“I NEVER PAINT DREAMS OR NIGHTMARES.
I PAINT MY OWN REALITY.”
– Frida Kahlo
“I NEVER PAINT DREAMS OR NIGHTMARES.
I PAINT MY OWN REALITY.”
– Frida Kahlo
“I NEVER PAINT DREAMS OR NIGHTMARES.
I PAINT MY OWN REALITY.”
– Frida Kahlo
Paul Michael Montelongo, known professionally as Urks, is a creative artist based in Southern California. His connection to art began early, drawing was a constant, long before he understood it as a calling. While studying in college, Paul was introduced to digital media through Photoshop 5.0, a moment that would quietly shape the next chapter of his career. He went on to spend over 17 years as a freelance graphic designer, providing branding, logo development, and marketing solutions for a wide range of clients. Though successful, Paul eventually felt compelled to return to the more personal side of creation, the kind that speaks before it sells.
In February 2016, he made the decisive shift to create for himself. That year marked the beginning of his first body of work, the “Heart” series, introduced with the piece "Red Heart". This work became the foundation of his artistic language: a visual exploration of distress and beauty, and the quiet balance that exists between the two. Blending photography, digital composition, and acrylic paint, Paul creates layered works that carry both texture and emotion. Each piece is intentional, imperfect, and deeply human, designed not just to be seen, but felt. His art tells stories of vulnerability, resilience, and the beauty that emerges when flaws are allowed to exist.
Grateful for the creative gifts God has entrusted to him, Paul approaches his work with humility and purpose. Embracing the nickname given to him growing up, "Urks", he continues to develop a voice that is distinctly his own, one that seeks to stand authentically among a diverse and talented community of contemporary artists.
Paul Michael Montelongo, known professionally as Urks, is a creative artist based in Southern California. His connection to art began early, drawing was a constant, long before he understood it as a calling. While studying in college, Paul was introduced to digital media through Photoshop 5.0, a moment that would quietly shape the next chapter of his career. He went on to spend over 17 years as a freelance graphic designer, providing branding, logo development, and marketing solutions for a wide range of clients. Though successful, Paul eventually felt compelled to return to the more personal side of creation, the kind that speaks before it sells.
In February 2016, he made the decisive shift to create for himself. That year marked the beginning of his first body of work, the “Heart” series, introduced with the piece "Red Heart". This work became the foundation of his artistic language: a visual exploration of distress and beauty, and the quiet balance that exists between the two. Blending photography, digital composition, and acrylic paint, Paul creates layered works that carry both texture and emotion. Each piece is intentional, imperfect, and deeply human, designed not just to be seen, but felt. His art tells stories of vulnerability, resilience, and the beauty that emerges when flaws are allowed to exist.
Grateful for the creative gifts God has entrusted to him, Paul approaches his work with humility and purpose. Embracing the nickname given to him growing up, "Urks", he continues to develop a voice that is distinctly his own, one that seeks to stand authentically among a diverse and talented community of contemporary artists.
"There’s a hidden appreciation in finding life in something that has been broken. The beauty of distress combined with each model brings a perfect balance in my work. Being able to take what was a concept and breathe life into it is amazing.”
"There’s a hidden appreciation in finding life in something that has been broken. The beauty of distress combined with each model brings a perfect balance in my work. Being able to take what was a concept and breathe life into it is amazing.”