of the same elements.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/c0c9382795c891a7f09496d2_rw_1200.jpg?h=bed3431e117dc176cb27f8266be5f491)
...and using a much simpler color palette
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/98dba787297bcefbf91fd51a_rw_1920.jpg?h=c7bf58d259bf6a52c854b392d4018393)
After preparing the wall (aluminium door ) with Shara Beige sprays, I started with the sketch.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/1b7fd85092521f6e7f273022_rw_1920.jpg?h=e1d7ff7b1254bf96d4dca53ba52de981)
Flat colors using spray cans. Linework using brush, black acrylic and markers
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/4a6a2c07604bc4919be2973a_rw_1920.jpg?h=c79808760e8bff0ac3caee9acf48e43f)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/ba4a2d744577ac4049e32acc_rw_1200.jpg?h=d0c289ebf757e7cc30dc0e17cce0713b)
(c) Photo by Donato Cuoio
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/98e2bb49c65f4aae078ce034_rw_600.jpg?h=7bae8fd176c48aa377a718e104632c50)
(c) Photo by Donato Cuoio
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/b217c20c3df9c65488a6bb93_rw_1200.jpg?h=9d88b094913dbbdc57da35b20503dbca)
(c) Photo by Donato Cuoio
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/c1210acfc45208b2a98429fd_rw_1200.jpg?h=a9af80d45da382c356c6533ba6c953ee)
(c) Photo by Donato Cuoio
Getting some spontaneous help is always nice!
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/8b2e76ebaa00c0a3e8cd6167_rw_1920.jpg?h=722bfdce7e8cdb89e69deb5744043758)
Finally some clear varnish/coating for extra protection...
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/dec027ca936b6ad793f80a48_rw_1920.jpg?h=a3ea87ea12bf4a0e9d9239ee2d8f1da9)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/364f7cba0a51cf8ec05f8132_rw_1920.jpg?h=64cbc8299324d88f6fe9c54ad4b0a3ed)
...and the final piece!.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/be1d8c0eaa1bb3286f11549ff344ce19/44d2c352c1ddc07763ed0369_rw_1920.jpg?h=31f70d4b68e934e8900370e47705b7eb)