My First Mural Project 2026: Behind the Scenes with Lucia Laubscher

Ocean Mural on Tamaki Drive: My Chill Turtle & Sea Creatures – Lucia Laubscher

As 2025 drew to a close, I found myself diving into another exciting KiwiRail project—this time on a much smaller, more intimate scale compared to the massive 160-metre railway corridor wall I painted back in April. The canvas? A humble stop box along Tamaki Drive in Parnell, Auckland, right beside the sparkling ocean. It felt like the perfect spot for my underwater creature designs—the location’s breezy sea vibes and salty air made everything click into place.I’d sketched that chill turtle ages ago, dreaming of the day it would swim onto a real outdoor surface in a piece of public art. So when this opportunity came along, I was beyond thrilled—finally, my favourite sea turtle was getting its moment in the sun (and salt spray!). I kept the ocean theme close to my heart, adding a bold tribal-patterned octopus, a graceful jellyfish, a majestic manta ray, playful starfish and seahorses, then tying it all together with swirling bubbles and gentle waves.The whole Auckland mural came together in just about three sunny days. I was incredibly lucky with the weather—bright skies and just enough shade from the big tree overhead to keep the summer heat at bay while I worked. Every brushstroke felt joyful, like the ocean itself was cheering me on.I loved every minute of bringing this ocean themed mural to life, and it’s left me buzzing with ideas. Here’s to more sea-inspired public art pieces and underwater creature murals in 2026—watch this space!