drew brophy Tag

12 Sep

Posted at 05:09h in Behind the Scenes..., Murals by
20 Likes

“When you set a goal, you usually hit it.”  Drew Brophy says of determining what he’s going to accomplish each morning before he starts on a project.

Drew’s busy painting this huge wall mural, so he asked me to write this post for him!

Drew was commissioned to paint a mural on the side of Lulu’s Cafe in downtown Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The owner, Misty, wanted to transform her restaurant’s 61′ x 16′ wall which faces the main Ocean Blvd.

To see the Photo Slideshow, Click Here.

To see an amazing time-lapse video by The Digitel of the first few days, Click here.

THE DESIGN:  Misty and Drew decided upon a theme of “A day at the Beach” where the mural would depict the elements that make Myrtle Beach special.  Everything in the sketch is meaningful to this area, right down to the turtles and the banner plane.

THE PAINT:  We started this project by ordering 404 cans of Mtn 94 Spray paint, in over 60 different colors!

The paint shipped from San Francisco and arrived 8 days later to Myrtle Beach on a pallet weighing 440 pounds.

Drew prefers Montana Mtn 94 spray paint because it dries fast, holds up great in weather and the colors are vibrant and bright, much like the Uni Poscas that he likes to paint surfboards with.

Below is a recap of the first six days of the mural painting.  Drew still has about six more days to paint, if everything continues to go smoothly.

(DON’T MISS this amazing Time-Lapse of the beginning phase of the mural, generously shot by The Digitel Myrtle Beach:  Artist Drew Brophy Mural Time Lapse  )

 

The Mural Map

DAY 1:

GOAL – Break it all down into a grid so that the art is applied in proportion.  Apply chalk lines in a one-foot by one-foot grid on the entire wall.

It took over six hours, just to chalkline the wall.  Drew and his Dad worked at it together, using rickety ladders, and climbing up and down the roof.

We didn’t rent the double decker scaffolding, as we didn’t think we’d need it yet.  In hindsight, it would have been a good idea to have on day 1!

Why did Drew create one-foot squares rather than two-foot squares?  He said that it would make his job easier on Day 2 to have smaller squares – it would be clearer where to intersect the elements of the outline.

The grid is Drew’s map, which he will refer to a lot in the next 2 days.

 

Day 2 – Painting the sketch outline

DAY 2:

GOAL – To get the entire mural sketch transposed onto the wall.  Also, to work out the logistics and problems (such as scaffolding) so that on Day 3 the painting could flow.

There are things y0u don’t think of when painting a mural of this proportion.  For example, the scaffolding.  Someone has to build it.  And that someone is you, or in this case, Drew!

Before he could even begin the sketch on the wall, he had to get the scaffolding up.  And wouldn’t you know, the rented equipment didn’t come with pins in the wheels!  Rather than allow that to slow him down,  Drew stuffed screwdrivers in there instead, and taped them on.  You have to be resourceful!

Then we ran into another problem – the scaffolding wasn’t rolling because the space against the wall is dirt, with big potholes left from the people who dug out the bushes.  At one point the scaffolding came crashing down and luckily, there were people there to help catch it.

Now, onto the most important goal of the day:  transferring the “map” of the sketch onto the wall.

It was crucial here that Drew matched the squares in proper proportion.  It was painstaking and time-consuming, working in sections, Drew holding the gridline map in one hand while “sketching” on the wall with spray paint in the other.

Drew discovered that he had to change one thing in the sketch – the dolphin had to be smaller than planned, because his nose was being cut off.

Interviewed for the evening news

DAY 3:

GOAL – Get left side of mural color filled in; solve the problem with the scaffolding

We brought rakes this day and got all the pine needles swept out so the scaffolding would move easier.   The weather was so hot we must have drank twenty gallons of water.

It was a Friday right before the holiday weekend, so a lot of random friends, fans and family members stopped by to watch.

A TV crew came from a local news channel, so Drew took a little time out for an interview.  It aired later that day on the 6:00 o’clock news!  Watch the video of it here.

It was an exhausting day for Drew, climbing up and down the scaffolding all day in the blazing hot sun and humidity.  It was very physical work, and he realized that he needed more help to conserve his energy for painting.  So we hired someone to come and help Drew the rest of the week.

Drew reached his goal; he got most of the color on the left side.  That night, we camped out under the stars with family and enjoyed paddleboarding under the blue moon.

Drew and Maria enjoying the progress

DAY 4:

GOAL – Get right side of mural color filled in.

We camped out the night before, and were feeling a little less eager to work today!   But, we rallied and got to the Wall about 10:00 a.m. for another full day in the sun.

We hired a local artist named Ian to help.  His job, as I put it to him, was to be right next to Drew every moment, ready to hand him a color, help him move the scaffolding, and to help set up and tear down each day.

It was a huge help having Ian there.  His assistance meant Drew would have to climb up and down the scaffolding less, and would be able to use more energy for painting.

First order of the day was to organize the colors and sort the caps.  It’s crucial to have a clean cap ready when doing detail.  If you’re disorganized and your dirty caps get mixed with clean ones, you may have a problem.

Dad painted the sandcastle and the sand today.  I think he had fun using the spray paints, though later that night he said his fingers hurt!

Caps make all the difference

DAY 5:

GOAL –   Fill in the color of the water, on the bottom; work on the wave

Since he was focused on the bottom part of the wall today, he would be on the scaffolding less.  So Drew was happy that he could wear his Keen Flip Flops with the toe protector, instead of those hot hiking boots he had been wearing every day!

This was Sunday of a three day weekend, so there were a lot of people checking out the mural.  Drew’s nice and says hello to everyone, but it was slowing him down quite a bit.

We put out postcards with information about Drew for people to take, since so many showed interest in knowing more about him.

The Sun News Myrtle Beach came and did a story on Drew and the mural.  There were also a few magazines taking photos and lining up interviews.

DAY 6:

GOAL – Paint the surfer on the wave, start adding other details

Ian has worked out to be a huge help.  Painting a mural this size, in the blazing hot sun and humidity, takes it’s toll physically.  Ian saved Drew a lot of energy by handing him paints up on the scaffolding, helping him move things around and he even helped painting.

On this day, a local TV news Anchor, the beautiful Lisa Edge, came by and interviewed Drew.  It aired on the evening news Channel 15.  Click here to watch.

WHAT’S NEXT:  About 6 more days to completion.  We will post an update after it’s finished.

Please, leave your comments or questions for Drew in the comments!

PHOTO CREDIT:  Most photos were taken by Gregory Letts, local Myrtle Beach Photographer.  His photos have his watermark.  Visit Greg’s website here!

28 Aug

Posted at 12:43h in Behind the Scenes..., Press by
37 Likes

Rough sketch of “A Day at the Beach” mural painting for Lulu’s Cafe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Lulu’s Cafe in Downtown Myrtle Beach commissions surf lifestyle artist Drew Brophy to paint a colorful, energetic sixty foot wall mural. Three generations of the Brophy family will team up to paint the mural using spray paints and airbrush.

PR Log (Press Release) – August 28, 2012 – What do you do with 404 cans of Mtn 94 Graffiti Spray Paint?

Ask Misty Coan, owner of Lulu’s Café, who commissioned popular surf lifestyle artist and Myrtle Beach native Drew Brophy to paint the mural, titled “A day at the beach.”

The mural rendering depicts the allure that draws residents and tourists to Myrtle Beach; beach umbrellas, children building sand castles, a surfer in the waves and a banner plane flying above.  (more…)

21 Aug

Posted at 08:17h in Behind the Scenes..., Lectures or Workshops, Live Event Painting, Tips & How To by
43 Likes

I have always encouraged others to customize their gear.  Over the years I have wanted to inspire others to have fun painting their own guitars, shoes and skateboards.

Now, Aerial 7 and I have collaborated on the first ever “DIY Headphone” – a headphone that you can customize yourself.

The Aerial 7 DIY was released last month and already we are receiving photos of customized headphones from people all over the country!

To me, the Tank headphone is a blank canvas that anyone can transform into their own personal design.  The DIY Artist Edition Tank is an over-the-ear headphone with thick ear cushions and a padded, adjustable headband.

There are many different ways you can customize these headphones.  Here’s just a few:   (more…)

07 Jun

Posted at 11:20h in Press by
22 Likes

STANDUP Paddle Magazine Dec 2011 Issue featured Seth Warren’s Story onDrew and Seth’s 225 mile paddle down the Colorado River, and rapids, on paddle boards.  Seth and Drew were the first to ever standup paddle the entire 225 miles from Lee’s Ferry to Diamond Creek.

The magazine feature included six pages of story and amazing photos taken by Seth Warren.  Here’s some of the article:

01 Jun

Posted at 09:20h in Press by
18 Likes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Surf Lifestyle Artist Drew Brophy is launching newly developed art categories at Licensing Expo, June 12-14, 2012, in Las Vegas.
At Show Events:  Drew will have a poster signing and live painting demonstration in booth #4811 daily at show!
Drew Brophy holding his Licensed Products

PRLog (Press Release) – May 22, 2012 – The economy has turned upward, and Artist Drew Brophy is celebrating by revealing all new art at the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.  The show, to be held June 12-14, 2012, is where the world’s popular brands exhibit their latest creations to manufacturers.

Drew Brophy properties are represented by agency Son of the Sea, Inc.

Known for surfing big waves and adventuring the globe, Drew Brophy’s art has been represented in the niche of surf art and action sports for over 25 years.  He has licensed his art to many big brands, including K-Swiss, Converse, Wham-O, Sigg, Walter Foster and Hard Rock Casino.

Now, Drew Brophy will reach a broader demographic through newly created art, which will be revealed for the first time at Licensing Expo.

His new creations include an Epoch Earth line, sun & fun theme for kids and  his inspiring brand dubbed “IYI” which stands for “Inspire Your Imagination.”

Maria Brophy, CEO of Son of the Sea, Inc., attributes over 60% of their licensing success to first contact at Licensing Expo events.

“Licensing Expo allows us to meet the “who’s-who” in licensing.  With each exhibit, we walk away with at least five or six new deals that we otherwise wouldn’t have.”  Maria Brophy says.

“This year, we will double that, as we are launching new art categories designed specifically for mainstream tastes.  Drew’s surf-themed art will always be available, but we wanted to broaden our reach beyond the niche. ”

The Brophy’s have a few “not to miss” events at their booth #4811 at Licensing Expo:

Drew Brophy live surfboard painting

Poster Signing and Giveaway:  Drew will be signing quality posters of his popular painting titled “Sunrise” at his Licensing Expo Booth Number 4811 daily from 12–4 p.m.

Live Surfboard Painting Demonstration:  Drew will demonstrate how it’s his job to “make things look cool” by painting in his Booth Number 4811 daily from 12-4 p.m.  Attendees can watch as Drew paints on a surfboard and other fun items live!

Manufacturers should schedule appointments to review Drew Brophy’s portfolio at the show by emailing info@drewbrophy.com or calling 949-678-8133.

Brophy will be in booth #4811 from 10 am to 5 p.m. on show days.

Learn more about Licensing Expo at http://www.LicensingExpo.com.
Learn more about Drew Brophy at http://www.DrewBrophy.com.

Paintings in Studio for new Sun N Fun Collection


 

11 Feb

Posted at 12:39h in Wheres Drew by
21 Likes

It’s rare that you can get more than a couple of the most influential surf artists together in one room at the same time – a little like herding cats!

But, artist Matt Beard figured out how to do it.

A Board Art Benefit event was held at The Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery in Solana Beach.

Funds raised will directly support SurfAid’s humanitarian efforts on the Mentawai and Nias islands in Indonesia.

The surfboard painting I did for this awesome event is called PERCESSION and it’s the first surfboard I’ve painted all the way around – so it’s different (special).

Follow up to this post:  This surfboard recently sold to an art collector from San Diego County.  But many other boards are still available – you can check out all the boards here …

19 Jan

Posted at 08:14h in Behind the Scenes..., Painting Story by
36 Likes
PERCESSION 2012 painted by Drew Brophy, Uni Posca Paint Pens on 7’4″single fin retro 1970’s Surfboard shaped by Ron House.  POST UPDATE:  THIS BOARD is SOLD!  A portion of proceeds went to SurfAid’s Board Art Benefit.

(But, you can order your own Custom Surfboard Painting, click HERE for pricing and order form.)

There are 3 things that make this surfboard painting special:

1 – I’ve painted thousands of surfboards.  But this is the first where I’ve painted both sides and wrapped the painting around the rails;

2 – The proceeds are going to SurfAid’s Board Art Benefit and will provide food and water to the people of the beautiful Mentawai Islands, a surfing paradise;

3 – The theme speaks to the end of the Mayan Calendar in 2012 and what it could mean.

THE INSPIRATION:  I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of ancient civilizations.  Most people don’t know this about me, but I’m an amateur historian.  I can tell you about the history of just about any civilization with accuracy.

But I’ve never really painted these subjects until now.

The Percession painting was sparked during a recent trip to Puerto Escondido Mexico where I flew over the Ancient Aztec Pyramids at Teotihuacan in Mexico City.

A man that I met on my flight filled my head with crazy legends of the pyramids.  His stories inspired me to want to go there and stand on the top of the pyramid of the sun.

While surfing killer waves in Puerto a local there told me more stories of ruins in the jungle just outside of town.

He spoke of how the Zapotec Indians ruled the Pacific coast and built massive cities in the area around Puerto and Oaxaca.

When they put the road into Puerto Escondido they discovered a massive sculpture of the head of Quetzalcoatl, the god of the underworld.

The sculpture was so large they could not even move it. The road would have to go around it.

The Indians there believe an awakening is coming in 2012.  One man told me about strange lights he had witnessed in a valley, balls of light of different sizes and colors emanating from the horizon at super fast speeds for over a half hour, all of this sent my head spinning as I charged giant tubes.

Who were these people and where did they go?  With it being 2012 and all I could not help but let these ideas spill out onto my painting.

THE PAINTING:  The Pecession 2012 painting depicts the center of a crumbling Mayan Calendar being overtaken by the roots of the Tree of Life.  A golden snake spirals from the sky, wrapping around the surfboard. This marks the end of days and the return of Quetzalcoatl.

The pyramid on the bottom of the board represents a re-awakening of ancient knowledge.

The waves on the top and bottom of the board represent stories of the great flood and Mother Nature’s ability to reclaim the planet.

The balls of energy emanating from the calendar are spheres of light, essentially energy, our life force.

In the final days you will either be doomed to start over, or be transformed with this awakened knowledge. It begs for an answer to a question:

How have you lived your life?

Drew

*For insight on my history of painting surfboards, please Read “What makes a surfboard special – why you should buy this board” on the Board Art Benefit Blog.

This surfboard was painted for the SurfAid’s Board Art Benefit in Solana Beach, CA.  Other artists and shapers include legend Gerry Lopez and artists Phil Roberts, Spencer Reynolds, Matt Beard, Rick Rietveld, Eric Abel, and so many more great surf artists.

UPDATE ON 3-26-2012:  This surfboard painting was purchased March 2012 by collector Greg P. of Leucadia, California.

 

 

09 Nov

Posted at 10:20h in Press by
20 Likes
Escape Camper Vans & CHALK Gallery provide an Artist exhibit and a live, on-site van painting with artists Drew Brophy, Cre8, Jim Darling, Mark Longenecker, Haiste, DJ Neff, Mark7,HEX, Siner, Justin Mitchell, and CANLOVE.  This Saturday, Nov 12th 5-10 p.m.
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 PRLog (Press Release) – Nov, 2011 – Escape Camper Vans has teamed up with CHALK Gallery to provide an Escape Artist exhibit and a live, on-site van painting for artists including Drew Brophy, Cre8, Jim Darling, Mark Longenecker, Haste, DJ Neff, Mark7,HEX, Siner, Justin Mitchell, and CANLOVE.

Escape Camper Van rents hundreds of wildly decorated vans, which are painted by some of the best surf, street and tattoo artists from Southern California and Florida.  The artists are given total freedom to paint anything they want on the vans, which makes for a wild variety of paintings that travel the country on wheels.

The Escape Artist show was created to spotlight their more personal works on canvas, surfboards and other mediums, as well as a representative painted van from each artist.  The painted vans will line the street of Venice Blvd.

The public is invited to watch as the artists team up and collaborate on a van painting, live, using mediums including spray paint, airbrush and Uni Posca paint pens.

When:   Saturday November 12, 2011 from 5 pm to 10 pm (rain or shine)
Where:   CHALK Gallery, 12513 Venice Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90066 424.228.2289
What:   Art Exhibit and live collaborative van painting by the artists; food, beverages, and selected Escape Vans on display.  Music performances from Mark7 and Aquaries, with a video music set by DJ Skitz.

CANLOVE, a recycling program for graffiti art, will also be present with their own works created solely from the discarded spray cans donated from places like ESCAPE.

About: CHALK is a creative group made up of designers, writers, producers and strategic thinkers. The studio is dedicated to creating new and original content to be showcased in the gallery. They love helping other local Venice artists and individuals express themselves and are open to collaborations of any kind.  For more information, CHALK  can be reached at holler@chalkla.com or call 424.228.2289 or http://www.chalkla.com

For information on Escape Camper Vans:  http://www.escapecampervans.com

Video of artists painting camper vans go to:  http://vimeo.com/30355477

26 Sep

Posted at 21:48h in Adventure, Behind the Scenes... by
27 Likes

“Some people do not understand the allure of Stand up Paddling; it’s much harder than regular surfing, and at the Mexican Pipeline, it’s borderline insane….”

I have been surfing in Puerto Escondido for over 20 years.  I first made the journey from South Carolina so that I could learn to surf big waves at the Mexican Pipeline.  Instantly, I felt right at home in the waves, in the town and with the people I met there.

My longtime friend, Puerto local Angel Salinas, does a lot of good for the community there.  Angel owns Central Surf, the first surf shop in town and he started hosting surf events many years ago.  Now he puts on invitation only contests for stand-out surfers.  I was stoked when he started his SUP contest three years ago, and I was on the invite list.  Angel may be the first guy who was doing stand up paddling in Mexico.

Even with the difficulty of traveling with big, ten foot surfboards, I always cannot wait to get there to see my friends and the giant waves.  It’s not about winning a contest; it’s a meeting of the tribe!

Some people do not understand the allure of Stand up Paddling; it’s much harder than regular surfing, and at the Mexican Pipeline, it’s borderline insane….

Boards just break here!

Chasing 12 to 15 foot waves on a ten foot paddleboard feels like hunting mountains of moving water.  You see the waves coming from way out at sea, then you race to meet them just as they are standing up, looking their meanest.   You dig in with your paddle against the hard off-shore wind as you teeter on the top of the beast, then free-fall into the tube.

Stuffing yourself, a paddle and a ten foot board into the tube is no easy feat.  The bigger the wave, the better.  You either get a 10 point ride, or, chunks of broken board and paddles as the wave detonates over you.

All of the contestants of last week’s Central Surf Pro caught epic waves and got their turn at hideous wipeouts.  The joy of surfing the event with old friends and new is what it is all about.  Showing the spectators and surfers what we can do in the waves on our stand up paddleboards felt really good.

Stand up surfing and paddling is sweeping the world.  It is a fantastic way to experience any water, lakes, rivers and ocean.  Water is water and SUP gives you access like nothing else.  We don’t go anywhere without our paddleboards.

Even though I just turned forty, this year I’ve been more active than ever.  I celebrated my big birthday by surfing Pipeline in Hawaii, then in May I paddled 225 miles of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.  This summer I paddled uninhabited islands in South Carolina.  I am in the best shape of my life.A lot of people start to physically decline when they hit their forties and fifties.  I plan to be active well into my 100’s.  Besides paddleboarding and surfing, to stay in shape I eat healthy, organic foods and have a full, daily regimen of premium MegaFood whole food vitamin supplements.  I want to continue to live the life of my dreams, charging big waves and having adventures.

Painting with the locals of Playa Zicatela

With age, I feel wiser and I can see the impact of actions from my distant past.  For over 20 years, I’ve been going down to Puerto and have painted surfboards for the local kids.

It’s not easy for locals to earn money down there, and so the kids’ surfboards are always old and damaged.  The only new boards you see on the beach are those of travelers from out of town.

A little Uni Posca paint pen painting on an old board makes it look new again, and that does magic for the morale of kids in a small Mexican town.

I’ve watched people grow up here, and some of the guys, now grown up, tell me that when they were a kid and I painted their boards, it left them feeling pure joy.  Now, they give me waves and they run the place.  They are my friends.  It’s more than just art; it’s giving each other your time.

This year I sat in the grass with my Uni Posca paint pens and painted surfboards while a crowd surrounded me.  We all spent time together, kids, parents, contestants, lifeguards and tourists.  We made something out of nothing.  It was the place to be, there in the grass.  The energy of joy everywhere.

Those young kids got to see how simple life can be.  Plus I just earned another ten years in the Puerto line up!

We are all a part of each other’s stories now.

Life is Good – Drew

For details on the contest (I got third place!):  go to CentralSurf.tv and Surfline.

Special Thanks to:

MegaFood – I’ve never felt healthier.  I am strong and fit, giving me the confidence to do anything!  And, their sponsorship enabled me to be there for the contest.

Hinano Tahiti – For my great clothes, the legend board shorts are awesome.  And, their contribution to my travel to Puerto also allowed me to be there.

Ron House and Riviera Paddle Surf – Mike Muir of Riviera Paddlesurf made sure I had new boards to compete with.  They rode amazing.

Kialoa Paddles – Only the best will do in these waves.

Keen – My Keen Waimea toe guard flip flops rule – no more stubbed toes!

Ocean & Earth – My leash never broke, thanks to the world’s strongest leash. 

Hoven Vision – Boy I needed good shades the sun is always bright in Mexico!

02 Sep

Posted at 07:59h in Behind the Scenes... by
15 Likes

Loving my Puerto Tube! Photo (c) MoonWalkerPhotos.com

SUP allowed us to take off deeper and be at the bottom, waiting for the tube to throw over.  From there, it’s just trying to stuff a 10’ surfboard inside a big tube and hold on!

I’m really excited that I’m invited to compete in the Puerto Escondido Stand Up Paddle Surf contest in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.  Sponsors Hinano Tahiti and MegaFood are making the trip possible.

It’s often called “The Mexican Pipeline” because Puerto Escondido has some of the heaviest tubes in the world!

In 2008 I surfed in this event with waterman Chuck Patterson, Duane DeSoto and other great athletes.  At that time, none of us were even sure that you could stand up surf the waves at Puerto.

But on the height of the swell, just before the contest, all of the athletes pushed SUP to its limits and got giant barrels!

What’s great about SUP at a place like Puerto is that it allows you to sit really far out the back, and you can see the waves coming from a greater distance, allowing you to get in a better position earlier, hunting the waves from behind.

SUP allowed us to take off deeper and be at the bottom, waiting for the tube to throw over.  From there, it’s just trying to stuff a 10’ surfboard inside a big tube and hold on!

One of the crazy things about Puerto is that the waves are so big, just the paddle out takes a lot of strength and endurance.   Some don’t even make it out and end up on the beach, defeated.

I have to be in the best condition possible, so I’ve been preparing by paddling every day and getting my body in tip top shape.

Just like I did before SUPPING the challenging rapids of the Colorado River, I’m staying in shape on the inside, too. Maria makes healthy salads for me every night and we juice in the morning.  I take100% whole food vitamins by MegaFood and eat as much organic food as possible.

I feel privileged to be invited to compete again this year.  Riding big tubes is one of my specialties and I’m up to the challenge.

I hope the waves are huge this year!

Life is Good – Drew