50 Fascinations

14 Jan What I learned from painting one Paint Study a day for 50 days

Posted at 18:09h in 50 Fascinations, Behind the Scenes... by Drew 5 Comments

44 Likes

“Do or Do Not – There is no Try” Yoda

Back in November, I committed to painting one paint study, every single day, for 50 days. I called it my “50 Fascinations” because it was a study in painting anything I wanted, the things that fascinate me the most.

Each morning I woke up and had to figure out what I would paint for the day. Then, after I got it sketched on the canvas, Maria would email my private emailing list, showing them a photo of the painting in progress (and offering it for sale). Then we would post the progress on Facebook and Instagram, and the final finished painting before the day ended. Each evening, I would write a blog post about the painting of the day.

It’s been exactly a month since the series came to an end, and I want to give you an update (some have been asking).

But first – I would like one bit of feedback from you: What was your favorite paint study? Please share in the comments and let me know. (You can see all of them here on the blog, or for Instagram users, scroll through my IG feed here).

RECAP:

It was a challenge turning it “on” every day for 50 days, with no rest. But with collectors on my private preview list as my accountability partners, I had to keep to the challenge.

When doing a painting series, there are always paintings that stand out among the others. Overall, I’m happy with every single one of them, though I do have my favorites. (I’ll share that with you another time, I don’t want to influence your favorite).

Most of my art sales come from commissions, which means I’m painting what I’m asked to. This series allowed me to do something I rarely get to do: paint anything I want for 50 days. (And we sold every single one of the 50 paintings)

So, I tried a lot of different techniques, such as a more painterly style, and some of the painting themes were “far out there”. But most were my traditional surf style.

The biggest lesson I learned was to trust my gut and allow myself to be spontaneous.

I found that sometimes NOT trying too hard is the best thing I can do.

Just do, don’t try. Let the painting take me where it wants to go.

Also, something I always say was reinforced through this process: no matter what you create, there’s always going to be someone who loves it, and someone who hates it.

I hope for the most part, you loved it all. And I look forward to hearing what your favorite was.

Thanks for being a part of my story,

Life is Good – Drew

PS: You can order a Limited Edition Print of any one of the Paint Studies here on my store (I hand sign each one).

Drew Brophy Art Studios
San Clemente, CA

15 Dec 50 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – THE LAST ONE! BIG TUBE BEACH

Posted at 12:14h in 50 Fascinations, Behind the Scenes... by Drew 1 Comment

50 Likes

FOR 50 DAYS, I’M CREATING 50 PAINT STUDIES that reflect 50 things that fascinate me.

This is #50 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 4 left to go!

TITLE: BIG TUBE BEACH

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

Now that the 50 paintings are done, all I want for Christmas is a day of big tubes on my beach.

Merry Christmas everyone, thanks for being a part of this series.

This Paint Study is SOLD to Aaron from Salem, OR, a new collector of my surf art.

One of my goals with this series is to make original art affordable for those who want it. If interested in adding tomorrow’s to your collection, please email info@drewbrophy.com or text or call 949-678-8133 asap!

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

Life is Good –

Drew Brophy

Artist, illustrator, surfer

“It’s my job to make things look cool.”

13 Dec 49 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – STOKE-A-RAMA

Posted at 17:50h in 50 Fascinations, Behind the Scenes... by Drew 0 Comments

59 Likes

FOR 50 DAYS, I’M CREATING 50 PAINT STUDIES that reflect 50 things that fascinate me.

This is #49 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 1 left to go!

TITLE: STOKE-A-RAMA

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

Went down to check the waves this morning. Surfers were running down the street, towards the break, with surfboards tucked under their arms.

From the littlest grom to the older guy with a longboard, they all had that same look of stoke on their faces.

The anticipation of paddling out is a stoke that’s hard to describe. Pure joy.

This Paint Study is SOLD to Kathy L., a regular collector of my art.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

Life is Good –

Drew Brophy

Artist, illustrator, surfer

“It’s my job to make things look cool.”

13 Dec 48 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – MORNING SURF CHECK

Posted at 17:34h in 50 Fascinations, Behind the Scenes... by Drew 0 Comments

53 Likes

FOR 50 DAYS, I’M CREATING 50 PAINT STUDIES that reflect 50 things that fascinate me.

This is #48 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 2 left to go!

TITLE: MORNING SURF CHECK

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

Everyone uses computers to check if the waves are good. But you can’t beat the feeling of checking the waves in the old school way.

There’s nothing like taking a drive to that old mysto spot, passing chickens on the dirt road and pulling up over the sand dunes to see what the waves have in store for you. And if they are good, you are ready to go.

This Paint Study is SOLD to Scott A, an avid surfer, and, and avid collector of my surf art!

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

Life is Good –

Drew Brophy

Artist, illustrator, surfer

“It’s my job to make things look cool.”

12 Dec 47 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – MINDS EYE

Posted at 11:21h in 50 Fascinations, Behind the Scenes... by Drew 0 Comments

55 Likes

FOR 50 DAYS, I’M CREATING 50 PAINT STUDIES that reflect 50 things that fascinate me.

This is #47 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 3 left to go!

TITLE: MIND’S EYE

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

What if we got it all wrong? What if this biological organism we know as our bodies isn’t really us; what if it’s just a vessel; but our mind’s eye is like a spaceship; actually from somewhere else.

Maybe what we are seeing and creating is like a video game and our bodies are the ‪avatar.

If you knew that this life is just an experience, how would it be different for you?

If you knew that the REAL you is at the controls somewhere, and that maybe the real you is choosing these experiences for you, how would that change the way you see things in your life?

This Paint Study is available. To add it to your collection, please text or call 949-678-8133.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

Life is Good –

Drew Brophy

Artist, illustrator, surfer

“It’s my job to make things look cool.”

10 Dec 46 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – LIVING ON THE BEACH (At Pipeline)

Posted at 19:40h in 50 Fascinations, Behind the Scenes... by Drew 0 Comments

36 Likes

FOR 50 DAYS, I’M CREATING 50 PAINT STUDIES that reflect 50 things that fascinate me.

This is #46 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 4 left to go!

TITLE: LIVING ON THE BEACH

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

Back when I lived on the North Shore of Hawaii, I was trying to make it as an artist.

Sometimes I couldn’t even afford a bus ride; times were tough.

But it was great living at Pipeline, surfing that break whenever it was good. I remember thinking that if times ever got too bad, it wouldn’t matter, because I could just live on the beach, shower at the beach park, and surf every day.

This painting study is ~~available~~ – SOLD to Hugh, in Philly, PA!

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

Life is Good –

Drew Brophy

Artist, illustrator, surfer

“It’s my job to make things look cool.”

09 Dec 45 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – BANZAI PIPELINE, GREATEST SHOW ON SURF

Posted at 22:57h in 50 Fascinations, Behind the Scenes... by Drew 0 Comments

41 Likes

FOR 50 DAYS, I’M CREATING 50 PAINT STUDIES that reflect 50 things that fascinate me.

This is #45 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 6 left to go!

TITLE: BANZAI PIPELINE, GREATEST SHOW ON SURF

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

This time of year, each year, they hold the Pipeline Masters Surf Contest on the North Shore of Oahu.

Pipeline is one of my favorite waves to surf. I used to live right in front of the break and surfed it every day.

It’s a critical wave, super dangerous, but so perfect. And as a spectator, it’s the best show on surf.

This painting study is ~~available~~ – SOLD to Aaron of Salem, OR. It’s his first original piece of my work.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

Life is Good –

Drew Brophy

Artist, illustrator, surfer

“It’s my job to make things look cool.”

08 Dec 44 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – THE MORNING STAR AND THE WISE ONES

Posted at 17:32h in 50 Fascinations, Behind the Scenes... by Drew 0 Comments

27 Likes

FOR 50 DAYS, I’M CREATING 50 PAINT STUDIES that reflect 50 things that fascinate me.

This is #44 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 6 left to go!

TITLE: MORNING STAR AND THE WISE ONES

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

It is said that the wise ones knew to follow the light, in search of the new King.

This painting study is ~~available~~ – SOLD to Scott S. in Raleigh, NC. He bought it for his little son.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

Life is Good –

Drew Brophy

Artist, illustrator, surfer

“It’s my job to make things look cool.”

07 Dec Limited Edition, signed and numbered art prints

Posted at 09:43h in 50 Fascinations, Behind the Scenes... by Drew 2 Comments

23 Likes

Prints are 8″ x 10″, beautifully printed on 9″x 12″ archival paper and shipped with a backing and a clear bag.

PRICE $40.00 each + shipping.

Choose from any of the 50 paint studies – see all of them here on the blog.

In the space above “Buy Now Button” indicate the name of the Paint Study image(s) you wish to buy (i.e. “San Clemente Sunrise” or “Full Moon Tubes” etc.)

Prints are shipped within one week of order (often within 2 days). Call 949-678-8133 with questions.

06 Dec 42 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – The Day Before the Swell

Posted at 21:40h in 50 Fascinations, Behind the Scenes... by Drew 0 Comments

31 Likes

FOR 50 DAYS, I’M CREATING 50 PAINT STUDIES that reflect 50 things that fascinate me.

This is #42 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 8 left to go!

TITLE: The Day Before the Swell

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

There’s a bunch of swells coming, lining up across the Pacific. I’m gathering all my surfboards and getting ready.

Now, the big waves are coming and El Nino begins.

This painting study is available – SOLD to Kathy O., a longtime collector of my work, from Virginia Beach, VA.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

Life is Good –

Drew Brophy

Artist, illustrator, surfer

“It’s my job to make things look cool.”

50 Fascinations

14 Jan What I learned from painting one Paint Study a day for 50 days

Back in November, I committed to painting one paint study, every single day, for 50 days. I called it my “50 Fascinations” because it was a study in painting anything I wanted, the things that fascinate me the most.

15 Dec 50 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – THE LAST ONE! BIG TUBE BEACH

This is #50 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 4 left to go!

TITLE: BIG TUBE BEACH

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

Now that the 50 paintings are done, all I want for Christmas is a day of big tubes on my beach.

Merry Christmas everyone, thanks for being a part of this series.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

13 Dec 49 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – STOKE-A-RAMA

This is #49 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 1 left to go!

TITLE: STOKE-A-RAMA

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

Went down to check the waves this morning. Surfers were running down the street, towards the break, with surfboards tucked under their arms.

From the littlest grom to the older guy with a longboard, they all had that same look of stoke on their faces.

The anticipation of paddling out is a stoke that’s hard to describe. Pure joy.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

13 Dec 48 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – MORNING SURF CHECK

This is #48 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 2 left to go!

TITLE: MORNING SURF CHECK

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

Everyone uses computers to check if the waves are good. But you can’t beat the feeling of checking the waves in the old school way.

There’s nothing like taking a drive to that old mysto spot, passing chickens on the dirt road and pulling up over the sand dunes to see what the waves have in store for you. And if they are good, you are ready to go.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

12 Dec 47 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – MINDS EYE

This is #47 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 3 left to go!

TITLE: MIND’S EYE

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

What if we got it all wrong? What if this biological organism we know as our bodies isn’t really us; what if it’s just a vessel; but our mind’s eye is like a spaceship; actually from somewhere else.

Maybe what we are seeing and creating is like a video game and our bodies are the ‪avatar.

If you knew that this life is just an experience, how would it be different for you?

If you knew that the REAL you is at the controls somewhere, and that maybe the real you is choosing these experiences for you, how would that change the way you see things in your life?

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

10 Dec 46 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – LIVING ON THE BEACH (At Pipeline)

This is #46 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 4 left to go!

TITLE: LIVING ON THE BEACH

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

Back when I lived on the North Shore of Hawaii, I was trying to make it as an artist.

Sometimes I couldn’t even afford a bus ride; times were tough.

But it was great living at Pipeline, surfing that break whenever it was good. I remember thinking that if times ever got too bad, it wouldn’t matter, because I could just live on the beach, shower at the beach park, and surf every day.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

09 Dec 45 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – BANZAI PIPELINE, GREATEST SHOW ON SURF

This is #45 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 6 left to go!

TITLE: BANZAI PIPELINE, GREATEST SHOW ON SURF

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

This time of year, each year, they hold the Pipeline Masters Surf Contest on the North Shore of Oahu.

Pipeline is one of my favorite waves to surf. I used to live right in front of the break and surfed it every day.

It’s a critical wave, super dangerous, but so perfect. And as a spectator, it’s the best show on surf.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

08 Dec 44 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – THE MORNING STAR AND THE WISE ONES

This is #44 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 6 left to go!

TITLE: MORNING STAR AND THE WISE ONES

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

It is said that the wise ones knew to follow the light, in search of the new King.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

07 Dec Limited Edition, signed and numbered art prints

LIMITED EDITION ART PRINTS – Only 20 will ever be made of each image! Each one Signed and Numbered by Drew.

Prints are 8″ x 10″, beautifully printed on 9″x 12″ archival paper and shipped with a backing and a clear bag.

PRICE $40.00 each + shipping.

Choose from any of the 50 paint studies – see all of them here on the blog.

In the space above “Buy Now Button” indicate the name of the Paint Study image(s) you wish to buy (i.e. “San Clemente Sunrise” or “Full Moon Tubes” etc.)

06 Dec 42 of 50 Paint Studies in 50 Days – The Day Before the Swell

This is #42 of 50 in the #50Paintings Paint Studies series. Only 8 left to go!

TITLE: The Day Before the Swell

SIZE: 11″x 14″ paint pen on Fredrix Pro Archival Canvas Board.

There’s a bunch of swells coming, lining up across the Pacific. I’m gathering all my surfboards and getting ready.

Now, the big waves are coming and El Nino begins.

This painting study is available – SOLD to Kathy O., a longtime collector of my work, from Virginia Beach, VA.

I hope you enjoy this series. Thanks for reading!

Drew Brophy Studios

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