"The work I create is a juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. My oil paintings are inspired by the techniques of the old masters intertwined with subject matter attempting to capture the essence of the human condition. My visual conceptualizations are themed around human interaction, whether the settings are mythological, historical, or modern."

Christopher R Murray is a fine artist, oil painter, portraitist, illustrator, and concept artist based in the Southeastern US. His style combines the techniques and traditions of the old masters with modern cultural and literary influences. He works in oils, charcoal, and ink. Murray attended The University of South Alabama and The University of West Florida where he studied Painting and Art History. He lives in Rosinton, AL with his partner, twin sons, and daughter.

Recent Awards and Accomplishments

BEST IN SHOW, 'The Artist's Wife and Twins' - Eastern Shore Art Center Member's Show, 2021

BEST IN SHOW, 'Priestess II' - Mobile Arts Council Member's Show, 2021

2nd Place, 2-D - Ballyhoo Festival, Gulf Shores, AL, 2022

Chamber of Commerce Award - Ballyhoo Festival, Gulf Shores, AL, 2022

3rd Place, 'Penitent Magdalene' - Mobile Arts Council Member's Show, 2022

2nd Place Overall - Jubilee Festival, Daphne, AL, 2022

Competing Artist in Mobile Arts Council's annual fundraiser, 'The Throwdown,' 2022

Participating Artist in Mobile Contemporary Arts Center's youth arts fundraiser, 'Neu Dawn,' 2020-22

Fine Arts Teaching

Eastern Shore Art Center, Fairhope, AL, Jan. 2021 - current

classes - Solvent-Free Oil Painting, Drawing 101, Dynamic Drawing for Teens, Mixed Media Masters (age 7-9)

Daphne Art Center, Daphne, AL, 2018-20

classes - Drawing 101, Drawing 102, Painting in Oil and Acrylic

Orange Beach Coastal Art Center, Orange Beach, AL, 2016-19

classes - Drawing 101, Drawing 102

Illustration

Cover art, interior illustration, and design for books including "The Donner Party Cookbook - A Guide to Survival on the Hastings Cutoff," by Terry Del Bene and "The Misadventures of Dust Bunny" series by Beth Smithem, among others

Illustration and album cover designs for various musicians and bands, including The Mulligrubs, Sazerac, and The Western Lands

Illustration and design for a series of craft beer labels for 'Deep South Brew House' and 'Old 31'

Poster illustration and design for various local events and concerts

Live spray paint art demonstrations at Mobile Art Walk (2016-20)

Galleries, Exhibition Spaces, and Festivals

Eastern Shore Arts Center, MAC Gallery, Orange Beach Coastal Arts Center, Mobile Contemporary Arts Center, The Social Experiment, Optera Creative, Blue Velvet Studio, Ballyhoo Festival, Fairhope Outdoor Art Show (Arts and Crafts), Daphne Jubilee Festival, The Soul Kitchen, Satori Coffee House, various other local markets and businesses.