Jerry Murphy
I grew up on farm in northeastern South Dakota, and have been interested in drawing, painting, and sculpturing ever since I was old enough to look at pictures in books and magazines. I am especially interested in portraiture and paintings by artists of the Hudson River School, and the painters that followed.
Most of my early development in art came from books and videos by professional artists. Later, I participated in a number of painting workshops taught by professional sculpturers and oil painters. These were usually intensive five-day events. I make my own sculpturing and painting equipment, and create my own frames or rework existing frames.
I have worked with most of the major painting mediums, but have always returned to oil painting. I like the classic look of oil paintings and the unlimited color possibilities.
Other parts of my world have been colored by serving in direct combat units in the armed forces. I began serving in the enlisted ranks in high school. Sometime later, I served in the officer ranks to include field grade. My military service includes active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserves.
During and following college, I worked in engineering graphics and design for several firms, including a consulting engineering firm, an engineering and manufacturing company, and a development engineering group. However, for most of my career, I taught and managed college engineering and design curriculums.
In recent years, I have been able to devote more time to painting and sculpturing projects. Taking classes through Bereskin Art Academy under Dave Anderson have been a big help.
It has all been a grand adventure.
Jerry's work on display at Nikulski Financial, Inc. includes the following:
- Stream
- Fisherman
- Eagles Landing