Dan Schultz

California-based artist Dan Schultz (b. 1975) builds upon the historical tradition of representational fine art. With a background in commercial art, he has taken influence from many of the golden-age illustrators as well as from classical realism and impressionism. Viewers often comment on the strong sense of light and atmosphere in his work, as well as the beauty of his subtle color changes which become apparent upon closer inspection. He believes that beauty is of great importance to the human soul and that God uses the beauty of his creation to communicate with humanity.

Dan grew up in a small town in eastern New Mexico which provided little exposure to the world of art, galleries or museums. None of his family members or friends worked in the arts although his father's aptitude as an accomplished guitarist and woodcarver was certainly an influence. High school, after a family move to Colorado in 1988, brought his first real art instruction and the opportunity to compete in a state-wide art competition. One of his drawings received the first place award his senior year and went on to bring him the same award at the national level. As a result, he decided to study commercial art and chose Pensacola Christian College in Florida. There he developed a strong foundation in the fundamentals of representational art through the program’s focus on illustration and graphic design. After graduating with honors, he took a graphic design job in Colorado and painted portrait commissions in his spare time. 

Two years later, Dan discovered Cottonwood Art Academy in Colorado Springs and was soon invited to join the teaching faculty as their youngest instructor. The other instructors at Cottonwood were the first to inspire him to pursue fine art and to exhibit his work in shows and galleries. In 2005, he began to paint full-time. 

In 2011, Dan moved his family to Ojai, California, and opened a storefront gallery downtown, where he exhibits his work and enjoys interacting with customers and working with students. He is also represented by galleries in Pasadena, California and Crested Butte, Colorado. He holds signature membership in the American Impressionist Society, the California Art Club and the Oil Painters of America.

Dan has received national recognition for his landscape, figure and portrait paintings. Artists magazine published a feature article on his work in its May/June, 2022 issue, and Southwest Art magazine featured his work in its July, 2020 issue. He was awarded First Place in the 10th Annual American Impressionist Society National Show and has also been awarded by the Art Renewal Center, California Art Club, Oil Painters of America, Portrait Society of America and Fine Art Connoisseur magazine.

With the help and support of his wife Sarah and sons Ian and Tobin, Dan continues to explore the special connection that art can provide between the Creator of the universe, the beauty of our world and the human soul.

* This statement has been provided directly by the artist in association to their 16^th International ARC Salon entries. This content has not been edited for typos or grammatical errors and has not been vetted for accuracy.