Bruce Dean
Bruce Dean received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Otis Art Institute in 1974 with a major in painting and a minor in drawing.
He has worked as an exhibiting artist for over forty five years. He began his career as an illustrator and received a silver medal from The Society of Illustrators and numerous awards of merit from national and international publications. His fine art and illustrations have been featured in dozens of books and magazines. He has participated in over forty solo and group gallery and museum exhibitions nation-wide. His work includes projects funded by grants from the Department of Education and the Foundation for Global Community. Bruce has taught advanced painting at Mount St Mary’s College, Art Exploration in the Academic Enrichment Program at CA State University Northridge, and Game Art at Otis College of Art and Design. Bruce was the featured artist in the December 2018 issue of Voyage LA magazine. His work is featured in the October 23, 2020 blog post of Plastic Experiences. His Painting, "Aurora" received the "award of excellence" in the Webster Arts, "Elevate" show- April, 2021. Most recently his painting, "Passage - 4am" was featured in the June 2021 issue of Artistonish magazine. Bruce's studio is open during the spring and fall open studio events at the Brewery Artist Complex in Los Angeles, or by appointment. In addition his studio is a featured stop for L.A. Art Tours.
it is the beginning of a poem called Welcome, by Stephen Dunn. originally it was going to be names of people who had died but that seemed too dark.
thank you Steven. this particular painting feels like it might be the most important that i have done. it is the only painting that has ever come to me in a dream.
love it! Magical. every choice
thank you t Teresa, a red orange is my standard underpainting color. it often manages to peak through.
One of my favorites. The video revealed some of the beautiful textures that, for example, live in the landscape behind the walls. I hope we stay in touch. things seem to have changed on the site.
thank you Steven. You have a greater understanding of the dynamics of composition than I do, despite my 50 years experience. I am occasionally aware of intentionally breaking rules, and sometimes when sketching out a composition, or altering it during the process, I intuitively sense the impact it could have. initially, I considered altering the direction of the track to curve back ( a little) toward the center in the distance. But honestly, that seemed too hopeful somehow. The sense of loneliness became important as the painting progressed, and I made choices to underscore it. Getting notes from other artists, especially experienced skilled artists is very gratifying and in some cases informative and educational. Despite my decades of experience, every painting can feel daunting. Your response helps me to feel I’m on the right track. Thank you.
who won? i have not seen an announcement. was it posted?
Thank you Megan. I enjoy. and learn from all the comments about my work. Reading the comments of other artists is especially helpful. I am often torn between including detail, and making marks that suggest abstraction, In this case, i had the opportunity to make marks on the wall and in the steps and flooring .
The wings were a perfect place to delve into the detail, ....and of course the detail of the wings is particularly beautiful. The danger lies in avoiding nitpicking.I think, in this case, the light and shadow of the two wings was critical to making the detail work. thanks again, Megan
Thank you. Hearing from other artists is always especially gratifying
I love that description, thank you Chuck. The comments from artists are greatly appreciated, and highly valued.
Thank you. These birds have come home to roost, after spending time in a design show in Los Angeles.
Next artwalk November 5th and 6th. The Brewery Artwalk
Thank you, John. It was interesting to choose to divide the painting in half. The edge of the railing is precisely in the middle. That choice pretty much breaks every rule I ever learned about composition. And yet it seemed essential. Your critique explains why, in language that I will now incorporate in every conversation I have about “Aurora.”
Thank you. This might be my favorite, in this moment. Of course it is still on the easel. That may be why.
Thank you, in some ways it is the darkest of the crane paintings, both literally and figuratively.
Thank you, there are more. My son intends to write a short story about each. We hope to have it published.
Thank you, Liz. In addition to enjoying the critiques by writers on this site, I very much appreciate the comments of other artists.
Thank you Mona Turner, It is always wonderful to see that my art is being appreciated by another artist. thank you for taking the time to respond.