BTS: Creating a Mermaid Mural for a Lexington North Carolina Airbnb
August 30, 2024
Introduction: Crossing Off a Bucket List Goal – Paint a Mermaid Mural
When I was approached to create a mermaid mural for a coastal Airbnb in North Carolina, I knew this project was going to be something truly special. The ocean has always been a source of inspiration for me, and the chance to bring a little piece of that magic indoors was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. (and fun fact, i actually had “paint a mermaid mural” on my goals/bucket list for my mural career!)
The theme? A mermaid, of course—something whimsical, enchanting, and perfectly fitting for a coastal retreat. I wanted this mural to capture the essence of the sea, with its mysteries, its beauty, and the sense of calm it brings. (and fun fact, i actually had “paint a mermaid mural” on my goals/bucket list for my mural career!)
[check out my blog on other Walls I Am Manifesting to Paint as a Traveling Mural Artist ]
Channeling My Inner Mermaid: Finding Mural Inspiration in the Everyday
Before diving into the mural, I took a walk around the adorable town of Lexington, NC, where the Airbnb is located. It was one of those perfect days where everything just clicked. I had my Polaroid camera with me, and as I wandered, I snapped photos of little things that caught my eye.
The ocean waves were gently crashing along the shore, giving me that soothing, rhythmic sound I wanted to bring into the mural. I spotted a butterfly dancing around some wildflowers, and it felt like a sign of grace and transformation—things I wanted the mural to embody. And, because every good adventure deserves a toast, I grabbed a glass of champagne to celebrate this exciting project. The bubbles in the glass were so mesmerizing, they made their way into my design too!
These simple, everyday moments became the heart of the mural. The mermaid ended up holding a glass of champagne, with bubbles floating around her. Instead of the usual seashell bra, she’s wearing butterflies, like the one I saw on my walk. And I couldn’t resist adding a flower to her hair, just like the one where the butterfly had perched.
Bringing the Mural to Life
Once I had my inspiration, it was time to get to work. To get the creative juices flowing, I started blending colors on the wall to create a wave-like backdrop. The ocean backdrop for the mural was all about deep blues and teals, layered to create that feeling of being underwater.
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Next, I sketched out the overall shape of the mermaid’s body. This part is like setting the stage—getting all the basics in place so that the fun, creative details can shine later on. Once the prep work was done, I got to dive into the creative parts, which is always my favorite part of the process.
If you would like to see a full timelapse and better inside look of this process, check out some of my Instagram reels below:
–Road Tripping to Lexington, NC to paint a bucketlist mural
–The Starting Process of Beginning Mermaid Mural
–The Start to Finish Timelapse Video of Painting My Mermaid Mural
I brought the mermaid’s tail to life by adding deep greens and teals, topped with shimmering gold flakes. It was so much fun to create her long, wavy hair, which flowed naturally with the waves in the background. After finishing the mermaid, I moved on to the whimsical details like the bubbles, champagne, and more gold flake elements to tie everything together.
A Little Piece of Magic
When the mural was finished, I was thrilled with how it turned out. The room felt transformed, full of life and connected to the beauty of the coast. Now, guests at this Airbnb get to enjoy a bit of that ocean magic every time they walk into the room.
This project reminded me of why I love creating art—because it’s about more than just making something look nice. It’s about transforming spaces, sparking emotions, and bringing a little bit of magic into everyday life.
So, if you ever find yourself staying at this cozy Airbnb in North Carolina, take a moment to sit with the mermaid, let your mind drift, and maybe even let the whispers of the ocean inspire your next adventure.
stay shining and stay creating! ☀️
sincerely, your artsy friend that is rooting for you –
Arastasia Rolain – Traveling Mural Artist, Art Educator, & Creative Entrepreneur
