Featured Artist |
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Antonio L. Matthews
About Antonio L. Matthews
A native and resident of Columbus, Ohio, Antonio attended and graduated from East High School in 1979. He received his bachelor of art and design degree from the Columbus College of Art and Design. He was employed by the State of Ohio at the Department of Natural Resources in Graphic Design. He never gave up his passion for painting and drawing and left the state in 2002 to teach tennis and devote more time to his artwork.
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
“My art arena is realism, and my focuses are wild animals and people. My inspiration and talent is a God given gift. I utilize my gift to bring to life the struggles of people rooted in the reality of their lives. This is the most important focus of my work for me, because I feel with one whom struggle gains wisdom with both animals and people. The challenges in one’s life will always show on their faces and in their eyes. Because of this, my artwork takes on an intense focus through facial expression, hand gestures, eyes, the figure, and the overall composition of the human form. As I paint, I envision the viewer’s connection with the emotion and mood of the subject matter. The beauty of animals have always intrigued and amazed me. Through realism, I am able to capture the uniqueness of their anatomy, size, textures, and color. The result is the satisfaction of my paintings and drawings coming to life with wild animals and people of all lifestyles. My desire is to enlighten the viewer and show them the appreciation and understanding that we must have in order to teach and illustrate conservation and to save all species for generations in order to experience one of God’s many awesome gifts to man.”
– Antonio L. Matthews
Solo Exhibitions:
2009 – Kiaca Gallery, Columbus, OH
2007 – DeVese Office Gallery, Westerville, OH
2007 – The Arlington Bank Gallery Hop, Grandview, OH
1995 – Snaps & Taps Jazz/Restaurant, Columbus, OH
Selected Group Shows and Exhibitions:
2008 – Museum of Science & Industry, Chicago, IL
2006 – Roots of Diversity, Toledo, OH
2003 – Fort Hayes Gallery, Columbus, OH
2003 – King Art Complex, Columbus, OH
2000 – Dayton Art Festival, Dayton, OH
1999 – Ace Gallery, Columbus, OH
1994 – Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus, OH
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