[3]Today, I wanted to feature some murals painted on local walls by my friend, Jack Clifford.
I've known Jack, a Rantoul native, since I was 16. It was my first day lifeguarding at the old Rantoul pool (just a few weeks before the new aquatice center opened). I tripped and fell in front of the concession stand, where he was working.
He burst out laughing and we've been friends ever since.
Jack studied art at Monmouth College and has been posting photos some of his amazing murals on Facebook. I asked if I could share them, as well as a little bit about his process.
Jack said he started painting murals in high school, baby rooms for his art teacher and cousin. In college, he painted a mural for the the Fear Factory open house in Rantoul for his friends, Jason and Michelle Tatar.
Since then, he's done more murals, in which he executes his clients' ideas, which usually are “something that they really want and cherish in their home or business.”
He uses acrylic paint, and said he loves the large-scale work of painting murals, especially because it would be too difficult to make and transport a canvas of a similar size. The time it takes him usually depends on his busy schedule.
[4]Sometimes, he said, it's hard to keep walls he's not painting clean, and that's especially challenging if the homeowner doesn't still have the original paint.
Jack said the best part is seeing the customer's reaction to the finished work, particularly if they haven't seen the mural in progress
“If possible I try to not let them see it as I work, though some have stayed and kept me company and just watched me work,” he said. “Some like to see the process. They just can't stop staring at it and are so thankful.”
He said every mural he's painted is unique.
“Some are fun and playful,” he said. “Some are technical and detailed.”
All photos are of Jack's murals, and are used with permission. I think I like the cherry blossoms best.
You can see more of Jack's art on his website here. [5]And if his name sounds familiar, I mentioned a painting he made me in this post. [6]
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Thank you featuring Jack! I've known Jack since I was 13 and I had the pleasure of going to school with him. He's got an awesome, positive attitude and he works very hard at everything he does- especially his artwork. These murals are fantastic! Best of luck with everything, Jack!
Cayla (Emkes) Waters
I know aren't they (and he) great?