A local artist is continuing his project to brighten Monmouth’s underpass with murals.

Paul Shepherd (Walls by Paul) has been transforming the space with vibrant artwork, bringing colour and positivity to the area.

He has been creating art since the 1980s and has turned his passion into a career.

Paul said: “I was inspired by the wave of graffiti art in New York.”

Monmouth Town Council suggested the designs for the murals, providing Paul with a list of elements to include. He then built his artwork around these ideas

“My inspiration came from nature photography and how I can communicate that with paint,” he said.

“Most people have a positive attitude towards street art these days - at least that is the people I talk to on the street whilst I’m painting.

“Don’t take the beauty of our natural surroundings for granted, it can be lost forever. If they can, I would encourage beginners to paint wherever they can, whenever they can.

“Look for legal walls to practice as much as possible before seeking commissions.”

Paul believes that funding is essential for art, particularly for large projects, as the cost of materials and the time involved must be covered. However, he occasionally works for free if he is creating a design of his own choosing.

“If it’s not a commissioned piece and I decide I’d like to paint something on a particular wall, the first step is always getting permission from the owner,” Paul explained.

“If it’s a large project, I then try to secure funding.”

Paul is part of the Valleys Street Art Project, a group that encourages creativity by allowing people to offer their walls as canvases for artists to paint on for free. The initiative helps bring more public art to communities while giving artists the chance to showcase work.