


Inspired by David Hockney I started to paint things on my phone. It started out as just another medium I would use when I was sat somewhere for a bit. In a bar, cafe or hanging out with friends. I have a toddler these days so those windows of time don’t happen very often anymore.
In 2025 I started offering phone portraits online to give me an opportunity to paint strangers. The portraits are painted quickly. Usually in around half an hour and they look funny because its hard to paint on a tiny screen with your finger, and I have zero training or expertise in painting portraits.
I like to embrace imperfection and the victims I’ve had so far seem to enjoy it as well! So, if you fancy a Painty Phone portrait then join the club.


If you're really, really unhappy with your portrait I will give you a full refund. But, please remember these are supposed to be fun and silly and not intended as realistic portraits. You're paying for my time to paint your portrait. If you get a refund i just painted you for free and you still get a painting. So don't take the piss.

Merny makes paintings and murals inspired by human interactions, online memes, diagrams and safety posters.
He predominantly works in watercolours in his studio and uses spray paint and rollers on the street.
The varied output of Merny’s saturated and hilarious watercolours have been described as unique, vibrant and evocative. Tainted with dark humour, laden with sarcasm and peppered with cryptic textbook-style labels which provide no clue as to their true meaning.
His work is unpretentious, playful and relatable to people of all ages and backgrounds. Merny is unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths about our times both on the street and in his studio.
In 2024 he had his first solo show “A Waste Of Paint” At 17 Midland Road, Bristol and has exhibited in many group shows including Art The Arms Fair, alongside Jeremy Deller, Magda Archer and more.