Dan Schultz
(b. 1975)

In my work I have chosen to build upon the historical tradition of representational fine art. With a background in commercial art, I’ve taken influence from many of the golden-age illustrators as well as from classical realism and impressionism. I believe that beauty is of great importance to the human soul and that God uses the beauty of his creation to communicate with humanity. If art is a vehicle for this communication, then my role as an artist is truly humbling.

I grew up in a small town in eastern New Mexico which provided little exposure to the world of art, galleries or museums. None of my family members or friends worked in the arts although my father’s aptitude as an accomplished guitarist and woodcarver was certainly an influence.

Childhood found me drawing cartoon characters and the like. But it wasn’t until high school, after a family move to Colorado, that one of my teachers encouraged me to further explore illustration in an art class. A drawing I did in the class received first place in a national high school art competition. As a result, I focused on commercial art for my studies at Pensacola Christian College in Florida.

After graduation and a few years of graphic design work, I discovered Cottonwood Art Academy in Colorado Springs where I first met artists who were making their livings painting for galleries. I was invited to join the teaching faculty at Cottonwood as their youngest instructor. Pursuing a career in fine art then became my goal and I was able to begin painting full time in 2005.

Since then, I have been honored to receive national recognition for my paintings of figures in the landscape, plein air landscape and portraiture. Artists Magazine and Southwest Art Magazine have published feature articles about my work. I received the First Place award in the 10th Annual American Impressionist Society National Show and have also received awards from Oil Painters of America, California Art Club, Art Renewal Center, Portrait Society of America and Fine Art Connoisseur magazine.

With the help and support of my wife Sarah and sons Ian and Tobin, I maintain a storefront gallery in downtown Ojai, California. I continue to explore the special connection that art can provide between the Creator of the universe, the beauty of our world and the human soul.