Artists who make their living painting murals for public buildings, in restaurants, and on outdoor walls are among the most under-appreciated but beloved artists around. Hamilton artist Lester Coloma started his career over 30 years ago while studying at OCAD, becoming a street artist in the evenings, while pursuing a day job as a scenic painter for film and prop companies.
Coloma’s works are now prominent in such places as the Art Gallery of Hamilton (top of post), the federal office of Foreign Affairs Canada (above), and many other spaces. The design and execution of these two sides of a Hamilton building (below) were done by Coloma and his brother, Norman.
Coloma also hand paints murals for numerous corporate clients, including Whole Foods and Busch Gardens.
Lester Coloma is a first-generation, Canadian-born artist raised in Hamilton by Filipino immigrant parents. Prior to graduating from OCAD University in Illustration, he studied drawing and painting in Florence, Italy. Coloma’s extensive mural work has garnered him multiple local and international awards.
This process video from the Art Gallery of Hamilton is a time-lapse of Coloma painting Masquerade.
Lester Coloma’s website, here.
His Instagram, here.
Want more street art? Check out Graffiti Lux And Murals, a blog I follow:
NOTE: If you are interested in more murals and street art, I strongly suggest checking out Graffiti Lux And Murals here on Word Press for an endless flow of top rate examples found and curated by Resa McConaghey.
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Lester Coloma’s work is fabulous. I must see if there is some of his work in Toronto that I can photograph, share and archive.
You are correct in saying street artists are under valued. However, not by me.
Sometimes I think I’ll just take one of my Art Gowns and glue it to a wall in Graffiti Alley.
I am so honoured for the shout out on this special post. I am also humbled.
Thank you JW for this wonderful moment!
I never, ever look at street art without thinking of you/your blog and I’m sure the followers and participants you’ve drawn into your practice are the same! You are an integral stopping place! (PS, I would love to see one of your art gowns in Graffiti Alley!!!)
Yeah!! glue and shellac?
Ha. Could be done! And I bet you’d have plenty of help.
You are probably right!
Beautiful and Resa’s blog is truly wonderful.
Yes, so true, Resa’s blog is a must see for anyone interested in graffiti and street art.
Absolutely. 😉