Art and sports are two entirely different fields. It is not often that we see an artist who is creatively inspired by a specific kind of sport he or she is into. Take for example American artist Drew Brophy. Known as a “surf artist”, Drew is one of the most popular and pioneering artists that combine art with surfboarding. He is best known for his distinctive painting style on surfboards using Uni-Posca water-based paint pens.
Painting in the Studio Photo (c) David Macomber, Shark Sugar
Drew Brophy from an interview via 3DotMag
Drew began surfing since he was a kid from South Carolina. He moved to Hawaii to experience more of the waves and now on San Clemente, California with his son and wife not just for the sport but pursuing his another passion – art, which now became his lifetime profession. His works are notably inspired by the environment, the sun, the waves, life and mainly surfing. He uses his art to travel the globe and pay for his surf adventures.
The Brophy family © Michael R Foley via SurfersVillage
The influence of surfing and the environment on his art have produced a unique style in painting which makes Drew as one of the most unique surf artists out there. Aside from painting surfboards, Drew also works on various surf and water paintings, corporate and event logo art, character art, wall murals and different commissioned works. Check out some of these below:
Gift for a groom from his bride June 2012 | (c) Drew Brophy
Painted for Google’s Irvine Office | (c) Drew Brophy
Surfboards | (c) Drew Brophy
Surfboards | (c) Drew Brophy
“The Trip” water painting for Liquid Force | (c) Drew Brophy
Ocean Institute water painting | (c) Drew Brophy
“Barracuda” | (c) Drew Brophy
KIDS BEACH (c) Drew Brophy 2011 – Mixed Media on Box Canvas
“Death Tube” | (c) Drew Brophy
“Wall of Skulls” | (c) Drew Brophy
“Cape Lookout” | (c) Drew Brophy
Program art for Ocean Institute’s Summer Adventure Brochures and signage | (c) Drew Brophy
Surf Expo T-Shirt Design | (c) Drew Brophy
LULU’s Cafe Mural | Photo by Greg Letts | (c) Drew-Brophy and Ian Orsos
A reality television show called The Paint Shop With Drew Brophy produced by Crystal Cove Media Production Company last 2011 which aired on Southern California local television channels, including Cox and Time Warner takes the viewers behind the scenes of Drew’s art studio and projects.
The Paint Shop with Drew Brophy
SURF and TURF – Paint Shop TV Episode 5
As an artist’s advocate, Drew Brophy have lead various seminars and workshops to schools and universities sharing his passion in art and spreading the word of helping and taking care of the ocean and environment. Check out Drew Brophy’s blog, gallery and more cool things about his surf art on his official website.
There you have it guys! What do you think of Drew’s amazing artworks? Tell us your thoughts and suggestions by commenting below. Stay awesome everyone!