Ursula Brewing, Colorado, CO
MARTINEZ THE OCTOPUS
commercial Project • 2021
MARTINEZ THE OCTOPUS
A mesmerizing octopus mural behind the bar at Ursula Brewing, with iridescent tentacles curling through deep blue waters. The creature's intelligence and fluidity are captured in the way its arms seem to reach around bottles and taps, integrating the artwork with the functional bar space.
Gallery
Artist's Note
“Octopuses are the intellectuals of the ocean — curious, adaptable, endlessly creative problem-solvers. Painting one behind a bar where people gather to think, talk, and unwind felt like the perfect match of subject and setting.”
— Rachel Dinda
Inspiration
Ursula Brewing already had an oceanic identity, and the octopus seemed like the natural protagonist. I was fascinated by the way octopus arms move independently yet coordinately — it mirrors the organized chaos of a busy bar.
The Process
The deep blue gradient was laid down first to establish the underwater atmosphere. The octopus was built in layers — the body and mantle first, then each tentacle individually, with iridescent highlights added last to catch the bar's lighting. I worked around existing fixtures and incorporated them into the composition rather than fighting them.
Community Impact
Patrons linger at the bar longer, studying the details in the tentacles. The brewing team tells me it's become their visual signature — people refer to Ursula as 'the octopus bar' even if they can't remember the actual name.
Project Details
Location
Ursula Brewing, Colorado, CO
Year
2021
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