Drew Merritt

Los Angeles-based artist, Drew Merritt, is a master of realism. He brings contemporary design and realistic human forms together bringing life to canvases and city walls.

Merritt grew up in rural New Mexico on a farm, and showed his natural inclination towards creativity and art from a very young age. He evolved from someone who can paint to a bonafide artist during his time in LA. Merritt refined his technique and artistic voice that emotes elements of the human condition. He pulls inspiration from the great painters of the Renaissance era in wardrobes and poses seen in classical works. He says, “Just sitting at a table with all these people and listening to graff stories, it was the coolest thing ever. I don’t know why L.A. is like that. I was talking to Apexer about it, and he said it’s how San Fran used to be…this community of artists and friendship with everybody. It’s the raddest feeling in the world to have friends that when they talk about art, you want to listen.”

Merritt explores relationships and empathy, while showcasing emotions, environmental or physical flaws in his realistic portraitures. He says, “I guess when I’m sketching stuff out, it’s more aggressive, fast-paced music, and sometimes I’ll slow it down while I’m painting. A lot of the time I’ll put on a movie while I work, or ten movies, or movies and music, or books on tape. I know it’s a generic answer to say you listen to everything, but I kind of do.”

551 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N
St. Petersburg, FL

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