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Derek Penix, 1980 | Cityscape /Seascape /Figurative painter

Derek Penix was born on December 29, 1980 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Growing up Penix was surrounded by artists in his family as his mother and grandfather painted. Penix did not pursue painting until after graduating high school. Penix’s mother encouraged him to pursue his talent and 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, but it has been over the last few years that Penix has been the most influenced by artist Quang Ho. Penix had the opportunity to take a workshop under Mr. Ho and later to study briefly with him. Since then, Penix believes his paintings have grown more in the last two years than in his last ten years of painting.









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 was recognized in South West Art Magazine's “21 Under 31” artist competition in 2010. He continues to paint full time as a professional artist and strives to advance his skill.

Special Honors/Competitions:

  • BAA 59th Annual Spring Show: Best of Show "The Beach"; 
  • BAA 59th Annual Spring Show: 3rd Place "Boats in the French Riviera"; 
  • Ray Mar: Finalist (March 2012); 
  • Bold Brush: Judge (January 2012); 
  • Ray Mar: Finalist (Dec. 2011); 
  • Oil Painters of America Online Showcase: Finalist (Fall 2011); 
  • Bold Brush: "Best of Show" (October 2011);
  • Bold Brush: Finalist (July 2011); 
  • Bold Brush: Finalist (June 2011); 
  • Ray Mar: Finalist (May 2011); 
  • Southest Art: 21 under 31 Finalist (September 2010);
  • Ray Mar: Finalist (April 2010). 

Education/Workshops:

  • Gay Faulkenberry- Scottsdale Art School. 
  • Quang Ho- Art Student's League of Denver. 

Selected Solo Exhibitions:

  • 2009 One Man Show - Harweldon Mansion, Tulsa, Oklahoma;
  • 2008 One Man Show - Harweldon Mansion, Tulsa, Oklahoma; 
  • 2007 One Man Show - Fine Art and Soul Gallery, Valencia, California; 
  • 2007 One Man Show - Gail Roth Gallery, San Clemente, California; 
  • 2006 One Man Show - Zieglars, Tulsa, Oklahoma; 
  • 2006 One Man Show - Family and Children's Services, Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Selected Group Exhibitions:

  • 2012 Oil Painters of America's 21st Annual National Juried Exhibition;
  • 2012 Abend Gallery's Artist Show; 
  • 2012 Waterhouse Gallery Small Gems Show;
  • 2011 Abend Gallery 21st Annual Miniature Show;
  • 2011 Waterhouse 6th Great American Figurative Artist Exhibition; 
  • 2008 Guest Artist for Oklahoma Society of Impressionists. 

Publications:

  • Fine Art Views Spotlight: 11/30/2011;
  • Informed Collector Recommends: Issue #698 (August 2011); 
  • Southest Art: 21 under 31 Finalist (September 2010)
  • Western Art Collector (2010); 
  • Performance Magazine (January 2007)
  • Tulsa People Magazine (January 2007).