Drew Merritt grew up on a farm and cattle ranch in New Mexico, painting whenever he wasn’t working. Despite lacking formal artistic training, Merritt experimented with graffiti, street art, and portraiture until he discovered his own distinctive style. Moving to Los Angeles to focus on mural painting and oil paintings, he embraces a romanticized, Renaissance-inspired approach. Merritt is fascinated by highlighting imperfections—whether physical, emotional, or environmental—in his artworks. Through his realistic portraits of people and objects, often unrecognised by many, he delves into his personal journey of exploring empathy and human relationships.