Richard G. Murphy

Growing up in Larchmont, N.Y., I always enjoyed drawing and painting, but chose to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, rather than the art world. Now, following success as a writer/producer, I have returned to my first love; painting.

Inspired by photographers, such as Dorothea Lange, John Vachon, Frank Stallings, Mae Weems, and images capturing the Dust Bowl and Depression eras, I tackled a number of mixed media folk art pieces, incorporating acrylic paint and fabric on plywood, to create what I collectively call the “Heartland Series," while my love of dogs inspired my whimsical “Canine Series” of mixed media folk art pieces, portraying clothed pups posing in a variety of landscapes, including a few landmarks.

Currently, my “Facescape Series” of acrylic paintings on canvas is an ongoing collection of portraits featuring friends, neighbors, and others who’ve shaped my life here in Los Angeles as I attempt to capture the depth of their character, especially through their eyes. These aren’t commissioned likenesses — they’re everyday people captured in a moment of reflection or stillness, painted with bold color, clean edges, and a sense of presence. Each piece is both a tribute and a conversation — an effort to really see someone, and in doing so, reflect something honest back to the viewer.

As a self-taught artist, what is most exciting is what I discover with each series, and each new painting. Indeed, the freedom to experiment with different brushes while mixing/diluting paint colors often results in what I like to call “happy accidents” that create beauty while inspiring a technique that I can exercise in my next work of art.

Consequently, when asked what I would consider to be my favorite painting, my reply is always “My next...!”

Website: richard-g-murphy.com
Instagram: richard.g.murphy.art

Exhibition History

Group Shows

2025 - Pasadena Society of Artists: 2025 Artist’s Choice Exhibition. Whites Fine Art Gallery, Montrose, CA. (December 9 - January 10, 2026).

2025 - Los Angeles Art Association: “The Awful Truth” Exhibition. Gallery 825, Los Angeles, CA. (October 25 - November 21, 2025).

2025 - Los Angeles Art Association: “Sugar High” On-Line Exhibition. Los Angeles, CA. (October 18 - November 14, 2025).

2025 - Pasadena Society of Artists: 2025 Juried Exhibition. Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center, Burbank, CA. (October 3 - October 23, 2025). Juror: Juan Bastos.

2025 - Los Angeles Art Association: “Greatest Radiant” On-Line Exhibition. Los Angeles, CA. (July 19 - August 15, 2025).

2025 - Pasadena Society of Artists: “Centennial’ Exhibition.” Pasadena Museum of History, Pasadena, CA. (February 28 - June 1, 2025).

2024 - Pasadena Society of Artists: Artist’s Choice Exhibition. Whites Gallery, Montrose. (August 6 - August 31, 2024).

2024 - Pasadena Society of Artists: 99th Annual Juried Exhibition. Whites Fine Art Gallery, Montrose, CA. (April 2 - April 27, 2024). Juror: Kenneth Ronney.

Publication History:

2025 - Voyage LA Magazine: “Meet Richard G. Murphy of West Toluca Lake.” (April 7, 2025).

2025 - Pasadena Society of Artists, March 2025 Newsletter: “Featured Artist - Richard G. Murphy.”