GLENN MURRAY Fine Art
Work In Private Collections * Major Juried Exhibitions * Notable Press
Statement:
I create realistic paintings in oil or acrylic that celebrate mid-century American shapes and colors. They are from my life experiences and my fascination with detail and light. I believe we can find innovation and motivation from the bright colors and reflections of the past.
A little over a year ago, I left the corporate world to become a full-time artist. I’ve always loved the colors, shapes, reflections, craftsmanship, and design of classic Americana — especially the roadside culture of the 1950s and 60s.
My mission is to inspire people with the feeling of classic American freedom, optimism, and adventure. Capturing the spirit of America one painting at a time
~ Glenn Murray
Education:
B.S. Art in Urban Life – Springfield College 1982
M.A. Strategic Studies – Naval War College 2012
Selected Honors and Awards:
2025 - Acrylic Honor Award, 75rd Annual Juried Exhibition, Vernon, CT
2024 - American Art Collector Award of Excellence, IGOR Fall Salon Exhibition
2024 - Oil Academic Merit Award, 74rd Annual Juried Exhibition, Vernon, CT
2023 - Metal and Chrome Award, International Guild of Realism Fall Salon, Scottsdale, AZ
2023 - Marguerite & Francis Walker Memorial Award, 73rd Annual Juried Exhibition, Vernon, CT
2022 - Third Place, James Library & Center for the Arts Juried Art Exhibition, Norwell, MA
2022 – Director’s Choice Award, International Guild of Realism 16th Annual Juried Exhibition, Annapolis, MD
2022 – Excellence Award in Acrylic, Academic Artist Association 72nd Annual Juried Exhibition, Vernon, CT
Selected Bibliography:
"Plains, Trains, and Automobiles, Art & Color 356 Magazine, Spring 2025 Vol. 3 No. 2
“In Touch with Reality”, American Art Collector Magazine, October 2024, 228
“Intrinsic Beauty”, American Art Collector Magazine, June 2022, Issue 208
"Glenn Murray Featured Artist", Artist Portfolio Magazine, October 2018
“Articulture Arrives in Westfield”, The Westfield News, April 21, 2018
“Executive Artists” The Boston Tab, January 28, 1992, Cover Story
Selected Affiliations:
American Artists Professional League
International Guild of Realism
Oil Painters of America
National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society
Academic Artists Association
Gallery Representation:
The Charlestown Gallery, Charlestown, RI
Biography:
Glenn Murray, born in Springfield, Massachusetts (1956), creates realist paintings inspired by iconic American subjects. Through dramatic cropping, vibrant color, and dynamic perspective, he transforms familiar objects into powerful compositions that celebrate optimism, freedom, craftsmanship, and possibility.
Drawing upon a lifetime of artistic study, extensive world travel, and more than three decades of military service, Murray’s work reflects a deep appreciation for the qualities that have shaped the American experience. His paintings are not simply depictions of classic automobiles, motorcycles, signs, and roadside landmarks; they are reflections on the spirit of innovation, independence, and beauty that these subjects represent.
While inspired by the visual culture of mid-century America, Murray’s work is ultimately forward-looking. Through his paintings, he hopes to remind viewers that optimism, freedom, and craftsmanship remain ideals worth preserving and passing on to future generations.
He uses traditional tools and methods, taking great care to ensure the highest quality craftsmanship and materials throughout the painting process. Although Glenn's art partially relies on photography, he tries to go beyond accurately rendering an image to create a unique aesthetic that is his alone. His work is included in private collections and has received numerous awards in national and international competitions.
Glenn continues to explore classic themes intent on sharing an American vision with others. He invites you to look at his images and imagine stories from your perspective.
