Ian Murphy Artist Analysis: a guide for students

Last Updated on January 27, 2025

Ian Murphy is a contemporary British artist celebrated for his evocative exploration of architectural form. His work resonates deeply with learners across qualifications—from IGCSE/GCSE to A-Level and IB Art—because it bridges technical skill, conceptual depth, and accessible storytelling. Murphy’s mixed-media approach, blending drawing, painting, collage, and experimental textures, provides a tactile gateway into understanding how materials can convey narrative and emotion. Written by an experienced high school teacher, this article introduces Ian Murphy’s artwork, summarises fun facts about his art, and provides examples of how students can learn from his ideas and present outstanding Ian Murphy research pages.

An introduction: why study Ian Murphy’s art?

For students, Murphy’s art is a masterclass in transforming ordinary subjects—crumbling buildings, weathered walls, forgotten urban spaces—into profound reflections on time, memory, and mood. His muted palettes and layered compositions invite viewers to consider the beauty in imperfection.

Teachers often highlight Murphy’s creative use of textural surfaces, expressive use of tone, and interdisciplinary appeal. Murphy’s work explores a wide range of subject matter, including urban landscapes, gargoyles, architectural details, and organic forms such as chasm, mountains, and waterfalls, making his work readily accessible for students exploring a wide range of themes.

Whether engaging dissecting the technical choices involved in crafting beautiful textured surfaces, exploring questions about permanence and decay, or mimicking the dramatic use of light and shadow, students gain valuable tools to develop and extend their own projects.

Ian Murphy artist analysis workshop
A Level Art Students from Wakefield Girls High School and QEGS partake in a workshop run by artist Ian Murphy, gaining first-hand exposure to his art-making processes and ideas.

Background information: a brief artist biography

Artist Ian Murphy was born in 1963 in Wigan, UK. developed his distinctive artistic vision during his formative years in Northern England. At age 15, he began sketching in local cemeteries at dusk, an experience that sparked his enduring fascination with atmospheric architectural subjects.

Ian Murphy’s Education: After completing his A Levels and a Foundation course in Wigan, Murphy attended Art College at Sheffield University (now Hallam University), where he earned a First Class Honours degree in Fine Art, Painting and Printmaking.

The industrial landscape of Sheffield in the 1980s, with its declining steel mills and derelict buildings, provided perfect subject matter for Murphy’s developing style. His selection for the British Young Contemporary Artists exhibition in 1985 marked the beginning of his professional career, followed by a significant residency at the Turnpike Gallery. Since then, Murphy has exhibited extensively across the UK and internationally, selling work in Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, China, and the USA. His work has gained additional recognition through educational films produced by the BBC, British Council, and others.

While his early work focused on the dramatic industrial landscapes of Northern England, his artistic journey has expanded through international travel, leading to his current exploration of architectural subjects worldwide.

What is Ian Murphy known for?

Ian Murphy is an internationally recognized artist best known for his emotive tonal drawings and mixed-media oil paintings that capture themes of erosion, neglect, and abandonment within architectural spaces. His most famous artwork often showcases the beauty of imperfections, focusing on the blemishes and irregularities of forgotten or decaying buildings and structures. Murphy’s immersive compositions highlight cultural identity and the passage of time, with layered textures and tones that embody the history of the sites he depicts. His work invites viewers to explore the tactile surfaces and underlying narratives of his sombre, bold, and moody pieces. Murphy’s paintings celebrate the aesthetic of neglect and the stories embedded within architectural decay.

Ian Murphy paintings - Hutong Series
Ian Murphy paintings: ‘Hutong’ series (2018). In this series, Murphy depicts views of enigmatic doorways in Chinese courtyard homes. Textural mixed media captures the worn textures and shadows, focusing on their angular perspectives and weathered walls. The paintings reveal just enough of each passageway to make viewers wonder what lies beyond, while highlighting the rich detail of the traditional Chinese architecture and its decorative elements, with muted tones evoke centuries of human presence. Each doorway serves as both a physical boundary and a portal to untold stories, with Murphy’s characteristic handling of decay bringing depth to these atmospheric architectural stories.

What is Ian Murphy’s artwork style?

Ian Murphy’s distinctive artistic style merges contemporary art techniques with elements of Romanticism. His work is characterized by dramatic tonal contrasts, layered textures, and a focus on architectural subjects that contain aspects of realism and semi-abstraction. While his technical approach is modern – using experimental materials and processes to build complex surfaces as described below – his philosophical foundation draws from the Romantic art movement, particularly in his fascination with decay and imperfection. Murphy’s signature style emerges in his treatment of weathered buildings and forgotten spaces, where he uses atmospheric effects and strategic composition to transform ordinary architectural subjects into emotionally resonant works.

Use of color, tone, and light

Murphy’s masterful control of light, tone, and color is fundamental to his artistic style. Working predominantly with a restricted, neutral palette of earth tones and beige hues, Murphy contrasts deep shadows with luminous highlights to create three-dimensional depth, while a selective use of richer colors directs the viewer’s attention to key focal points within the composition. This strategy is particularly effective around entrances and transitional spaces, as if inviting further exploration.

In his drawings, Murphy works charcoal, graphite, and ink deep into the surfaces to achieve rich dark values, while selectively removing graphite in places with an eraser, to create ethereal light effects. In his paintings, he employs a similar layered approach with his limited color palette, allowing the interplay of light and shadow to evoke mood rather than relying on vibrant hues.

The controlled use of predominantly neutral colors prevents visual distraction and focuses attention on the subtle tonal gradations that evoke heat, mist, and the play of light across weathered surfaces. Through these stylistic choices, Murphy transforms architectural subjects into moody spaces where every subtle shift in tone and strategically positioned highlight contributes to the overall impact of the work.

Ian Murphy - venetian scroll painting
Ian Murphy, ‘Venetian Scroll‘: In this monochromatic mixed media oil painting, Murphy reveals the three-dimensional form of a classical stone scroll through dramatic contrasts between deep shadows and bright highlights, while subtle mid-tones describe the weathered texture of the carved stone surface.

What materials and mediums does Ian Murphy use to draw and paint?

Murphy works with an extensive range of materials in his mixed-media artwork. His drawing materials include graphite in various forms (pencils, sticks, and powder), charcoal, chalk, biro pens, and fineliner pens. For painting, he employs oils, acrylics, watercolor, gouache, and various types of ink. He also incorporates a variety of mediums such as impasto gel, studio gum, wax, water, and different types of varnish (both oil and acrylic-based).

Ian Murphy also integrates numerous collage and surface materials in his work, including rice paper, parchment, scrim (a loosely woven, lightweight fabric material, typically made from cotton or linen – similar to cheesecloth or gauze), tissue paper, newspaper, masking tape, and even sandpaper (see video below). To manipulate and combine these materials, Murphy works with additional substances such as turpentine, dyes, and various types of adhesives. This enormous collection of materials allows Murphy to achieve beautifully layered, textural surfaces while maintaining flexibility and originality in his artistic approach.

Art techniques and mixed media processes

Ian Murphy’s includes several experimental techniques in his work, however he often follows a similar process, starting with on-site sketches in his sketchbook, which then evolve into larger exploratory works before culminating in final oil paintings.

Rather than working on single pieces in isolation, he develops multiple works simultaneously – often ten or more at once – allowing for creative cross-pollination of ideas and techniques, while avoiding the need to wait until a piece is dry (this is also a useful tactic that high school students can use to increase their work speed).

A distinctive aspect of Murphy’s method is his preparation of creative textural drawing surfaces. Instead of beginning with blank paper or canvas, he creates complex grounds using various materials to build texture – often overlaying these with washes of ink or acrylic. These preliminary layers might incorporate tissue paper, newspaper, or even sandpaper, establishing a tactile base that influences the subsequent development of each artwork. This textured ground serves as both a physical and creative stimulus, providing natural starting points for compositional ideas through its inherent and sometimes unexpected rhythms and patterns.

In his mixed-media work, Murphy embraces unpredictable material interactions, often combining water-based and oil-based products in experimental ways, pushing traditional drawing and painting mediums beyond their conventional applications. This willingness to risk existing progress for the possibility of discovering new effects characterizes his approach. He builds surfaces through both additive and subtractive processes, applying media in thick, impasto layers, then scraping, scratching, and eroding these surfaces to mirror the weathered qualities of his architectural subjects.

I never knew how certain materials would react together, particularly when combining water based with oil-based products. But it was this uncertain and almost accidental approach that opened up so many new processes and techniques. I was prepared to lose an image and destroy something that I already liked for the opportunity to discover a new method or technique.

Ian Murphy (artist quote)

This video below shows Murphy sketching forms, applying tissue paper, and then applying several layers of dripping washes of ink and watered down acrylic to create a rich, textural mixed media ground to paint and draw upon.

In the below YouTube tutorial, Ian Murphy demonstrates the process of preparing grounds using tissue paper to create a deteriorated ground, which then sands to remove the excess tissue paper and distress the surface further.

Texture and gestural mark-marking

When establishing forms, Murphy quickly sketches initial proportions, deliberately preserving construction lines in the final work to reveal his process. He varies line weight and direction purposefully, moving from delicate, precise marks to bold, gestural strokes. A signature element of his style is the strategic fading away of marks around the edges of his compositions, creating gradual transitions as if the drawing itself is decaying.

Murphy’s approach to texture and mark-making is deeply physical and experimental, creating surfaces that appear almost sculptural in their tactile quality. His drawings include a wide range of mark-making techniques, including bold, sweeping marks that capture architectural rhythm to delicate, scratched lines that describe weathered surfaces. Working in both dry and wet media, he builds layers through expressive mark-making, often combining aggressive, energetic strokes with more controlled, precise details. This layered approach is evident in his sketchbooks, where architectural studies evolve through multiple iterations of increasingly complex textural exploration.

This video tutorial shows him building up tone in one of his mixed media drawings.

Ian Murphy sketchbook pages
Ian Murphy drawings: Students examine Ian Murphy’s sketchbook pages at a workshop at the Mount School York, UK. These expressive documents are filled with pencil drawings, charcoal drawings, and other mixed media works.

Inspiration and artist influences

Murphy’s artistic vision has been shaped by both historic artists and his direct experiences with architecture and landscape. Among his most significant artistic influences is J.M.W. Turner, whose paintings he first encountered at age 17. Turner’s ability to capture light, mist, and air through loose layers of oil paint continues to inform Murphy’s approach. He was also impacted by Mark Rothko’s abstract color field paintings, particularly their atmospheric qualities and dramatic presentation.

Murphy’s architectural influences stem from early exposure to Italian printmaker Piranesi and Daguerre’s painting of Holyrood Cathedral. The work of architect Louis Kahn has also been significant in shaping his architectural perspective.

Murphy’s subject matter is deeply influenced by his extensive travels. In Asia, he has found inspiration in contrasting locations – from Beijing’s grand Forbidden City to the fragile makeshift stilt houses of Tai O fishing village. Venice holds particular appeal for him, offering endless combinations of decaying historic structures alongside water. Even in the UK, he seeks out dramatic landscapes, working in mountains and gorges.

Murphy’s work continues to reflect this interest in what he calls “historic and characterful locations,” ranging from overlooked street corners to abandoned buildings.

Experiencing the fundamental beauty of a place doesn’t just reside in the splendour and majesty of the iconic palaces and gardens within a city, it exists abundantly in even the poorest and more obscure of places and dwellings. I love the challenge of finding these hidden ‘gems’ and I often find that the best compositions are often hidden from everyday gaze because they no longer sparkle or are not in perfect condition.

Ian Murphy (artist quote)
Ian Murphy door knocker painting
Ian Murphy: door knocker detail. This close-up detail shows an industrial door handle / door knob. Note how details trail away to reveal the beautiful painted layers beneath.

10 facts about Ian Murphy (artist)

A collection of additional interesting facts about Murphy’s work, compiled after hours trawling through YouTube tutorials and published interviews!

Ian Murphy sometimes integrates laser cut font within his artwork

Murphy sometimes incorporates text as an integral artistic element in his work through the innovative use of laser cutting technology (many schools have access to this technology via their Design & Technology Department). Originally exploring this technique as a solution for adding calligraphy to etching plates, he discovered its potential for creating precise, controlled marks across various materials including parchment, tissue paper, calico, and tape. The resulting text layers add both visual texture and deeper meaning to his architectural artwork, revealing cultural narratives and local histories. This layering of words can become more than mere annotation – serving as a “hidden voice” that reminds the viewer of the absent human presence, while simultaneously creating subtle, tactile surface qualities within the work.

Ian Murphy stresses the importance of viewpoint when selecting compositions

Murphy emphasizes that although architectural subjects may be readily visible to all, capturing their essential qualities requires careful selection of viewpoints and compositional choices. His approach involves actively seeking out hidden or overlooked perspectives, often working with changing weather and light conditions. Murphy maintains that discovering the perfect viewpoint is an ongoing process requiring both concentration and creative persistence, driven by his belief that compelling compositional opportunities are always waiting to be uncovered.

The value of a sketchbook

Murphy views sketchbooks as far more than simple drawing collections – he believes they serve as creative laboratories and “constant companions” in his artistic process. Rather than treating them as mere repositories for preliminary sketches, he uses them as active workspaces where he can develop experimental mark-making techniques and test various artistic approaches. His sketchbooks function as comprehensive reference tools, informing decisions about composition, color, and scale in his larger works. They represent the foundation of his creative process, where initial ideas evolve through experimentation and refinement.

The impact of scale

Ian Murphy produces a wide range of works at different scales, including some enormous pieces (as shown below). These pieces are particularly impactful upon students, when viewed at full size in the classroom!

Ian Murphy large painting
This image shows Ian Murphy holding up one of his largescale paintings for students to study at Bablake School. This beautiful photograph illustrates just how impressive the enormous painting is when viewed within the confines of a high school classroom.

The importance of observation

Murphy frequently emphasizes the importance of observation when creating art. This includes not just the careful selection of viewpoint, but observation of shape, proportion, tone, and form. Students who wish to improve their observational drawing may wish to read how to create an outstanding observational drawing.

The absence of people in Ian Murphy’s work

Murphy deliberately excludes people from his architectural studies to maintain a specific emotional and perceptual impact. He believes that human figures inevitably become focal points, distracting from the subtle architectural details and sense of isolation he seeks to capture. This absence of people helps create what he terms “visual silence,” allowing viewers to experience the location’s unique character without the narrative implications or scale references that human figures might introduce. This approach reflects his desire for viewers to engage directly with the physical and atmospheric qualities of the spaces he depicts, encouraging a more contemplative interaction with the architecture itself.

Ian Murphy: an educator as well as artist

One reason why Murphy’s work is so popular among students and teachers is that Murphy himself is an experienced educator, regularly providing workshops for schools, allowing students first-hand exposure to his paintings and drawings, so they can touch the works, open the sketchbooks, and experience the textures, surface qualities and sense of scale first-hand. These workshops can also be delivered online.

Ian Murphy sketchbook techniques
Ian Murphy sketchbook techniques: This image shows students at Harrow International School Bangkok, Thailand, learning directly from artist Ian Murphy.
Ian Murphy school workshop
This images shows Upper Sixth students from King’s Worcester completing their own artwork inspired by Ian Murphy, within a tutorial in which he introduced new observational drawing techniques.

Ian Murphy: Research Page Layout Inspiration

Below is a collection of outstanding student sketchbook pages that explore the work of artist Ian Murphy (if you are looking for further inspiration you may wish to view our extensive collection of outstanding Fine Art/Painting sketchbook pages).

Note: When writing research pages, students should record accurate details including artwork names, mediums, dates, and sources of work. Annotation should not simply be a description of the artwork, but should analyse and respond to the work (see how to analyse an artwork).

Further guidance about how to annotate a sketchbook can be found here.

GCSE Ian Murphy artist research page
Ian Murphy artist research page: This GCSE Art page by i.draw.doodles contains careful annotation and an enlarged imitation of one of Murphy’s drawings.

Ian Murphy artist research page: This GCSE Art page by i.draw.doodles contains careful annotation and an enlarged imitation of one of Murphy’s drawings.

Ian Murphy artist study
These A Level Art sketchbook pages exploring Ian Murphy’s work are by Indianna Mia Calvin (left two pages) and Sashalyra.
Ian Murphy research sketchbook page
An Ian Murphy research page by Lewis. Note how the selection of colours used on the page link in beautifully with the analysed work.

If you have found this page useful, please share using the social media buttons below. Thank you! 😊 To learn more about Ian Murphy and view more of his artwork, please visit his website.

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