Calgary-based painter and mural artist Michelle Hoogveld has brought her bold patterns and textile-like blockings of color to Beverly Hills. Her newly finished mural, entitled, “I Love You,” adorns the Santa Monica Boulevard-facing side of 499 N. Canon Drive.
Hoogveld has created works in England, Germany, Peru, Mexico and Portugal. She’s also worked across the U.S., with works in West Hollywood and Venice.
Building owner Shawn Farr met Hoogveld through a mutual acquaintance and decided to give her the commission. The approval process with the City’s Architectural Commission began in January.
“We had everything approved by March, but then COVID happened,” said Farr.
Hoogveld created the mural this week in approximately five days.
“My work is very bold, colorful, abstract and geometric,” Hoogveld told the Courier.
The mural is certainly that, featuring hot pinks, oranges and yellows in a tile-like composition. The words “Beverly Hills” are written unobtrusively in white across the middle.
As she worked in exterior latex and spray paint, Hoogveld said she felt particularly inspired by the times we are living in.
“It felt very close to my heart to bring this message to the public. Beverly Hills is a landmark City, which makes it much more important to bring a message of love right now,” she said.
Compliments are already coming in regarding the Hoogveld’s work, said Farr. “Even my rabbi called me to say he admired it.”
Farr added that the mural is illuminated at night, so residents and visitors can enjoy it around-the-clock.
