Clayton Brothers—Works on Paper

Rob and Christian Clayton make up the contemporary painting super duo the Clayton Brothers. Working side by side and in partnership, brothers Clayton cover every inch of their collaborative works with childhood symbology placed in contemporary context. (Above, Clayton Brothers : Over Due : Artist Proof : Etching with Aquatint : 12x8" : 2003)

Over the past seventeen years, I have witnessed the growth and expansion of the Clayton Brother’s works and strongly feel they are two of the most important painters in today’s contemporary art field.


Enjoy a few examples of work on paper available over the past few years. You can see more of Rob and Christian’s work here and you can order your very own works on paper here. (Above, Clayton Brothers : Drippy Day Wash, 4x6" : 17/25 : 12 Color Serigraph : 2006).

Clayton Brothers : Discard : 8x9" : Etching on Arches Cover : 2004

Christian Clayton : You Deserve It : 4.25 x 6.25 inches : 12 Color Serigraph : Artist Proof #4

Christian Clayton : Complex Man...Thinking and Thinking : 4.25x6.125“ : Edition 1/10

Clayton Brothers : Feed Them Bread Mixed media on paper

2006 Paper size: 14 X 17, cm: 35.56 X 43.18

Clayton Brothers : How Ducks Feel Mixed media on paper

2006 Paper size: in: 14 X 17, cm: 35.56 X 43.18

Clayton Brothers : Let The Children Live Mixed media on paper

2006 Paper size: in: 14 X 17, cm: 35.56 X 43.18

Adapted Well : 6.5x10 inches : 2009 : Artist Proof

3 color linocut with hand stenciling, printed on heavy weight watercolor paper

Clayton Brothers, Damage Noted, Artist Proof 7/10 : Etching, Hand colored : 2003

the Clayton Brothers Share a Language for Vision

The 7:30 jackhammer made me jump out of bed and get right into it. As my feet touched ground I was extra motivated to race with rush hour LA and head north to visit the Clayton Brothers studio.

My mind was awhirl, filled with creative thoughts for the day. “Language of Vision,” written by Gyorgy Kepes occupied my mind on the drive over. The book is dynamic, written in 1944, introducing theories and illustrations on how to better understand the function and structure of art in our society.

“The language of vision” is a perfect way to describe the Clayton Brothers as their densely painted surfaces convey a narrative that archives the force of two frenetic technicians who layer thousands upon thousands of shapes and shards of color on top of one another to create a unified language of beauty. (“Redi Whip Laughter,” 84x84”, above).

Gracious hosts, Rob and Christian, reorganized the studio, showing 3 never seen before works on paper created during their 2006 “Wishy Washy” exhibition (above), as well as one of their most important pieces featured in the 2009 “Jumbo Fruit” exhibition “Redi Whip Laughter” (84x84”). Also floating above 2 tubs of white paint and gesso, “I’m Just Joking,” (below).

Rob and Christian are prolific creators—constantly constructing and deconstructing the surface of their canvas until the right balance of pattern, color, character and support details invigorate the narrative edge to edge. There is no need for empty space in the world according to Clayton. Looking at their work up close, you are quickly immersed in a visual language that amplifies childhood insecurities and curiosities while surface ornamentation presents a bright spectrum of possibility.

Life’s experiences shared between two brothers presents unique, yet individual, interpretations of the same event. However, everything experienced between Rob and Christian is unified in their work. The Clayton Brothers are an important force constantly evolving their shared language of vision. Check out ClaytonBrothers.com for more and archived articles: Inside Out Madison, Pre-Madison Opening Hang Out and Inside Out Pasadena.

Twenty Years of Design and Counting

Back in 1986, I told a fib about my age to a marketing firm that specialized in outdoor advertising for lawn tractors and mowers. Of course, I found myself chained to a drawing board assisting a too cool for school design team with illustrations and camera ready art work wet with chemicals from the dark room. It was a real portfolio burner, nothing to show at the end of my tenure, however it evolved my technical skills and taught me to hunger for something more.

In 1991, I launched Murphy Design with the notion of collaborating with clients who love a careful eye for detail. Thankfully, many great clients shared in this passion: Brandon Boyd (Incubus), Green Day (Logan Hicks), French Paper Co., Appleton, American Express, Hanna-Barbera, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Laguna Museum of Art and inspired fine artists—the Clayton Brothers, Jeff Soto, Ray Caesar, Tim Mantoani and so many more.

Twenty years later, I feel like—“I’m just getting started.” Over the next few months you will see design and branding projects evolve for Guru Tattoo, yourBuddhi.com, Harmony Yoga, Clint Eastwood, Mindy Solomon Gallery, Tim Mantoani Photography and Baby Tattoo Books.

Also, I am working on a digital book of sorts to celebrate Twenty Years as a designer and owner of Murphy Design. A book that will highlight over 32 books and life defining collaborations with over 1000 artists from around the world. Stay tuned and know that I am always looking for folks who share the love for details.

Clayton Brothers: Inside Out Pasadena

Part two of the Clayton Brother’s retrospective moves into the main gallery of the Pasadena Museum of California Art organized by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) and curated by Stephen Fleischman May 15 through September 4, 2011.

Fortunately, one of the early Clayton’s collaborations as brothers, “This Will Help Them (from the Green Pastures)” is featured in the exhibition. This painting is one of my favorites, a large mixed media diptych that measures 67” x 103.” “This Will Help Them” is a fitting title for a cherished life experienced shared between the Clayton Brothers and I in 2003. There were alot of personal projects in full swing: “The Most Special Day of My Life,” Scribble.08 documentary, Zoetrope All Story and the art addition of “This Will Help Them.”

“The Most Special Day of My Life” is a testament to brotherly collaboration. Brothers Clayton were hands on throughout the entire book design and production process. At the time, my life was all about couch surfing in Pasadena, tacos, caffeine refills and working alongside Rob and Christian trying to find the right mix of imagery, visual tone and rhythm. Daniel Johnston played on while commissioned paintings and 6 Foot 11 exhibition panels were painted on. Thousands of slides transformed into hundreds of book pages and the Clayton Brothers first monograph was ready to be printed. And then…

“We need to cancel your exhibition, Heaven and Hell.” “Ummm…What? I’m not sure I heard you correctly.” “Yes, we need to cut back our operational budget, due to immediate facility improvements. We’re sorry, but this will not happen unless you sponsor the shipping of the show yourself...”

A frightful conversation in the summer of 2003 and a terse exchange with the director of the Philadelphia Sketch Club two weeks before the exhibition opening for “Heaven and Hell” featuring the Clayton Brothers and 52 additional artists. Many racy words raced through my head and I received my first dose of “Brotherly Love” from America’s oldest artist organization formed in 1860.

One minute later a phone call from my college roommate, Spencer, living in Ohio and an immediate commitment to drive across the country, see some sites and navigate our ways into adventure. 48 hours later a Ryder truck packed with 104 bubble wrapped paintings en route from San Diego to Philadelphia. Within 6 hours, I blew up the truck, (lead foot across the desert, but don’t worry a drunk 16 year old who resembled the son of Captain Crunch made the necessary repairs). Traveling on a tight schedule, I said, “hey!” to the Grand Canyon, purchased canned possum in Arkansas, partied with the ghost of Elvis in Memphis along with a jovial pimp and overly perfumed prostitute (“Don’t worry nothing happened, just dancing in the streets.”) and safely delivering Spencer back to Ohio to rejoin his family.

Upon my arrival at the Philadelphia the Sketch Club, I discovered the director unavailable as he left word to deliver the artistic cargo the following day. Feeling the predatory nature of the neighborhood, I Decided to sleep in the truck as protector of the arts before his excellence, the director, made himself available. He was nice, he treated me to a Philadelphia cheese steak for me valiant efforts.

After the last painting was hung for “Heaven and Hell,” the cocktails served and a weekend partying with the Illustration Conference in Philadelphia enjoyed, I caught a flight over to Hong Kong to print the Clayton Brothers first book. All well and good, except for a little disease called Sars. Let’s just say this disease was worse than the common cold, pushing most expatriates out of Hong Kong as quickly as possible. And don’t you worry, I was quarantined before boarding the plane, just to make sure I was a bill of good health. Crazy, adrenaline, whatever it takes attitude and life-changing experiences in the name of art.

We all have stories right? A fitting script in support of the Clayton Brothers as their collaborative style of narrative features inventive story telling that beckons your participation.

Rob and Christian Clayton’s colorful narrative, “Inside Out” will be featured at the Pasadena Museum of California Art on May 15 through September 4, 2011. You will not want to miss this large installation featuring six different Clayton Brother exhibitions championed by MMoCA, Stephen Fleischman, Richard J. Massey and Beth Rudin DeWoody. Oh yes, the title of their first book came from a trip to a mall, as the Clayton Brothers overheard a senior citizen pushed along in a wheelchair exclaim, “This is the most special day of my life.” (Inside Out entry one, entry two).

The Clayton Brothers in Pasadena, May 2011

The Clayton Brothers celebrated their first museum retrospective at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art earlier this year entitled, “Inside Out.”

For all of you west coasters and those ready to travel to Southern California, get ready, as the Pasadena Museum of Art will be featuring another installment of Clayton Brother’s magic in May of 2011. Good fortunes will be shared, as “This Will Help Them, Green Pastures” will be featured in their upcoming collection. Save the date and see you there.

Scribble.08 Screenings in Atlanta

“It all starts by pushing line round and round on a page : DVD available here :”

Scribble.08 Art Documentary makes its debut in Atlanta at the Young Blood Gallery and during Dragon*Con on Friday, September 4, 2009 :

Rob and Christian Clayton

Young Blood Gallery & Boutique will be premiering Scribble.08, kind thanks to Calvin Florian, who invites all of you to make a reservation here : The event kicks off at 7 PM and I will make sure the talk is enlightened and that there are free prizes for all of you who come out : Young Blood Gallery is located at 636 N. Highland Avenue and they can be reached at 404/254-4127 or by visiting their website :

Martha Rich

Dragon*Con is quickly becoming the Comic-Con of the South, promoting more than Sci-Fi and comic action heroes : Brandt Peters and Kathie Olivas introduced me to Thom Trainor who is working hard on the Alternative Arts sequence of events :

+++Friday : September 4 : 10 PM+++

Dragon*Con features Scribble.08 at the "Comics and Pop Art Reception" on Friday at 10:00 PM : The event will be held in Regency V in the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta :

+++Saturday : September 5 : 4 PM to 6:00 PM+++

Mark Murphy (me) will be sitting on a Pop Art panel held Saturday, entitled “LOWBROW LOWDOWN” featuring Alex Pardee, Sas Christian, Colin Christian, Travis Louie, Chris Ryniak, Warner, HC and Baby Tattooville/Bob Self with special guest moderator Mark Murphy (that's me) : The event will be held at Hanover F at the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta :

Camille Rose Garcia

Essentially, this panel has been constructed to chat about the concept of Lowbrow, and discuss their individual works. I am sure there will be some chatter about products and fine art; galleries and prints; and a touch of where the industry is headed : Scribble.08 will be introduced and shown too : All of the Comics and Pop Art Programming take place at the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta :

Until then, here is a segment of an interview put together with my good pal Jeromy Stallings : It has nothing to do with Scribble.08, but thought I would mix it up a bit : See you soon :

Scribble.08 Documentary is on Press

Scribble.08 is finally a reality kind thanks to Joe Sorren, Martha Rich, Jeff Soto, Camille Rose Garcia, Tim Biskup and Rob and Christian Clayton. I am excited to report that the film is gathering favorable reviews. Tony Fitzpatrick, fine artist/actor/critic, was enthusiastic, “Approach HBO, A&E and all the good guys to feature this film...you chose all the right artists.” The widescreen DVD will be available at Comic-Con, booth 4833 and will be premiered on July 23. The following shares the packaging and intro. Kind thanks to Ten Stories, Ninthlink and Planet Illogica. I am psyched to share.

Scribble.08 Documentary Film in Final Production

Rob and Christian Clayton

Scribble.08 is a documentary that I started in 2003 featuring the Clayton Brothers, Camille Rose Garcia, Jeff Soto, Kevin Christy, Martha Rich, Tim Biskup and Joe Sorren. Plenty has changed, and the careers of the featured seven has grown substantially. Recently, the film has been revised, completely re edited and reworked from start to finish. Kind thanks to the crew at Ten Stories for their help in bringing this project to completion.

Joe Sorren

Scribble.08 is inspired by the art movement of Southern California and my personal vocation to archive this art movement on film. A passionate crew comprised of Rob Craghead, Jeromy and Matt Stallings, Ryan Sabo and Mark Murphy filmed artist studios in and around Los Angeles. We all piled into a Jeep with no budget, and rolled around Southern California capturing inspired testimony and archiving a critical event in the arts.

Jeff Soto

(And believe me there are stories, including 9 hours of commuter traffic from San Diego to Los Angeles enroute interview Camille Rose Garcia).

Tim Biskup

Originally, the film was quickly cut together for a Philadelphia creative conference in 2003. The project was rushed and the immediate focus became “getting er done.” Today’s focus is a revised dedication to the project, (kind thanks to Derek Snyder), and a refocused vision to celebrate the fine arts. I can’t wait to share it with everyone, as the film is really amazing and captures an amazing time in the artist’s careers.

Martha Rich

Scribble.08 will debut at ComicCon in San Diego 2009, July 23 and the DVD made available for the first time. The film will feature animation, original paintings, talented artists and great music created by MANUOK, Tim Biskup’s Big Butter, The Lyle and the Sparkleface Band featuring Joe Sorren and UKEFINK featuring Jason Holley. Scribble.08 is a historic capture celebrating visual narrative and provides the fine arts community with an inspired look at 8 influential artists.

Camille Rose Garcia

Scribble.08, directed by Mark Murphy, 43 minutes, 7 unique interviews, theme music created by MANUOK, Tim Biskup sketchbook footage and an interview with director, Mark Murphy. Scribble.08 is produced by Ninthlink, TenStories and Murphy Design.

The film was made possible by the generous support of Planet Illogica, 424 Media, Gallerie d’Art Yves Laroche, Dannecker & Associates and fans of art and culture.

Kevin Christy