4 Artists Living in California

June 9, 2023 Laura Hayes 0

These four artists living in California create art in four different ways. Given their unique life experiences and artistic journeys, we’d expect nothing less! From glam and stylish to scenic and cheerful, we’re looking at how these artists are influenced, or not, by residing in the Golden State.

With such prominent vineyards, beautiful beaches, and a famous film industry, California is home to some of the biggest cities in the United States. It makes sense that artists calling this west coast area home would be inspired by their spectacular environments, both natural and glamorous. While we often see California artwork highlighting the excitement of Hollywood or the laid-back lifestyle of surfers, artists can find inspiration in a variety of places. Sometimes, where you’re from drives what you create, but that’s not always the case.

From mythical monsters to still lifes, the work from these artists can bring playful peculiarity, uplifting intimacy, and more types of vibes to your space. Whether you prefer palette knife paintings or detailed watercolors, keep scrolling to find a new favorite artist.

1.Heather Perry

Influenced by food, lowbrow art, fashion, pop culture, vintage kitsch, and the domestic art, Los Angeles-based artist Heather Perry creates paintings of stylish people and animals, along with food and drink creations. Her portraits incorporating high end fashion brands, glam accessories, and blooming flower patterns don’t pay homage to any specific California references, but once you realize where she’s from, you might pick up on the subtle influence of LA style. While those prints feature legendary characters and famous faces, she also showcases wild cats, pets, dinosaurs, and other creatures wearing trendy clothing for a more unexpected twist.

From the Golden Girls’ Rose decked out in Gucci to a Bengal tiger accessorized with sunglasses and necklaces, we think her artwork can bring a botanically chic style to your space.

Click here to see all of Heather Perry’s artwork available on iCanvas.

2. Lisa Elley

Wanting to share a journey of joy and connection, San Francisco artist Lisa Elley’s palette knife paintings feature flowers, beaches, mountains, and other nature views. Telling a multilayered story through her love of the California landscape, she showcases specific locations such as Napa Valley vineyards, San Francisco cable cars, and crashing waves at Big Sur. By focusing on the natural scenery of the state, she captures the beauty of recognizable places in her 250+ prints and pulls us into the moment.

From a view of the Golden Gate Bridge to a drive in Carmel wine country, her textured prints are full of picturesque settings. Making her artwork a wonderful way to add a dose of sunshine or cheerful energy to your space.

*“A Drive In Carmel Wine Country In Monterey Car Week”*

Click here to see all of Lisa Elley’s artwork available on iCanvas.

3. TDow Thomas

Aiming to make viewers smile, California artist TDow Thomas creates watercolor paintings of popular creepy characters, recognizable faces, and imaginative beings. With her Limited Edition prints showcasing iconic movie characters and her other creations featuring subjects formed from her own imagination, there’s no obvious California impact that we can see. Incorporating spooky eyed creatures doing activities such as riding on dragons, climbing on buildings, and strumming love songs on a guitar, she brings us into a fun world of quirky beings.

From Wednesday Addams holding a bottle of poison to a mythical monster with five heads, we think her artwork can be a wonderful way to add a dose of peculiarity and playfulness to your space.

Click here to see all of TDow Thomas’ artwork available on iCanvas.

4. Victoria Sukhasyan

Taking inspiration from the unique diversity of Los Angeles, Victoria Sukhasyan’s still life paintings feature food, drinks, and everyday lifestyle scenes. Her California influence is very apparent in her LA city scenes, delicious seafood plates, and elegant glasses of wine. With the rest of her collection focusing on detailed depictions of candies, casinos, nature, and fashion, her creations go beyond the sights and experiences of her state.

From a corgi posing with food from In-N-Out Burger to a still life of lipstick, a high heel, and whiskey, her prints are full of decadent eats and textured scenes. Making her artwork a nice way to create an intimate yet uplifting atmosphere.