
Artist's Statement
Craig, driven by a youthful reverence for nature, discovered a profound appreciation for the outdoors, aged farms, and history-laden harbors. Craig's technique, rooted in painting from life, breathes atmosphere into his work, creating dynamic scenes that embody the essence of each location. His belief in capturing the scene's DNA is realized through on-location painting, a process that imparts a timeless quality to his art, echoing the well-worn scars and narratives of the landscapes he passionately portrays.
Artist's Bio
Craig Reynolds, born in Gadsden, Alabama, discovered his artistic passion under the guidance of his father, who instilled in him the skills of drawing and painting from an early age. Fueled by a profound appreciation for the outdoors and the rich stories embedded in aging farms and weathered harbors, Craig embarked on a journey to capture these narratives through the strokes of his paintbrush. In 1984, he took the plunge into professional painting while simultaneously pursuing a career. Craig transitioned into a full-time professional artist in 2005, dedicating himself wholly to his artistic pursuits. Craig's artistic odyssey extends far beyond his studio walls, as he immerses himself in plein air competitions, and painting expeditions across the United States and beyond. His travels not only fuel his creativity but also serve as a testament to his commitment to the craft. Beyond his roots, he extends his knowledge through plein air and studio workshops across the southern region. The accolades bestowed upon Craig reflect the mastery evident in his work. His journey, marked by a profound connection to nature and a dedication to passing on his skills, continues to unfold on canvases that tell the stories of time, hard work, and the beauty found in the overlooked corners of the world.
Representation
McBride Gallery, Annapolis, Maryland
On the Waterfront Gallery, Apalachicola, Florida
Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, Alabama
Dauphin Island Gallery, Dauphin Island, Alabama
Craig Reynolds Studio in Gadsden, Alabama
Organizations
National Oil & Acrylic Painters' Society
American Impressionist Society
Oil Painters of America
American Society of Marine Artists
2023
Shadows On The Teche featured artist
Artist On Location – BEST LANDSCAPE
Plein Air New Bern featured artist
Pike Road – Workshop
New Smyrna Beach featured artist
High Cotton Paintout – QUICK DRAW - SECOND PLACE
Dauphin Island Paintout - Judge
2022
Shadows On the Teche artist
Artist On Location Pleinair Competition artist
Paint Annapolis artist
Plein Air New Bern featured artist
High Cotton Paintout 1ST PLACE FEATURED ARTIST
Pike Road Paintout FIRST & THIRD PLACE
Noaps Small Works Showcase pleinair competition SECOND PLACE
Workshop Lacombe LA
New Smyrna Beach featured artist
2021
Paint Annapolis THE HARBOR AWARD
Artist On Location SECOND PLACE
High Cotton Paintout HONORABLE MENTION featured artist
Pike Road Paintout BEST OF SHOW
Shadows On The Teche artist
New Smyrna Beach Paintout artist
Door County Pleinair Festival
2020
St George Island Paintout THIRD PLACE
Noaps Small Works Show AWARD OF MERIT
Door County Pleinair Festival
High Cotton Paintout featured artist
2019
Plein Air Fairhope, Eastern Shore Art Center, Fairhope, Alabama - FIRST PLACE
New Smyrna Beach Plein Air Paintout Competition, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Pines & Palms Art Group - Fall for Art Show - THIRD PLACE
High Cotton Plein Air Paintout Juried Artist, Pines & Palms, Thomasville, Georgia
Bath County Plein Air Festival Juried Artist, Warm Springs, Virginia - BEST NOCTURNE
Pines & Palms Art Group, From Field to Studio Workshop, Instructor, Thomasville, Georgia
The Scottish Highlands, Inverness to Whitebridge Mentoring trip with Roger Dale Brown
Paint Annapolis Plein Air Competition, Juried Artist, Annapolis, Maryland
Saint George Island Paintout, Juried Artist, Saint George Island, Florida – FIRST PLACE
Lighthouse Art Center Plein Air Competition, Juried Artist, Tequesta, Florida
Wekiva Paintout, Juried Artist, Wekiva Island, Florida
Artists on Location Plein Air Competition, Juried Artist, Knoxville, Tennessee -FIRST PLACE
Gulf Coast Arts Alliance, Essence of Oil Painting Workshop Instructor
2018
Wekiva Paintout, Juried Artist, Wekiva Island, Florida
New Smyrna Beach Plein Air Competition, Juried Artist, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Fort Myers Beach Paint the Beach Plein Air Competition Juried Artist, Fort Myers Beach, Florida- THIRD PLACE
The Best of the Chesapeake Show, McBride Gallery, Annapolis, Maryland
Painting trip to South Thomaston, Maine
Plein Air Easton Plein Air Competition, Juried Artist, Easton, Maryland
Paint Annapolis Plein Air Competition Juried Artist, Annapolis, Maryland – EXCEPTIONAL BODY OF WORK AWARD
Southeastern Plein Air Invitational, Gadsden, Alabama
Paint the Town Workshop Instructor, Gautier, Mississippi
Artist on Location Plein Air Competition, Juried Artist, Knoxville, Tennessee – HONORABLE MENTION
Saint George Island Paintout, Juried Artist, Saint George Island, Florida
Shadows on the Teche Plein Air Competition Juried Artist, New Iberia, Louisiana – THIRD PLACE
2017
American Impressionist Society Annual Small Works Showcase, Juried Artist
Shadows on the Teche Plein Air Competition Juried Artist, New Iberia, Louisiana
Ballyhoo Festival, Gulf Shores, Alabama – BEST OF SHOW
Olmstead Plein Air Quick Draw, Atlanta, Georgia
Forgotten Coast Quick Draw Competition, Apalachicola, Florida
Selma Pilgrimage Paintout Juried Artist, Selma, Alabama
Paint the Town Plein Air Competition, Gautier, Mississippi – BEST OF SHOW
Paint Annapolis Plein Air Competition, Annapolis, Maryland
Paint the Beach Plein Air Competition, Fort Myers, Florida – FIRST PLACE & SECOND PLACE IN QUICK DRAW