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 with him. Since then, Penix believes his paintings have grown more in the last two years than in his last twelve 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 60th Annual Spring Show 2013: Best of Show
Oil Painters of America 2012 National Juried Exhibition Associate Signature Division: President's Award of Excellence
BAA 59th Annual Spring Show 2012: Best of Show "The Beach"
BAA 59th Annual Spring Show 2012: 3rd Place "Boats in the French Riviera"
Quang Ho- Art Student's League of Denver
C.W. Mundy
Gay Faulkenberry- Scottsdale Art School
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:
2013 Gallery 1261 "Rethinking Western" Group Show (January-February)
2012 Gallery 1261 Small Works Show
2012 Abend Gallery's 22nd Annual Holiday Miniatures Show
2012 Waterhouse Gallery's Great American Figurative Artist Exhibition 2012
2012 Abend Gallery's Artist Show
2012 Waterhouse Gallery's Small Gems Show
2011 Abend Gallery's 21st Annual Miniature Show
2011 Waterhouse Gallery's 6th Great American Figurative Artist Exhibition
2008 Guest Artist for Oklahoma Society of Impressionists
Publications:
Western Art Collector (2010)
Performance Magazine (January 2007)