It started out as constantly doodling on everything as a kid. In school I would always be drawing on the sides of my paper instead of doing my work. I even won a mall coloring contest based on the movie “The Land Before Time” bringing home the prize of a giant stuffed animal. I should have known then where my life was going. In high school I made sure to sign up and fill my schedule with every art and creative class I could take.
After graduating I was side track with life and work and art wasn’t as much of a passion. It wasn’t until I became sick with a blood disorder that made me so sick that I couldn’t do much of anything other than waste my time and life playing video games. Randomly two people in two days told me I should try to start painting with my time. I couldn’t help but take that as a sign from the universe. I started painting right away.
Years ago I started with mixed media to create my art, now I primarily use oil paints. Over time I sharpened my techniques and came into my own as an artist. I’ve been in galleries from coast to coast. I went from painting portraits of dogs and animals to people and celebrities, and sports memorabilia. I like to be looking for the next hot thing to paint and always expand my style.
Painting has taken me to some wild places and I have gotten to paint for celebrities and comedians such as l, Joe Rogan, Bobby Lee, Bert Kreischer, Joey Diaz, Theo Von, and Ari Shaffir. Also, I was able to paint live at the Rich the Kid concert and asked to do a piece for Chicago Public Schools with Chance the Rapper. Other musicians I have painted for include Ryan Upchurch, Adam Calhoun, Steve Aoki, and NBA players Danny Green and Evan Turner. You can find or keep up with what I’m working on if you follow my Instagram @artbymr or contact me about my pieces at my email artbymatt@live.com