Detailed Architectural Drawings Are a Modern-Day Homage to the Art of M.C. Escher

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Artist Jeff Murray transports us to places new and old in his meticulous architecture drawing. The sprawling works include the likes of Rome, metropolises in the Middle East, and cities in North America—all of which come alive in a staggering amount of detail. Using a fine-tipped pen and a stippling technique, he draws minuscule people and architectural features you’d find only if you were standing next to a building.

Although Murray focuses his drawings on realism, he rewards the careful viewer with small, clever additions. In his latest piece titled As Long as the Colosseum Stands, Rome Shall Stand, one half of the drawing features the ancient city with traditionally-clothed people congregating around the intact structure. As Rome fell, the degraded structure eventually turns into ruins. It's compete with the trappings of modern times—including tourist selfies.

Murray is influenced by a number of surreal and fantastical artists, but his all-time favorite is M.C. Escher. “His work and the illusions he created had me awestruck, Murray writes, “eventually he became one of the biggest inspirations for me in my life.” By knowing this, Murray’s works implores you to give them a dedicated, long look.

The impressive architecture drawing is now for sale in Murray's independent online shop.

Drawing architecture can be a challenge, but artist Jeff Murray makes it look easy with his intricately detailed works on paper.

Because his work is so detailed, he regularly shares incredible up-close shots of his handiwork.

A post shared by Jeff Murray (@jeff_murray_art) on

A post shared by Jeff Murray (@jeff_murray_art) on

A post shared by Jeff Murray (@jeff_murray_art) on

A post shared by Jeff Murray (@jeff_murray_art) on

A post shared by Jeff Murray (@jeff_murray_art) on

Jeff Murray: Website | Instagram | Facebook

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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