Bio

Ian Nyquist is an artist, designer, and painter based in the Bay Area, California. He showed a natural talent for art at an early age, and pursued his passion by studying design and fine art at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Ian has owned and operated a successful design studio since 2002, where he has worked with clients from a variety of industries, bringing his creative vision to a range of digital and print media.

Ian’s passion for painting led him to study under the tutelage of Robert Reynolds, the resident artist of Hearst Castle, and John Pugh, an internationally recognized tromp l’oeil muralist. Working with these accomplished artists helped Ian develop his unique style, characterized by deep, saturated colors, intricate details, and dynamic compositions.

In addition to his work as a painter, Ian continues to run his design studio, where he brings his creative vision to a range of digital and print media. His skills as a designer and artist complement each other, enabling him to create beautiful and cohesive works of art that are visually striking.

Statement

As an artist captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty of the California coast, I find solace and inspiration in the rugged cliffs, the crashing waves, and the endless horizon that stretches out into the Pacific Ocean. My preferred medium is watercolor, which allows me to convey the vivid hues and fluidity of the coast with precision and depth.

My artistic journey began in 1995 when a couple of friends and I embarked on a thrilling bicycle adventure from my home in the Bay Area to Mexico. This epic journey exposed me to the breathtaking vistas of the California coastline, and it was love at first sight. In the years that followed, I embarked on numerous rides along the remaining stretch of the West Coast, from Vancouver, BC to the southern tip of California. Each time, I fell deeper in love with the majestic beauty of the coast, and it became a recurring muse in my art.

I strive to convey the play of light on the waves, the texture of the cliffs, and the vastness of the ocean. For me, painting the California coast is a way of preserving and sharing the profound connection I feel with this captivating landscape. It is my hope that my art allows others to experience the same sense of wonder and reverence that I feel when standing at the shore, and that it inspires a deeper appreciation for the beauty and power of nature.

Exhibits

2023 – Scott Jacobs Galley, Carmel, CA
2023 – Laguna Art-A-Fair Summer Show, Laguna Beach, CA
2023 – Beverly Hills Art Show, Beverly Hills, CA
2023 – Group Exhibit, Aquarius, Morro Bay Art Association, Morro Bay, CA
2022 – Group Exhibit, For the Seventh Generation, Lincoln City, OR
2007 – Group Exhibit, For the Seventh Generation, Santa Cruz, CA
2001 – Solo Exhibit, 25 East Main, Los Gatos, CA
1997 – Solo Exhibit, Linnea’s Coffee Shop, San Luis Obispo, CA
1996 – Solo Exhibit, Bagel Cafe, San Luis Obispo, CA
1995 – Solo Exhibit, Nectar’s Juice Bar, Los Gatos, CA