Mural Maker
Artist brings vision to interior, exterior spaces
By Jodi Werner Greenwald | Photos by Ray Sepesy
Randall Kane moved to Ballantyne from Southern California in the late 1990s. He creates murals for buildings and public spaces and does detailed painting in residences. During the winter season, he decorates luxury homes for the holidays. In this edition of Creative Spark, Kane shares his artistic process.
Tell us more about your Ascent Uptown mural (left) near Romare Bearden Park.
They asked for an abstract design in the color palette of the building. My initial sketches of fluid, rolling lines morphed into an ascending ribbon of color that worked well for the space. I had a lot of fun working on a 34-foot articulated lift for this mural.
What materials do you use?
I use the same latex paints you would use on your home. I love when I get to use my spray guns and airbrushes for special effects like on the background mist of the Ascent mural.
What does your process look like?
I create a digital rendering that I photoshop onto a picture of the space so we are all on the same page with how the final piece will look. It is rare for me to get full reign with the design, and each mural becomes a collaboration of my clients’ ideas infused with my vision.
What other murals have you created?
I recently finished an 8,000-square-foot underpass in a historic neighborhood in Greensboro. I painted enormous daisies lining both sides of the street. Every job is different, and I thrive on that variety.
Do you prefer working indoors or outdoors?
Painting outside in spring can be great, but I have painted under “tarp tents” in the rain to meet deadlines. Interiors can be more controlled workspaces but have obstacles like carpet and fine interiors that I must be conscious of when I get lost in my work.
How did you get into holiday decorating? Any trends to share?
Christmas decorating has been my thing ever since I was a kid constantly tweaking our Christmas tree. Many are opting for more of a vintage feel. I love to infuse unexpected elements like antlers, strings of pearls or additional types of lighting. I am using more muted color palettes than in years past.