Murals by Tampa Bay Muralist James Woodfield Spruill

Wall Murals

Before any manner of recorded writing man began passing down rituals, lore, and recording important events in the form of mural painting. The ancient civilizations that predate even Greece and Egypt had brought this art form to a high degree of perfection. There are many fine examples scattered throughout the ancient world of entire walls of seaside villas or cosmopolitan city residences given over to landscape compositions or fanciful renderings of mythological figures. After the demise of the Roman Empire mural painting and the specialization in this art form declined, and was mostly within the province of the church.

The world has Diego Rivera to thank for the resurgence of interest in the mural. In post revolutionary Mexico Rivera and other young artists were commissioned to paint huge murals in public buildings showing scenes from Mexico's history and the revolution. Soon world renowned, Rivera and his brethren have made the mural the most monumental of art expressions. 'Rivera aimed to combine the art of the native mexican culture with that of the post colonial era.He placed a dwarf-sized Cortez, the conqueror of Mexico next to a large figure of the revolutionary Zapata mounted on a white horse.

Modern Murals

Murals with a strong message are not usually used in domestic settings yet views on important topics can be subtly conveyed by the subject matter.Destruction of the rainforest habitat or the protection of endangered plants and animals;or the conservation of the countryside and folk traditions all can be woven into subject matters for murals.A large mural can impact a room entirely or a smaller mural be used as a focal point and basis for other decoration.

James continues this long tradition with large scale, colorful, yet highly detailed works in several public venues in Tampa and St Petersburg, as well as, many works done in private residences. Please feel free to call or e-mail James to schedule a personal viewing or to learn more about retaing his services to transform walls of your home, business or swimming, patio areas.