Painting Captiva at South Seas Spirits
April 29, 2025
As South Seas embarks on a new chapter, the resort sought to honor the unique spirit, natural beauty, and culture of Captiva Island with local art pieces throughout the resort. The latest is now on display at South Seas Spirits, a vibrant new space located at The Shops at South Seas offering high-end liquors, wines, beers, and mixers—and open to the wider Captiva Island community. There, you’ll find the bold, immersive work of professional muralist Alex Bustamante, whose passion for capturing nature and color has helped shape a fresh visual narrative for the resort.
How do you approach creating artwork that reflects the natural beauty of Captiva Island?
Alex: Captiva Island has this incredible, vibrant, untouched view, and I try to absorb that energy before I ever pick up a brush. I spend time walking the beaches, taking photos of wildlife, sunsets, mangroves, everything—it’s so magical just observing how the colors and shapes play together. Then, I interpret those elements in a way that feels both true to the island and expressive of my style.
Can you provide a brief walkthrough of your mural process from concept to execution?
Alex: My process starts with inspiration and research. I gather images, I do sketches, I visit the location to get a good feel for the environment, then I develop a concept that ties into the location and the feeling we want to create. Once a design is approved, I start layering background colors, gradually building up detail. It’s really a balance of planning and letting the piece evolve naturally as I paint. Depending on the size, a mural can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to complete.
What do you hope South Seas guests feel when they look at these murals?
Alex: I really hope they feel a sense of wonder and connection—to the island, to nature, and to the present moment. Whether it’s a scene of wildlife or a sunset, I want the mural to reflect the beauty and calm that Captiva offers, and hopefully, become part of the memory that they take home with them.
View the Mural at South Seas Spirits
Located within The Shops at South Seas, South Seas Spirits is open to resort guests and the broader Captiva Island community. Whether you are picking up a local craft spirit, browsing the curated selection of wines, or admiring local art, the experience is one of delight and discovery.