PHOTO GALLERY: James Hopfenblatt uses spray paint to bring creativity to community

September 27, 2012 | 6:00 a.m. CDT

James Hopfenblatt, who was born in Bolivia, uses his international background and urban influences to shape his graffiti art.

James Hopfenblatt poses with one of the characters he spray painted Thursday near Jefferson Junior High School. Hopfenblatt enjoys the freedom that comes with graffiti and the size of his art. | Zac Boesch

James Hopfenblatt spray painted the character on the right a few months ago on a building off Rogers Street. Hopfenblatt said he often gravitates toward more stylized and fatter characters.

| Zac Boesch

James Hopfenblatt shows a watercolor from his sketchbook Thursday. Hopfenblatt sketches often before beginning a wall mural but usually makes the final decision during the process. | Zac Boesch