Elena Rossi
Paul Ygartua is a British-born Canadian painter and muralist, who has painted some of the largest murals in Canada and the United States. Ygartua's largest mural to date is the 'Legends of the Millennium' or 'Salute to the Record Breakers', which is painted on two walls of the Beachcomber Hot Tubs and Spa Factory in Surrey, BC. The mural, which Ygartua painted without the use of a projector, covers over 9000 square feet and is considered one of metro Vancouver's most famous works of art.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the mural | Legends of the Millennium/Salute to the Record Breakers |
| Size of the mural | 9000 square feet (24 ft X 390 ft) |
| Date of completion | 2000 |
| Date of restoration | 2011 |
| Location | Beachcomber Hot Tubs and Spa Factory, Surrey B.C. |
| Other large murals | Native Heritage, Bella Bella – United in History, The World United, The Hermit |
| Mural characteristics | Originality, spontaneity, freedom of expression, vast appearance of space, challenging |
| Painting style | Realism, Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Surrealism |
| Painting technique | Freehand, without a projector |
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What You'll Learn
Paul Ygartua's largest mural
Paul Ygartua is a British-born Canadian painter and draftsman who has worked in numerous styles, including Realism, Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and Abstract Surrealism. He has painted some of the largest murals in Canada and the United States, with his largest mural to date being the "Legends of the Millennium/Salute to the Record Breakers." This mural, painted on two walls of the Beachcomber Hot Tubs and Spa Factory in Surrey, B.C., measures over 9,000 square feet (24 ft X 390 ft) and was created by Ygartua in 2000 and restored by him in 2011.
Ygartua's creative inspiration comes from many directions, but he believes it is a natural gift when it comes from within. He is influenced by the people in the world, their cultures, and nature itself, and tries to express these emotions and provide an inside view of his thoughts, feelings, and ideas through his art. Ygartua usually works on four feet by four feet paintings, but he is drawn to murals because they provide a vast expanse—the largest canvas one can hope to get. He enjoys the challenge of working without a projector, as it allows for more freedom of expression and a thrilling experience.
Ygartua's largest mural, "Legends of the Millennium," is a testament to his passion for large-scale works. The process of creating this mural involved a lot of planning and imagination. He had to envision the finished product and ensure the correct proportions, perspective, and balance at such a massive scale. Ygartua's dedication to his craft and the impact of his murals have earned him international acclaim, with his works being treasured by collectors worldwide.
Another notable mural by Ygartua is the "Native Heritage" mural in Chemainus, BC. This mural, painted in 1983, features arresting images of First Nations faces and is considered a must-see by many visitors to Chemainus. Ygartua has returned to restore and enhance this mural several times, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to his artwork and its impact on the community.
Ygartua's murals have become iconic, with his "Heritage Series" being instantly recognized by most Canadians and deeply intertwined with the identity of British Columbia. His talent, creativity, and dedication to his art have left a lasting impact on the art world, solidifying his place as one of the most renowned muralists of his time.
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The challenges of painting large-scale murals
Painting large-scale murals is a challenging task that requires a great deal of planning and skill. One of the primary challenges is creating the composition in the right proportions at such a large scale. This requires the ability to envision the finished product before starting and to work freehand without the aid of a projector. As renowned muralist Paul Ygartua explains, "you must always take on the opportunity of working without a projector, in this manner the freedom of the hand will often bring that third dimension that you have always been trying to achieve".
Another challenge is the physical demand of working on a large canvas or wall. Large-scale murals require a significant amount of time and effort to complete, and artists must be prepared for the physical workout that comes with it. Ygartua, who has painted some of the largest murals in Canada and the United States, describes the process as a "real physical workout" that requires peak concentration at all times.
The process of painting large-scale murals can also be time-consuming and intricate. Ygartua, for example, spent months restoring his famous mural, "Native Heritage", which measures 50' x 20'. The restoration process involved repairing damage, enhancing colours, and adding details to the totem poles featured in the mural.
Additionally, large-scale murals are often painted outdoors, exposing the artist to the elements. Ygartua's "Chemainus Mural", for instance, has become an iconic image in the area, but its location meant that Ygartua had to contend with the sun fading the colours over time. He also noted that "the sun sucks the colour out of the mural", requiring him to restore and enhance the colours during the restoration process.
Furthermore, the size and scope of large-scale murals can present logistical challenges. Artists may need to use scaffolding or ladder lifts to reach all areas of the mural, as Ygartua did when he first painted the "Chemainus Mural" in 1983. He recalled, "I was fit enough to climb scaffolding... Now we have a ladder lift, which is better and safer".
Despite these challenges, artists like Ygartua embrace the opportunity to work on large-scale murals. He describes the experience as "thrilling, exciting, and more original", and believes that the end result is much more satisfying. The vast expanse of a mural allows for a greater visual impact and the freedom to express oneself on a grand scale.
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Ygartua's artistic process and influences
Paul Ygartua is a British-born Canadian painter and draftsman who has worked in numerous styles, including Realism, Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and Abstract Surrealism. He has painted some of the largest murals in Canada, the United States, and Europe, receiving international acclaim for his monumental murals and domed ceilings. Ygartua's artistic process and influences are shaped by his education, experiences, and desire for originality and freedom of expression.
Ygartua graduated from the Liverpool School of Art in 1965 with a degree in Industrial Design. He specialized in gold and silversmithing and also honed his skills in life drawing, architecture drawing, and design. After immigrating to Vancouver, Canada, in 1966, he began to focus on painting and has been a full-time artist since 1968. Ygartua's extensive travels and exposure to different cultures, including his Basque heritage, have greatly influenced his artistic style and themes. He often sketches and paints on location, drawing inspiration from the people, cultures, and nature around him.
The artist's creative process typically begins with deciding on the style and technique, followed by preparing the canvas accordingly. He embraces spontaneity and freedom in his work, allowing his hands to guide the composition, texture, and balance. Ygartua prefers to work freehand without the use of projectors, as he finds it more thrilling and challenging. He enjoys the physical workout that comes with painting large murals and the vast expanse it provides for visual impact.
When creating his large-scale murals, Ygartua first envisions the finished product in his mind, considering the perspective, balance, and correct proportions. He embraces the challenge of working on a grand scale, aiming for originality and a unique three-dimensional effect. Ygartua's largest mural, "Legends of the Millennium/Salute to the Record Breakers," measures over 9,000 square feet and is painted on two walls of the Beachcomber Hot Tubs and Spa Factory in Surrey, BC.
Ygartua's Heritage Series, which includes the Native Heritage Mural in Chemainus, BC, is particularly renowned. This series depicts North American Natives and other ethnic and cultural groups, reflecting his interest in exploring diverse cultural themes in his work. The Chemainus Mural, painted in 1983, features arresting images of First Nations faces and has become an iconic symbol of the town, drawing visitors from all around.
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The restoration of Ygartua's murals
Paul Ygartua is a British-born Canadian painter and muralist. He has painted some of the largest murals in Canada and the United States, receiving international acclaim for his monumental works. Ygartua's unique approach to mural painting and his restoration techniques have played a significant role in preserving and enhancing his iconic creations.
One of Ygartua's most renowned murals is the "Native Heritage" mural in Chemainus, BC. Painted in 1983, it features arresting images of First Nations faces and is considered a must-see by many visitors to Chemainus. In 2002, Ygartua returned to restore the mural, adding colour to the faces and repairing minor damage. He enhanced the mural again in 2014, further detailing the totem poles, which he believed made them "look much stronger than before."
Ygartua's largest mural, "Legends of the Millennium" or "Salute to the Record Breakers," also underwent a significant restoration. Painted in 2000 on two walls of the Beachcomber Hot Tubs and Spa Factory in Surrey, BC, this mural spans over 9,000 square feet. In 2011, Ygartua restored the fresco, bringing it back to its former glory and ensuring its longevity.
Ygartua's creative process involves spontaneity and freedom of expression. He often works without projectors, relying on his imagination and the freedom of his hand to bring the third dimension to life. This approach not only adds to the challenge of painting murals but also contributes to the unique and captivating nature of his work.
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International recognition of Ygartua's work
Paul Ygartua is an internationally recognised artist, known for his work as a painter and muralist. His versatility as an artist is reflected in his work, with Ygartua himself stating that "each style needs a different approach and a different discipline". Ygartua has a long list of exhibits and prizes from decades of artwork, with his paintings in public and private collections worldwide.
Ygartua's monumental murals have received international acclaim, with his largest mural, 'Legends of the Millennium', recognised as "one of metro Vancouver's most famous works of art". This mural, painted on two walls of the Beachcomber Hot Tubs and Spa Factory in Surrey, BC, measures over 9000 square feet. Ygartua's Heritage Series is also recognised as one of the most famous images in Canada, forming part of the British Columbian identity.
In addition to his work in Canada, Ygartua has worked on art projects in several other countries, including Germany, Mexico, Greece, Brazil, and the United States. His travels to Europe, South America, and Western Canada have inspired him to paint the strength, dignity, and struggle of Native and Ethnic peoples worldwide. One of his most notable works, the Chemainus mural 'Native Heritage', features arresting images of First Nations faces and is considered a must-see by many visitors to Chemainus.
Ygartua's talent and dedication to his craft have brought him international recognition, with his artwork sought after by collectors worldwide. His ability to constantly challenge himself and break through artistic walls has allowed him to discover and explore unfamiliar directions in his work, further solidifying his reputation as a renowned contemporary international artist.
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Frequently asked questions
Ygartua's first mural was Native Heritage, painted in 1983. He has said that he wanted to paint the faces really big and that it was a challenge to do so. He has also said that he likes to approach a wall as if it were a large canvas, without using a projected image, as this is more fascinating and thrilling.
Ygartua's largest mural is Legends of the Millennium/Salute to the Record Breakers, painted on two walls of the Beachcomber Hot Tubs and Spa Factory in Surrey, BC. It measures over 9,000 square feet (24 ft x 390 ft).
Ygartua painted Legends of the Millennium in 2000 and restored it in 2011.
Ygartua's most famous works are his Heritage Series, which depict North American Natives and other ethnic and cultural groups. His most recent mural is Bella Bella – United in History, which was commissioned to commemorate the history of Bella Bella, BC. Other notable murals include The World United, commissioned by the United Nations, and The Chemainus Mural.
Ygartua decides on a style and technique and prepares his palette and canvas accordingly. He then attacks the canvas, allowing his hands to guide his head in designing the composition, texture and balance. He works freehand without a projector, envisioning the finished painting mural in his mind's eye.
