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Bob Sauls and his lovely wife Nancy took me up on my offer to attend an informal lecture by Eric Grohe, who just finished a large installation for Coca-Cola. They drove up from Tallahassee and we talked shop into the wee hours. (actually, I think I chatted Bob's ears off)
Some of the things still resonating from Eric's talk are the importance of the mural to work within its surroundings - it's not enough to just paint a pretty picture on the wall. His design process is extensive and he builds a model of the building, sequencing the gps coordinates on Google Earth to get the correct shadows. We asked about the level of customer input into the design and he said he talks with the client about what they want to achieve and studies the theme and environment, but the final decisions are his. He has the talent and body of work to decline a commission, such as when Lowe's asked him to paint a mural of the original hardware store from a photograph - he suggested some ideas and they said they only wanted a reproduction of the photograph. He told them, "You got the wrong guy". He's earned the luxury of passing on a project if it contains advertising or lacks nobility - a noble concept in itself.
He told us a little about his history - his dad was a very talented illustrator who did covers for the Saturday Evening Post and other top publications. Although his dad died when he was 11, his time spent in his father's studio had a lasting impression.
He spoke for about an hour and a half and had to leave for the airport - otherwise, Bob and I would have overwhelmed him with questions. A very nice guy and like a lot of us, defers to his wife regularly - reminds me a lot of Suzie Butler or Jane Diaz - in that she "handles" everything while the boys paint, but we all know it wouldn't happen without our better halves.
I invited Eric to the Kewanee Walldogs meet and I put a bug in Bob's ear about hosting a Letterhead meet in Tallahassee - let's see if the seeds sprout.....
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Nice picture...and might I say 2 of the nicest and most respected guys here in letterville...glad to hear you guys could get together and enjoy each other's company for a bit...I went to Eric Grohe's site using Sonny's earlier post and was amazed at the level of work...simple beautiful...amazing talent...if I ever get brave enough to attempt a mural...his work would certainly offer inspiration and something to aspire to.
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Hey I know those guys. Eric was teaching us the second motion of The Chicken Dance in an attempt to distract Sonny from pleading for a chance to wash his brushes.
It was a terrific weekend. Nancy and I had a great time. Frankly Sonny, as enlightening as Eric was The time spent with you sharing ideas, methods and deeply held passions was the better part.
Rusty, I am blushing at you compliments.
-------------------- Bob Sauls Sauls Signs & Designs Tallahassee, Fl
"Today I'll meet nice people and draw for them!" Posts: 765 | From: Tallahassee, Fl | Registered: Jun 2009
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