Dog Park Illustration

Illustrator: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Mural Client: Boca Grove Golf and Country Club

Acrylic and Spray Paint on 20"X8" canvas - In the private collection of Jennifer M Jolly, CCM

Painting at "Halftones" show 2025

Boca Grove commissioned this project as part of the development of a new community dog park, with the goal of transforming a standard shipping container into a functional and visually engaging support building. The container was intended to serve as storage while also acting as a focal point within the park. The client asked for a dog themed design that could incorporate elements of their established corporate identity. Although my prior work with Boca Grove had focused primarily on digital illustration, this project presented an opportunity to explore a more tactile, site specific approach to fine art and public space design.

Early in the process, the original plan was to produce digital artwork for a vinyl wrap. As the container was studied more closely, the complexity of its corrugated surfaces, framing, and door hardware made that approach increasingly impractical. The technical demands of measuring and adapting artwork to those irregular forms began to overshadow the creative goals of the project. Recognizing that the medium itself was limiting the artistic potential, I proposed shifting to a fully hand painted solution that could respond naturally to the container’s surface rather than fight against it.

To ensure accuracy and client confidence, I produced scaled paintings using the same materials intended for the final execution. These studies allowed the client to review color, composition, and thematic elements before work began on site, while also establishing a clear roadmap for the finished murals. This preparatory process remains a core part of my workflow and is especially valuable for large scale painting and mural projects where revisions on site can be costly or disruptive.

Each side of the container features a collage inspired composition built around dog related imagery and anchored by Boca Grove’s orange tree branch motif, a reference to the historic groves that once occupied the property. One side is centered on a portrait of my daughter’s dog, Romeo, set against familiar park elements such as a leash, bowl, and flying disc, with bold geometric forms in deep blue and orange providing structure and contrast. The opposite side depicts a playful, fictional dog rendered in a style influenced by pre war Italian futurism, surrounded by toys and accessories that reinforce the park setting. Both works were executed using acrylic paint and acrylic resin spray paint on canvas, creating a durable and vibrant finish suited for an outdoor environment.

This painting was done as a study for an upcoming mural. See the finished mural here.

Preliminary Painting in Progress