With strong beats coming from the DJ’s speakers, the intimate bar, Cantina, on Sutter Street, was packed on March 31 for an art party and fundraiser for the film “The Magnificent Failure.”

Created and directed by Colin Day, 28, an alumnus of San Francisco’s Academy of Art, "The Magnificent Failure" is based on the convoluted perception of what life is like through the eyes of a graffiti artist.

“Artists are really creative people, but they struggle with success in day-to-day life. The life of an artist can be really tragic and I am fascinated by tragedy,” Day said. “I wanted to create a movie that was relevant to the artists right here in San Francisco. My mission is to show people what lies on the other side of the art: the artist."

On Monday night, the Cantina housed a mixture of people and art, and the vibe was flowing with the crowd captured by live painter Ian Ross. Ross, 29, was tucked in an open corner as he channeled the energy from the venue right onto the canvas. Every couple of minutes, Ross turned around toward his admirers and then back to the canvas and gently continued elaborating his creation.

“My live paintings respond to the energy, music and chaos of an event. The more chaotic it gets, the busier my art seems to get,” Ross said. “I have a feeling that ‘The Magnificent Failure’ is going to be very depictive of a person like me. Art is a mental and physical addiction much like a drug.”

Ross said that he has done 25 live paintings in San Francisco and that he has high hopes that the movie will shed light on lesser-known artists. He said that he struggles every day to make it in the art world and that having a movie about graffiti artists, who he cites as an influence on his work, is a fantastic idea.

The owner of the Cantina, Kristina McDonnell, who made the party possible, said that the proceeds from the art and the specialty cocktail (also called "The Magnificent Failure") designed specifically for the event, will go directly to the movie.

“It was really important for me to be involved in this event and with the movie project,” McDonnell said. “With so many artists in this neighborhood and the art school right around the corner, the Cantina was built upon business from local artists. This relationship is definitely one that we want to nurture.”

Chris McWherter, 25, who is part of the cinema department at SF State, attended the event. He said that he was impressed with the reels of Day’s other movie projects, which were being projected onto the wall above the bar for everyone to see.

“The Cantina is a great venue for this benefit. It is in an artist neighborhood and there were clearly a lot of them who showed up to support Colin and his associates, and to watch Ian Ross work his magic,” he said.

McWherter said he has been to other events where Ross has done live paintings and that he doesn’t understand how someone can stay so transfixed in their art, when there are so many people watching. It’s compelling to watch and it seems like a lot of pressure, he added. McWherter described Ross's ability to concentrate during the event as "an artist thing."

Day said that right now he is just trying to raise funds for the movie, but expects to begin filming by mid-summer. He said there would be further benefits to help raise money for "The Magnificent Failure." To check out or purchase Ian Ross’s art, go to www.IanRossArt.com.