A new under-the-sea-inspired mural is nearly complete on a wall outside of Footseas in Avila Beach.
Contracted mural artist Catherine Panofsky was asked by the owners of the local boutique to redo a painting that was done on the building years ago. They wanted a nautical and tropical mural to reflect the beach atmosphere of the city.
From there, Panofsky sketched and designed a small version of the mural months before the project to create the exact picture she imagined. She included several sea creatures, including clown fish, a blue tang and a puffer fish like in the hit Pixar films, “Finding Nemo” and “Finding Dory.” She also included other wildlife, such as toucans and parrots.
Panofsky hopes the artwork brings a smile to the face of local residents and out-of-town visitors.
“I love making this world beautiful with art and people who will come and see this mural will enjoy it for a long time,” Panofsky said to KSBY.
Panofsky’s next assignment will take her to a small island near Bali, where she will paint another mural to represent the community’s love for sea turtles and birds. She will work with the citizens and schoolchildren to create the artwork. It will take seven days to complete.
“I like doing things that benefit the community and doing things people enjoy. So, if it’s painting a colorful mural like this, then great,” she said.
Anyone who is interested in donating to Panofsky’s upcoming mural can do so by giving her a call at (805) 704-9906.
