Santa Clarita Artists’ Association painters took on a gigantic task recently by painting a mural at the Aquatic Center in only seven days.

The mural was completed by SCAA members Bob Hernandez and Sarah Eustache.

“It seems the older I get, the crazier I get with my art and challenging myself in trying new things,” says Hernandez.

The 20′ x 60′ mural on a porous block wall took 8 gallons of primer and destroyed dozens of brushes.

Colors were remixed by hand in gallon containers 3 – 4 times until I got the right combination.

“I couldn’t rely on my scaled down printed sample or swatches. Making a mistake was a big thing because you have to correct big areas,” says Hernandez. “Normally, I step back a couple feet to get a look at it from a distance …this time I had to step back 80 feet.”

“We were rained out twice”, says Hernandez. “The water was ridiculous; I couldn’t follow a grid. I actually had to rely on artistry in creating the waves. Sarah was responsible for the majority of the large-scale paint application including the entire sidewall.”

Bob’s latest endeavor is working with community leaders in establishing a Community Arts Center called The ARTree.

“It is my vision and many other community leaders to see Santa Clarita transformed into a vibrant community that supports and nurtures the arts for people of all ages. “