Street Painting originated in Italy in the 16th century and soon became a means of communication, mostly associated with the traditional religious celebrations and folk festivals. Since the artists reproduced icons of the Madonna, they were known as 'madonnari' or 'Madonna painters'. Their work was a well executed replication of the original paintings. This art form started to disappear with the passage of time and faded almost into a state of oblivion, but was resurrected in the recent times, thanks to artists like Tracy Lee Stum this art form is now much appreciated and thriving.

Tracy Lee Stum is a well-known American chalk artist and 3D street painter. She is an internationally known name, who found her passion by chance. She tried her hands in this art form when she was attending the Madonnari Street Painting Festival in Santa Barbara, California in 1997. She soon became addicted to this art form and knew it in her heart that this is what she wants to do.

Tracy was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and completed her studies from the Florence Academy of Art in Italy. Tracy started street painting in 1998 and since then has participated in many festivals and events across the world. Her 3D street paintings and murals have been used by corporations, advertising agencies, art organizations, educational institutes and government agencies throughout US, Asia and Europe. She currently holds  the Guinness World Record for the Largest Chalk Painting by an individual, which was set in 2006.




I draw inspiration from many sources. Location sometimes does help inform a design but that's not a rule. Culture, travel, art and intuitive imagination are big factors in my creative process.

4. Once you have the idea for an illustration, what methodology do you use to get it to fruition. Describe to us the various stages in which you create the illustration. Besides the art is there any science involved as well? 

I employ many methods towards realization of my works. I begin by assessing my drawing location, it's restrictions and assets, to see how I may best use it. Is it good for a large piece or a smaller one? How will the audience interact with / view it? Once I establish these parameters, I typically begin with thumbnail sketches, quickly done to help bring out ideas. I may use photography, computer programs or models to help me develop a specific theme. When I have what I need, I create a fully rendered sketch, which becomes my pavement drawing map. I'm not very rigid in the execution process as I allow myself room to explore and edit organically while I am working. For example, if I get an impulse to change an element if my sketch when I am working on the pavement, I go with it.




I use mostly chalk pastels but I also use a variety of paints as well. The chalk yields a much richer image, both in depth and clarity. The materials selected depend on the surfaces I work on. Yes, you can make a permanent piece using paint. I actually prefer the ephemeral works as their limited lifespans make them all the more special.

6. Besides doing street art do you create any other forms of illustrations(say for example- Murals)?  The reason we ask you this is because we felt that the principles used to create 3d street art can also be used to create a 3d effect in other art forms. Please enlighten us on this topic.
I used to work primarily as a muralist - I've done very large scale projects both in the US and abroad; however, I phased out this work when I began making street art. Once in a while I'll take on a mural project but it's rare. Yes, you can create anamorphic images anywhere - the most famous being those by Andrea del Pozzo (on ceilings & walls) from the Baroque era in Italy.

7. It must be hard and very physically demanding being a 3d street artist, since we see you sitting or squatting in awkward positions in some of the pictures on the website and facebook page? How do you manage to cope up with all of it. 

I practice yoga and walk, swim, run, etc. it is physically demanding so staying in shape really helps keep me going.




I don't have one favorite but those that push the envelope in concept are my favorites. My 'Hot Asphalt' image (melting pavement) and large Mouse Trap game are two if those.

I do have a Guinness World Record for the Largest Chalk Painting by an Individual' which was set in 2006 at Trump Tower in NY. That Image was commissioned by Sony Entertainment to promote the DVD launch of their film 'The DaVinci Code.'

Hot topic: I am currently planning a new Guinness World Record for world's largest 3D painting later this year so stay tuned!



My tastes are vast - I'm a student of life so find lots of things appealing to me  I'm a voracious reader, love going to museums, love live music, I like spending time in nature & really mad cities. I ride a 650cc motorcycle for fun, love skydiving and ocean swimming. I won't turn away from a good philosophical debate and have a particular interest in spiritual cultural anthropology, most notably from ancient India. I like the Sartorialist blog as I do appreciate street fashion style & like WebUrbanist for fringe art forms. My favorite film (at the moment) is Ridley Scott's 'Bladerunner'.

10. With your experience in perspective, what advice would you like to give for budding artists?

Learn as much as you can about realist rendering. Lighting / light sources, form modeling, all the things that help make an illusion look believable. Study color values, temperatures and hues. Study nature! In regards to perspective drawings, be confident in the rules that govern anamorphic projections - they always work! You must then train yourself to draw abstractly that which you know from reality. It's a bit like reverse engineering. It's difficult at first but once you get the hang if it, it can become a new grammar of expression!

Thank you Tracy for working with us and taking the time for this interview. We wish you the very best for the future.