Biography

Dan Schultz grew up in the southwestern United States, spending much of his time outdoors in the warm sunshine of New Mexico. His exposure to art was limited during those early years, but he would soon begin to develop a deep artistic passion.

He took a few art classes during high school, and during his senior year he entered a drawing in his school’s state-wide art competition where he was awarded first place. The drawing was then eligible to compete on a national level—again winning first place. Up until that point, Schultz was unsure about what to study in college, but decided to try art.

Four years later, Schultz received his commercial art degree from Pensacola Christian College in Florida. The focus of his studies had been illustration and graphic design, and although he enjoyed these, he did not feel particularly driven to pursue either as a career. However, he had been introduced to artists such as John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, Anders Zorn and others whose work began to influence him.

Back in the southwest, Schultz continued to sharpen his drawing and painting skills at Cottonwood Artists’ School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was here that he realized for the first time that a career in fine art could be possible. His skill was soon recognized by the school and he was asked to become an instructor at Cottonwood, making him the youngest to join the group of nationally-recognized professional artists teaching there.

From that point on, the Colorado artist has focused on further developing his skills in order to fully explore his place in the vast world of art. He chooses to work in a classical style because he deeply connects with traditional works which aptly express reality. “Art should bring about a respect for life and God’s creation around us,” he says. “I want to do my best to faithfully render what is beautiful to me and I hope that others will find that beauty reflected in my work.”

Schultz mainly focuses on figurative painting in his studio, but also enjoys painting landscapes on location. His art has gained national recognition in a variety of subjects and media. Southwest Art magazine featured his work in its September, 2004, "21 Under 31" article. He has recently received awards from the American Impressionist Society, the Art Renewal Center and the Portrait Society of America. He is a signature member of the Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters and also holds memberships in the Oil Painters of America, the Portrait Society of America and the American Impressionist Society. He participates in many gallery and museum exhibitions each year with his plein air and studio paintings.

With the help and support of his wife Sarah, Schultz continues to pursue excellence as he creates each new piece of art. His classes and workshops enable him to share his knowledge with other artists as they explore their artistic journeys. And above all, he searches for the special connection that art can provide between the Creator of the universe, the beauty of our world and the living soul.