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Born: Augsburg, Germany
Education: BFA, Laguna College of Art and Design 2005
Recent Exhibitions:
“Small Works” Holiday Show, Rainey Gallery, Newport Beach, CA
“Twilight Exhibit” Open House Art Exhibit, Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach CA
“Coastal Splendor Plein Air Invitational Art Show”, Crystal Cove Alliance, Corona Del Mar, CA
“Festival Of Arts” Laguna Beach, CA
2005- “Small At City Hall” Laguna Beach, CA
Juror:
San Clemente Art League Annual Art Show 2007
Santa Cruz Art League 2000
Born in Augsburg, Germany, my artwork is influenced by my childhood in Bavaria where the modern is freely mixed with a long colorful history. My paintings often reflect on the way layers of the past can be seen in the present when we look for them, and how these things play an important part in defining who we are.
My love for clarity, and objects that capture light and reflections is often seen in my work. Like medieval manuscripts my artwork uses intense color that draw the viewer into the story. Taking advantage of small scale actually increases the sense of intimate connection between the painting and the viewer. Textures, in stone and pavement and marble, patterns seen in landscapes, fabric, clothing and jewelry, are a strong focus. I try to travel whenever I can. Italy is one of my favorite haunts. The colors of the landscape, the architecture and the amazing renaissance art, continues to draw me. Ireland is also a delightful place to paint.
I love it here even more. The coastal area in Southern California has attracted artists for many good reasons. I love to paint the color of the light, the water and sea life, the beautiful trees and foliage that are so much of what we all love about this place After many years on the Monterey Bay Coast, for the past nine years, I have made Laguna Beach my permanent residence.
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Jason Dowd knew he wanted to be an artist from the age of five. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, he grew up around his father, Ken Dowd, a successful illustrator, which laid the foundation for his future as an artist. Jason received his BFA at the Art Center College of Design, graduating second in his class. At Art Center, he focused on classical drawing and painting as his principal areas of study. Jason returned to St. Louis to pursue a career as a freelance illustrator.
He worked with clients such as Simon& Schuster, Coca-Cola, and Anheuser-Busch while continuing his studies as a painter. In 2000, Jason decided to dedicate himself fully to fine art and established his studio at the St. Louis Artists' Guild where he was Artist-in-Residence.
Jason has completed commissions for clients which include Southwest Bank, The Fox Theater of St. Louis, as well as many portraits including two official portraits of the Cardinal Justin Rigali for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Southwest Bank President.
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Ruth Hollis received her masters of fine arts degree from California State University at Fullerton. She continued her portraiture studies in France.
Before opening The Art Studio Ruth taught adults and children privately and in classes for the past 5 years out of her Fountain Valley studio. Ruth has worked with many industry professionals. Interior designers have commissioned her to create one-of-a-kind, original works of art for their clients. Gartland, USA commissioned Ruth to create the KISS commemorative plates sold world wide. She has worked on music CD projects and has worked many times as an independent art consultant.
Ruth's work is shown in numerous collections throughout the United States. Her work can also be seen at Vitti's Gallery, Newport Beach.
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Taylor Montague is an artist of the Realist tradition born and raised in Southern California. He received his BFA from Laguna College of Art and Design, majoring in Painting and Drawing. He works in oil paint but also uses charcoal and graphite. Portraits, landscapes and still lives are the three consistent subjects which occupy Taylor’s interest.
Taylor has had two one man shows, been in a number of group shows and taken many portrait, still life and landscape commissions since graduating from LCAD. Currently he is teaching Adult Portraiture and Children’s Drawing and Painting. “Sometimes I learn more from my children students than the adults because they are less inhibited and more pure in expression.”
Taylor believes in developing strong fundamental skills, acquiring sound techniques, becoming acquainted with Art History and also being aware of ones societal context to be an effective artist. He also believes that art must come from the heart and be sincere to act as a positive form of communication.
Taylor is a very enthusiastic and straight to the point teacher who is excited about facilitating his students in the different stages of their artistic process, sharing “tried and true” methods in drawing and painting in order to help individuals become solid, confident, self generating artists. “There is no greater joy for an art teacher to see his student’s progress and grasp artistic concepts. It is a thrill to hear someone say ‘I get it, I now know how to do this!’”
Mary’s other talents include silk and mural painting, residential and architectural illustrating, and designing glass. She brings her art knowledge and experiences teaching in public schools to her watercolor painting class, as she patiently develops individual projects for her students to learn from. She successfully problem solves the difficulties her students face while they learn the behaviors of this transparent medium.
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Southern California artist Don Roth possesses a vast range of abilities and experience. He incorporates the technical skills of a draftsman and the imagination of an illustrator in a subtle blend of precision and sensitivity, making his creations a wonder to behold. Don’s extraordinary talent grew while pursuing a commercial art degree and during his career as an illustrator draftsman for the US Navy. He continued his craft during his eight years as a one-man city art department and as a Sr. Industrial Designer in the commercial aircraft industry. His distinguishing airbrush rendering skills became his hallmark as a fine artist.
Currently, Don Roth has gained world-wide exposure with his whimsical and highly detailed series of “cool” cat paintings titled, “The Kool-Kat Kollection”, and has earned the unofficial title, The Norman Rockwell of Cats”. Don’s collectible art can be seen in local art galleries and gift shops, hotels, and cruise ships. The collection has been so successful it has been reproduced on greeting cards, t-shirts, beach towels, jigsaw puzzles and a soon to be published children’s book.
“The world is a serious and often stressful place to live. If I can bring a chuckle or a smile to the face of my viewers with my paintings then we are both the better for it”.
Don Roth is a member of the American Society of Portrait Artists and the American Society of Classical Realism.
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Brittany Ryan was born and raised in San Diego, California. After high school she attended Laguna College of Art and Design in Laguna Beach. Upon earning her Bachelor of Arts in illustration with a minor in sculpture she has worked as a free-lance illustrator, but has recently decided to pursue a Masters degree in drawing and painting at her alma mater.
Brittany comes to us with experience instructing children at a San Diego art studio and The Art Studio is proud to offer her talent and enthusiasm to our children’s classes.
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Art Thomas is an accredited artisan who received his Bachelors degree in Arts and Sciences at Texas A&M. His vision is to learn from all aspects of art and spread the wealth of knowledge to others. Mr. Thomas has worked in front and behind the cameras, as well as on and off the stage. As an illustrator he has had a comic published, worked as a storyboard illustrator for three films, and continues working on other comic books. He is brimming with knowledge of this craft and the inner workings of the business.
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Denise Wada received a B.F.A. from California State University Long Beach in Graphic Design. She is a self taught painter who credits many well spent class hours learning from a few of The Art Studio's finest art instructors, Hollis, Montague and Dowd. Aside from graphic design and painting she also spends countless hours on web design.
Denise has turned to teaching at The Art Studio as a way to pass on her love of all things creative to the youth in our community. She has two kids, ages 11 and 13 who constantly inspire her to fear no art!
