artists Flashcards
Alexandre Renoir
Great-Grandson to Pierre Auguste Renoir
painted entirely with palette knives—
Biography:
Born in Cagnes-sur-Mer, South of France
Aesthetic:
Bold, impasto textures.
Paint mixed directly on canvas.
Bright, joyful, nature-inspired works. Influenced by Impressionism but with a modern twist.
Accolades:
Collected in 16+ countries.
Exhibited at Tennessee State Museum. Works owned by prestigious collectors.
Call to Action:
Bring home the joy of Impressionism
Anatoly Metlan
Aesthetic style:
Metlan’s traditional style depicts seascapes and villages of coastal regions with warmth, light, and bold colors.
His art is inspired by the places he travels and the concerts he attends. From sunny, narrow streets to energetic dancers, Metlan captures moments of tranquility and energy.
Metlan’s newer art style focuses on flamenco dancers, captured with vibrant colors applied to the canvas with a palette knife.
Similar to his dancers, Metlan portrays elegant women brandishing instruments, perhaps in ode to his mother, a violin player.
Accolades:
Metlan’s work has been exhibited around the world, including France, Israel, and throughout the United States.
Images of Metlan’s dancers are incredibly popular on social media sites like Pinterest.
Biography:
Born in Yalta, Ukraine, Metlan’s interest in art developed at a young age. He pursued a formal education to hone his skills, graduating from the local high school of the arts in 1985 and going on to study at the Krivoi Rog University in Ukraine.
Read Park West Gallery’s full Anatoly Metlan biography here.
**Main Points:
Landscapes infused with Mediterranean light – Energetic dancers
**
Ashton Howard
Born in Pensacola, Florida, in 1979,
Howard grew up surrounded by white sands and rolling surf. He left art school to chase inspiration, selling paintings on the streets of Laguna Beach while teaching surf lessons. His persistence paid off—his work is now showcased in over 25 galleries worldwide, and his murals grace hospitals and universities.
Howard’s Fluid Realism blends realism with abstract expression, using acrylics, resin, compressed air, and gravity itself to create swirling seascapes that feel alive. Every piece is a portal to sunlit waters and open skies.
If you’ve ever felt the pull of the ocean, Howard’s work belongs in your collection. Experience the tranquility, the movement, the magic bring the sea home with you today.
Chris DeRubeis
Aesthetic Style:
DeRubeis is the innovator of “Abstract Sensualism,” a style characterized by shimmering metal, organically flowing lines, and abstract imagery.
DeRubeis masterfully manipulates aluminum, copper, silver, and gold panels to create mesmerizing works of art. His technique incorporates everything from chemicals to natural elements such as fire.
He favors metal because it combines sculpture and painting in a way that “enhances my ability to communicate emotions intently.”
Because of his unique technique, DeRubeis cannot make limited edition reproductions, so every work is a one of a kind variation.
Accolades:
* Derubeis’ style is a registered art form.
* In 2005, DeRubeis’ work earned the MUSE Award in “New Movement.”
Biography:
Born in California, DeRubeis was inspired at the young age of 13 by his grandfather, who gave him his first airbrush. Disinterested in the artistic styles and movements he learnt about in art school, DeRubeis experimented for 10 years to develop Abstract Sensualism. His art is now exhibited and collected around the world.
Read Park West Gallery’s full Chris DeRubeis biography here
Watch the latest Park West’s video featuring DeRubeis:
Painting with Fire: The Art of Chris DeRubeis
Main Points: Abstract Sensualism- Create art on metal with fire, power tools, and paint
Csaba Markus
Aesthetic style:
His unique style can be described as a contemporary fusion of Renaissance Europe and Classical Mythology.
Markus is known for painting his “Modern Mona Lisas”—images of women who are not only beautiful, but sophisticated and strong.
Accolades:
Markus’s painting “Pure Love” was selected as one of the world’s top 10 most sensual paintings by the Toronto Sun newspaper.
Markus invented the new art medium known as caldographs, in which images are expertly bonded to wooden panels. He created this innovation as a tribute to da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” which was also painted on a wood panel.
Markus’ artwork has been displayed around the world and featured in prominent galleries in France, Japan, England, Russia, and the United States.
Biography:
Born in Budapest, Hungary, Markus was inspired to become an artist by the works of Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Botticelli. He studied art in his home country, but immigrated to the U.S. in 1978.
Read Park West Gallery’s full Csaba Markus biography here.
Watch the latest Park West’s video featuring Markus: Csaba Markus Unveils Caldographs on Wood
Main Points:
Inspired by Renaissance artists —Hand crafts every aspect of his art — Invented caldographs
Daniel Wall
Aesthetic style:
Wall is the creator of Intense Impressionism, an artistic style founded on 19th- century Impressionist ideals, but dramatically tailored to reflect contemporary life.
Wall prefers palette knives for their ability to apply thick swathes of bright oil paint onto the canvas. This method of creating texture with paint is known as the “impasto” technique.
Wall employs vibrant colors and achieves striking lighting effects that simultaneously appear warm and cool, dark and light, detailed and spontaneous.
All of Wall’s symbolism points toward his own romantic and joyful view of life.
Accolades:
Wall served as a journal illustrator and cover designer for more than 20 national journals and has published over 500 book covers and illustrations.
Wall has won a number of fine art awards throughout his career, including the Best Work Award from the Shandong News Artists Association in 1990.
Biography:
Born in a small village in northern China, Wall began drawing and painting at the age of 4. During the mid-1980s, while working as an art teacher, Wall developed his Intense Impressionism style. He moved to the U.S. in 1995 where he gained a national following within five years.
**
Main Points:
Intense Impressionism – Impasto technique using a palette knife – Romantic and optimistic themes**
David Najar
David Najar transforms nature into a symphony of color and emotion with his “Contemporary Expressionism” style. Through swirling brushstrokes and rich textures, he paints not just landscapes but a feeling—a burst of beauty that invites you to pause and experience the world through his eyes. Inspired by the serenity of nature and the timeless allure of Impressionism, his work isn’t just art, it’s an invitation to reconnect with the world around you. Want to escape into a world of color and tranquility? Dive into Najar’s masterpieces and let your soul find its home.
Duaiv
Duaiv blends the energy of classical music with the vibrancy of Impressionism to create art that moves and inspires. His colorful, dynamic paintings capture the beauty of landscapes, portraits, and modern life, each one a masterpiece of movement and emotion. Inspired by legends like Monet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne, Duaiv’s works are a celebration of life’s energy and joy. With a career spanning continents and accolades, his art has been exhibited worldwide, from luxury cars to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Ready to bring home a piece of this living art? Don’t miss the opportunity to own a Duaiv,an artwork that’s not just a painting but an experience. make his vibrant world part of yours!
Itzchak Tarkay
Itzchak Tarkay, a key figure in the modern figurative movement, is renowned for his vibrant, timeless depictions of women in elegant, serene settings like cafés and terraces. With influences from French Impressionists like Matisse and Renoir, his expressive use of color and dynamic lines evoke joy, mystery, and beauty. From surviving a concentration camp to becoming an internationally acclaimed artist, Tarkay’s resilience shines in every piece. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of this legendary artist’s legacy—bring home a Tarkay masterpiece and let timeless elegance fill your space!
James Coleman
James Coleman: Animation legend and fine artist, known for his background paintings in iconic Disney films.
Early Disney Career: Joined Disney in 1969, worked on films like The Rescuers, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and more.
Background Department Supervisor: Led the hand-painted backgrounds for over 12 feature films and 30 short films at Disney.
Transition to Fine Art: Left Disney in 1991 after 22 years to focus on his passion for fine art.
Art Style: Known for Impressionistic, luminous works with a “Disney feel”—vibrant, magical, and inviting.
Mediums: Works in oil, watercolor, gouache, and pastel; uses leafing techniques for added depth.
Inspiration: Draws from natural surroundings, emphasizing illuminated skies, lush forests, and sweeping deserts.
Collections: His art is featured in galleries worldwide, including the Disney family collection.
Environmentalist: Supports national parks and environmental organizations; finalist in the Arts for the Parks competition.
Legacy: Coleman’s artwork continues to captivate and transport viewers, creating an immersive, enchanting experience.
Jean Claude Picot
Jim Warren
Jim Warren, an American artist born in 1949, is renowned for his surrealistic fantasy paintings and iconic album cover art, having worked with artists like Prince, Alice Cooper, and Bob Seger, the latter earning him a GRAMMY for Against the Wind in 1981. A self-taught artist influenced by masters such as Dali and Rockwell, Warren began his artistic journey in 1967 and gained fame in the 1970s with controversial pieces like Sexual Explosion. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he expanded his portfolio to include environmental works like Earth – Love It or Lose It, which became a symbol for the global environmental movement. Warren later painted celebrities, collaborated with Disney on fine art prints, and joined the Fame-Wall project in 2009. He continues to create imaginative, surreal works in his studios in Florida and Oregon.
Kre8
Kevin “Kre8” Vigil, born in Germany in 1980, is a Miami-based artist known for his striking fusion of black-and-gray compositions with vivid, abstract splashes of color. With roots in graffiti and tattoo artistry, Kre8 developed his signature style—dubbed “Kre8izm”—influenced by Surrealism, Cubism, and artists like Dalí, Basquiat, and Warhol. His career began as a graffiti artist in his teens before transitioning to tattooing, eventually leading him to fine art. After showcasing his work at Miami Springs City Hall and Art Basel, he fully committed to painting, using his art to symbolize the human spirit’s ability to shine through a monochrome world. Now a celebrated contemporary artist, Kre8 continues to inspire with his dynamic, emotionally charged works.
LEBO
David “Lebo” Le Batard, a Cuban-American artist born in 1972, is renowned for his unique style, Postmodern Cartoon Expressionism, which fuses calligraphy, cartoons, indigenous art, mythology, and music. Influenced by Cuban culture, street art, and ancient storytelling, he developed his signature aesthetic by integrating historic and modern narratives. His career took off in 1996, leading to collaborations with The Beastie Boys and major brands like Adidas, ESPN, and Microsoft. Lebo has created murals for public spaces, including the Miami Heat’s American Airlines Arena and the Norwegian Getaway cruise ship. His vibrant, symbolic works offer a playful yet profound exploration of culture, spirituality, and the passage of time.
Marcus Glenn
Marcus Glenn, a Detroit-born artist, is celebrated for his vibrant, jazz-infused paintings and signature Flat Life style—melding painting, sculpture, and collage into a textured bas-relief effect. A self-taught prodigy, he became the youngest and first African American cartoonist at The Detroit News before transitioning into fine art. His dynamic, elongated figures and colorful compositions reflect the rhythm of jazz, a major influence from his childhood. Glenn’s work has been commissioned worldwide, with highlights including the official art for the 56th Grammy Awards and murals for Daimler-Chrysler. His innovative storytelling and rich textures continue to captivate collectors globally.
Mark Kostabi
Mark Kostabi, a key figure in New York’s 1980s East Village art scene, is renowned for his faceless, robotic figures that explore themes of love, identity, and modern anxieties. Inspired by Andy Warhol, he founded Kostabi World, where teams of artists collaborate to produce his conceptual works. His art, featured in over 50 major museums—including MoMA and the Guggenheim—has captivated global audiences, from collectors like Bill Clinton to album covers for Guns N’ Roses. With a career spanning provocative media antics, public installations, and philosophical introspection, Kostabi remains an enigmatic force in contemporary art.
Marko Mavrovich
Marko Mavrovich, a California-raised painter of Croatian descent, masterfully captures the serenity of the sea and the vibrancy of landscapes. His works, influenced by his upbringing near the Pacific Ocean and Adriatic Sea, radiate warmth and tranquility. Initially torn between a maritime career and art, a life-threatening accident at sea pushed him to fully embrace painting. Mavrovich’s impressionistic style, influenced by Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent, blends bold colors and rich textures. His art, exhibited globally, reflects a deep love for nature, travel, and nostalgia, making him a sought-after artist among collectors.
Matt Beyrer
Matt Beyrer, the creator of “Natural Expressionism,” transforms wooden planks into immersive dreamscapes by integrating the natural wood grain into his compositions. His journey into art began unexpectedly after a shark bite sidelined him, leading him to discover painting through Bob Ross. Influenced by the Old Masters and Hudson River School artists, Beyrer masterfully blends realism with fantasy, using nature’s textures to shape his visual narratives. Since joining Park West Gallery in 2017, he has become a record-breaking artist, captivating collectors with his luminous, atmospheric works that bridge personal experience and imaginative storytelling.
Michael Cheval
Michael Cheval, a master of “Absurdist” art, constructs imaginative puzzles within his paintings, blending reality and fantasy to challenge conventional logic. Influenced by Lewis Carroll, Salvador Dalí, and René Magritte, Cheval meticulously weaves metaphor and narrative into his compositions, inviting viewers to decipher hidden meanings. His art, shaped by a rich international background from Russia to the U.S., has garnered global acclaim, earning awards and exhibitions worldwide. Through intricate storytelling and a deep connection to music, Cheval creates portals into alternate realities where every detail serves as a poetic clue in his grand, surreal game of imagination.
Michael Godard
Michael Godard, the “Rock Star of the Art World,” infuses humor and imagination into his whimsical paintings featuring animated olives, lively grapes, and mischievous strawberries. Deeply personal and philanthropic, his art serves as a vehicle for making a difference, particularly in supporting cancer research. Inspired by his Vegas roots, Godard’s playful yet intricate works hide meaningful details, inviting viewers to engage beyond the surface. His vibrant style, global recognition, and dedication to causes like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital cement his status as an influential and beloved artist.
Michael Milkin
Michael Milkin’s artwork is a poetic fusion of Impressionist influence, cultural symbolism, and vivid natural beauty. Renowned for his depictions of birch trees and floral compositions, he captures the essence of changing seasons through bold textures and radiant colors. Inspired by his Ukrainian roots and the landscapes of Israel, Milkin employs a unique technique of layered modeling paste and acrylic paint to evoke the depth and character of his subjects. His works, celebrated across Europe, the U.S., and Israel, convey a profound appreciation for nature’s elegance and the emotional resonance of his artistic heritage.
Nano Lopez
Nano Lopez is a visionary Colombian sculptor renowned for his vibrant bronze creations that seamlessly blend folklore, nature, and industry. His signature “Nanimals”—playful yet intricately detailed creatures—have captivated collectors worldwide. Drawing inspiration from classical masters, his upbringing in Colombia, and his extensive training in Europe and the U.S., Lopez’s work reflects a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation. With a mastery of patinas and textural surfaces, he transforms bronze into expressive, storytelling forms that evoke both joy and deep emotion, establishing himself as a trailblazer in contemporary sculpture.
Peter Max
Peter Max is a celebrated artist who transcended his origins in Pop art to become a leading figure in Neo-Expressionism. Known for his vibrant, cosmic-themed works, Max’s art has captured the essence of the 1960s and ’70s counterculture. Throughout his illustrious career, Max’s artwork has adorned everything from U.S. Presidential commissions to Olympic projects and major sporting events. His unique visual style—marked by bold, psychedelic color, spirituality, and music—has made him a cultural icon.
Born in Germany in 1937, Max’s early life was shaped by his family’s flight from the Nazis and their subsequent time in Shanghai and Israel. His diverse upbringing influenced his artistic evolution, which eventually led him to the United States. Max’s works have spanned numerous mediums, including painting, sculpture, and graphic design, with recurring themes of cosmic imagery, American symbols like the Statue of Liberty, and spiritual icons drawn from his studies in yoga and Eastern philosophy.
Max’s prolific career includes significant cultural contributions, such as his iconic artwork for the World Cup, Super Bowls, and U.S. Open, and commissions from presidents and prominent institutions. A passionate environmentalist and humanitarian, Max has used his platform to raise awareness on various global causes. His accomplishments include museum retrospectives, a successful partnership with Park West Gallery, and involvement in groundbreaking projects like the restoration of the Statue of Liberty.
Pino
Giuseppe Dangelico, known as Pino, was an influential Italian artist celebrated for his romantic and intimate figurative paintings. Born in 1939 in Bari, Italy, Pino’s early life during WWII inspired his art, particularly his depictions of women as symbols of strength. After studying in Milan, he became a successful book illustrator, creating over 3,000 covers for major publishers. His transition to fine art in the 1990s brought him global recognition. Pino’s style, blending soft lighting with detailed brushwork, focused on human emotion, often portraying women and family. He passed away in 2010, but his works remain highly sought after.
Romero Britto
Romero Britto, born in 1963 in Brazil, is a renowned artist known for his vibrant, optimistic style that blends Pop Art, Cubism, and graffiti. Despite growing up in poverty, he pursued art from a young age and later studied in Europe. In 1988, Britto moved to Miami, where his big break came through a collaboration with Absolut Vodka. His art, featuring bold colors and joyful patterns, has been showcased globally, including at the Louvre and the FIFA World Cup. Britto is also a philanthropist, supporting over 250 charities. His work continues to inspire positivity and hope worldwide.
Ron Agam
Ron Agam, born in 1958 in France, is an artist known for his kinetic art. Inspired by his father, Yaacov Agam, a pioneer of kinetic art, Ron initially pursued a career in fine art photography. After 2010, he transitioned to painting, creating “3-DK” works using lenticular lenses for kinetic and optical effects. His art draws from Bauhaus, Suprematism, and artists like Kandinsky and Mondrian. Agam’s achievements include receiving France’s highest honor, the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor. His work is exhibited worldwide, including at the 9/11 Memorial Museum and the French Embassy in New York.
Sam Park
Sung Sam Park, born in 1949 in Korea, is renowned for his New Impressionism style, blending vibrant colors and fine details using a palette knife. He began painting at 13 and, despite his father’s objections, pursued his passion. Park’s travels across Europe and his time in Provence, France, shaped his artistic voice, leading him to create idealized landscapes. With over 100 solo exhibitions globally, his works have been exhibited in the U.S., Canada, and Korea. Notable accomplishments include winning a Gold Medal in an Olympic art competition and creating a portrait for the President of Cyprus.
Slava Ilyayev
Slava Ilyayev, born in 1970 in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a master of the palette knife, known for his vibrant, textured compositions. His work is heavily influenced by Post-Impressionist artists like Vincent van Gogh and Camille Pissarro. Ilyayev’s style combines elevated textures with light and shadow, drawing inspiration from the Azerbaijani Apsheron School of Painting. His art often portrays autumnal landscapes with rainbow-colored streets and ponds, captured through a layered, palette knife technique. Ilyayev’s works have been exhibited globally, with shows in Israel, the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Stephen Fishwick
Stephen Fishwick is an artist known for his high-energy live art performances, combining color, movement, and music. With over 20 years of experience, he creates vivid paintings of animals, often raising awareness for endangered species. His “For Life Collection” supports wildlife conservation. Fishwick has raised over $1 million for charities and was named a Disney Fine Artist. His work has been licensed by icons like Elvis Presley and Bob Marley and used by major companies such as Microsoft and Coca-Cola.
Thomas Kinkade
Thomas Kinkade (1958–2012), known as the “Painter of Light,” was one of America’s most beloved artists. His works, featuring idyllic cottages, nature scenes, and glowing landscapes, aim to bring warmth, peace, and happiness. Kinkade’s style, defined by whimsical pastels and an ethereal sense of light, reflects his Christian values and the idea that light drives away darkness.
He became widely successful in the 1990s, selling more canvases than any artist in history. Kinkade raised millions for charities and earned numerous awards for his art and philanthropic efforts. His legacy includes over 140 books, including bestsellers, and major commissions like the National Christmas Tree and Disney Dreams Collection.
Kinkade’s legacy continues to inspire millions, bringing light and positivity into homes worldwide.
Tim Yanke
Tim Yanke, born in 1962 in Detroit, is an American artist known for his bold abstract artwork inspired by the Southwestern U.S. His work includes dragonfly imagery and “Yanke Doodles” — a unique interpretation of the U.S. flag. Yanke’s art, collected worldwide, is praised for its emotional depth and nostalgic qualities.
Yanke discovered his passion for abstract art at a young age and later studied fine arts at the University of North Texas. His career took off after partnering with Park West Gallery in 1999. Yanke’s art often reflects personal experiences, including the loss of his mother, inspiring his dragonfly series, and his patriotism, which led to his creation of the “Yanke Doodles.”
Wyland
Wyland, a renowned marine life artist, is best known for his life-sized murals of whales, which began in the 1980s and helped raise global awareness about ocean conservation. Born in Madison Heights, Michigan, Wyland’s passion for marine life was sparked at age 14 when he witnessed migrating grey whales. His art is inspired by his experiences diving with marine animals and his belief in “less is more” when depicting nature.
Wyland’s murals, including his famous “Whaling Walls,” can be found in over 100 cities worldwide. He completed his goal of 100 murals by 2008, with the most notable being a mile-long series for the Beijing Olympics. His work, paired with his non-profit Wyland Foundation, continues to inspire conservation efforts and education about marine life.
Yaacov Agam
Yaacov Agam is a pioneering kinetic artist known for his innovative use of movement and time in art. Born in 1928 in Israel, Agam’s work invites viewer participation, transforming as they move around it. He is famous for creating the “Agamograph” in 1971, a lenticular lens-based medium. Agam’s nonrepresentational style incorporates geometric shapes and vibrant colors. His works are displayed in major museums worldwide, and he has received numerous accolades, including the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres. The Agam Museum of Art opened in his hometown in 2017.
Picasso (Vollard, 347, Ceramics)
Pablo Picasso, born in 1881 in Spain, is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. A co-founder of Cubism, Picasso revolutionized art with his innovative techniques, creating more than 26,000 works. His early Blue and Rose periods gave way to the groundbreaking African Period and Cubism. He also explored Neoclassicism, Surrealism, and printmaking, often pushing boundaries with his approach.
Picasso’s iconic works include “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” (1907) and “Guernica” (1937), the latter a powerful response to the bombing of a Spanish town during the Civil War. His prolific career spanned over seven decades, marked by experimentation and bold new directions in art.
He had multiple romantic relationships and four children. Picasso died in 1973, leaving a legacy that continues to shape modern art. His work is celebrated in museums worldwide, and his influence remains unparalleled in contemporary visual culture.
Rembrandt & Millennium Edition
Rembrandt van Rijn (1606–1669) was a Dutch master of the Baroque period, known for his use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) to create dramatic and emotional works. He started as an apprentice in Leiden and later moved to Amsterdam, where he became a successful portrait artist. Despite personal tragedies, including the deaths of his wife and children, Rembrandt continued to create innovative etchings and paintings.
His etchings, in particular, revolutionized the medium, making it a form of personal expression rather than just reproduction. His work influenced later artists like Goya and Picasso. Rembrandt died in 1669, leaving a profound impact on art history.
Dali (Sacra Biblia & Divine Comedy)
Salvador Dalí’s Sacra Biblia (1963) is a series of 105 etchings depicting Biblical scenes with his surrealist style, blending religious imagery and dreamlike landscapes. His work explores faith through distorted figures and symbolic elements.
Dalí’s Divine Comedy (1960–1963) consists of 100 watercolors and etchings inspired by Dante’s Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. Dalí reimagines Dante’s journey with surreal, bizarre imagery, combining religious themes with his distinctive style. Both works reflect Dalí’s fascination with spirituality and the metaphysical.
