Meet Brian Murphy, an artist with a passion for travel and painting. With roots in the Plein air movements of California in the mid-1990s, Brian has been teaching art since 1999-2000 and hosted his first workshop in Ireland in 2007.
But Brian’s journey as an artist started much earlier. While other kids were busy playing, he was always sketching and drawing. He pursued his passion by attending art school in CA in the 80s and gained valuable experience working at a design firm. His teaching style is rooted in his own experiences, where he found traditional theory-heavy classes lacking in hands-on creativity. Instead, Brian focuses on a step-by-step approach, demonstrating techniques before guiding students.
For Brian, the success of a workshop lies in the ability to introduce new ideas, techniques, or perspectives that students can incorporate into their work. He believes workshops provide a unique opportunity to jumpstart artistic progress and grow more quickly than weekly classes.
Traveling is another passion of Brian’s, as it provides him with inspiration and the chance to collaborate with students. The ideas and energy he gains from teaching always fuel his own artistic growth.
Brian believes that plein air and studio painting are distinctly different, with the weather, lighting, and surroundings constantly changing outdoors. Brian’s experience in both gives him a wealth of knowledge to share.
But it’s not just about art for Brian. He’s excited to enjoy the food, wine, and camaraderie that come with each workshop. The dinners and conversations with fellow artists allow for lasting friendships. And during his next workshop with Il Chiostro, he can’t wait to explore the five villages of the Cinque Terre.
Speaking of teaching, Brian has hosted several workshops with Il Chiostro and said about the experience, “I have taught with Il Chiostro several times, and their attention to detail and making everyone feel so welcome adds so much to the workshop. Michelino is such a giving and entertaining person, and Michael and Linda are giving and honest. I can do a workshop anywhere, but when we transport people to Italy (I encourage them to), embrace the experience and not get frustrated with how the painting is coming out – step back and look where you are. You will get more from the experience.”
Cinque Terre, oil on canvas by Brian Murphy