LEGO® bricks have long been hailed as a versatile toy, but in recent years, they have also emerged as a medium for stunning works of art. From intricate sculptures to large-scale installations, LEGO artwork has captivated audiences around the world with its creativity and ingenuity.
Meet M’Brick
One of those artists is M’Brick, who has become renowned for his LEGO “paintings,” where he utilizes bricks as his palette for creating stunning masterpieces. Surprisingly, LEGO art wasn’t M’Brick’s intentional career – after playing hockey professionally in his homeland of France for 20 years, he found himself wondering what his next career move would be. That’s when he somewhat accidentally found his next calling…and it came in the form of bricks.
As an avid art enthusiast, M’Brick loves street and paper art, but said that wasn’t what he was particularly skilled at. So when his partner’s favorite artwork was Andy Warhol’s “Marilyn Monroe,” he got to work creating the next best thing to the original: a reproduction made completely out of LEGO bricks. That was 15 years ago, and now, the artist has been commissioned to create pieces for celebrities, NBA/NFL players and has even collaborated with luxury brands like IWC and Bape.
The work is vigorous and it takes him about 30 days to complete an entire piece, but the time for detail is worth the wait: not only does the art take on a recognizable form from a distance, but when you look closely, you will see that these LEGO pieces aren’t merely color for a palette, but a microcosm of LEGO textures, akin to small cities.
Creating your own LEGO masterpiece is a fulfilling and accessible creative outlet. M’Brick’s advice to those starting out?, “I would first advise to be patient. As with any art form, it takes time to develop your skills and refine your style. Then, I would say that it is essential to find your own style. Do not be afraid to experiment with LEGO and give free rein to your imagination,” said M’Brick. “Everyone has their own artistic vision, and it is by exploring different techniques and trying new ideas that we discover what we are really passionate about.”
Advice for Starting Your First Piece of LEGO Art
For M’Brick his inspiration comes from his “passion for nature, street art, sneakers, cars and watches. Each of these elements is reflected in my creations, merging the real world with the playful and colorful aesthetics of LEGO, thus capturing the essence of my passions in a work of art.”
Believing in yourself is the most crucial element in starting this work, explains M’Brick. Belief in himself propels and motivates his process where he first finds the image he wants to create then he pixelates it with software to get a color grid blueprint.
After this is created, he adds the LEGO bricks and produces it in 3D, while he selects “special LEGO parts to create scenes and details hidden in the painting.”
The process takes approximately 30 days and each piece has his unique signature, a minifig holding a brick marked “M’Brick,” in one hand and an object themed to that particular art piece in the other, making each piece incredibly personalized in nature.
Tips to Help You Start Creating
Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just starting out, here’s a simple walkthrough to help you create your first piece of LEGO artwork:
- Gather Your Supplies: To begin, you’ll need a collection of LEGO bricks in various colors and sizes. Having a mix of basic bricks, plates, and specialty pieces can help add detail to your creation. Stores, such as our Bricks and Minifigs location, are a great place to search for bulk and often offer better prices than many online retailers. (It’s also just a lot of fun to pull up a stool and search for bulk “treasure!”)
- Choose Your Design: Decide what you want to build. It could be a simple object, like a flower or a car, or a more complex scene, like a miniature cityscape. Sketching out your design on paper can help you visualize the final product. Save the image or print it out for reference.
- Set Up Your Workspace: Find a flat surface to work on, preferably with plenty of space to spread out your LEGO bricks. A baseplate can help keep your creation stable as you build.
- Start Building: Begin by laying down a foundation for your creation using larger LEGO bricks. Build up from there, adding smaller bricks and plates to create the desired shape and detail.
- Add Detail: As you build, pay attention to the details that will make your creation stand out. Experiment with different techniques, such as layering bricks or using different colors, to add depth and texture to your artwork.
- Final Touches: Once you’re satisfied with your creation, step back and admire your work. Make any final adjustments or additions to ensure your LEGO artwork is exactly how you envisioned it.
- Display Your Artwork: Find a suitable place to display your LEGO masterpiece where it can be appreciated by others. A wall, shelf, mantelpiece, or display case can be a great way to showcase your creativity.
Join Us in Making Mosaic Art
Looking to make LEGO art but don’t know where to start? Join us this month for a mosaic Make and Take event on April 13, where we will be creating our most ambitious build yet – an intricate space mosaic (pictured below), perfect to hang in any office or bedroom!
Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to create art; it’s as individualistic as you! M’Brick notes that, “Art is a personal expression, and it is important to trust your instincts and have fun while creating. With practice and perseverance, you can accomplish great things, especially with LEGO and art.”
LEGO artwork is a wonderful way to unleash your creativity and imagination. Whether you’re creating a small piece for yourself or a larger installation for others to enjoy, the possibilities with LEGO are endless. So grab your bricks and start building – who knows what masterpiece you’ll create!
Learn more about M’Brick and see more of his LEGO art on Instagram or check out his website for reproductions.
Don’t forget to display your art proudly: Share your next masterpiece with us on Facebook or Instagram. We can’t wait to see your creations!