Early on in his life, artist David Kaul developed a fondness for drawing on things, and he eventually began to explore graffiti, literally making his mark wherever he could – even on surfaces that weren’t his to embellish. He decided to study design and then took jobs as a screen printer and graphic designer.
Even when he became an art director in the ad world, Kaul still gravitated toward his favorite form of expression. “No matter where I was working or what kinds of projects I was doing, I kept being pulled back to walls,” he says. “It was always the thing I did on the side, whenever I could carve out time.”
Kaul moved from the state of Washington to Los Angeles in 2012, eager to immerse himself in the city’s arts scene. He later met strategist Will Cassayd-Smith, and in 2024 the pair launched Pulling Paint Murals, a studio that specializes in signage, murals, and lettering.
As the lead artist, Kaul is responsible for creative development and execution. His practice is grounded in craftsmanship and place-based storytelling, whether it’s a composition for a brand collaboration or a local non-profit organization. He views every wall as a canvas for both visual and emotional transformation.
For Kaul, murals are prime examples of the resonance of analog in an increasingly digital landscape. Although he may never see a piece again, he revels in the process. “At the end of the day the most rewarding part is making something with intention, and knowing it might bring someone joy, even if only for a moment,” he notes. “And if we do it well enough, maybe someone will care enough to preserve it. That’s the ultimate hope.”
Today, David Kaul joins us for Friday Five!
1. Playing Chess
Playing chess has always kept my mind active. Since I was a little kid, I loved putting my strategy to the test. I always had this delusion of being a guy that sits in a park and plays chess the entire day for money. I chose to make a career out of art instead. Though, it’s not too late.
2. My Dog Winnie
For all the dog owners, we know there is no better inspiration, motivation, or feeling one gets from being with their dog. The only thing I love more than putting paint on walls is this little punk. I’m pretty much her hero.
3. Signage Around Los Angeles
One of the best things about LA is all the beautiful hand-painted lettering this city has. This picture is just one example of a million others in Los Angeles. This city is rich with a hand-painted culture that’s hard to beat. Taco Via Corona’s food is pretty amazing also.
4. Barry McGee
Barry McGee was the first graffiti artist I ever noticed growing up in Northern California. His work as a writer was everywhere around the Bay Area. As I aspired to be an artist, I was constantly blown away by his drive and commitment to his craft. This work hangs in my house and constantly reminds me to push harder and stay focused. I’m glad I’ve been fortunate enough to be around as he has evolved and created unbelievable work throughout his life.
5. My Records
Music is vital to most creativity. It goes hand-in-hand with my paintings for sure. I don’t think many artists would say that it’s not a good move to work to music. Collecting records has been a source of not only motivation while I paint, but also discovery and inspiration.
Works by David Kaul and Pulling Paint Murals:
Torpedo Gallery Mural
Torpedo Gallery brought us in to create something bold for their new spot in North Hollywood – a massive, photo-realistic mural that blends comic book energy with street art details. I painted a larger-than-life character that feels like it’s stepping off the wall, set against a layered floral backdrop that adds movement and contrast.
Sneakertopia History Of Shoes
An immersive exhibition honoring sneaker culture, Sneakertopia gave us the chance to transform an entire space into a visual narrative. We created five original installations throughout the experience, beginning with a hand-painted line of celebrities waiting outside – as if for a drop – leading into a massive 360º mural chronicling the history of sneaker culture. Inside, interactive painted moments invited guests to become part of the story. The result was a cohesive, immersive world that celebrated the art, culture, and community of sneakers.
Dr. Dre Mural at Compton High School’s Performing Arts Center
We brought to life a monumental 1,102-square-foot mural of Dr. Dre at Compton’s new Performing Arts Center – made possible by a generous donation from the hip-hop legend himself. Completed over three weeks by our team (five artists in total) using 41 gallons of specialized paint, the project pushed creative boundaries with innovative techniques designed to tackle the wall’s complex textures. The result is a powerful, large-scale tribute that not only honors Dr. Dre’s legacy, but also stands as a daily source of inspiration for the 2,000+ students set to attend the new campus this August – underscoring the transformative potential of celebrity philanthropy through public art.
Parks Project Culver City Headquarters
Parks Project had just opened their new HQ and retail space in Culver City’s Arts District and brought us in to create a mural that would bring the brand to life. They wanted something that felt bold and on-mission – something that would make the space pop while staying true to their ethos. I worked closely with their team to translate that energy onto the wall, adding a visual anchor that speaks to their purpose and stands out in a saturated neighborhood.
Whittier LGBTQ+ Community Center
The Whittier LGBTQ+ Community Center was a meaningful project for us. The building was undergoing a full renovation to better serve a community that’s been historically underserved in that part of LA County. We wrapped the front in a bold, geometric rainbow using 15 colors and added illustrated portraits of universally recognized historical figures with the message “All Are Welcome Here” to underscore the center’s mission of inclusion. It still stands out in the neighborhood – and we were proud to receive commendations from both the County of Los Angeles and the California State Legislature Assembly.