Van Galder Murals
Professional Custom Murals
With 15 years of experience, Alex Van Galder specializes in large-scale custom murals for residential,commercial, and public spaces. From historical tributes to modern sci-fi, we bring your vision to life with precision and passion
THE COSMONAUT
Werner Gallery Exhibition | South Bend Museum of Art
A flagship work showcased at the Werner Gallery and subsequently selected for feature by the South Bend Museum of Art. This piece serves as a bridge between fine-art curation and large-scale public muralism, exploring the intersection of human exploration and space
"Innovation is a necessity for survival. I believe serendipity is the catalyst for discovery in both science and art—my work serves to bridge urban energy with institutional fine art, transforming public infrastructure into a celebration of our community’s rich, diverse tapestry."
About the Artist
"Alex Van Galders journey began in the inner city of Madison, Wisconsin, in a single-mother home where comic books first introduced me to the power of visual storytelling. What started as an urgent need to leave a mark on rooftops and rail cars evolved into a global study of form and function. From the streets of the Midwest to the ancient architecture of Italy and Greece, he took a journey to understand how art defines a civilization.For the past decade, he focused that knowledge on the community that raised his career. By curating public murals and leading initiatives with partners like Purdue Polytechnic, the Tolson Center, and Bashor Children’s Home, bridging the gap between business design and community impact.
"I don’t just paint walls; I observe the passion of others and translate their stories into permanent landmarks."
THE TECHNICAL PROCESS
PHASE 01: CONCEPTUAL DRAFTING
Pencil & Ink. Every commission begins with raw brainstorming. We move from foundational pencil sketches to detailed ink renderings to establish the "bones" of the piece. This stage is dedicated to composition, flow, and structural integrity—ensuring the narrative is solidified before a single drop of paint is moved.
PHASE 02: ARCHITECTURAL DIGITAL DESIGN
Digital Visualization. The ink concept is translated into a high-fidelity digital design. This allows for a precise visual overlay of the intended surface, ensuring the art fits the scale and perspective of the architecture. In this phase, we fine-tune color palettes, shading, and light-source direction, giving the client a definitive preview of the final installation.
PHASE 03: Museum-grade finish
Multilayered Installation. We build from the ground up. Utilizing Sherwin-Williams high-quality flats for the middle-grounds, we establish deep undertones and textures. The final depth is achieved through the systematic layering of lights, darks, and transitioning colors using industry-standard aerosol systems—including Ironlak, Belton, and Montana paints. This hybrid approach ensures architectural longevity and museum-grade finish.
COMMERCIAL MURALS & PUBLIC ART
STUDIO WORKS: CANVAS & DIGITAL
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL COMMISIONS
PARTNERS, PRESS & COLLABORATIONS
COMMERCIALCrystal Head VodkaStudebakerSherwin-WilliamsIronlak
INSTITUTIONALSouth Bend Museum of ArtWerner GalleryVincennes University Alumni
COMMUNITYGraff Bash Fundraising, Inc.Tolson Community CenterBashor Children’s HomeCrossroadsPurdue Polytechnic HS
FEATURED INWNDU NewsWSBTABC 57South Bend TribuneThe Elkhart TruthVincennes Alumni Magazine