Artist Spotlight: Derek Penix

Derek Penix Workshop

Have you been wanting to get outside of your comfort zone? Do you want to learn to take risks and explore new ideas but just couldn’t get away from that comfort zone? It is with excitement that we announce a new Derek Penix Workshop to help you LOOSEN UP! Please join us when we bring this award-winning artist and painting instructor to Carmel, CA in August 2020. Register at https://www.carmelvisualarts.com/derek-penix/

Derek Penix was born on December 29, 1980, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Although Penix was surrounded by artists in his family—his mother and grandfather painted—Penix did not pursue painting until after graduating high school. His mother encouraged him to pursue his talent and she took his paintings down to a local gallery where he sold his first piece.

Through the years, Penix has been inspired by old masters such as Nicolai Fechin, Sargent and the French Impressionists. “I never want to be stuck painting only one way or only one subject matter. Variety is the spice of life and is especially that way for me with painting.”

Penix has had the opportunity to work under Quang Ho and later with C.W. Mundy. “They have helped me as an artist immensely. I am so thankful that they have been willing to feed into my life as they have.”

As an artist, Penix gains inspiration from his environment, whether that be at the park, in his home, or traveling abroad. He enjoys the freedom to paint different subject matter and has learned to push himself to try new things, even if they are out of his comfort zone.

Penix has been recognized in many national competitions and publications. Even at a young age, Penix was recognized in Southwest Art Magazine’s “21 Under 31” artist competition in 2010.