Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Murphy.
Hi Andrea, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My mother raises paint horses and is an artist. I’ve always been blessed to have their beauty close by, and to see it through my mother’s art. As I watched her draw, win awards, attend prestigious shows, and do the administrative work of being an artist, I was able to see the outward working parts of fine artistry. I’ve enjoyed making art casually my whole life, and started considering it professionally at 24. I’m 39 now, and I’m very pleased to have painted four the last 15 years. I’ve earned some lovely awards (best of show at the Cowgirl Gathering in Fort Worth, top 5 finalist in Western Horseman’s Best of the West: Artist category, etc), and I’ve been invited to show at The Russell in Great Falls, Montana long before I felt I was ready for such an event. I’ve attended many quick finish events. I’ve surprised myself and I’ve also been very embarrassed all through my experiences as an artist. I learn who I am as I share my paintings, as I challenge myself to find what pleases me to paint, and especially each time I realize that I have so very far to go. What a treasure, that there’s so much more to paint and learn and discover. I’m not sure if the greatest joy art has given me is the experience of the art itself, or the creatives I’ve found through art, who have become my good friends, and whom I never would have met had I not been brave and let everyone see me for my paintings.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m not sure any road is smooth for more than a short jag. Anything worth committing to is going to be bumpy. and frankly, those bumps are where the good stuff begins. My experience is that the joy, gratitude, humility, inspiration, and growth are only as deep as the frustration, embarrassment, missed opportunities, and “failed” works. Not a moment of it is time lost. It’s all an experience that teaches me who I am and points me to my true North. I will never regret a single brush stroke in all my life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in oil and acrylic western art. Typically horses or cowboys and cowgals. I like to use realistic proportions, colors that are bold, yet controlled, and somewhat impressionistic brush strokes. I find opportunity in shadows and a rainbow of colors in every light.
I like to paint roughly 16×20”, but I’m known for painting about 150 images onto playing cards, and I sell full decks of those paintings. They serve as fine art prints as well as high quality, plastic coated, heavy cardstock playing cards. You can see them as well as almost all of my other works on Instagram.
I’m most proud of my friends who are brave enough to discover what they like and create it, and then have the courage to share that with the others. I will always answer questions about my process and help anyone who asks how to better themes as artists. I want to see you shine, in all your weirdness. Let’s face it. Every single one of us is weird. Some are lucky enough to remember that living true is less scary than living small. I wish for everyone to know that YOU are inherently good, and important.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron
The Creative Act: a Way of Being, by Rick Rubin
The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield
My greatest resource is in trusting myself. Possibly the boldest thing I’ve ever done.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Andreamurphyart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreamurphyart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BZ9bk5dmb/
