Tom Murray (American, born 1953)
Born in Spokane, Washington in 1953 Tom Murray’s family moved to Arizona in 1957, where he has lived ever since. Murray began drawing and painting as a youngster. While studying art at the University of Arizona he pursued a career as a professional musician. In 1978 he devoted himself to his art full time. After working at an architectural firm as a commercial artist, Murray shifted his focus to landscape painting.
While traveling extensively throughout Arizona and neighboring states, Murray has developed a strong connection with the southwestern landscape and its beauty. “The natural world reveals the give and take that is part of the greater unity that underlies creation,” according to Murray. He believes that the unspoiled landscape of our planet is the fingerprint of a higher power. According to Murray, “It has been my good fortune to live during the age when there are still large areas of the natural world left untouched by civilization. My paintings represent a tiny portion of that world. The goal of my work is to, within an infinite space, reflect the perfect balance that exists in the ever-changing relationship of nature.”
Murray has created a wide variety of artwork, from abstract to photo-realism, but has specialized in creating landscapes since 1980. Self-taught, he has developed an unusual technique that enables him to create paintings of depth and striking beauty. Murray explains “I have designed my paintings to be appreciated at any distance. From several feet away they look realistic, like looking through a window. A closer inspection reveals the image is made up of many harmonious brush strokes which have their own pleasing qualities. Today, in our society, there is a certain amount of pressure to compromise quality and be concerned only with selling a product. I resist these pressures, however, for the satisfaction that comes from creating something of lasting value. I take my time and use only the finest materials to ensure these works will endure from generation to generation.”
Murray lives in southern Arizona where he enjoys backpacking into places not discovered by most people. This location also provides him with a base to explore the scenic southwest. He is quite well-known for his dramatic paintings of the Grand Canyon, cloud scapes and landscapes. Murray was featured in Southwest Art, February 1987. He has also been featured in Artists of Arizona II, Art-Talk and various local and national publications.