Artists

Otis Oldfield was an American painter and art instructor born on July 3, 1890, in Sacramento, California. In 1906, Otis dropped out of high school to work at a local print shop and on the railroads. He arrived in San Francisco in 1909 and enrolled at Best’s Art School. After saving up for two years, […]

Jeffrey Larson is an American painter born in 1962 in Two Harbors, Minnesota, growing up in the Twin Cities. Jeffrey started his art education at seventeen at the Atelier Jack, Minneapolis, where he studied under Richard Lack. After completing the four-year training, Larson served as Head Instructor Assistant Director at Atelier LeSueur from 1984 to

  Jeffrey Smart was an Australian painter born on 26 July 1921 in Adelaide, Australia. Jeffrey grew an early fascination for architecture and art, leading him to enroll part-time at the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts while training at Adelaide Teachers College. In 1948, Smart traveled to Europe and America, settling in Paris

  Shmuel Katz was an Israeli painter born on 18 August 1926 in Vienna, Austria. Shmuel’s family relocated to Hungary in 1938 after Germany annexed Austria. In 1944, Nazis invaded Hungary, and Katz got deported to a labor camp in Yugoslavia. He escaped and relocated to Budapest. In 1946, he joined a group of illegal

  Horatio Henry Couldery was an English painter born in 1832 in the London Borough of Levisham, United Kingdom. Horatio was one of nine children born to a painter, Robert Couldery, and initially apprenticed to become a cabinetmaker. However, his love for art prevailed when he escaped his apprenticeship to pursue an art career. In

  Duccio di Buoninsegna was an Italian painter born in Siena, Tuscany in 1255.  Duccio was the first painter of the Sienese school. The first evidence of his painting and existence dates back to 1278, when the Office of the Biccherna commissioned him to paint twelve document boxes. The following year, he got the task

  Andre Derain was a French painter born on 10 June 1880 in Chatou, France. Andre began to learn painting independently at age 15 before enrolling at the Ecole des Mines to study engineering. In 1898, Derain left the engineering program when he chose to pursue an art career and learned in the studio of

  Albert Rosenthal was an American painter, etcher, printmaker, and art collector born on January 30, 1863, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After high school, Albert enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, where he was a student of Max Rosenthal, his father. In 1880, Rosenthal furthered his studies at the Academie Julian in Paris. Rosenthal

  Ferdinand Hodler was a Swiss painter born on 14 March 1853 in Bern, Switzerland. In 1861, Ferdinand lost his father and brothers to tuberculosis, and his mother remarried shortly after. He regularly assisted his stepfather, a painter, in completing his projects. After his mother died in 1867, Ferdinand was sent to Thun to apprentice

  Gladys Nilsson is an American painter born on 6 May 1940 in Chicago, Illinois. Gladys was born to Swedish parents who raised her north of Chicago. She studied at the School of Art Institute of Chicago, where she met Jim Nutt. After their marriage, the couple got acquainted with Whitney Halstead, who introduced them

Xi Pan is a Chinese figurative painter born in 1971 in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Xi Pan’s interest in art was ignited as a child when she would visit workshops in an art institute weekly. She first received art lessons from her father, an artist, and professor at the Institute. After completing high school, Xi

George Hendrik was born on 12 September 1857 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. In 1876, George enrolled at the Art Academy in The Hauge, studying for four years before getting expelled for misconduct. Later that year, he became a member of the Pulchri Studio while living with fellow artist Willem Maris. Hendrik met Vincent Van Gogh in

  Anna Gardell-Ericson was a Swedish painter born on October 10, 1853, in Visby, Sweden. Anna’s parents discovered she had artistic talents from a young age. So, when Anna was fifteen, she went to Switzerland to study music and art. She returned to Sweden with more passion for painting than music. In 1871, Anna enrolled

Gary Patterson is an American painter and cartoonist born on 16 November 1941 in Los Angeles, California. Gary was intrigued by art in his childhood and was encouraged by his family to pursue an art career. He studied at the Art Centre College of Design, the Los Angeles Valley College, and the University of California.

  Antonio Donghi was an Italian painter born on 16 March 1897 in Rome, Italy. Antonio enrolled at the Instituto di Belle Arti aged eleven, graduating in 1916. After his studies, he served in the military during the First World War. When the war ended, Donghi chose to create art in the methods of traditional

Angel Zarraga was a Mexican painter born on 16 August 1886 in Durango, Mexico. Angel discovered his artistic talents while in a preparatory school in Mexico. Consequently, he enrolled at the Escuella Nacional de Bellas Artes. After graduation, with his family’s support, Zarraga went on a study trip to Europe in 1904, visiting Spain, Belgium,

  Afro Basaldella was an Italian painter born on 4 March 1912 in Udine, Italy. Afro had two brothers, Dino and Mirko, alongside whom he exhibited his work for the first time in 1928. In 1930, the Marangoni Arts Foundation sponsored Dino and Afro to study art. The following year, Afro graduated with a diploma

  Adolf Dietrich was a Swiss painter born on 9 November 1877 in Berlingen, Switzerland. Despite the early manifestation of Adolf’s talent, he was unable to properly pursue an art career due to the financial limitations of his family. Hence, he worked with his parents on the farm and in a textile mill. Dietrich practiced

Marius van Dokkum is a Dutch painter and illustrator born in 1957 in Andijk, North Holland province, Netherlands. Marius always wanted to paint as a child and knew he wanted to become an artist professionally.  To achieve this goal, van Dokkum studied at the Christian Academy for Expressive Arts in Kampen, Overijssel. At the Academy,

  Michael Pettit is a South African painter born in Durban in 1950. Pettit received formal art education from the University of the Witwatersrand, where he studied under Judith Mason, Cecily Sash, and Robert Hodgins. Micheal graduated in 1971, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. After his graduation, Micheal gave art lessons as a

Helen Turner was an American painter born on 13 November 1858 in Louisville, Kentucky. Helen’s pursuit of her artistic interests was slowed by her parent’s death, leaving her in the care of her poor, widowed uncle. She continued practicing and took free classes at Tulane University. After her uncle’s death, Helen started teaching at an

Hananiah Harari was an American painter born on 29 August 1912 in Rochester, New York. He received his first art lessons at the Rochester Memorial Art Gallery. From 1930 to 1932, he attended the Syracuse University School of Fine Arts. Hananiah completed his studies in Paris, where he studied with Marcel Gromaire, Fernand Leger, and

H.M. Saffer was an American painter born on 18 July 1942 in Pennsylvania, United States. Saffer’s art career kicked off very early, exhibiting at a public show at six. After graduating from Temple University in 1965, he traveled to France, where he studied economics. Saffer also pursued musical interests, performing with prominent artists and working

  Guy Wiggins was an American Painter born on 23 February 1883 in Brooklyn, New York. Guy was the son of renowned Brazilian School painter Carleton Wiggins, who became his first art teacher. In 1900, Guy enrolled at the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, studying drawing and architecture. He furthered his education at the National Academy of

  Frits Thaulow was a Norwegian painter born on 20 October 1847 in Christiania, Norway. Frits was born to Harald Conrad Thaulow, a wealthy chemist who supported him in his pursuit. He studied at the Academy of Art in Copenhagen between 1870 and 1872. He furthered his studies at the Baden School of Art in

Eugeniusz Zak was a Polish painter born on 15 December 1884 in Mogilno, modern-day Belarus.  After graduating from secondary school in Warsaw, he moved to Paris in 1902, where he enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and the Academie Colarossi. The following year, he moved to Munich, studying at Anton Azbe’s private art school. In

David Ligare is an American painter born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1945. He received formal art training at the Chouinard Art Institute in Westlake, California. He then furthered his education at the Art Centre College of Design in Pasadena, Los Angeles County. David became a master of draughtsmanship and began exhibiting his artworks. David

  Colin Campbell Cooper is an American painter born on 8 March 1856 in Pennsylvania, United States.  In 1876, Colin attended the Philadephia Exposition and was fascinated by the artworks on display. Supported by his wealthy parents, he decided to pursue an art career. He enrolled at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1879,

Bakufu Ohno was a Japanese painter and printmaker born in 1888 in Tokyo, Japan. In 1923, after the Great Kanto Earthquake that killed thousands and left the city in ruins, Bakufu moved to Kansai. At the time, he was known for painting landscapes and making fish prints. He showed his oil paintings at the Great

Helen Bradley was an American painter born on 20 November 1900 in Lancashire, England. Contrary to the familiar stories of child prodigies showing art at tender ages, Helen’s recognition came at a later stage. She had always been interested in art but never pursued a career. In the 1960s, tending to the request of her

Igor Medvedev is a Ukrainian painter born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, in 1931. Igor and his family left their home in 1943 after Germany invaded Russia and settled in Germany. His artistic interest was encouraged by Anatoly Martinov, a local artist that lived nearby. The family lived in Munich, where Igor sketched townscapes and learned sculpture

  Jacob Jordaens was a Flemish painter born on 19 May 1593 in Antwerp, Belgium. Jordan was born into a wealthy family and enjoyed the privileges of a high social class. He studied under Adam Van Noort, living in his house for the duration of his eight years of training. After his studies, in 1615,

  Jo Barry is a contemporary painter born in 1944 in Kent, England. She studied at the Ravensbourne College of Art and Design, earning a BA in Fine Art. Jo taught art after completing her studies and was an instructor at the Byam Shaw School of Art. In 1981, she quit teaching to hone her

Le Pho was a Vietnamese painter born on 2 August 1907 in Ha Noi, Vietnam. In 1925, he enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Hanoi and studied there till 1930. He won a study scholarship to the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris under the tutelage of Victor Tardieu and returned to Vietnam after the

Leo Putz was an Italian painter born on 18 June 1869 in Merano, South Tyrol, Italy.  In 1985, he enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, studying under Gabriel von Hackl, the German historical painter. Leo’s father was the mayor of Merano, who, discovering his son’s talent, encouraged and supported him in his

Louis Aston Knight is an American painter born in Paris, France, on August 3, 1873. Daniel Ridgway Knight, a renowned expatriate painter, was Louis’ father. Louis received formal art training from Robert Fleury and Jules Lefebvre. In 1894, he had his first exhibition at the Paris Salon, kicking off his career on a high note.

Paul Spangenberg was a German painter born on 26 July 1843 in Gustrow, Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany. Despite being born into a family of law pedigree – his father and grandfather were lawyers – Paul chose to pursue art instead. He attended the Rostock city high school, passing his graduation exam in 1863. Paul

Sarah Affonso was a Portuguese painter born on 13 May 1899 in Lisbon, Portugal. She grew up in the Minho region, where she studied at the Colégio de Nossa Senhora de Monserrate. In 1915, back in Lisbon, she enrolled at the Lisbon Fine Arts School and studied under Columbano Pinheiro. She graduated in 1922. Two

  Shiva Ahmadi is an Iranian-American painter born in 1975 in Tehran, Iran. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Azad University in 1998. She furthered her education in the United States of America, earning a Master of Art and Master of Fine Arts degree in Drawing at Wayne University in Detroit. In

Steven Lawler is a British painter born in 1968 in Salford, England. Steven enrolled at the University of Central Lancashire in 1992 to study art and graduated in 1995, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art Painting. He furthered his education at the Manchester Metropolitan University, earning a Master’s degree in Fine Art

Henri Lebasque was a French painter born on 25 September 1865 in Maine-et-Loire, France. In 1865, Lebasque enrolled at the École régionale des beaux-arts d’Angers, studying under Leon Bonnat. The following year, Henri moved to Paris and made acquaintances with Camille Pissarro, Pierre Bonnard, Auguste Renoir, and Edouard Vuillard. Lebasque was a founding member of

Martin Johnson Heade was an American painter born on 11 August 1819 in Lumberville, Pennsylvania. Martin received his first artistic training from his neighbor, Edward Hicks, and his cousin Thomas Hicks, a portrait painter. Heade traveled to Europe in 1838 and settled in Rome, where he continued practicing and learning by himself. Martin Heade exhibited

Anton Pieck was a Dutch artist and designer best known for his fairy-tale-like works. He designed the popular Dutch theme park De Efteling. Pieck studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts as well as the Bik en Vaandrager institute. Pieck later became an art teacher from 1912 to 1920 in The Hague as well

Adam Lister is an American painter, printmaker, and sculptor born in Fairfax, Virginia, in 1978. Adam expressed a deep passion for painting and drawing as a child and was supported by his family in pursuing an art career. Moving to New York after high school, he studied at The School of Visual Arts, receiving a

Claes Oldenburg (1929-2022) the Swiss-born American inspired Pop Art artist is best known for his fun, whimsical, pioneering Pop Art sculptures. Some of the works he created over his long life and career as an artist include, Lipstick Ascending on Caterpillar Tracks (1969), Clothespin (1976), and Spoonbridge and Cherry (1988). Today, the artist’s work is

Peter Blake (1932-) is an English artist and one of the founders of British Pop art and the Pop art movement.  One of his most famous works is On the Balcony (1955-1957). What makes the work unique is that it looks like a collage, but on further inspection the viewer can see it was painted

David Hockney (1937-) is a British is a painter, printmaker, and stage designer for opera and ballet, who is most well known for his Pop art style.  He was born in 1937 in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, England.  David is known as one of the most influential British painters of the 20th century.  He

Eduardo Paolozzi (1924-2005), the Scottish born, British Pop art artist worked making collages, graphic works, sculptures, and even mosaic murals. As one of the founders of the British Pop art movement, he is most well known for his early collage I was a Rich Man’s Plaything (1947). The Early Years and Education of Eduardo Paolozzi Born

Pauline Boty (1938-1966) was a British Pop art artist and the only female painter in the British Pop art movement. She was considered an “It Girl” in Swinging London, who also found work as a model, dancer, and actor on television, film, and in the theatre. Pauline Boty adored music and became part of the

Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997) was an American Pop Art artist based in New York City. Originally creating works in Cubism and Abstract Expressionism, his works had a Western and Americana theme. Later, he became a pioneer in American Pop art, focusing on popular culture and mass media. As a teen Lichtenstein initially studied with painter Reginald

Andy Warhol (1928-1987) was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1928.  He attended Carnegie Institute of Technology, now called Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, and graduated in 1949, with a degree in pictorial design. Andy Warhol began work as a commercial illustrator in 1949, and was well respected in his field and highly paid. Warhol worked

Anna Ancher was a Danish painter born on 18 August 1859 in Skagen, Denmark.  Anna showed artistic talent at a young age, but her modest background and women’s education restrictions obstructed her pursuit of an art career. In 1874, Anna revived her interest in art when Michael Ancher visited Skagen. Anna’s parents were owners of

  Christian Krohg was a Norwegian painter born on 13 August 1852 in Vestre Aker, Oslo. Even though Christian had always wanted to become an artist, he initially studied law to fulfill his father’s wish. He graduated from the University of Oslo in 1873, earning a Candidate of Law degree. Earlier that same year, his

  Christian Schad was a German Painter born on 21 August 1895 in Miesbach, Germany.  He was born into an affluent family, and his artistic talent was encouraged from a young age.  Christian experienced art and cultures from around the world in his childhood. In 1913, he enrolled at the Munich Art Academy but soon

Michel Delacroix was born on 26 February 1933 in Paris, France. He studied at the Lycee Louis-le-Grand in Paris. At seven, Michel witnessed the occupation of his beloved city and country by the Nazis. The memories of the ‘Paris of then’ have become the primary subject of his artworks. Michel has held over three hundred

Adolf Dehn was an American painter and lithographer born on 22 November 1895 in Waterville, Minnesota. Adolf’s parents were commonfolk who barely made ends meet, but his interest in art was encouraged by his mother. After high school graduation in 1914, Adolf enrolled at the Minneapolis School of Art. In 1917, he won a scholarship

Christian Mourier-Petersen is a Danish painter born on 26 November 1858 in Orsted, Denmark. Christian had extensive education in art, studying first in the studio of Carl F. Andersen. He then furthered his education at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, studying from 1880 to 1883. For the next three years, he studied under Laurits

Alexandra Nechita is a Romanian painter and sculptor born on 27 August 1985 in Vaslui, Romania. Alexandra, a child prodigy, started drawing at two when she emigrated to the United States with her mother. She had her first solo exhibition at the Los Angeles Public Library in 1994. News of Alexandra’s talent spread like wildfire,

Laszlo Neogrady was a Hungarian painter born on 2 April 1896 in Budapest, Hungary. Laszlo was the son of renowned landscape painter Antal Neogrady and shared a passion for art with his father. He received formal art education at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts, studying under Ede Ballo, a famous portrait artist. After his

Pierre Boncompain is a French painter born on 17 May 1938 in Valence, France. Pierre showed his artistic ability as a child and was encouraged by his parents to pursue an art career. After completing his secondary studies in Valence and Avignon, Pierre moved to Paris, where he enrolled at the National School of Decorative

  Maggie Taylor is an American digital artist born in 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio. Maggie was interested in photography in her childhood, but only because she wanted to take photos of her pet hamsters. Maggie enrolled at Yale University to study philosophy, graduating with distinction in 1983. At Yale, the photography classes she took rekindled

  Jean-Paul Surin is a French painter born in 1946 in Ardennes, France. Surin grew up in a neighborhood on the banks of the Meuse surrounded by large forests. Jean-Paul developed a passion for nature that reflects in his artworks. Jean-Paul started painting in 1958 when he was only twelve years old and decided to

Hector Caffieri was a British painter born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, in 1847 to French parents. Before leaving London in pursuit of art education, Hector spent a short while in the British Navy. He traveled to Paris to study art under Gustave Boulanger and furthered his education at the Academian Julian, studying under Léon Bonnat

  Krsto Hegedušić was a Croatian painter born on 26 November 1901 in Petrinja, Croatia. After his father’s death, Krsto and his family moved to Hlebine in 1909. In 1920, he enrolled at the Zagreb Academy of Fine Arts, where he created his first set of artworks – a set of paintings of the Drava

Walter Ernest was a British painter born in Manchester, England, on 17 November 1877. Walter showed artistic prowess as a child, winning a study scholarship at the Royal College of Art. In 1899, he enrolled at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, studying there for five years. During his course of study at the

Henri Manguin was a French painter born on 23 March 1874 in Paris, France. Henri decided to be a painter in 1889 when he left school at fifteen. Following a move to Montmartre in 1903, Henri Manguin enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, where he met and became friends with Henri Matisse and Charles Camoin

Gerrit Dou was a Dutch painter born on 7 April 1613 in Leiden, Netherlands. Gerrit got his first art lessons from his father, a glass engraver and manufacturer. In 1628, fourteen-year-old Gerrit was sent to study painting under Rembrandt van Rijn. During the three years Gerrit spent in Rembrandt’s studio, he carefully studied and adopted

Gottfried Helnwein is an Austrian visual artist born on 8 October 1948 in Vienna, Austria. Gottfried grew up in a Catholic home and was responsible for organizing plays and art exhibitions in his youthful days. When he got older, Gottfried enrolled at the Höhere Bundes-Graphische Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt in 1965, a school for graphic and

Teodor Axentowicz was a Polish painter born on 13 May 1859 in Brasov, Romania. In 1878, Teodor enrolled at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts, Germany. After graduating in 1882, he furthered his studies in Carolus-Duran’s studio in Paris. While in Paris, Teodor illustrated for prominent magazines such as Figaro and Le Monde Illustré to

Oleg Trofimoff is a Russian painter born in Tsarevo, Moscow, in 1962. Oleg was a child prodigy, winning a prize in a children’s competition for his drawing of a plane bombing in Vietnam. Oleg Troofimoff enrolled in the Vasnetsov School of the Art and Industry, Moscow, in 1979 and graduated in 1984. Oleg furthered his

  Roger de La Fresnaye is a French painter born on 11 July 1885 in Le Mans, France. Roger’s wealthy background enabled him to receive classical education at several art schools in France. He studied at the Academie Julian from 1903 to 1904 and at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts for the next four years. He

  Ossip Zadkine was a Russian sculptor born on 9 February 1888 in Vitebsk, Belarus. Ossip, as a child, preferred to mold with clay than go to school, which upset his father, a professor. In 1905, Ossip’s father sent him to Sunderland to learn English and good behavior. Zadkine stayed with his mother’s family and

Natalia Goncharova was a Russian painter born on 3 July 1881 in Chernsky Uyezd, Russia. Natalia was the great-granddaughter of the eminent Russian novelist Alexander Pushkin. Natalia’s family moved to Moscow in 1892, where she began her formal education at the Fourth Gymnasium For Young Ladies, graduating in 1898. In 1901, Natalia enrolled at the

  Mikhail Larionov was a Russian painter born on 3 June 1881 in Tiraspol, Russia. In 1891, Mikhail’s family moved to Moscow, where he enrolled at the Voskrensky Technical High School, graduating with a diploma in 1893. Mikhail furthered his education at the Moscow Institute of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture, studying under Isaac Levitan. In

  Lyubov Popova was a Russian painter born on 24 April 1889 in Ivanovskoe, Moscow. Lyubov was born to wealthy parents who were also art enthusiasts, and they supported her interest since childhood. Lyubov enrolled at the School of Painting and Drawing in Moscow after receiving home lessons in art. She furthered her education at

Jacques Lipchitz was a Lithuanian sculptor born on 22 August 1891 in Druskininkai, Lithuania. Jacques first studied Engineering following his father’s wishes. In 1908, he gave up studying engineering and moved to Paris. He enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and the Academie Julian and was soon intrigued by the avant-garde artists. Jacques Lipchitz created

Henri Le Fauconnier was a French painter born on 5 July 1881 in Hesdin, France. Henri moved to France in 1901, where he studied Law while simultaneously taking art lessons under Jean-Paul Laurens at the Academie Julian. He exhibited at the Salon des Independants in 1904 and 1905. At the time, he made his paintings

  Henri Laurens was a French sculptor and Illustrator born on 18 February 1885 in Paris, France. After watching artists create the sculptural monuments at the Place de la Nation, Henri was determined to become a sculptor. In 1899, he enrolled at the École d’Art Industriel Bernard Palissy in Paris to study decorative and ornamental

Emilio Pettoruti was an Argentine painter born on 1 October 1892 in La Plata, Argentina. In 1906, fourteen-year-old Emilio enrolled at the Escuella de Bella Artes in his birth city, dropping out shortly after. He then studied under Emilio Coutaret, an art teacher at the Museum of National History, where he started practicing drawing. In

Andre Masson was a French painter and sculptor born on 4 January 1896 in  Balagny, France. Andre’s family moved to Brusells after his father was transferred there from work. At age eleven, he enrolled at the Brusells Academie des Beaux-Arts, studying under Constant Montald. In his free time, Andre worked as an embroidery designer and

André Lhote was a French painter born on 5 July 1885 in Bordeaux, France. In 1897, his father sent him to learn wood carving and sculpting at a furniture maker workshop. The following year, André enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Bordeaux, studying decorative sculpture till 1904. While learning decorative sculpture, he started experimenting

Amadeo de Souza Cardoso was a Portuguese painter born on 14 November 1887 in Mancelos, Amarante, Portugal. Amadeo showed a talent for art since he was a child and had his uncle’s support. In 1905, he left for Lisbon and enrolled at the Academia de Bellas-Artes to study architecture. He completed three design drawing courses

Alexander Archipenko was a Ukrainian sculptor born on 30 May 1887 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Alexander was born into a family with an artistic background. His grandfather painted murals for churches. In 1902, Alexander enrolled at the Kyiv Art School to study painting and sculpture. He left the school three years later after being expelled for

Alberto Giacometti was a Swiss sculptor and painter born on 10 October 1901 in Bregaglia, Switzerland. Alberto’s father was a Realist painter, and he encouraged his son’s pursuit of an art career. At age thirteen, Alberto made his first sculpture, of which his brother was the reference model. Between 1919 and 1920, he attended art

Alexandra Exter was a Russian painter born on 18 January 1882 in Bialystok, Poland (formerly in Russia). Alexandra was born into a wealthy family, facilitating her excellent education in art from childhood. When her family moved to Kyiv, she enrolled at the Kyiv Art School, studying with Alexander Archipenko under Mykola Pymonenko. Alexandra graduated from

Jian Chong Min is a Chinese contemporary landscape painter who was born in China in 1947. Chong Min studied at the Art Middle School in Sichuan, a subsidiary of the Sichuan Academy of Art. Unfortunately, he was later expelled. After his expulsion, Jian Chong Min worked as an acrobat and later found employment as an

  Sofonisba Anguissola was an Italian Renaissance painter born in 1532 in Cremona, Italy. Sofonisba was the first of seven children born to her parents, who were nobility. Her father, Amilcare Anguissola, recognized his children’s passion for the arts and duly provided them with a rich education. At age fourteen, Sofonisba was sent to study

  Josee Bisaillon is a Canadian illustrator of children’s books born in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada, in 1982. Josee loved to draw as a child, returning home from school to draw pictures of cats and houses. Josee’s parents encouraged her to keep being creative. After studying computer graphics, she pursued her n art passion by

  Kim Hong Do was a Korean genre painter born in Ansan, South Korea, in 1745. In 1752, Kim Hong Do studied under painter and calligrapher Kang Se-Hwang. In 1766, Kang Se-Hwang, a painter at the royal court, recommended Kim Hong Do to the official painters of the Joseon court, the Dohwaseo. Kim Hong Do

  Richard Adams is a British painter born in Hampshire, England, in 1960. Richard grew up in Wiltshire, where the landscapes of the Cotswold countryside would have a lasting impact on his paintings. In 1979, Richard enrolled to study Graphic Design at the Leicester Polytechnic for two years. After graduation, Richard moved to London and

  Raoul Dufy was a French printmaker and painter born on 3 June 1877 in Le Havre, France. In 1895, he began taking art lessons under Charles Lhuillier at the municipal art school in Le Havre. He moved to Paris and enrolled at the Ecole Nationale superieure des Beaux-Arts in 1900. As a result, Raoul

Jacques Villon is a French painter and illustrator born on 31 July 1875 in Damville, France. Jacques was the eldest of the six Duchamp children and brother to fellow painter Raymond Duchamp-Villon. Jacques studied law at the University of Paris, granting his father’s wish, but always shared his mother’s passion for art. He left for

Marilyn Simandle is an American painter and printmaker born in California in 1946. Marilyn inherited her passion for art from her mother, a musician, and painter. Taking lessons from her mother, she began to create watercolour artwork at six. Marilyn got formal education at the University of California, San Jose, where she earned a Bachelor

Lou Dahua is a Chinese Asian painter born in China in 1948. He started drawing as a child and was determined to have an illustrious career as an artist. Lou studied art extensively at Beijing University and Shanghai University. Lou Dahua has become one of the most prominent figures in Chinese art. Lou Dahua attained

  Laurent Parcelier is a French painter born in Auvergne, France, in 1962. Following his passion for art since childhood, Laurent enrolled at the Duperre School of Applied Arts in Paris in 1978. After his studies, he worked as an illustrator and author of a comic strip from 1986 to 1996, publishing eight albums on

Tessa Spencer Pryse is a British impressionist artist best known for her use of light and landscapes. Pryse received a scholarship from the Byam Shaw Art School when she was 17 years old. Prior to Pryse’s art study, she attended various schools in rural Wales, France, and Switzerland. Born in Wales in 1939, Pryse moved

Vladimir Kush is a Russian surrealist painter best known for founding Metaphorical Realism. Kush’s choice of using visual metaphor in his works makes him the first-ever artist to do so. Kush studied at the Surikov Moscow Art Institute when he was 17 years old. After a year, he was conscripted to join the Soviet Army.

  Alex Votsmush is a Russian watercolor painter best known for his complex watercolor methods applied with exemplary color composition and an exquisite mixture of line and fracture. Votsmush studied at the Crimea Art School and the Russian State Institute of Cinematography. Born in Omsk, Russia in 1967, Votsmush studied a course in “Animation” and

Alois Arnegger was an Austrian painter best known for his snow scene paintings, the coastal views of Naples, Capri, and Sorrento; as well as Italian landscapes. Arnegger’s skills were developed at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts under artists Robert Russ, who specialized in landscape; and August Eisenmenger, a historical artist. Born on the 9th

Edward Gorey was an American illustrator and writer best known for his highly distinct, humorous, and peculiar drawings. Gorey enrolled at the Art Institute of Chicago for only a semester. Later on, he studied at Harvard University from 1946 to 1950 to major in French Literature. Born on the twenty-second of February, 1925 in Massachusetts,

Ettore Roesler Franz was an Italian watercolorist and painter known for being one of Italy’s best due to his mastery of the watercolor technique. Franz’s “Roma Sparita” is his most popular work as it depicted areas in Rome that were disappearing due to modernization and urbanization. Franz went to Accademia di San Luca when he

Igor Oleynikov is a Russian illustrator best known for winning the 2018 Hans Christian Andersen Award – the highest international recognition given to a children’s book illustrator. Oleynikov is a self-taught illustrator who studied at the Institute of Chemical Engineering and then worked for three years as an engineer. He quit and decided to work

Ivan Rabuzin was a Croatian painter best known for creating geometric vegetation and cloud patterns that morph into pastel-colored arabesque-like structures. Rabuzin was a self-taught painter who studied art by visiting galleries and reading books on different artists. Born on the 27th of March, 1921 in Kljuc within the Hungarian border, Ivan Rabuzin only started

Jeanne Mammen was a German artist best known for her paintings and illustrations of Berlin’s city life as well as women’s sensual strength. Mammen studied at the Académie Julian and the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels from 1906 to 1911. Born in Berlin on the 21st of November, 1890, Mammen started as a commercial

John Marshall Gamble was an American painter best known for his landscape and floral coastal paintings. Gamble attended the San Francisco School of Design and trained with Virgil Williams and Emil Carlsen. He then studied at the Academie Julian in Paris along with Jean-Paul Laurens and Benjamin Constant. Born in 1863 in Morristown, New Jersey,

John Powell is an American painter best known for his intricate creations of gardens, flowers, and pottery. Powell studied at Mexico City’s Mexico City College due to its exemplary art department. Born in California in 1930, Powell built his art career in Los Angeles and he currently lives in Santa Barbara, California with his wife.

Raymond Duchamp-Villon was a French sculptor born on 5 November 1876 in Damville, Normandy region of France. In 1894, wanting to become a doctor, Raymond enrolled at the Sorbonne University in Paris to study medicine. Struck with rheumatic fever, he had to withdraw from the university in 1898. After a couple of years of experimenting

Karol Bak is a Polish painter born on 30 May 1961 in Wielkopolska Region, Poland. He attended the Fine Arts High School in Poznan, graduating with an Interior Exhibition Arrangement degree. In 1984, he enrolled at the University of Arts in Poznan and graduated with distinctions in Graphics and Drawing after five years. Karol’s rise

  Odd Nerdrum is a Norwegian figurative painter born on April 8, 1944, in Helsingborg, Sweden. His artistic training began at the Norwegian National Academy of the Arts in Oslo. Odd preferred traditional European painting styles over the modern art methods taught at the Academy. As a result, he had several issues with instructors and

Rene Lalique is a French jeweler and glass designer born on 6 April 1860 in Ay Champagne, France. After his father’s death, he apprenticed at a goldsmith’s workshop in Paris. He attended the College Turgot at twelve, where he learned the basics of drawing. Simultaneously, he took art classes at the Ecole des Arts Decoratif

Bo Barlett is an American painter born on 29 December 1955 in Georgia, United States of America. At 18, Bo traveled to Florence in Italy to study painting under Ben Long, returning to America the following year. In 1975, he moved to Philadelphia and enrolled at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, earning a Certificate

Camille Bombois was a French painter born on 3 February 1883 in Cote d’Or, France. He drew countryside scenes in his free time as a farm boy. In 1908, he moved to Paris and worked as a construction laborer on the Metro subway. Camille switched to working at a newspaper printing company at night, allowing

Ekaterina Reutova was a Russian Impressionist painter born on 25 November 1968 in Moscow. Ekaterina took his first art lessons in the studio of M.S. Immortal from 1970 to 1977. He enrolled at the Moscow State Academic Institute of Arts VI Surikov in 1980 and graduated in 1988. Ekaterina furthered his art education in 1993

Camille Pissarro was a French Impressionist painter born on 10 July 1830 in St. Thomas Island, in the US Virgin Islands. Pissarro first showed his interest in art at the boarding school he enrolled in near Paris, and he started drawing, painting, and visiting art collections. On his return home, he was expected to get

Jan Havickszoon Steen was born in Leiden, Netherlands, in 1626 to a wealthy Catholic family of brewers. In 1646, Steen enrolled as a student at the University of Leiden. He registered as a painter two years later and founded the Leiden painters’ Guild of Saint Luke alongside Gabriel Metsu. Jan Steen married Margriet, the daughter

Albert Von Keller was a German painter known for his indoor scenes and portrait paintings of female figures. Albert was born in Gais, Switzerland, on 27 April 1844 to Caroline Keller. Albert was formally educated, attending primary school in Bayreuth and high school at the Maximilians Gymnasium. After graduating in 1863, he enrolled at the

Mijo Kovacic was born on 5 August 1935 in Gornja Suma, Molve, Croatia. As a child, Mijo spent much time with his mother, who helped develop his imagination through folklore and scary stories, which eventually helped in his art career. In addition, Mijo had the job of looking after the family cow, and due to

Michael James Smith is a British landscape artist and oil painting instructor born in Southend-On-Sea Essex on 22 February 1976. Michael is the second son of David Smith, a fellow landscape artist. Michael spent a lot of time with his father growing up and enjoyed watching him paint. Michael’s father will also often instruct him

  Georges Blouin was a French painter born in Northern France on 18 June 1928. Blouin received formal education in decorative painting and art at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts d’Arras. Blouin’s realistic paintings earned him worldwide recognition allowing him to hold and participate in many solo and group exhibitions. Blouin has exhibited in places like

Casimiro Sainz was a renowned Spanish painter born in the Matamorosa region, Cantabria, Spain, on the 4th of December, 1853. Sainz first took drawing lessons in Madrid while working in his brother-in-law’s store. Two years later, he suffered from an illness that permanently affected his left arm and leg and caused him to return to

  Bato Dugarzhapov is a Russian painter born in Durdulga village, Chita region of Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia, in 1966. Bato started painting in a small art school in his hometown and showed a natural talent for art. His art teachers, discovering his ability, recommended him to study at an art college in Moscow. Bato applied

  Anne Packard is an American painter born in Hyde Park, New York, in 1933. Anne is the granddaughter of Impressionist painters Max and Zella Bohm. Anne’s interest in art encouraged her parents to enroll her in a figure-painting class as a teenager. However, despite Anne’s talent, her instructor advised Anne’s parents to discourage her

Nikolaos Gyzis was a Greek painter born on 1 March 1842 in Sklavochori, Tinos, Greece. In 1850, Nikolaos enrolled at the Athens School of Fine Arts, where he developed his painting prowess. Gyzis then furthered his art education at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts in Germany through a scholarship. Nikolaos returned to Greece after

Tavik Frantisek Simon was a Czech painter born on 13 May 1877  in the Zeleznice, Jicin area of the Czech Republic. Simon showed an early talent for drawing, and his primary school teacher encouraged his parents to send him to art school. In 1894, Simon enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague at

Walter Crane was an English book illustrator and artist best known for his colorful children’s nursery motifs that later influenced similar works within the genre. Crane trained under the artist John Ruskin and William James Linton – the head of one of England’s exemplary printing and engraving companies, from 1859 to 62. Born in Liverpool

Aya Kato is a Japanese artist and illustrator best known for her Manga-inspired creations about love and passion created in a surreal fashion. Kato studied Visual Art Education and Graphic Design at the Aichi University of Education. Born in 1982, she has created commercial artwork for companies such as Microsoft WindowsXP, Hitachi, and for singer

  Jane Sutherland was an Australian landscape painter born on 26 December 1853 in New York, USA. Jane was the first daughter of George Sutherland, who was artistically gifted and worked as a woodcarver. In 1870, Jane’s family moved to Melbourne, where George got employed as a drawing instructor at the Department of Education. Between

Charles Seliger was an American painter born on the 3rd of June 1926 in Manhattan, New York. Charles started drawing and painting from a young age, studying the works of historical artists and experimenting with different styles. He received no formal lessons in art and had to drop out of high due to financial inabilities.

Charles Bagg was an American sculptor and painter born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1931. His parents were on-stage performers who traveled frequently, and he spent lots of time with them on tour. Charles got formal art education at the High School of Music and Arts in Harlem, New York. He left New York at

  Edmond Francois Aman-Jean was a French painter born on 13 January 1858 in the Chevry-Cossigny community, France. Edmond moved to Paris to live with his uncle after his parents died. After working briefly at Justin Lequien’s studio, he enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts, studying with George Seurat under Henri Lehmann. Edmond and George

Levi Wells Prentice was an American painter born on 18 December 1861 in Lewis County, New York. Lewis spent his childhood on a farm, which impacted the subject of his later paintings of still-lifes. Levi Wells taught himself to paint by reading books such as Modern Painters by John Ruskin and studying the artworks of

  Yue Minjun is a Chinese contemporary painter and sculptor born in Daqing, China, in 1962. Yue started taking drawing lessons at age ten and showed a talent for art. After graduating high school in 1980, Yue worked as an electrician before moving to an oil rig off Tianjin. He was no stranger to the

Roman Zaslonov is a Belarussian Postwar painter born on 27 August 1962 in Minsk, Belarus. Enchanted by the Russian painting style, Zaslonov created his first painting using similar techniques when he was twelve. Roman’s first artwork was of a squirrel coming down from a tree, fed by a boy and an aged man. He then

Etienne Azambre was a French painter born on the 2nd of February 1859 in Paris, France. Etienne enrolled at the Acamedie Julian in 1879 and graduated in 1882. Subsequently, he furthered his art education at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts till 1885. Etienne served in the military in Orléans, where he made friends with renowned

  Emma Sandys was a British painter born in Norwich, England, in 1843. Emma Sandys was the sister of the renowned painter Frederick Sandys. Emma’s first art lessons were given to her by her father and brother. However, little about the life of Emma Sandys was recorded, unlike her brother. Emma Sandys remained in her

  Brian Shields was a British painter born in Liverpool, United Kingdom, in 1951. Brian was the son of Dennis Shields, a prestigious artist who also worked as a docker. Brian showcased his artistic interests and talent from a young age, earning a nickname after the French Cubist painter Georges Braque. However, Brian was discouraged

Cao Yong is a Chinese artist best known for his depictions of Tibet. Born in 1962 in China during the Cultural Revolution, Yong started working at age 5 carrying baskets of gravel to a construction site. When Yong was 11 years old, he studied art with noted Beijing artist, Yu Ren. Eventually, Cao Yong graduated

Patrizia Comand is an Italian artist best known for her visionary and fantasy-filled paintings. After attending courses taught by G. Usellini, G. Ballo, G. Marchese, and Ilario Rossi, Comand graduated from the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in 1972.  Born in Corbetta in 1949, Comand held her first exhibition in 1974. Comand’s creations have since

George Clare was a British painter who is best known for showing nature’s beauty in exquisite detail. It is unclear where Clare’s artistic skills were forged, however he was very much influenced by William Hunt specifically in the delicate stippling technique he used to give life to nature in his paintings. Clare had two artist

Oliver Clare was a British painter who was best known for precise and highly finished details of flowers and still life paintings. Born in 1853 in Birmingham, his father was George Clare – the equally renowned still-life artist. Oliver’s artistic training is unknown but many surmise that he was mainly influenced by his father’s works,

Kathryn Cherry was an American painter born in 1860 in Quincy, Illinois, USA. Kathryn was educated formally at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts in Missouri. Cherry furthered her art education at the New York School of Arts, studying with Richard Miller, a fellow American Impressionist painter. After graduation, she enrolled at the Pennsylvania

Valerie Maugeri is best known for her colorful paintings creatively combined with collages. Born in 1967 in Paris, Maugeri is a self-taught artist whose bright artworks are produced in her Essonne studio. Maugeri started exhibiting her luminous creations in 2001 in various galleries. Valerie’s most recent exhibition was held at France’s Abbey of Saint Sever

Elena Vedernikova is a Russian cold batik artist best known for her bright and bold feminine figures. Vedernikova is a graduate of Udmurt State University in Izhevsk, Russia’s visual arts department in 1994. Born in Glazov, Russia in 1972, Elena has been producing batik art for thirteen years. Vedernikova’s creations are currently in private collections

Gaston La Touche was a French classical painter and illustrator best known for the idealism he featured in his paintings where a universe of nymphs, fireworks, parks, and fountains abound in luminous colours and light. La Touche learned from a Monsieur Paul when he was 10 years old and later from Felix Bracquemond and Edouard

Louis Icart was a French painter best known for painting glamorous and erotic women. He studied painting, printmaking, and drawing in 1907 when he moved to Paris. Born on the 9th of December , 1888, in Toulouse, Icart was a popular figure during the Art Deco period during the 1920s and 1930s. He passed away

  Jules Pascin was a Bulgarian painter born on 31 March 1885 in Vidin, Bulgaria. Jules was born in a wealthy family – his father was a prosperous grain merchant. Jules’ father opened a grain company in Bucharest and moved there with his family in 1892. Jules worked at his father’s company for a while,

Joseph Tomanek was a Czech-American painter born on 16 April 1889 in Staznice, Moravia region of the Czech Republic. Joseph was born into a musical family and learned to play the violin as a child, consequently playing in the official orchestra of Staznice. Despite showcasing artistic talents as early as age five, he was discouraged

  Sare is a French painter born in Yerevan, Armenia, in 1959. She got formal art education at the Yerevan Academy of Fine Arts in Armenia. Sare has since established herself in the art of painting and on the stage. Evgenia has produced over forty theatre plays and four films. Evgenia Sare moved to Paris,

  Paul Crespin was a  British goldsmith and metalworker born in Westminster, England, in 1694. Paul was born into a family of Huguenot refugees who had fled France. Crespin learned the trade under Jean Pons, under whom he apprenticed in 1713, showing immense talent and skill. Crespin began making silverware under his name in 1720