- Let’s start at the beginning, what first sparked your interest in painting, and what ultimately inspired you to pursue it as a career?
My interest in painting began at an early age. I was influenced by my dad. He’s a grade schoolteacher and an artist in his own way. It gradually grew into a passion. As I developed my skills, I realized that painting allowed me to express ideas and to connect with others through my work. - When did murals enter the picture for you? Was there a moment when you realized large-scale art was your calling?
It started when I worked for a billboard company. Guys I worked with taught me hands-on skills that I adopted and honed my talent. - Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you approach a brand-new project from concept to completion?
I study the design and plan on how to execute the project. For a new project, thorough planning and execution is needed for a successful completion of the project. - Mural work blends artistry with precision especially when you’re working inside someone’s home or business. How do you strike that balance?
I always approach the project with some sense of accurate planning. Working for a home or business, you must make appropriate adjustments on how you approach the project. - What’s been the most challenging mural you’ve taken on, and how did you navigate those obstacles?
There are a few challenging ones, like recreating work from other artists/painters from years ago. One was at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. I had to work on a scaffold that was built on top of a platform about 70 feet high. The other one is at Rich Township High School, where I had to recreate an Ansel Adams–style mural on a 14′ tile. It takes a lot of patience in doing such projects. - On the flip side, what’s been your favorite project so far? What made it so special?
Pretty much all of them are special to me, but working at a special ed school and at a children’s hospital hold a special place in my heart. Also, the recreation of a rooftop sign outside of Wrigley Field (Budweiser sign) that was painted on the roof of a beer concession stands as a replica. - When a client walks into a freshly painted space for the first time, what do you hope they feel or experience?
I would say I want them to feel happy and satisfied. - Is there a project that holds particular meaning for you or one that has a significant impact on your client?
A project at a special ed school in Morton Grove (Julia Molloy Educ. Ctr.). Seeing kids enjoying playing on a sensory path mural that I painted on concrete pavement was a wonderful feeling.
Bring Your Vision to Life with a Custom Mural by Dante Peralta
From large-scale commercial murals to one-of-a-kind custom artwork, Dante Peralta transforms spaces into meaningful visual experiences. If you’re looking to elevate your home, business, school, or community space with a custom mural, contact Hester Painting & Decorating to start the conversation and explore what Dante can create for you.
