Mural of Iberian Lynxes: Realism, Tenacity, and the Reinvention of a Motorcycle Symbol

Hello everyone!

Today, I want to share the story of a project that took me to the heart of the Ribeira de Arade and the new headquarters of the Linces Ibéricos Motard Group, at Café Spapo. It wasn't just a mural, but a triple artistic intervention project aimed at giving a new dose of realism and grit to the group's iconic symbol.

This urban artwork in the Algarve is a celebration of the passion for motorcycling, transforming the group's visual identity into a powerful and visually coherent experience across all its spaces.

The Stage: Three Canvases at the Linces Ibéricos Headquarters

The intervention included three distinct murals, each adapted to its location, but all united by the Lynx logo. The great challenge was to ensure that, from the facade to the interior of the bar, the energy of the symbol was immediate.

"The central objective of this three-pronged project was to give a new dose of realism and grit to the iconic symbol of the Iberian Lynx Motard Group and to create a coherent visual experience across all spaces."

The Essence of the Project: From the Roar to the Branding

The central objective of this commission was to take a strong branding image and elevate it through Urban Art. To create a Lynx that not only represented the motorcycle group, but also welcomed members and visitors with a wild energy.

Final result of the Realistic Iberian Lynx Mural on the exterior facade of the new headquarters. The photograph also shows the letters "Taberna Spapo" which were retouched with orange paint (the color of the stylized lynx in the group's logo) for greater visibility.

The Three Acts of the Iberian Lynx Mural: The Symbol in Different Languages

The way the lynx was represented changed in each division, but the claw remained.

1. The Realistic Lynx (Exterior Facade)

The centerpiece and most impactful piece. The challenge was to take the iconic lynx pose from the logo – in profile, with its mouth wide open in a powerful roar – and transform it into a hyper-realistic animal. It feels like it's about to leap off the wall.

The realistic mural of the Iberian Lynx is now finished, serving as a backdrop for the inauguration party of the new headquarters. The photograph captures the joy of the members and guests, celebrating the new space and the spirit of the Linces Ibéricos Motard Group in São Bartolomeu de Messines.

2. Stylized Symbol (Restaurant Area)

In the restaurant area, the focus was on fidelity to the branding. I painted the symbol exactly as it is in its original form, ensuring a classic and timeless representation of the logo in the heart of the headquarters.

A faithful representation of the Linces Ibéricos Motard Group logo in the restaurant area. This intervention respects the original stylized symbol, and the photograph captures the excellent atmosphere of camaraderie among the group during the inauguration of the new headquarters.

3. Horizontal Redesign (Bar Wall)

For the bar wall, a more fluid and modern design was needed that would integrate with the social space. The logo was reinterpreted in an elongated and dynamic format, with the lynx separated from the letters to create a new fluidity.

Detail of the mural on the bar wall: the Iberian Lynx symbol has been adapted into a horizontal and dynamic design. In the photograph, the artist (myself) is with open arms, celebrating the new space and the union of art with the group's branding.

Dive into the Process: The Challenge of Hyper-Realism and Precision

Transforming the logo into a three-dimensional beast and applying precise graphic designs to large surfaces was a challenge of technique and scale.

Initial phase of the exterior mural. In this image, the artist (myself) is painting the outer circles of the logo. This is one of the most difficult parts of any mural, as the technical challenge lies in achieving a perfect circle on such a large surface.

Beginning of the lynx painting on the exterior mural. At this stage, I am applying the first basic colors of the animal. The connecting rods that are part of the motorcycle group's symbol are clearly visible.

In the final stages of painting the lynx. I'm adding the finishing touches and texture details using the Tiny Pink Stencil Cap, essential for precision. In my hand, I hold the reference photograph, ensuring the fidelity and realism intended for the beast.

The use of stencils was crucial for the accuracy of the branding in both interior and exterior areas.

Detail of the process in the restaurant area. I am painting one of the parts of the stylized Linces Ibéricos Grupo Motard logo stencil, ensuring the fidelity and accuracy of the original design on the interior wall.

It was an honor to paint this mural of the Iberian Lynx; I loved giving life and texture to the symbol that represents the grit and unity of this motorcycle group.

If you enjoyed this story and want to see more details of the process, I invite you to visit the complete page in the Portfolio:

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE COMPLETE GALLERY OF THIS TRIPLE PROJECT

---

Which of the projects in the Portfolio (Murals or Customizations) would you like to see analyzed in detail in the next post? Share your suggestion!