Check Out Rudy Mendoza’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rudy Mendoza.

Hi Rudy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was born on March 7, 1978, in Phoenix. AZ. When I was eight years old in 1986 I had a drawing contest with my mom and her boyfriend. I drew an IROC Z Camaro in 3 dimensions to their astonishment. Their drawing was cartoon style and had no identity. When I was 12, living with my aunt and uncle in Rancho Cucamonga I drew a Lamborghini Countach and was in a nationwide magazine. When I was 13 I moved back to South Scottsdale. I was voted most artistic when I was 14 at Supai middle school in 8th grade. I found an interest in drawing low-rider cars and banners and roses in pencil and colored pencils. When I went to Coronado High School I went in with a lot of confidence in my artwork but was getting D’s and F’s in class so I decided not to take art the next year. When I was in English class a teacher, Mrs. Janet Blum came in and asked to speak to me. She asked me why I wasn’t taking art and asked me to give her a chance as my art teacher.

She agreed that I should have been getting straight A’s and was my art teacher for the next three years. I often imagine where I would really be without someone like her to step in and notice my artistic talent. In 2009, I was invited to do a speech in front of the Mayor of Scottsdale and the city council. I was chosen because I have a business in art, and I was there to convince them not to cut funding to the art department. I disclosed that I am an artist, and I let them know how important Mrs. Blum was to me. After high school I took a break from art until 2002 when I painted a mural of a prison cell that was displayed at Sanctuary Night Club for an event called Ghetto Fabulous, I then did a mural for Chris Millard, who was Chip Foose pilot, and also Joe Rogan’s pilot as well. I worked normal jobs while painting art on the side, until 2009.

It was September 1st when I decided to start Ru Art. My first Mural was just a month later at Bell Ford. In 2010 I had a booth at Barrett Jackson. I was doing a little bit of everything in art. From window paintings to murals, renderings, resin, tattoos, airbrushes, etc. Today, I do murals, and we just started a paint-n-sip class near the deer valley airport called Ru Art Studio. Our motto is ” We Bring Your Vision To Life”.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was not a smooth road. Art is such a funny business at times. In the beginning, we as artists are undervalued. there is no formula for pricing our craft. we struggle to wonder how some artists can get 2 million dollars for something so simple, and yet we can do something so complex, and get ridiculed for charging $100. Some people take advantage but love your work. In the beginning, I often would hear, I’ll let you paint on my wall.

For free of course. Taking business in college definitely helped, also phycology. Once in a while, you deal with someone comparing you, or not a fan of your work and are vocal about it and it can stomp your confidence. While a hundred people can say they love your work, one person has nothing better to do than to say something negative.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint murals. I specialize in large-scale murals and a paint-n-sip class. I’m is known for a few different paintings.

One was a painting I did for Lupe Fiasco, I also did a mural for G Unit at their sub studio in Tempe. One of my most famous murals however is a mural of Harry Caray on the side of Geno’s east. The mural was only up for a year, but it got a lot of attention in the baseball world.

Also more recently, in my paint n sip class, Sammy the Bull showed up. We were painting Al Capone. There he presented to me a signed charcoal print of Capone that he did in prison. Director x also showed up, he is the guy who directed Drakes and Rhiannas music videos, and also has a few movies out as Superfly.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have had good luck being surrounded by awesome people. Most of my friends are business owners and are great with guidance, and positive opinions. For that, I find myself super lucky.

Pricing:

• $40.00 per person paint n sip

Contact Info:

• Website: ruartonline.com
• Instagram: @ruartonline
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rudymendozaart
• Twitter: @RuArtAzartist