Sarah Pederson is a self-taught artist who transitioned from a business career and being a stay-at-home mom to pursue her passion for painting murals. Since 2012, she has been creating commissioned murals, known for her use of trompe l’oeil, shadows, and perspective. Her work surprises and delights viewers, with each project beginning by listening closely to her clients to understand their ideas.

The mural at the McIntosh Memorial Library grew from the library’s vision: something warm and inviting, an open invitation for people to walk in, relax, and gather. They also talked about the architect’s goal of being able to “see through the building,” which inspired the trompe l’oeil windows. They aren’t real windows, just concrete and stucco, but from a distance, they appear to be.

To plan the mural, I used an iPad to create layered sketches for easier revisions and client collaboration. Windows, flowers, and birds were designed on separate layers, allowing the design to be finalized before arriving on site.

Inside the windows, I created a scene that reflects the library’s environment. Native prairie plants in the courtyard, like indian grass, blazing star, and bee balm, were painted from reference photos for accuracy. Birds, including the colorful finch from the aviary and native species like chickadees, represent a gathering of different creatures, echoing a sense of community.

If you look closely, there’s a lot to discover. Butterflies, a honeybee, and even a hidden cicada, appear throughout, adding layers of discovery. At the same time, it remains visually approachable and enjoyable at a glance, without overwhelming the viewer.

For me, I just want it to look pretty and be something everyone can enjoy. If someone walks by and says, “Oh, look at all those flowers, what are they?” then I’ve done my job.

To see more of my work, explore other local murals. In Viroqua, I restored the Community Porch mural by updating portraits, adding flowers, and creating shadows that bring the scene to life. At the new Main Street Apartments, large zinnias and a Karner blue butterfly transition into a woodland scene with hidden animals. Nearby in Westby, the Bekkum Memorial Library features a mural of classic books and characters for all ages. For a closer look at my work, process, and upcoming projects, visit my website at lucidpainting.com.