Drew Brophy is an American artist born in 1971. Known as a "surf artist" Brophy is best known for his surfboard paintings and distinctive painting style, using Uni-Posca water-based paint pens.
A self-taught artist, Brophy began painting on surfboards as a young boy when he first began to surf in his native South Carolina. Originally, Brophy set out to be a professional surfer, and he traveled the globe using artwork to help pay for his surf adventures. More and more, he was commissioned to create art, and a lifetime profession was born
After living & surfing in Hawaii in the mid-1990's, Brophy moved to California in 1996 to put his art career in high gear. He now lives with his wife, Maria, and their son.
Brophy became known as the artist who pioneered the art of surfboard painting with water-based paint pens, and has taught a generation of artists his techniques.
McFly's Dougie Poynter plays a Music Man Sterling Bass, featuring a custom paint job by Brophy.
Brophy’s painted surfboards have also been collected by Kid Rock, Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil, Eddie Vedder and Uncle Cracker.
In spring of 2011, Crystal Cove Media Production Company produced a television show called THE PAINT SHOP WITH DREW BROPHY, which aired on Southern California local television channels, including Cox and Time Warner. THE PAINT SHOP is a reality show which takes the viewers behind the scenes of Drew's art studio and projects.
An ocean conservationist, Brophy contributes time and efforts to organizations such as Surfrider Foundation and Ocean Institute. He also gives seminars and workshops at various schools & colleges, sharing his painting techniques and secrets of success.