Spectators eagerly flocked around Drew Murray at the Fisher’s Freedom Festival, watching him perform his spray paint art technique. While creating each new painting, Drew received many “oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd, waiting to see his final spray, which would unveil yet another masterpiece.
A picture may be “worth a thousand words,” but these paintings are worth 10,000 brush strokes. It's hard to believe Murray can create each work of art in under 10 minutes.
“The festival weekend was a mad dash, non-stop busy experience,” says artist Drew Murray, owner of Dreamscape Paintings, who recently graduated with a fine arts degree from Indiana University in Bloomington.
So how did it all begin? Nearing the end of his junior year at IU, one of Murray’s close friends encouraged him to bring his spray paint art talent to the Fisher’s Freedom Festival. Murray had no idea just how popular his booth would prove to be until his parents (Doug and Deb Murray) had to rush out to buy more paint and glossy foam core boards in order to keep the business flowing.
Now for his second year at the festival, Murray was better prepared for the many visitors who were interested in his painting performance. He had plenty of supplies along with many diverse examples of his work placed under his canopy. He has even expanded his realm of creation to include painted furniture.
The popularity of spray paint art -- half art and half entertainment -- stems from the fact that it draws the crowd into every step of the mesmerizing painting process. Once bystanders stop to see Murray in action, they don’t want to leave until they see his completed work of art.
Although this spray paint art is popular among all ages, Murray’s largest groups of clientele are young kids looking to decorate their bedrooms and newlyweds who need artwork for their new home.
“Drew has built his business dramatically, and he truly enjoys what he does,” says his aunt, Linda Weiper of Fishers. “It amazes me how he can mimic a scene from a picture. Someone once brought in a picture showing the Houston skyline and wanted Drew to recreate this image. He was able to make it look just like the postcard.”
If you would like to have Drew create you a custom painting, please contact him at 317-696-0129 or email him at andmurr@indiana.edu.
Drew plans to attend graduate school at IU to obtain his teaching certification. His goal is to teach high school art someday. His summer spray paint art gig helps fund his way throughout grad school. By the end of the summer, Drew will have performed his spray paint art for about 15-20 festivals throughout Indiana. Here is his schedule for July: Carmel Fest, July 4-5; Brownsburg, July 18; and Frankfort Hot Dog Days, July 25-26.
Don’t fret if you are unable to see him this summer. He will be back at the Fisher’s Freedom Festival next season. Just look for the booth with the largest crowd!
