‘Cthulhu’ Mural at The Beer Snob

Last November I walked into The Beer Snob with some friends to cap off the night out with a top-notch craft beer. I was met with smiling faces and two words: “We’re closed.” (But don’t worry. This is actually the start of a good story where I lucked out from not checking their business hours.) We didn’t end up with any drinks, but we did get to hear about something exciting. Apparently, there was a performance space in the back room that was in the works. The first thought that came to mind was ‘Maybe they’ll want a mural!’. I showed the owner, Marty Schwab, my art website and let him know I was interested in creating some artwork for their walls. He generously took us on a tour of the future site before we went home.

Fast forward 4 months: I was invited back downtown to The Beer Snob for a second tour. Marty offered me what I had hoped to hear: he asked if I would paint a mural! (Of course I said yes.) I was beyond pumped to soon be a part of such a unique and creative hub.

Marty’s vision for the mural focused on his passion for H. P. Lovecraft’s ‘Cthulhu’. When I got home, I began sketching out ideas as I researched this incredible creature. I took a few things into consideration: first I wanted to make sure my artwork would embody this famous character authentically. I also imagined how to best blend my art style within the vibe of this modern-eclectic bar that would house my work for possibly decades. It was also important to create a welcoming piece of art for the viewer. My interpretation needed to be cool and edgy, strong and alive, but not too scary. While I worked my ideas out on paper, I hoped that my mural would become not only a painting but also a conversation piece or even a selfie destination.

I sketched countless surreal octopus-human-dragon beings until one finally felt right. Once my illustration was given the ‘Ok!’, it was time to put my skills to work and bring this creature to life.

One of the first sketches Molly created. She later realized this rendition was too wide to compliment the wall space. It also came out a little too spooky in her opinion.

Having this opportunity to share my artwork and be connected to my community is truly an honor. My mural lives in a venue that features musicians, artists, creatives and beer aficionados alike. Not only did I land a gig as a professional artist, but I have gained a genuine experience.

As I look back, it amazes me how a conversation can turn into a plan. A sketch can grow into a mural. And a dream can become a reality.

Layer 1 of the octopus tentacles. Original sketch is top left.

AND SO IT BEGAN: The large sliding door that once separated the public from the anticipated performance space was finally able to welcome its first guest: me. With my 9”x4.5” inch sketch in hand, I walked up to my new canvas. I bravely stacked my projector on top of a bar stool and two gallons of (tightly sealed) paint cans. My Cthulhu illustration was projected onto the 9 foot wall in all of its tentacle glory. I got my pencil out and began to draw. Every detail was outlined, which allowed me to fill in each section like a coloring book. I used a high quality black house paint but still ended up needing to paint almost every line on the mural twice. The extra attention was time consuming but ultimately worth it. Those last full, beautiful, thick coats of black paint gave my artwork that official ‘pop off the wall’ magic. Almost resembling a giant printed sticker. On the final day, I erased all pencil lines until my eraser disappeared into a flurry of fine pink rubber dust. The creature’s horns, eyes and claws received a dose of dry brushing to create earthy, lively textures. I signed my name @mollystrongart vertically to the left side of my mural. A few days of work and 16 hours had already gone by. As I stepped back to take it all in, I realized I had one job left to do: take the first selfie with my larger-than-life Cthulhu.

I hope that if you are in town, you can check out my artwork and the incredible space that it now calls home. Stay to catch some live music, dive deep into their ever-evolving beer selection and of course, snap a selfie in front of Cthulhu for me. Don’t forget to tag me @mollystrongart on your social media sites. I am so fortunate to have been able to leave my mark at this local gem. Sharing my creative side with people around me provides that extra boost of motivation. It is that energy that guides me through my future projects, allowing me to continue following my career confidently as an artist. Cheers!