When we first met our Someone 2 Know, about two years ago, we showed you his collection of intricate paintings. At the time, Connor Fogal's main focus was pet portraits and landscapes.
Fogal has now moved on to murals, which by their nature are large, expansive works often painted on walls. A feat made even more challenging for Fogal who uses a modified painting device due to his cerebral palsy.
Connor recently debuted a 35 x 11-foot mural at the University of Nevada, Reno, and we went to check it out. Connor started with an inspiration photo and is - artist Connor Fogal hard at work creating this - final mural masterpiece.
“Like, oh, my God, I did that,” smiles Connor.
Fogal did that - painted a huge mural of Emerald Bay - almost entirely alone! “About took me just over four months.”
More than four months of long days using special gear. “It's called the head pointer.”
Attached to the head pointer is a paintbrush. Because Connor's cerebral palsy impacts his speech and physical mobility - he learned to paint this way as a kid. As an adult, he has always invited others to watch him in action.
"The reason why is some people don't know that it's my work.”
Fogal say some people think he buys the art online and resells it, which he has never done.
“That's the reason why I love working around people - to educate them.”
Stephanie Gibson is the Director of the Lilley Museum of Art where the mural can be seen. “It's a really nice way to introduce people to - first of all art, in our community and on campus - and there's no better way to do that than with a really large mural, and to be able to think broadly about what art can be, how it can be made and who it can be made for and by.”
Fogal says he fell in love with the process of creating a mural and the discipline has made him a better artist. “My skill level since working on the wall is just - shot up!”
With the Emerald Bay mural complete, Fogal is looking forward to being hired for new projects.
“Seeing my art in the Reno area,” Connor’s grin widens, “I really love doing that.”
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If you would like to see Connor's mural of Emerald Bay, you will find it on the UNR Campus in The Church Fine Arts building. Specifically, it is in the Front Door Gallery at The Lilley Museum of Art
For ways to contact Connor to commission art work, see the information below:
Connor Fogal
Email : mylownv@gmail.com
Website: www.mylownv.com
Phone: (775) 856-9056
