Graphic Illustrator Joseph M. Murphy

The New School- artist lecture

2012-01-13T09:55:00.005-05:00

On January 10th and 11th, 2012, I was invited to The New School in Syracuse, NY to give an artist presentation to children in grades K-8. I spoke about my work as an illustrator, creating architectural images for colleges and businesses, as well as pursuing a career as a children's book illustrator.

After a delightful question and answer period, I demonstrated the wet and dry watercolor painting techniques to one group of young artists. To practice what they had learned, students were asked to paint a very special railroad lantern that I brought in especially for the occasion. I explained that, as an artist, we paint the shadows and highlights of an object, which can be many different kinds of shapes. So, if we look at these shapes and their color, it becomes easier to paint something that might appear very difficult. By using a red light source inside the lantern, students were able to see these shapes and color changes very easily and were able to create their own works of art of the lantern. The delight on the children's faces in accomplishing this difficult task was very rewarding to all. By introducing this masterly technique early on in their artistic development, the students have successfully begun a new way of seeing the world around them.

On my second day at the school I worked with the remaining group of children, grades K-3, demonstrating the same wet and dry watercolor painting techniques, but using a bowl of fruit as a still life. Students were first asked to block in the shapes of the different fruits with one color and then add small lines, or dots, of another color to create areas of shadows between the fruits. Once again, the students were very enthusiastic and were able to paint remarkable still lifes.

Thank you to The New School Staff for extending the invitation to come and be a part of this special workshop. I hope to see the work of these fabulous artists flourish in the years to come!

For more information about The New School, please visit their website.

http://www.newschool-syr.org/index.shtml

Artist Lecture

2011-08-09T20:41:00.004-04:00

On Thursday July 21, 2011, Joseph Murphy gave an art presentation to the children of the Thornden Park Association's Discovery Summer Camp in Syracuse, New York. Roughly twenty children between the ages of 5-9 years old withstood the blistering hot temperatures to escape into the park's beautiful Rose Garden. While Mr. Murphy gave an overview of his illustration career, he shared a few of his original pieces of artwork with the enthusiastic young artists. Then, to everyone's delight, he performed a demonstration on how to paint with watercolors, using the "wet" and "dry brush" techniques. When it came time for the children to practice these techniques on their own, painting scenes from within the Rose Garden, it was clear that their love of art was shining brighter than the red summer sun that day. Very special thanks go out to Miranda Hine and Rebecca Dwyer for extending an invitation to Mr. Murphy to come and speak. A great time was had by all!

Dennis Hopper

2011-05-15T13:49:00.001-04:00

Mark English

2011-05-14T09:52:00.005-04:00

Well, better late than never. These following photos were taken back in October of 2010 when Joseph Murphy attended an artist demo and lecture given by the great Mark English. Mark is a world renowned artist and illustrator known for his groundbreaking montage work as well as his intimate and profound landscape series. Among many traditional artists and illustrators, Mark is regarded as one of the great godfathers of contemporary painting.

This lecture was given at Syracuse University as part of a visiting artist series. In being an admirer, Mark has been a great influence on Mr. Murphy's own work, so it is no surprise that he jumped at the opportunity to meet this living legend and learn from his craft. It is not often, nowadays, that Mark English will travel the college circuit and give these workshops, so it is definitely something to take advantage of when it does happen. In fact, Joseph found himself humbled standing in the presence of other great illustrators, like Mark Summers, who flew in from across the country that day just to see this one particular event. It truly was an awe inspiring day.

Visiting Artist Lecture

2011-03-23T19:15:00.003-04:00

On February 3, 2011, Joseph Murphy spoke to the Canastota Jr.-Sr. High School Art Club in Canastota, New York, about his ventures in illustration, painting, and business of freelance art. Many thanks go out to Kristie Boisen and Denise Whalen, Canastota High School's art teachers and Art Club organizers, for extending the invitation to come and speak to the students. All of those in attendance were very receptive and asked many great questions. Mr. Murphy could not get over their warm and enthusiastic welcome! Afterwards, Joseph even took a look at students' work and was amazed at the level of skill and artistry exhibited by many of these young talents. Keep up the good work!

Rudeboy

2011-03-19T21:40:00.002-04:00

Merry Christmas, one and all!

2010-12-23T16:29:00.003-05:00

New Artwork

2010-12-12T13:46:00.002-05:00

Devil

Harvest Moon

Cornell University

2010-12-07T09:33:00.002-05:00

"Uris Library, Cornell University; view from Libe Slope"

Reflections Of Passion

2010-11-29T21:02:00.001-05:00

"Angel of Death/Phoenix"

Recent Work

2010-11-13T11:46:00.003-05:00

Ray Halbritter; Oneida Indian Nation

Nott Memorial, Union College; Schenectady, NY

Juried Exhibition

2010-09-14T09:05:00.003-04:00

Three of Joseph's works will be on display at the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia, New York, as part of the juried exhibition titled "The Artists of Madison County". The show will run from September 19 through October 16, 2010, with an opening reception on September 19 from 3:30-5:30pm in the John and Virginia Winner Memorial Art Gallery at the park.

Show details can be found here.

More information on Stone Quarry Hill Art Park can be found here.

Bird of Prey

2010-08-26T11:14:00.001-04:00

New logo idea?

Against the Sky- Series 2

2010-08-26T10:56:00.002-04:00

"Against the Sky 2-1"

"Against the Sky 2-2"

The Unforgettable Fire

2010-08-23T09:18:00.001-04:00

French Fields

2010-08-20T23:36:00.001-04:00

... and time is a string of pearls

2010-08-19T01:23:00.009-04:00

See the future just hanging there.

In your blue room.

Studies

2010-08-11T21:21:00.001-04:00

Where the Streets Have No Name (in Upstate New York)

2010-08-06T10:15:00.004-04:00

Guest Artist Lecture- pictures

2010-08-01T10:23:00.006-04:00

The following pictures were taken at the YMCA Summer Arts Studio Program in Fayetteville, New York on July 30, 2010. Many thanks go out to all the counselors, especially Amber Brown and Arts Studio Director Kat Kane, for extending the invitation to come and speak to the students about illustration.

The children were treated to a cross section of Joseph Murphy's artwork which showcased his earliest works as a child himself, drawing images from X-Men trading cards, through other early works and studies in high school and college, and up to his most recent work depicting architecture and children's book illustrations.

... and, yes, Joe knows he has a pretty wicked sunglasses tan.

Against the Sky - Series 1

2010-07-24T20:39:00.007-04:00

Based on the idea of looking through a closed eyelid. In other words, the texture of the inside of an eyelid as it pertains to the available light.

Against The Sky 1-1

"Standing Wash"

Against The Sky 1-2

"Faithfully Departed"

Against The Sky 1-3

"Permanence"

Available Now

2010-07-15T10:20:00.004-04:00

In conjunction with Coleman's Authentic Irish Pub, Joseph M. Murphy is pleased to announce that prints of his artwork are now available for purchase. The prints depict scenes from the traditionally Irish neighborhood of Tipperary Hill in Syracuse, New York. Purchases may be made either through the artist's website or the Pub Gift Shoppe, which is located on 100 South Lowell Avenue in Syracuse.

A Blast From The Past

2010-07-15T10:05:00.010-04:00

A photo has recently been unearthed of an early work by Joseph M. Murphy. The painting was done during the artist's senior year at Canastota High School in New York State and is still on permanent display at the school. It is clearly evident that the artist's skills were just beginning to advance and have grown and refined since then. For example, when rendering the human form, he now remembers to include BOTH arms. Oh, nostalgia.

Guest Artist Lecture

2010-07-09T14:57:00.002-04:00

Mr. Murphy has just been confirmed as one of several special guest artists giving a presentation during the Youth Summer Art Program at the Fayetteville YMCA in upstate New York. Our artist will be lecturing on Friday July 30, 2010 and it is sure to be a treat. In already having ten prior years experience in teaching children swimming lessons, Joseph is well adverse as to what it takes to be an educator, no matter what the field, especially when it comes to making learning fun and productive.

... but it was just my imagination, running away with me

2010-07-08T13:53:00.005-04:00

The image below is a finished sketch for a new piece about children learning swimming lessons during the summer. The final color composition is currently being made and will be posted back here, too, as soon as time permits.

"Brothers"

Miscellaneous sketches- 2

2010-06-27T16:17:00.006-04:00

Beck

Miscellaneous sketches- 1

2010-06-27T15:55:00.007-04:00

The following sketches are some long overdue thumbnails that should have been posted a while ago. Each image depicts a different idea as to create a branding logo using a buffalo as the main character. Each sketch is in its infancy, ranging from more realistic to more abstract, but trying to incorporate the idea of "gambling" yet letting the buffalo retain its element of sacredness. Besides using the iconography of "the spade" from a deck of cards to give the animal some dimension, the project objectivity was unsuccessful, but did yield some interesting art.

Something more archaic looking ...

Unfrozen caveman-buffalo?

On Tipperary Hill

2010-06-26T13:25:00.002-04:00

More news on the way ...

Joseph M. Murphy and Peter Coleman; owner Coleman's Pub (Syracuse, NY)

Vincent V. Albanese Dedication Ceremony Pictures

2010-06-06T22:06:00.022-04:00

*Photo courtesy of Bernard Gleeson

*Photo courtesy of The Oneida Daily Dispatch

Dolores and Vincent Albanese

Vincent V. Albanese | Educational Center

2010-06-03T20:51:00.008-04:00

On Sunday June 6, 2010, Canastota High School in Central New York will be dedicated after one of its most dedicated and lifelong faculty members: Vincent V. Albanese.

With a resume consisting of over 50 years of service to the Canastota Central School District, Mr. Albanese served many facets in the Canastota educational system. At various points in his career, Mr. Albanese was a teacher, Junior High Guidance Counselor, Director of Guidance, High School Principal, Director of Instruction, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent and upon retiring in 1989, became the honorary Canastota Representative on the Madison-Oneida BOCES Board of Education.

A formal dedication ceremony is being held in the high school auditorium with reception to follow.

This portrait is being donated by Joseph M. Murphy in recognition of Mr. Albanese's dedication. It will subsequently be permanently installed in the Canastota High School office after the ceremony.

This artist's rendering depicts a new monument to be erected in front of the Canastota

schools to commemorate the new dedication. The structure consists of stone pillars,

shrubbery, and an electronic message board bearing Mr. Albanese's name.

New lettering will also be applied to the facade of the main entrance to the high school.

... this just in ...

2010-05-01T16:00:00.002-04:00

In regards to Mr. Murphy's paintings being accepted into the Society of Illustrator's Illustration West 48, the work will also be on display at the ICON6 (National Illustration Conference) July 14-17, 2010. The conference is being held at the Langham Hotel, formerly the Ritz-Carlton, in Pasadena, California.

Prints for Sale

2010-05-01T15:53:00.006-04:00

Prints of Joseph's illustration of Syracuse University's Hall of Languages are currently on sale in the Schine Bookstore at Syracuse University and on his personal website: http://www.jmmurphyillustrator.com/

In the News

2010-04-19T19:11:00.006-04:00

The Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts website recently posted an article about Joseph M. Murphy:

http://vpa.syr.edu/new/painting-sus-lubin-house

Pen and Ink Drawing

2010-03-18T19:43:00.003-04:00

The most recent drawing from Joseph Murphy depicts the Hall of Languages on the Syracuse University campus in Syracuse, New York.

New Artwork

2010-02-06T15:53:00.005-05:00

Joseph recently completed a new pen and ink drawing of Syracuse University's Lubin House.

Illustration West 48

2010-01-07T22:48:00.003-05:00

Recently, two of Joseph Murphy's illustrations were selected for inclusion in the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles' Illustration West 48. The winning artwork was part of a series of paintings for Syracuse University's Publications Department depicting the university's New York City office building, Lubin House. A Spring 2010 gallery exhibition is tentatively being organized for all winners.

The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles was founded in 1953 by a handful of Southern California advertising artists and designers, primarily to promote the professional status of illustration art as well as foster both philanthropic and educational goals. From this small beginning it has grown to a very productive membership whose work is seen locally and nationally by millions each year in all printed media, television, films, the Internet and gallery exhibitions.

Today, SILA has close to 200 members and is firmly established as the major professional art entity on the West Coast providing significant contribution to the vitality of not only the community itself but the nation as well.

A Vision for a Healthy Madison County- Winner Announced

2009-08-01T11:27:00.002-04:00

Sunday Rehab at the Lava Club

2009-07-11T21:59:00.003-04:00

My most recent illustration was commissioned by the Lava danceclub at Turning Stone Resort & Casino. Check it out here.

Coleman's Pub Artwork

2009-05-02T16:31:00.008-04:00

For all those who are, or strive to be, Irish, you are probably already familiar with the historical lineage that is Coleman's Authentic Irish Pub in the famous Tipperary Hill area of Syracuse, New York. So when the great Peter Coleman himself comes and asks to lend your talents in painting the various landmarks that dot this neighborhood, you too would jump at the opportunity to be a part of one of the greatest institutions in the city of Syracuse. Shown here are a selection of the works that Joseph Murphy has done for Peter Coleman and the Tipperary Hill Association. You can find these paintings in the newly renovated upstairs banquet hall of Coleman's Pub. Coleman's is located at 100 South Lowell Avenue in Syracuse, New York.

A Vision For A Healthy Madison County- Call For Entries

2009-02-28T14:24:00.006-05:00

The Madison County Health Department and its community partners throughout the past year have been conducting a variety of activities as part of its Community Health Assessment. Among these activities were group meetings held throughout the County where individuals could comment on what they envisioned as a healthy and positive Madison County. As a result of these sessions, the Health Department has implemented a project initiated in conjunction with Joseph Murphy, a local artist and illustrator, inviting adult artists to interpret through illustration what they envision as a "Healthy Madison County."

This call for artwork is an outcome of Madison County's Mobilizing for Action Through Planning and Partnership (MAPP) project, a community based, community driven project that identifies the issues critical to the success of the local public health system, the community's vision of a positive Madison County, and an improved quality of life of its residents.

"Having such broad community participation, the MAPP Committee thought it essential that the artistic community be represented as well. We anticipate that quality art depicting an aspect of health in Madison C0unty will not only foster an awareness of health among Madison County residents, but will also increase the visibility of adult artists in our area," said Eric Faisst, Director of the Madison County Health Department.

A panel consisting of Roger DeMuth and John Thompson, faculty from the Illustration Department at Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, will jury all entries. Ten images will ultimately be chosen that best visualize the statement from the Vision Statement for a Healthy Madison County that characterizes Madison County as a community that "values and protects its agricultural traditions, rich history, and natural scenic beauty." Deadline for submission is May 31, 2009. The selected entrants will be notified during the month of June. Winning artists will have their work reproduced and unveiled as poster-sized prints in an opening exhibit at the Madison County Office Buildings in August. Upon the close of the exhibit, the posters will remain on permanent display at the Public Health Department and will be available for display at other locations upon request through the Health Department. Images of the artwork will also be reproduced and printed on postcards that will be distributed throughout Madison County.

Entrants may submit only one piece. Requirements for submitted art must be a painting or drawing rendered to 11"x17," vertical or horizontal format. The image must be scanned to size as a JPEG file at 300 dpi and burned to a CD-ROM. Entrants must include their name, address, phone number, e-mail, and the medium and title for their illustration written on the disc. This disc must be received no later than May 31, 2009 to Joseph M. Murphy at 407 West Lewis Street, Canastota, New York 13032. No original artwork should be submitted. All submitted discs will not be returned, unless otherwise denoted and enclosed with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Winning artists will retain ownership of their original work and share unlimited reproduction rights with the Madison County Public Health Department by signing a Letter of Agreement with the Department. Each selected artists' name and contact information will be denoted on all posters and materials containing their work. There will be no financial compensation from this project. Artists will have the ability to sell their work at their own discretion to the public through outside transactions separate from the involvement of the Health Department. For any questions, please contact Joseph Murphy via e-mail at jmmurphyillustrator@yahoo.com or phone at (315) 447-5830.

This project is made possible with funds from the DECentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Stanley Center for the Arts. For additional information on the Madison County MAPP Committee and its project, call Eric Faisst at (315) 366-2361 or visit the Health Department's website at www.healthymadisoncounty.org, which includes the complete Vision Statement for a Healthy Madison County.

Art Show and Open House

2008-12-07T14:00:00.003-05:00

A selection of Joseph's work will be featured as part of the annual Canastota Canal Town Museum Holiday Open House and Art Show in Canastota, New York. The opening reception is Sunday December 7, 2008 from 3:00-5:00pm at the Canastota Canal Town Education Center, located next door to the museum. This is open to the public. Other hours that are available to view the art are Thursday December 11 and 18, from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm, and Saturday December 13 and 20, from 10:30 am-12:00 noon.

Boogieman Bash Event Pictures

2008-11-08T20:00:00.006-05:00

The following are pictures from the Boogieman Bash at Turning Stone Resort & Casino where banners of my artwork were used. The event is held yearly to judge the best Halloween costumes and carved pumpkins.

Syracuse University's Joseph I. Lubin House

2008-10-23T22:33:00.007-04:00

These recent illustrations were completed for Syracuse University to showcase its Manhattan office building, the Joseph I. Lubin House.

The Boogieman Bash

2008-10-16T21:11:00.009-04:00

You can currently see my work hanging at Turning Stone Casino and Resort in Verona, New York to promote their Boogieman Bash. The following characters are being made into banners to celebrate their Halloween festivities.

Pressin' On

2008-08-03T15:14:00.006-04:00

I've always considered the buffalo to be one of the most majestic and beautiful creatures on earth. It's a humble animal that you can feel a connection with on a spiritual level. I've always viewed it as having a purpose to stand as an iconic figure of burden, perseverance, and life. Aside from historically being hunted and persecuted, I believe the buffalo is a shaman of sorts. At first glance, it is as grounded as rock and mountain. Upon running, though, its weight and movements represent small scratches that carve out this idea of unchained universal love. For a better visual aid, please refer to the buffalo music video version of "One" by U2, which was based on the photography of David Wojnarowics.

Summer 2008 Update

2008-07-17T17:33:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone!

Well summer is upon us again and I thought that I'd keep everyone up to speed on what has been going on. I am currently working on small projects for various clubs and organizations in Canastota, New York, designing book covers and pamphlets. I will even be working as part of a team to create a poster project, similar to the idea of the one in Syracuse, that will concentrate on beautifying Madison County in Central New York.

For the ninth year, I am continuing to lifeguard and teach swimming lessons. I have to say that I am grateful to have such a supportive group of friends and staff every year that makes work fun and encourages the fostering knowledge. Also, I recently got a job working as a Production Graphic Designer at The Turning Stone Casino and Resort. Don't worry. I am still going to freelance art and design on the side and keep building my portfolio and clientele.

There are also other projects in the works, which I will keep you posted on as they come about.

Thank you and have a great summer!

New Work

2008-07-17T17:19:00.007-04:00

These two pieces are meant to represent the rich cultural heritage of my hometown, Canastota, which thrived years ago on the harvesting of onions and potatoes in central New York. We are still known for our export of these goods and continue to honor and remember the hard work of those who worked the muck lands in the early years.

Miscellaneous

2008-07-17T16:35:00.011-04:00

This portrait is of Middleweight and two-time Welterweight Champion of the World, Carmen Basilio. He is our local hero and native son of Canastota, New York.

The following is a conceptual idea for the cover of Third Eye Blind's long awaited fourth album, Ursa Major.

Change of Address

2008-05-13T16:04:00.002-04:00

I've recently moved! In case anyone needs to contact me, my new mailing address is:

Joseph M. Murphy

407 West Lewis Street

Canastota, NY 13032

Otherwise, my other contact info remains the same:

(p): 315-447-5830

(email): jmmurphyillustrator@yahoo.com

Between Thought and Expression

2008-04-03T23:32:00.028-04:00

Well, the opening of The Art of Joseph M. Murphy was a success! The Lawson Community Room in the Canastota Library was jammed packed with a steady stream of eager on-lookers for the breadth of the evening.

Many people came out to show their support and admire the work of graphic illustrator Joseph Murphy, who is a native son of Canastota. For those in attendance, people were greated to fine works of art of local Syracuse area business institutions as well as surrealistic pieces of abstract art.

Fine refreshments were graciously served by library staff, who did a fantastic job of hosting the event. Special thanks are much deserved to Beth Totten and Liz Metzger (not pictured) for a job well done.

Look who stopped by! Roger DeMuth, Associate Professor of Illustration at Syracuse University, dropped in and shared some kind words with the artist, pictured here.

All in all, what matters most at the end of the day are the little things in life, like family and friends, and being able to share special occasions with them. Joseph was able to share the night with some special friends from college who made the trek out to see the opening of his first show.

For anyone who was unable to attend the opening, the show will run through the remainder of April at the Canastota Public Library. Admission is free and open to the public. Original artwork and signed prints are available for sale (see below). Contact either the library or artist for more details.

Thank you everyone for whom were in attendance!

The Art of Joseph M. Murphy- Opening Reception

2008-03-31T12:40:00.003-04:00

Up and coming graphic illustrator, Joseph Murphy, will be the featured artist-in-residence for the month of April at the Canastota Public Library in Canastota, New York. The opening reception will be held Thursday April 3, 2008, from 7-8:30pm in the library's Lawson Community Room. Original artwork and prints will be available for purchase. Admission is free and open to the public. The show runs through the month of April.

The exhibit will highlight a selection of Central New York landmarks and business institutions as well as an array of icons from music and film. There will also be a featured area of Murphy's gallery work, concentrating on the use of abstraction and texture.

Born in Central New York, Joseph is a 2003 alumnus of Canastota High School where he graduated Valedictorian of his class. He went on to pursue his studies at Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2007 with a BFA in Illustration and minor in Fine Arts History.

Joseph's talents have landed him such awards from The Society of Illustrator's of New York and Los Angeles. He also earned the Syracuse University Honorable Mention Award for the Illustration Class of 2007 upon his commencement.

While at SU, Joseph had the opportunity to study under the tutelage of many award winning illustrators and artists. It is through their encouragement and gift for teaching that he attributes the foundation and development of his education, of which he is truly grateful.