Some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Bruce Springsteen was Born to Run and Born in the U.S.A.—some might say Bruce has two birthdays. Some people are Bourne “Jason”—and some are Bjorn Borg.
For Mackinac Center UPS driver, Robin Murray, he was born to paint. It’s a way of life—no hobby—and he’s the real deal.
For Mackinac Center UPS driver, Robin Murray, he was born to paint. It’s a way of life—no hobby—and he’s the real deal.
He (p)Ain’t No Flash in the Pan
Robin began painting at age four with acrylic materials. Both of his parents went to art school and Robin’s grandfather was a biologist who was heavily interested in nature and animals—particularly birds. Much like his grandfather, Robin also loves nature and animals. But unlike his parents, he never attended art school or received a formal education in art. He is completely self-taught.
“I saw my parents painting, so naturally, I was interested,” Robin said. “People were telling me I had a natural talent, and as a kid, you begin to work harder when you’re receiving praise and encouragement.”
Wherever he went, Robin carried with him his Peterson’s Field Guide to Birds of North America book—using it to identify and sketch as he observed nature and animals.
He painted relentlessly until age 15. Then he quit. Sparked by other interests like riding his dirt bike, wood-working, and cars, Robin shifted gears and left painting behind—until he met the woman who would be his future wife, Bryanna.
My ‘Art Will Go On
“I told Bryanna I could paint,” Robin said. “She didn’t believe me and challenged me to paint her something.”
After a six-year hiatus from painting, Robin was once again inspired. He picked up where he had left off by using acrylic materials, but soon switched to oil painting after studying the masters of the 18th-century and their various techniques. By doing so, his painting style soon began to take on a new shape.
Today, his choice in art medium depends on the subject and style of what he is painting. His favorite mediums are oil, egg tempera, and acrylic.
In 2015, Robin entered one of his pieces in the Grand Rapids-based Art Prize competition. His massive painting, American Icons, ranked in the top 20 at the event. Winning Art Prize someday is one of his many goals in his artistic endeavors.
In 2015, Robin entered one of his pieces in the Grand Rapids-based Art Prize competition. His massive painting, American Icons, ranked in the top 20 at the event. Winning Art Prize someday is one of his many goals in his artistic endeavors.
With Bryanna’s encouragement, and his stellar showing at Art Prize, Robin began to enter his work in more shows. He was also accepted into the Artists for Conservation (AFC). This prestigious group of 500 artists from 30 different countries are the best of the best in their field.
AFC supports wildlife and habitat conservation and environmental education through art that celebrates nature. Robin soon began winning awards for his submissions—and the art world began taking notice.
Robin and Bryanna travel throughout the U.S. and Canada for AFC shows. For each original painting he sells through AFC, 40 percent of the proceeds are set aside for wildlife and habitat conservation.
He Continues to Draw a Crowd
Robin is often asked what inspires him to create his nature driven artwork.
“I’ve grown up surrounded by nature and art,” Robin said. “I typically start with an idea and then move to sketch the composition. If possible, I then go photograph the subject to use for reference in my painting.”
There are, however, times when he doesn’t have the luxury of photographing his subject. Robin will then rely on his uncanny understanding of animal anatomy. He can easily envision his subject in various natural poses and deftly create a stunning end result.
There are, however, times when he doesn’t have the luxury of photographing his subject. Robin will then rely on his uncanny understanding of animal anatomy. He can easily envision his subject in various natural poses and deftly create a stunning end result.
“If you didn’t know better, you’d swear he painted the subject from looking at a photograph,” Bryanna said. “But there are times when there’s no photograph at all and it’s coming from his mind’s eye.”
Most of his ideas are conceived while lying in bed trying to fall asleep.
“I’ll finally be drifting off to sleep when suddenly an idea strikes me,” Robin said. “I jump out of bed scaring my wife as I crash through the dark trying to find a pencil and paper to sketch the image before it slips from my mind.”
Where for Art Thou
Robin holds great admiration for nature artists such as Robert Bateman, Terry Isaac, and John Audubon. But it’s not just these artists and studying the old masters for years that has led Robin to success.
“With no formal education in art, I would have to say my father is the greatest teacher and critic of my work,” Robin said. “Also, my grandfather’s knowledge and love of nature. He always had answers to my many questions.”
Upon viewing his artwork, one can clearly see that it’s much more than just a painting. Robin’s artwork tells a story.
As for advice for other aspiring artists, Robin says that practicing every day is key.
“Even if you’re just observing or sketching, that will help hone your skills as an artist,” Robin said. “Most of all, you have to love it.”
As we move through the year, we will continue to identify Super UPSers like Robin Murray who have unique, compelling, and inspiring stories that engage us and create a sense of pride in being a UPSer.
