Traditional and realistic portrait murals follow the same patterns as realistic murals. The idea is to take a photograph and paint it perfectly on a wall, or in some cases, a ceiling or floor. A spectator should know precisely who the mural features or at least a face incorporated within it. Large scale modern portrait painters can scale and paint surfaces from garden walls to the towering sides of buildings. A portrait or a series of portraits dotted across the cityscape is an impactful method of spreading love, awareness and art. Many portrait artists are brought onto projects to paint murals of deceased peoples or well-respected figures and celebrities.
There are many ways to paint a portrait outside of hyper-realism. Modern portrait artists take the ideas and "rules" or realism and create their interpretation of a realistic portrait. A contemporary graffiti art portrait may include unnatural colourings or dramatized features, yet the final result remains clear. Cartoon or comedic interpretations of people can become colourful murals to be enjoyed by the public. It is also common for modern portrait painters to incorporate their style into the portrait. Selecting an artist who has a prominent aesthetic can result in a final design that fits their work body but compliments your request.
There are thousands of famous portrait murals across the globe. 'My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love', pictured on the Berlin Wall depicts a "Bruderkuss" (fraternal kiss). The mural represents the vast history and politics behind the Berlin wall. The Prince Albert pub in Brighton, England dedicated its walls to a magnificent portrait mural of deceased rock stars. Amazingly, in 2011 the original mural was sold, removed and flown to America for 1 million euros! Thankfully, a replica has been painted in its place for locals and tourists to enjoy.