Street artist Samadov Mushfig creates and sells                                                                   

A man stands on the sidewalk of a Times Square street with a table in front of him. A small, blank poster board sits on the table, next to several cans of spray paint. He starts applying paint, layer after layer, in various colors. At this point, the painting doesn’t resemble anything, but a crowd has gathered to watch. 

Soon, using tools such as the top of the spray paint can, colorful, interesting planets become visible. He paints in a 3-dimensional New York skyline -- including the Statue of Liberty, using a cut-out -- and the painting has transformed into something that belongs in an art gallery. Finishing touches include stars and comets, or reflections of a planet on water below.

Street artist Samadov Mushfig creates and sells these fascinating spray paint works, which are appealing to tourists and New Yorkers alike. Typically, street artists line the streets attempting to sell portraits or caricatures. Most Times Square street artists are Chinese immigrants, many who were trained professionally in China. The artists, called independent operators, can set up base for free without a permit after 7PM along the streets and after 11PM along the avenues. There isn’t a huge amount of variety in New York street art -- that is, until you take a closer look. 

One man sculpts tourists, creating life-like, half-foot representations of their faces. And then, of course, there are Mushfig’s incredible creations. The unique street artists are harder to find but they’re there, standing between the caricature artists. 

Mushfig usually works in front of Planet Hollywood (On 7th Avenue, between 45th St and 46th St). Most nights, you can find Mushfig painting on the streets starting at 11PM (On off nights, he spends time with friends or watches television). He also works during the daytime on Sundays, at the intersection of 47th Street and Broadway Avenue. 

“I have never trained as an artist,” said Mushfig, who started doing spray paint art less than a year ago. Mushfig doesn’t like working on the street but continues working as a street artist to make a living. 

He creates each painting in only a few minutes. When he started, it took him 15 minutes to complete each painting, but practice has improved his speed.

Despite his lack of training and relative inexperience with spray paint art, his pieces show true talent. “I love creating something,” he said. “I never do the same [piece] twice.” The unique pieces show creativity and a spark, making his works stand out from your average street artist.

For Mushfig, street art is a temporary job until his artwork is picked up by galleries. But as long as he continues to paint on the street, he adds an interesting dimension to New York street art, showing that an artist doesn’t need a studio or a lot of time to create something beautiful. 

For more information on spray paint art visit http://www.ehow.com/how_2140015_practice-spray-paint-art.html

Photo by Jordan Rubenstein