Rocky Asbury
A contemporary impressionist street artist based out of Las Vegas NV, Rocky Asbury began his art journey in 2014. His daughter was his inspiration to change careers from paintless dent repair to something that allowed him more time to be home with her.
Being completely self-taught, Rocky started painting in his garage where everything seemed to find a way to get paint on it. Like many artists starting out, he struggled until he settled into his own unique style. Influenced by the likes of Banksy, Basquiat, Condo, and Theodore, Rocky’s approach mixes his favorite artists together into one amalgamous style, providing him plenty of ideas for new works and an unlimited potential for continuous growth.
Rocky’s inspiration comes from the simple everyday life all around. Whether it’s a conversation or an old sign, or whether it’s something happening in the world or around him, he is always surrounded by ideas. His main goal is to create works that are inspired by love, life, and positive energy. He hopes to bring joy and happiness to others, as well as put a simple smile on the face of those who come across his work.
His works can be found in the homes and businesses of many individuals and families throughout the United States, as well as in hotels, restaurants, and mural walls in the Las Vegas and New York City communities. He is currently represented by two galleries: Conrad West Gallery in the Arts District, Las Vegas, NV and Art Center Gallery in the Shops at Mission Viejo, CA.
Artist Statement - Athlete Turned Artist
In 2015 hung up my cleats and put away my golf clubs only to pick up a paint brush. I knew without any training the deck was stacked against me but I still felt the challenge and believed I could do it. Some would say being self taught I would be at a disadvantage, and that may be so, but I also feel as if i have an advantage because I follow no rules or instructions and everything is usually 100% spontaneous. I use everything from acrylics to oil sticks/paint and spray paint. I also use brushes, scrappers and pallet knives.
I struggled in the beginning because I didn’t really have an identity and I spent a lot of time trying to mimic other artists. It wasn’t until I was really struggling that I realized the only way I was going to make it was to be myself. I came up with a style that combines a lot of the artists I’m inspired by (Jean-Michael Basquiat and Andy Warhol) as well as a lot of urban street art. My inspiration comes from all around us in our daily lives. It can be an old sign or weathered wall. A colorful add or cover of a magazine. We can see art everyday, we are surrounded by it. We just have to open our eyes to see it.
I realized art wasn’t necessarily about making this perfect painting but for me it’s more about creating a feeling for the audience. Being able to have them understand the message in my work and relate that to our everyday lives, hopefully bringing inspiration or positive energy to their lives or household. We are surrounded with so much negative energy in today’s world that I try and bring light to the darkness with color and flair.