Craig Reynolds
Craig Reynolds, born in Gadsden, Alabama, honed his artistic skills under his father’s guidance, mastering the craft of drawing and painting. Balancing a career in the steel industry, he pursued art part-time until his retirement which marked the inception of his full-time art business. While crediting his father and college professor, Reynolds largely became self-taught, immersing himself in the works of masters like the Wyeths, Sargent, and Gruppe. His lifelong journey of learning reflects a passion for art, blending traditional techniques with personal evolution, resulting in a unique and inspired body of work that showcases his diverse influences and artistic growth.
Gallery
Biography
Craig Reynolds, born in Gadsden, Alabama, discovered his artistic passion under the guidance of his father, who instilled in him the skills of drawing and painting from an early age. Fueled by a profound appreciation for the outdoors and the rich stories embedded in aging farms and weathered harbors, Craig embarked on a journey to capture these narratives through the strokes of his paintbrush. In 1984, he took the plunge into professional painting while simultaneously pursuing a career. Craig transitioned into a full-time professional artist in 2005, dedicating himself wholly to his artistic pursuits. Craig’s artistic odyssey extends far beyond his studio walls, as he immerses himself in plein air competitions, and painting expeditions across the United States and beyond. His travels not only fuel his creativity but also serve as a testament to his commitment to the craft. Beyond his roots, he extends his knowledge through plein air and studio workshops across the southern region. The accolades bestowed upon Craig reflect the mastery evident in his work. His journey, marked by a profound connection to nature and a dedication to passing on his skills, continues to unfold on canvases that tell the stories of time, hard work, and the beauty found in the overlooked corners of the world.
2017
American Impressionist Society Small Works Show
Juried Artist Shadows On The Teche Pleinair Competition
Ballyhoo Festival- Best Of show
Paint The Town Pleinair Competition – Best Of Show
Paint Annapolis Juried Artist
Paint The Beach Pleinair Competition 1st place and 2nd in the Quickdraw
2018
Wekiva Paintout
New Smyrna Beach Paintout
Fort Myers Beach Pleinair Competition 3rd place
The Best Of The Chesapeake Show McBride Gallery
Pleinair Easton juried artist
Workshop Gautier Miss.
Artist On Location Pleinair Competition Honorable Mention
St George Island Paintout Juried Artist
Shadows On The Teche Pleinair Competition Third Place
2019
Pleinair Fairhope First Place
New Smyrna Beach Paintout
Pines and Palms Fall Show 3rd place
High Cotton Paintout featured artist
Bath County Pleinair Festival Best Nocturne
Pines and Palms Workshop
Paint Annapolis
St George Island Paintout First PlacE
Lighthouse Pleinair Festival
Wekiva Paintout
Artist On Location Pleinair Competition First Place
Gulf Shores workshop
2020
St George Island Paintout 3rd place
Noaps Small Works Show Award of Merit
Door County Pleinair Festival
High Cotton Paintout featured artist
2021
Paint Annapolis The Harbor Award
Artist On Location 2nd place
High Cotton Paintout Honorable Mention featured artist
Pike Road Paintout Best Of Show
Shadows On The Teche artist
New Smyrna Beach Paintout artist
Door County Pleinair Festival
2022
Shadows On the Teche artist
Artist On Location Pleinair Competition artist
Paint Annapolis artist
Plein Air New Bern featured artist
High Cotton Paintout 1ST place featured artist
Pike Road Paintout 1st and 3rd place
Noaps Small Works Showcase pleinair competition 2nd place
Workshop Lacombe La
New Smyrna Beach featured artist
2023
Shadows On The Teche featured artist
Artist On Location – Best Landscape
Plein Air New Bern featured artist
Pike Road – Workshop
New Smyrna Beach featured artist
High Cotton Paintout – Quickdraw 2nd Place
Dauphin Island Paintout – Judge
REPRESENTATION
McBride Gallery, Annapolis Maryland
Live Oak Gallery, Apalachicola Florida
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, Alabama
Dauphin Island Gallery, Dauphin Island, Alabama
Gallery One Montgomery
Artist Statement
My painting process is deeply rooted in the essence of life, as I find inspiration by capturing the intricacies of subjects in real-time. The vitality of observing and interpreting essential elements like lighting, values, and color harmony in nature becomes the bedrock of my artistic expression. Through this immersive approach, I elevate my work to new heights. Despite accolades and recognition, my current focus centers on the gratifying journey of evolving to create expansive artworks based on my field notes and plein-air experiences.