Artist Scott McDonald uses technology to engage other artists with his giant mural

Local artist Scott McDonald's latest creation is taking flight.

The giant mural, of a Sheraton falcon swooping down, was painted on the side of the York Boulevard parking lot near James Street over the Canada Day weekend.

And although this mural, a stark black-and-white painting, might appear to lack the usual flair of McDonald's street art, it may be his most impressive one yet.

Not only is it not completed, it will change colours multiple times, courtesy of some modern technology and the creativity that artists muster.

Later this week, McDonald hopes to have a QR code displayed near the mural that viewers can scan on their phones. This will take them to a colour palette that allows them to paint' the bird as they envision, right on their device.

The interactive art, which McDonald believes is the first of its kind, is all part of Concrete Canvas Art Festival, a multi-day event in the city July 18-24. Concrete Canvas, organized by McDonald and friend Leon Eklipz' Robinson, will bring over 100 world class street artists to Hamilton, transforming walls in a number of locations throughout the lower city and on the mountain.

During Concrete Canvas, submitted versions of the York Boulevard falcon by the public will be projected onto the mural July 21-23. Once the festival is over, McDonald plans to paint one of the submitted versions onto the actual mural.

For more information on Concrete Canvas, visit www.concretecanvasfest.com

Barry Gray is a Hamilton-based photojournalist at The Spectator. Reach him via email: bgray@thespec.com