#WDFanNight Tag

Drew Brophy and the WD Fan Night Mural Painting CES2014“I always wanted my father to be proud of my work.  It felt good being back at home, after all these years, and having him watch me do what I do for a living.  This painting was the last one my father got to see me create.”  Drew Brophy

In December, Western Digital (WD) asked me to paint a mural to put on display at their big party, the WDFanNight event in Las Vegas during CES2014.

At the time, I didn’t realize just how special the memory of creating this painting would become for me.

I was on an extended stay at my parents’ home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  My father was very sick, and Maria and I were helping my mom take care of him.  We brought our work with us across country, and I transformed my parents’ garage into my working studio and went to work!

I built five canvas frames, each one 6′ x 2′, designed that way so the mural would be easy to transport.

This was painted with a variety of mediums; first the background, using Mtn94 Spray Paint.  Then acrylic paints, applied with brushes, to get greater texture.  Then I used airbrush and Uni Posca Paint pens for the finer details.

WD wanted a surf painting in my traditional style, with symbolism that was relevant to their products, which is hard drives.  Hard drives hold things that you want to keep forever.  When I think of things that last forever, I think of ancient times and things that were made in stone.  In a way, hard drives hold information that is saved and passed down.  All of my art is saved on hard drives; it’s like my safety deposit box.  The art will be passed down to my son, and his kids as well.  So in this painting, the character is carving a WD in stone.

One of the best photographers in the area, Scott Smallin, came by every day during the painting of this mural to capture the progress on video and pictures.  Scott became a good friend and someone to lean on, as the days went on and my father got sicker.

I always wanted my father to be proud of my work.  It felt good being back at home, after all these years, and having him watch me do what I do for a living.  This painting was the last one my father got to see me create.

Here’s the video of me painting the mural.  Photo and video credit to Scott Smallin, video editing by Don Perry, music by Brian ILL:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmgbsE_3P10&feature=share&list=UU5G4tVJHYkrSpTsA2tR-qeg

 

CES2014 WD Fan Night Mural painting by Drew Brophy Photo by Scott SmallinI’m painting a mural and customizing a few of the giveaways for WD Fan Night, a party you don’t want to miss if you’re in Las Vegas on January 7th!  (See the Flipagram slide show of the progression of this painting here:  http://flipagram.com/f/3qCYdhgra3 )

WD will be giving away a lot of great things, including my art on t-shirts, posters and skateboards.

It’s an open party, but you have to register to attend (it’s free) – Sign up here:  https://www.wdpromotion.com/wdfannight/default.aspx

WHAT:  WD (Western Digital, maker of my hard drives) invites you to an exclusive Fan Night and creative showcase!  #WDFanNight

WHERE:  Las Vegas, Caesar’s Palace

WHEN:  Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00pm.

DESCRIPTION FROM WD WEBSITE:  Get off the CES show floor and come join us for an evening to celebrate our fans with plenty of food, drinks, live music and of course giveaways!

Hang out with creative professionals such as renowned Sports Illustrated photographer Peter Read Miller, professional gamers Scarra and ODEE from Team Dignitas, artist Drew Brophy and musician MikelParis™ from the band OAR, along with WD product experts providing tips and tricks for getting the most out of our latest gear.

WDFanNight Banner