Murals for Everyone

INSPIRED WALLS

Courtesy of Laura Delgado

A mural on a wall, especially in the bedroom of a child, makes the room look special. The child feels special too.

ARTIST Laura Delgado, a former cosmetics executive, has built a career out of enhancing the well-being of children and adults through her whimsical yet stylish wall designs which she paints by hand with acrylics. A graduate of Boston College where she initially signed up for an art major but then switched to political science, she describes herself as a minimalist. "My work is pretty simple," she said.

THAT may be so but its does not take away from the beauty of her work. Her designs include birds, trees, flowers, abstract patterns, children's faces, hearts and clouds painted with a light but expert hand on walls that need to be prepared ahead of time before she can even get started. What this entails is applying a fresh base coat to the wall, usually in a pale, muted tone to effectively showcase her delicate designs. Once the wall is ready (at client expense), it is time to roll the sleeves up. A mural usually takes from one and a half to two days to complete.

BY carefully choosing colors that harmonize with other elements in the room, such as furnishings and accessories, Delgado is able to achieve a fully realized effect. "When you go into the room you get a feeling of perfect harmony because everything is coordinated," she said one recent Sunday morning. She sees her work as a way of giving rooms "a spark" but it also allows her to pursue a love of art that began long ago. As a kid, "I was always drawing and painting. I was the class artist," said this former resident of Miami where she worked for cosmetic company L'Oréal.  

HER decision to switch to decorative arts was inspired by a friend's request that she paint a jungle design in her bathroom. It got her thinking she might turn her talent into a paying career. So when she moved back to Puerto Rico in the mid 90s, she began doing murals for friends and "here I am." Delgado said she charges an average of $750 for a mural but will accommodate a client's budget.  

IN addition to private commissions, Delgado also accepts corporate assignments. For example, she has done work for the USA Baby store and painted murals in several hospitals around the island, including Ashford Presbyterian Community Hospital and Auxilio Mutuo. Sponsored by Gerber and Pampers, these murals grace nurseries, pediatric emergency, maternity and pediatric wards, artwork that helps make a usually cold and antiseptic venue like a hospital less threatening to its young visitors. Delgado also keeps busy with remodeling and decorating assignments.  

WHEN she started out in 1995, she was practically a pioneer in the field but now, she said, there are more artists providing services like hers. Reach Delgado at 787.960.2070 or send email to delgadoame@gmail.com. To see pictures of her work check www.delgadoame.wordpress.com

Photograph By Tony Baragona

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