Expressing with Art

     In October 2012,  I was honored to have received  two awards from the American Plains Artists, the People's Award and the Best of Show from the judge, John Coleman.  John is a well-known artist and a member of the Cowboy Artist of America.

     In 2016, I was commissioned by the San Dimas Festival to paint the portrait of Cowboy Artist, Martin Grelle who was being honored as the "Spirit of the West" Award.  Martin and I were long time friends and it was an honor to have Martin purchase both my oil and watercolor paintings!

     In 2018, my wife and I attended the  reception of the Watercolor West International Exhibition at the Brea Art Gallery in Brea, CA.  It was a surprise to receive the Watercolor West "Master Artist" recognition!  

     In 2020,   I was the recipient of  another special honor from the American Plains Artists, I received the Publishers Award for a full-page “Artist Focus” in the Western Art Collector. 

     In 2016, I was honored to receive the Gold Medal at the San Dimas Festival of Art.  In this photo,  I received the Gold Medal from Mian Situ, one of the judges.  He was a special moment to have him present the award as he was a regular exhibitor at the Master's Exhibition held at the Autry National Center and Museum.  I also received the Gold Medal in Plein Air.

     The Festival of Art in San Dimas, CA has an amazing collection of paintings and sculptures created by American Artists at their Civic Center including several of my oil, watercolor paintings and my conte drawings.  I was honored to receive commissions to paint the honored guests over the years including an oil painting of Frederic G. Renner (well known art collector of Charles Russell) and Martin Grelle (past President of the Cowboy Artists of America).  In addition, Cliff was commissioned to paint a watercolor of the Wells Fargo Stage  for the San Dimas Bank.

     In 2017, 2019 and 2022, I received  three major Awards:  a $1,000 First Prize Award at the Cowboy Classic Western Art Show in Phoenix,  a Gold Medal in Watercolor at the San Dimas Festival of Art, and Best of Show with the American Plains Artists Artists.   

     I was happy to demonstrate, and sell my art at the Cattlemen's Western Art Show in Paso Robles.  Over the years I sold my oil on marble paintings, and watercolors (large and small)  along with a limited number of  prints there.  

     For many years I served as a member and Vice President of the Fine Arts Institute at the San Bernardino County Museum.  It  was a special honor to have a "one man exhibition" where I sold both originals and limited edition prints over the years at the Museum!

      I was surprised when I was  elected President of the American and Indian Cowboy Artists and continued serving on the Board for many years working with the San Dimas Festival of Art.  

      Over the years, my art has been exhibited at the American Impressionists Society and I am also a regular participating Member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association.  I enjoy  being with other artists and sharing ideas.

I am happy to be an "Artist" member  with the California Art Club, where I am  invited to show my art at their California Art Club Gallery in San Marino .  It is always and honor to exhibit and sell at the California Art Club Gold Medal Exhibition.