Artists

Although a native of San Diego, CA , Don and his wife have lived in Gallatin, TN for the past 24 years. He has more than 30 years of professional experience as an award-winning illustrator, photographer, digital and watercolor painter. Olea has been an artist all his life, starting with simple pencil drawings as a child, then charcoals and pen and ink. His grandfather gave him his first camera when he was a sophomore in high school in 1979 and that began his love of capturing the world around him on film. As the computer age ushered in a new era of graphic designers and digital photography, Olea gravitated toward commercial art and advertising design as well as newspaper and magazine design. Working as a commercial artist he was able to take advantage of both his drawing and photography skills. Olea spent 10+ years as a photographer and graphic designer for sister publications: Billboard Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and Amusement Business Magazine in Nashville and Los Angeles. The music, entertainment, and sports industries have always been among his favorite subjects to paint or draw. However, in an effort to expand his subject matter, he turned his attention to depicting historical military art. Olea has been inspired through his watercolor and digital paintings, to honor and tell the story of those who came before him serving with honor and distinction. Men such as his grandfather, Virgil Clark, who was a SSGT with the 2nd Marines, 1939-45 and his brother, Bernie, who was a SGT with the 502nd/101st Airborne, 1941-45. As an Airborne Infantry veteran who, coincidentally, also served with the 502nd in Berlin, 1984-86, Olea’s creative work is a labor of love. His realism style serves the historical military art genre well and helps to tell their story to fellow veterans, family members and enthusiasts. As a proud veteran and artist, Don Olea will not let the flame of patriotism vanquish. AWARDS 1994, ADDY Award, Photography, Reno, NV June, 2019 — 1st Place in PIXARRA’S “Wildlife” Digital Art Competition June, 2020 — 1st Place in PIXARRA’S “City” Digital Art Competition November, 2020 — 1st Place in PIXARRA’S “Sunset/Sunrise” Digital Art Competition January, 2022 — 1st Place in PIXARRA’S “Emotions” Digital Art Competition August, 2024 — Best of Show, DAC Juried Art Expo, Water Media, "Merry Christmas, Mom, from The Ardennes Forrest, 1944" August, 2024 — 1st Place, DAC Juried Art Expo, Water Media, "Top It Off" August, 2024 — 2nd Place, DAC Juried Art Expo, Water Media, “Heavy Metal” September, 2024, 3rd Place, Best in Show, MCVC Veterans Art Showcase, Water Media, "A Short Interlude"

I was born in a small town in Mexico where my love for creativity first began to take root. At the age of 14, my family emigrated to the United States, settling in Santa Ana California. After two years of college, I made the bold decision to enlist in the U.S. Air Force where I was able to travel and meet interesting people. Recently, I rediscovered my passion for art. As a self-taught artist, I have a deep desire to grow, explore new techniques, and share my work with others. My hope is to continue learning and to bring warmth, color, and inspiration to the walls of people's home through art.

Husband for forty-seven wonderful years, father, grandfather, retired, one hundred% Service Connected, US Army Infantry Scout/Patrol Dog Handler. Served in Vietnam with the 34th IPSD, 3rd Bde, 1st Cav on and around Bien Hoa Base Camp, from Jan to APR '72. Injured on patrol. Honorably discharged on June20, 1972. Learned Computer Electronics at Sylvania Technical School and turned that into a career in Field Service - just autonomous enough to keep me from strangling folks. ? In 1977 I met an Angel who decided to keep me. Donna is why I'm still here and I intend to stick around for some time yet. When I retired in 2013, I decided to revisit my passion for picture taking. I attended Photography classes at Las Positas College, right here in Livermore, CA. Now I make images seriously for fun. And I sell them too - visit my website. I also write and have just published my memoirs - R.E.M.F. - Shorty's Path.

I was born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island. I attended the School Of Visual Arts in New York City, but left in 1966 to enlist in the Army. I served as a photographer in Viet Nam, and later with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. After, I had a long career in advertising as a writer, art director and creative director. My art is about the unreliable nature of memory. Memories that may be dulled by life, but will always remain present. The effects of post-traumatic stress and the events that provoke it. I’ve now changed my focus to the rise of totalitarianism.

I served 24 years in service in both the active duty Navy, then transferring to the Air National Guard as a tactical flight nurse. I deployed twice to the AOR in both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I like to work in many different mediums that include watercolor, colored pencil, acrylics and mixed media. I am am inspired by people, particularly embracing the struggles of those who work to overcome their challenges. As a nature lover I like to capture the beauty of surroundings. My work represents the emotional basis of much of my art thus creating my logo Heart2hand.

After serving with Delta Project, MAC-V,1966-68, Viet Nam. Mountains, mornings and evenings were inspirational for images on canvas and Creating Visionary Art -for paintings please visit my website: I serve as an Art Therapist for PTSD, the tool for healing is in Expression. jnesbittandassociates.com or email me directly at: nez3605@gmail.com

I started painting (Plein Air) Parris Island, SC in 1966 while serving in the Marine Corp Band. I studied PleinAir oil painting for over twenty years at the Ridgewood Art Institute, Ridgewood, NJ with master painter John P Osborne. John who was influenced by the American Impressionist painter,Frank Vincent DuMond and his 1880s "Prismatic Palette" I taught oil painting for over 25 years in community schools, universities and privately in my New Jersey studio. I have given oil painting demonstrations throughout the United States and participated in many galleries. I have served on the Board of Directors at The Ridgewood Art Institute, NJ, The American Artist Professional League, NY and The HUB on Canal, New Smyrna Beach, FL....where I have been a studio artist since 2013.

I do scratch board illustration, photography, digital & fine art, ATC, multi-media and, printmaking. As an artist I like dealing with personal imagery, myths, science fiction and symbolism. I have backgrounds in graphic design, photography, art education and lowbrow art. DESIGNER TOY, ART TOY, CUSTOM TOY, MASH-UP TOY, NEO-KAIJU TOY, INDIE TOY, URBAN TOY, OUTSIDER ART I make toys and other collectibles produced in limited editions. The toys are made of variety of materials; resin and polymer clay are most common, although wood, metal, and epoxy are

Daniel James has been in love with the arts for as long as he can remember. Currently employed as a Telecommunications Engineer, at the age of 60 he came to the realization that life goes by fast! Way too fast! He is often flooded with memories from doodling in class instead of listening to the teachers, to painting the platoon flags in USMC basic training, and now after having sold some pieces of artwork he has made the decision to pursue his lifelong dream as a professional artist. Aside from a single art class in high school, taken so he could have enough credits to graduate, and an associate degree in electro-mechanical drafting along with a 2nd associate degree in computer information systems, he is 100% self taught. His natural ability is captured using his favorite medium of watercolor & gouache but he also works in acrylics, pen & ink, pencil, colored pencil, oils ... pretty much anything with which he can make marks on paper. He relishes in creating pieces related to wildlife but does enjoy portraiture, landscapes, still lifes, ... any subject matter really.

retired after 20 years..i still shoot digital but i find myself going back to film. there are 15 waterfalls within 50 miles of me so i can keep busy.

Army 1979-1985, Air Force 1985-2015. I've always been interested in photography, but I never dreamed that I would take it this far. Along the way, I've discovered that time behind the camera is good for my soul.

Born in Havana, Cuba in 1954, largely self taught artist. Served as a terrain analyst and the majority of my work was done while serving. I garnished several awards both civilian and service related. Served in Germany and traveled extensively. Retired now in Florida I paint the wonderful landscapes unique to Florida.

Aaron JH is an illustrator and storyteller with a focus on graphic novels and sequential art. His work explores themes of psychological depth, cosmic horror, and existential tension, often drawing from lived experience, philosophical inquiry, and visual storytelling traditions.\nWhether working in ink, digital media, or mixed traditional techniques, Aaron JH approaches illustration as a vehicle for emotional resonance and philosophical reflection.

I was born in a little town Steubenville, Ohio and raised in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia called Weirton. Twenty minutes from Pittsburgh, PA. The Steel Valley! Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Sports town and big rivalries was our claim to fame and our diversity, our steel mills and most of all what I call the 19. Nineteen professional, baseball, football and basketball players that came from one street in a town where sports was integrated in 1956. Amazing! The Street was Weir Avenue or “CALICO HILL” where every nationality lived and worked together.

I am a retiree from the Navy and current full time artist. I love watercolor and ink and the joy it brings me to create. I live in Georgia near family where I attend art and craft shows to show and sell my art. It’s a lovely life! Check out my Facebook page for more art and message me about custom work! Facebook.com/leannereitanogallery

David served in the Marine Corps for over two decades and retired from active service. He has been drawing for many years and is now getting positioned to sell his work. He mostly uses pencil or pen, and sometimes his iPad to create his illustrations. He passion derives from special operations and military experiences, but is focused on fine detail, negative space and shadowing in any graphic illustration.

Mitchell was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1955. He attended various art schools, Metropolitan Museum Of Art and Peter Max Studios in NYC, before attending the University of Wisconsin School of Psychology.