Houston Artist April Murphy Brings Cat and Dog Artwork to Life

Houston based artist April Murphy is well known for her cat and dog artwork, and now Murphy evens sells greeting cards, archival signed prints, and T-shirts with her prints on the cover so everyone can have a piece of her art. Murphy's art is in 12 venues around the Houston, TX area including Heights Urban Dog, Yuppie Dog, Urban Tails, Hollywood Frame Gallery, Bed and Biscuits, You Lucky Dog, Deogi Dog Daycare, My Dog and Me, Catnip Inn, and even several Starbucks locations.

Some of Murphy's most popular pieces come from her series of artwork based on famous (human) paintings like "Mona Leasha," "Moulin Pooch," and Pupcasso. Click here to view the Doggone Famous collection.

Murphy will have a showing at the Heights Urban Dog on May 6^th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., so be sure to stop by if you live in the Houston area.

April Murphy's Process

Murphy's goal as an artist is to lighten the mood and bring a smile to all that see her artwork. You can't help but smile when you see her painting and prints. They are adorable and inspired by real life animals. Click here to see how Murphy creates commissions from a photo of an animal (or animals); the process goes from photo to sketch and finally a painting.

How did Murphy Start Painting Dogs and Cats?

Murphy had a successful career in the graphic industry for over 20 years but funnily enough, it wasn't until she was laid off from a corporate job in marketing and design did things change for her. In fact, two weeks after she was laid off, Murphy had an acute appendicitis attack where she was hospitalized for five days. Those two events slowed Murphy down and it was then that she decided to begin painting.

She painted so many pieces that she asked her neighborhood Starbucks manager if he would like to hand some of them on his wall. He did, and that was the break Murphy needed. She started selling her work immediately after that. "Guess those steamed milks I bought everyday from Starbucks turned out to be a wise investment," said Murphy.

How Does Murphy Feel About Painting Cats and Dogs?

"I adore animals and always have some array of dogs and cats underfoot. They are a constant source of amusement and make my life rich. To be able to mesh my passion for my animals with my love of the easel - well, it just doesn't get any better than that." Murphy is proud to call painting her day job and even better, she loves her job.

Purchase April Murphy's Artwork

To view and purchase Murphy's cat and dog greeting cards, click here. A box of 10 cards is just $25.

For only $50, you can purchase a signed archival print of any painting; choose from over 169 paintings available on Murphy's web site gallery. If you'd prefer to wear April Murphy's artwork, purchase a T-shirt for only $22.

To learn more about April Murphy, visit her web site at www.aprilmurphy.com. To contact April Murphy, phone (713) 816-2877.