Select guests have seen his handiwork at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks. Michael Murtaugh painted the large murals inside the exclusive Locker Room Club, a private area inside the west side arena.
Visitors saw Murtaugh's hand-painted sports mural, as well as a historical timeline of the Bulls and Blackhawks.
"I loved that project, just as I like all of my projects," said Murtaugh, who admits he isn't much of a sports fan—and the club has since been closed.
"I have a tradition of [ painting ] things that have a lot of scale to them. My work often has a powerful impact on the environment because it has a substantial presence."
Murtaugh has painted backgrounds for numerous films, with some of the backdrops as large as 40 by 60 feet. His artwork also has landed in large, brand-name commercials.
In addition, Murtaugh's paintings have appeared:
—In scenes of The Untouchables, the mid-1990s TV show filmed in Chicago;
—In numerous private North Shore homes; many mural size;
—At Brasserie Joe Restaurant in Chicago;
—At the Rubber Maid Showroom inside the Merchandise Mart;
—In the background—a snow castle—for Kodak; and
—In the movie Rudy.
"I really enjoy painting, always have," Murtaugh said. "I think I have a really strong visual skill. I think I excel at incorporating murals into architecture. I have the ability to take a client's point of view and turn it into a product that works conceptually, even excels. I think I am very good at understanding my client's needs and elevating them."
Murtaugh, though, has been slowed of late as technology has, at times, taken some of his jobs. That's why he's back studying at Columbia College, about to complete a degree in digital animation—to keep up with technology.
"I'd like to land a job working for a major production company, perhaps as an art director," said Murtaugh, who said the most challenging part of his job is simply meeting clients' needs and keeping the imagery fresh.
He has been working extensively of late with fellow artist Pam Zuspann. Murtaugh can be reached at MichaelMurtaugh@comcast.net .
Photos by Hal Baim
THE STATS
Name: Michael Murtaugh
Age: 45
Relationship status: Single
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Job title: Scenic artist, freelance
Hobbies: Painting, music, reading and watching films
Schooling: Batavia High School, Columbia College
Favorite restaurant: Blackbird
Favorite Chicago restaurants: Big Chicks and Hopleaf
Cubs or White Sox? Cubs
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
