Behind the Scenes: Painting ‘The Cub’ Mural
🐻 The Cub: Joy on the Wall
From the very beginning, Melissa Pennington envisioned two murals for the front of Bruin Bowling Lanes. One would feature the their Bear mascot in bold, welcoming fashion. The other—positioned opposite the entrance—would complement it, balancing the building’s visual weight and energy. Her initial idea for the second mural was a pair of large bowling pins, backed by the same vibrant color burst that anchored The Big Bear.
I started with that concept. Using Adobe Firefly again, I generated a few images and mocked up a version with the pins and color blast—Option 1. It looked strong, clean, and thematically consistent. I placed it on a photo of the building’s front, opposite The Bear, and it felt like a natural match.
But I couldn’t stop there.
I kept thinking about what else could live on that wall—something that didn’t just complement The Bear, but added a new layer of emotion. I began exploring images of bear cubs: playful, upright, almost dancing. I found one that felt just right and added a burst of color behind him, along with three bowling pins flying upward in motion. This became Option 2. I mocked it up on the same photo and immediately felt the shift—it wasn’t just balance, it was joy.
When I showed Melissa the options, she was already thrilled with The Big Bear. Then came the bowling pins. “I love it,” she said. And then—then—I introduced The Cub. I think my excitement gave it away before I even pulled up the image. Melissa laughed: “Oh no! What have you got that I can’t say no to?” And then she saw it. Her reaction was instant: “Oh my. Yes! This is it.”
She loved how playful and fun the cub was. While The Bear brought strength and presence, The Cub brought delight. It was cute, energetic, and full of personality. Together, they told a story—one of welcome and whimsy, of boldness and balance.
🖌️ Painting The Cub
I projected the image onto the wall late one night, from 10pm to midnight, and sketched it out in Sharpie. The painting took about 40 hours—less than The Bear, since the cub was less line-intensive. Still, painting on brick is no small feat. The uneven surface, the dips between bricks, and the porous texture all slow the process. Every stroke requires extra care and patience. Compared to drywall or even block wall, brick demands more time and patience.
But I like a challenge.
Once the cub was complete, I sealed both murals with Rustoleum’s outdoor-rated clear coat for UV and weather protection. It was the final touch—locking in the color, the character, and the story.
🧡 A Mural Duo
Now, when you approach Bruin Bowling Lanes, you’re greeted by The Bear on one side and The Cub on the other. It’s not just a blah building anymore—it’s a narrative in paint and lights. The murals speak to each other, and to the community. They invite you in with colorful strength and joy.
Melissa’s vision for two murals wasn’t just about balance—it was about creating a space that felt alive. And I’m honored to have helped bring that vision to life.
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