Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can the artwork be completed inside and transferred outside?

    Yes it can! My team and I can create street artwork on a variety of surfaces – from canvas to modular built platforms. We also offer vinyl print services which make it very easy to create works that can be installed in a matter of hours on site, from studio to location. Feel free to contact us to find out more about our professional services.

  • What happens when it rains?

    On site chalk paintings donʼt work well with rainy weather. Thatʼs why we offer paint services which can accommodate less than ideal weather scenarios. Our print & vinyl solutions can withstand some degree of rain, however, we do recommend using tenting to provide the best results.

  • How long does it last on the pavement?

    Depending on your campaign or event needs, we can recommend a solution for your specific time line. Whether you need a painting to last 1 day or 1 year, we have the answer for you. Chalk paintings do begin to deteriorate as soon as the chalk goes down – surface environment, weather, traffic all play a part in this. Some chalk pieces can last several days or weeks but will appear diminished. A work on canvas or vinyl, with paint, has less limitations, with vinyl applications lasting months if needed. Of course, a more permanent paint solution may be what you are looking for, which has a longer life span. Years of experience in mural art and street painting have given me a deep knowledge of the products and technology available to create the best solutions for your needs.

  • On average how long does it take?

    This depends on the size and complexity of the image but typically most standard sized live on site images take 2 to 3 days to create. Print campaigns can require a few days per painting in studio for production and digital file conversion. My team and I can create 1 day paintings or 1 week paintings – it all depends on the scope of the project.

  • Does Tracy do projects outside of North America?

    Absolutely! In fact, 70% of my work is internationally based. I have a team of national artists as well as affiliate international artists available to assist on any size project or campaign imaginable.

  • Can the project be tied to a social media marketing campaign?

    Yes, in fact, most of our campaigns are dependent on good social media marketing components. We can work with your SM team or create a component with our own team of experts. Itʼs really up to you. We offer video footage services as well. The skies the limit on extras to entice your customers.

  • What is the largest Street Painting you have created?

    There are several answers to this question! I was awarded a Guinness World Record for the Largest Chalk Painting by an Individual, which was sized 34ʼ x 17.5ʼ, set in 2006; Iʼve also coordinated several group projects recreating works such as the Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo, sized 75ʼ x 25ʼ; and have created a 60′ x 60′ (18m x 18m) painting for Honda’s ground breaking illusion commercial ‘The Impossible Made Possible’ in 2013. Take a look at my Portfolio for any size image needed.

  • What materials do you use when making a Street Painting?

    I use chalk pastels or water-based acrylic paint to make my images. I use a variety of chalk suppliers but I do prefer my own home made chalk to manufactured chalk pastels. The paint I use is tailored to the project needs – if a paint of duration is required, we can easily source the proper materials for the project.

  • How do you make your own Chalk?

    Here is a recipe that many street painters I know use. It does take some practice to get the recipe exactly the way you want it. I use powder pigments from Daniel Smith, Sinopia and Kremer. This recipe can yield a few hundred chalks, especially if you double the emulsion recipe. If you don’t use all of the emulsion when you are finished, you can store it in air tight containers for future use. I keep my dry pigments in plastic bins for easy storage. Here are dry pigment suppliers:

    Pastel Making Recipe (184k) Download the Adobe Acrobat Reader

  • What happens if the weather is bad?

    We try not to work in inclement weather but I do have experience creating street paintings in rain, snow and blistering heat! Ideally, rescheduling the event would be the optimal solution. However, if ʻthe show must go onʼ despite bad weather, I recommend the use of an event tent or canopy to protect the image, as well as a surface material that will accommodate any unpredictable weather circumstances. Sometimes sand bags are a good idea!

  • Can you make them permanent?

    Yes you can. It all depends on the materials you use with the surfaces you have to work with. Iʼve been a muralist / street painter all my life so am well versed in product technology for any type of painting installation. Iʼve even conjured up a few special recipes to create specific use materials on various projects, always with successful results.

  • Is it strenuous or difficult to be a Street Painter?

    Yes, it is. I think most people donʼt realize how physical this art form is – spending long days (10 to 12 hours) on a pavement surface for several days in a row really can produce wear and tear on the body. Weather and environment also impact the artist so having a shaded rest spot or canopy when working in very hot weather is essential to avoiding heat stroke or exhaustion. Also, very cold weather can be a culprit as paint dries much slower in these circumstances so heaters are sometimes required. Hydration is huge so plenty of water or electrolyte beverages help keep the artists going. My team and I work to stay in shape for the rigors of street painting on a professional level!

  • Is it difficult to work in front of an audience?

    Not at all, in fact we thrive on this aspect of street painting! Street painters are performers, who accept the responsibilities of working in public spaces. My team and I enjoy educating the public, while sharing our creative abilities for others to experience and enjoy. The interaction with the public is key to great results both energetically and for marketing appeal. While we canʼt always stop working if someone asks questions, we can certainly answer them while engaged in the process.

  • Can anyone make a Street Painting and what kind of experience do I need?

    I believe that anyone can try street painting so I do teach workshops on how to make 3d street paintings for all ages – from ages 7 to 97! While learning the basics is a good place to start, an artistʼs responsibility lies in educating & developing themselves to the best of their abilities. Iʼve been an artist my entire life and am still learning! Honing my skills took many years of dedication and practice, working with a variety of inspiring teachers along the way. On that note, I recommend to anyone who wants to be a good street painter to take drawing and painting classes so they can learn to understand light, form, rendering and even your materials! While being a professional requires a personal commitment, certainly anyone can have fun drawing on a sidewalk at a festival with friends or colleagues.