March 19, 2024

Osceola artist puts spray paint to work

Local artist Mike Montgomery has discovered a new passion in Aerosolgrafia, or spray paint art. The style has experienced surprising growth in the last five years, thanks largely to YouTube, where Montgomery said he’s picked up most of his instruction.

“I started watching how they do it in New York and Las Vegas,” said Montgomery. “I watched for about two weeks before I decided to do it.”

He’s been practicing steadily for a year and already his creations are causing a stir. From pop icons to surreal nature scenes, Montgomery’s work has popped up in homes and businesses across Osceola and Clarke County.

“It takes a lot of work, a lot of patience,” said Montgomery.

Key to aerosolgrafia is the ability to adapt and a reliance on common materials.

“There’s some that I go ahead and draw out, and then paint,” said Montgomery. “I’ll use sponges, newspaper, pen, round plates, pie plates. I’ll even use a putty knife.”

Stencils have also become a cornerstone of the style, which starts with the creation of a focal point.

“You have to cut out every little detail,” said Montgomery, noting that some of the stencils for his paintings have taken hours to complete.

It’s a complicated process because, in many ways, artists work backward in comparison to how they’d create a traditional painting. Smudges and smearing also happen more easily with spray paint because of the air generated by the spray cans.

“You have to be very careful. You can’t put a large amount [of paint] on,” said Montgomery. “It’ll blow all over your paper and ruin it.”

Street artists use open flame to help dry layers, but stuck inside during an Iowa winter, Montgomery has found the careful application of a hair dryer to work just as well. A final coating of clear gloss protects the paint and helps make colors pop.

The art style traces its roots back to Mexican artist and poet Ruben Sadot in the late ‘80s. Sadot rejected traditional painting materials and methods and chose to create outdoors while speaking to passersby, mainly about politics.

While his garden quickly became a popular spot among young, local artists, the professional scene in Mexico City also took note, incorporating elements of his method into their own works of art.

“I love doing it,” said Montgomery. “I like how it stands out.”

Montgomery is no stranger to the art world. One of the buildings in his hometown of State Center still sports a design he created as a student. He’s spent a lifetime drawing in his spare time.

“It’s almost like a stress release,” said Montgomery. “My family is very supportive.”