Artist reveals sketch of controversial Ed Sheeran mural in Dunedin

The article posted the mural's sketch to social media. Photo / Instagram

The artist commissioned to paint a mural of Ed Sheeran in Dunedin as part of the "Paint the Town Ed" campaign has revealed the sketch he created for the mural.

Tyler Kennedy Stent posted to Instagram an image of the sketch, showing a drawing of Sheeran, with his arms raised and his hands behind his head, covered in tattoos.

The mural has been generating a lot of controversy after it was found that the mural, funded by ratepayer's money, would cost more than $8000.

View this post on Instagram

Ok we will try again (no one told me this was supposed to be a secret until today!): Should I? @teddysphotos #watercolor #portait #mural #edsheeran

A post shared by tylerkennedystent (@tylerkennedystent) on Mar 8, 2018 at 1:47pm PST

Stent, a Dunedin artist, posted to Instagram with the caption "Should I?".

The artwork is set to go on a wall of the former Bath St nightclub.

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The piece of art is to cost $8350, to be paid by Enterprise Dunedin, part of the Dunedin City Council.

Ed Sheeran will perform in Dunedin at three concerts, on March 29, March 31, and April 1.