DAPHNE — World-renowned, environmental artist Wyland stopped Sunday at the United States Sports Academy in Daphne to paint a mural before the public.

The artist — named an official Olympic artist for the 2008 summer games — painted an interpretation of the artwork he created for that event. Wyland’s artwork for the Olympics displays the official Olympics motto, “Higher, Faster, Stronger.” Three dolphins are seen surging through the sea in the piece, according to a Wyland Foundation press release.

The Olympic artwork — like the mural at the academy — portrays dolphins because “they have a competitive nature,” Wyland said.

The academy’s mural, which he painted in an hour, is an outline of three dolphins.

“Less is more; you don’t finish all of the lines because you finish them in your mind,” Wyland said of the Chinese Sumi brush style he used for the mural.

The mural, located on the wall by the student entrance, is about two stories high and 20 feet wide, according to Mark Stevens, USSA communications director.

Having completed the mural, Wyland and area children painted on a bay scene on a separate canvas. Each child painted an animal that could be found in or near water.

The occasion gave children the chance to express themselves, Wyland said.

“If you want to know what kids are thinking, you can see it in their art,” he said.

The children’s mural will be on display Oct. 8-12 in the Sports Academy Oct. 8-12 and then Oct. 15-26 at the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, Stevens said.

Wyland’s weekend visit to Daphne had been planned as a thank-you to the academy, Stevens said.

USSA President Thomas Rosandich had helped arrange a trip for Wyland to paint a mural in Beijing during the Olympic games in July 2008, Stevens said. As a favor to the academy, Wyland wanted to paint a mural and work with children.

Stevens said the token of gratitude could attract tourists to the Jubilee City.

“When people see that Wyland has a mural here, it will drive people to visit the area,” he said.

Wyland will complete his nonprofit “Whaling Wall” mural project — an effort to save the oceans — with the 100th painting in Beijing, Steve Creech, Wyland Worldwide LLC marketing vice president, said.

The painting, “Hands Across the Ocean,” will be a 3-mile-long collaboration of artists throughout the world, Creech said.

Wyland has traveled around the country promoting conservation and clean oceans, Creech said.

The artist said he first focused on promoting the cleanliness of oceans and then his awareness program grew to include bays, rivers and lakes.

“Every drop of water counts,” he said.