Ever since he was very young, Brandon Hurley prominently displayed artistic ability. At age 6, he could illustrate more communicable than most adults. Even in his hooligan years, Brandon found a shining in street art, and although illegal, it was a creative outlet that caught his young troubled mind. In 2008, Brandon found his calling when he painted his first piece. It was acrylic on canvas, and immediately he fell in love.
Amidst his constant battle to break free from the justice system, Brandon began locking himself away to create paintings. He no longer possessed the urge to go out with the dangerous crowd. Brandon got completely clean off drugs with the help of a paint brush and a pallet of vibrant colors.
Brandon Hurley Promo | photo: Almac Camera
When the aspiring artist turned 19, he moved to San Francisco to attend art school at the Academy of Art. Again, Brandon Hurley was immersed in a complete different way of life. The sketchy brawls turned into good times with fellow artists at a local bar, and all the time spent doing sketchy deeds turned into painting.
With his persistence in full positive gear, Brandon would bolt himself in his dorm for days at a time, and tiredly explore the beautiful world of painting. Painting gave him time to step back from his tattered life and realize his true calling. It was an efficient way to quench his persistence’s thirst, while he could direct his creative abilities and astounding work ethic to something positive. It did not take very long before paintings surrounded the artist, and shortly after that, local galleries began to take notice of his work.
Ever since I saw my good friend pick up that brush, I saw a level of discipline and happiness wash over his life. He always remained the optimistic, goofy kid I have always known—even the little troublemaker at times—but with that brush in his hand, I could clearly see my great friend soaring into an even greater future.
Beneath Every Stroke Lay a Story | photo: Natalie Wong
Currently, Brandon lives in Hollywood, CA. We still talk religiously, and I am blown away with every new piece he releases. That persistence that once plagued him, can now be seen flourishing in every series he puts out. Anyone will see a beautiful painting when gazing at a Hurley, but I see much more. I see an optimist who went astray; the feel good, who gives a shit attitude leading the way. I see red and blue flashing lights, and tears of frustration crashing down my brother’s face. But overall, I see persistence. Discipline and persistence; harmoniously shining beneath every single stroke.
Check out the artist’s brand new ONLINE ART GALLERY!