Biography
I was born in Salem, Oregon, but grew up in the greater San Francisco Bay Area of California. I received a BA in Studio Art from California State University Sacramento in 2006, and will be graduating December of 2010 with an MFA in Figurative Painting from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco.
During my high school years, I developed a love for both art and music. After high school, I continued to develop as an artist, while also becoming a professional musician, singer, and songwriter. I then formed a vocal trio with my wife and brother and performed throughout Northern California and Nevada for more than eight years.
I focus on capturing the mood, emotion, and essence of people in my figurative oil paintings and portraits. Blending traditional and expressive painting techniques, I invite viewers to communicate directly with each personality.
I enjoy painting and drawing commissioned portraits, and am gaining national recognition through my award winning work displayed at the Haggin Museum in Stockton, CA. I am a member of the Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America, and teach head and figurative drawing classes in Lodi, CA. After raising three wonderful boys, I currently reside in Lodi with my loving wife, Suzanne.
Résumé
Education
2010 MFA Figurative Painting Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA
2006 BA Studio Art California State University, Sacramento (magna cum laude)
Awards/Honors
2010 Haggin Museum, Stockton, CA, Ruby Zahn White 2nd Place Award
2006 California State Fair, Two Awards of Merit
2005 California State Fair, Award of Merit
2005 Phi Beta Kapa Honor Society
Solo Exhibitions
2011 Thesis Exhibition, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA
(scheduled for February, 2011)
2010 Figuratively Speaking, Studio 20 Gallery, Lodi, CA
Group Shows
2010 Studio 20 Gallery, Lodi, CA
2006 Selected Seniors Invitational Exhibition, Witt Gallery, California State University, Sacramento, CA
2006 Graduating Seniors Exhibition, Else Gallery, California State University, Sacramento, CA
Curatorial Experience
2005 Traditions from the Past (Southeast Asian Art), Witt Gallery, CA State University
Bibliography
10/11/10 Clemmie King, Five Artists Win Major Award in Haggin Exhibition, Stockton Record, Stockton, CA
1/12/10 Lori Gilbert, From Musician to Fine Artist, Sentinel Newspaper, Lodi, CA
1/10/10 Lauren Nelson, Lodi’s 3rd Gallery to Open Its Doors, Stockton Record, CA
Afterwards at McMenamins (painting pictured in article)
Professional Activities
2010 – Present Foundational Drawing and Color Theory Lessons, Art Institute of CA- Sacramento, CA, Instructor
2011 – Present Head/Figurative Drawing and Expressive Painting Lessons, Hutchins St. Center, Lodi, CA, Instructor
2010 Head/Figurative Drawing Lessons, Studio 20 Gallery, Lodi, CA, Instructor
2010 Annual Summer Art Show, Hutchins St. Community Center, Lodi, CA, Juror
2009 Head Drawing Lessons, Hutchins St. Community Center, Lodi, CA, Instructor
Commissions
2010 Greg Burns, Wanda Bechtold, Owner of Jessie’s Grove Winery, Lodi, CA
2010 Stan Foster, Stan and Coryl Foster, Foster Lumber Company, Lodi, CA
2010 Stan Foster, Granddaughters of Stan and Coryl Foster, Lodi, CA
Professional Memberships
2010 Portrait Society of America
Current Employment
2010 – Present Art Institute of California–Sacramento, Art Instructor
2011 – Present Private Art Teacher, Charcoal/Pastel Drawing and Expressive Painting Classes, Hutchins St. Community Center, Lodi, CA
Gallery Representation
2010 Studio 20 Fine Art, Lodi, CA