By SARA-MEGAN WALSH, The Ledger
LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Bob Gregory’s black T-shirt and faded jeans were splattered with at least half a dozen different paint colors as he stood outside the original Red Lobster, located at 1330 E. Memorial Blvd.
Gregory’s spent the last two weeks transforming the Lakeland landmark into a work of art.
“I don’t think I’ve ever painted this many murals on the outside of a building,” he said.
The artist was hired by Tampa-based Lee Fisher Fishing Supply to give a fresh, bold facade to the rundown former restaurant. A series of murals featuring fish will become home to a new Lakeland Fishing Outfitters.
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“We had a few general discussions on what subject they would like to see, but it’s been a collaborative process,” Gregory said.
Gregory was working Thursday on finishing up a mural of a large bass jumping high up out of a lake at sunset after being caught by a fisherman.
Dark purples and blues mingle with oranges and white creating a dynamic contrast on what was once a dingy, white cinderblock wall to the right of the main doors. To the left, cool blues and greens evoke a calmer feeling as a fish swim along.
Creating eye-catching designs worthy of a Instagram post is nothing new for Gregory. The Kentucky-based artist has been traveling the country painting commercial designs for more than a decade.
“Once you get an online presence, corporate starts calling you,” he said.
Gregory said he got started when he was looking to make extra money one holiday season and saw someone painting the front windows of a local retail store. He asked friends who were business owners if they would be interested, painted a handful and ‘it went over really well.’
His first large-scale mural was at Hollywood Grille, where Gregory created a 3D painting of the Paramount Picture gates. It was a nearly instant success, according to Gregory, and began being used for photos.
The artists has since worked with major corporations ranging from PepsiCo to Starbucks, painting murals in approximately 80 of the coffee shops across the country. One of his personal favorites was repainting the interior of former car wash tunnel with coffee beans and plants to become artwork for those seeking to pick up their morning java.
Gregory said he sees more corporations are moving to create programs or set aside funds for custom murals. It serves as a way of creating artwork for their customers and adding a local touch.
These fishing murals will be Gregory’s first set of pieces in Lakeland.
Gregory has made several works, ranging from small chalkboards to murals throughout Florida where he has focused on finding work during the summer. Other cities where he’s left his mark include Tampa and St. Petersburg.
It’s not lost on Gregory that his work will become part of the next chapter in local history given its location.
“It’s kind of a neat feeling,” he said, “knowing I’m at what was the first Red Lobster.”
There aren’t any plans right now to feature the crustacean in any of the scenes. Common fish like bass, bluegills and gars can bee seen the painting. There’s also a hammerhead shark for good measure.
Gregory, himself, isn’t into the fishing as a hobby but his work is rubbing off on him.
“I’ve been staring at fish all week,” he said, looking out over the lake with a laugh. “I might as well go fishing.”
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