Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip McElroy.
Philip, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Before I moved to Los Angeles, I didn’t have any experience painting. I would go to museums and read books and watch documentaries about some of my favorite artists. I was so jealous of all the incredible talent that they all had. I never thought that I could make art as beautiful as theirs.
Then I moved in with an old friend that lives in Altadena. She’s an artist herself who makes some incredible pieces. From time to time, I would sit and watch her paint in her studio in the backyard. One night, she said that I should give it a try. I informed her that there was no way that I was up to par with her or that I knew what I was doing. She said, “Just start. You don’t need to know what you’re doing.”
I followed her words and gave it a shot. I started by throwing some plaster on an old piece of wood, proceeded by some spray paint and acrylic. The feeling I had when it was complete was a new high. I still have that first piece of mine and the three others I made that night.
Since then, I’ve moved to Studio City and haven’t stopped painting. I have boxes and boxes full of artwork. I have shipped my art to admirers across the country. I have also just acquired a small studio space close to home. At the moment, I am excited to be looking for galleries that are interested in hosting some of my work.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Painting started off as just a hobby for me. I enjoyed the escape and the quick, creative satisfaction of completing a piece compared to my other creative endeavors. When I started, yes, it was a smooth road. It was just for enjoyment.
Now that I am trying to sell more of my work and trying to get into galleries, no, it has not been a smooth road. The struggle I’ve had to deal most with is meeting the right people with the seriousness I have about this industry. Having these people take me seriously as a painter since I am still not well-known. I expected that though, so I’ve been able to roll with the punches.
Nothing worth it comes easy.
Mediums by Philip McElroy – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in large scale abstract art pieces. It’s what I have the most fun creating.
What sets me apart from others are the techniques I use to create my pieces. Obviously, I’m not going to indulge those techniques. I also use many, many different mediums which sets me apart from others as well.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Every time I finish a piece I love is a form of success for me. (God knows how many pieces of mine I’ve absolutely hated.)
Outside of that, my next goal I am hoping to achieve is to get my pieces into a great show. To sell more and more pieces year over year.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pmcelroy23
- Other: https://mediumsbypm.tumblr.com/
Image Credit:
Erin-Elizabeth Miller
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