Ryan Douglas

Born in Wisconsin in 1978, Ryan Douglas has been inspired by color ever since putting his first crayon to paper. Douglas won a scholarship to study at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 1997, simultaneously serving as a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. In search of new inspiration and opportunities to grow artistically, Douglas packed his paints and canvas in an old r.v. and headed west. After landing in Sonoma County, Douglas found himself under the mentorship of the late William Wheeler and Dr. James Milliken, creating and showing throughout the Bay area.

He continues to explore ways of combining the ever-expressive human form with the singularly abstract, free and unashamed line. He has been influenced by the art and philosophies of R. Deibenkorn, M. Rothko, F. Kline, G. Klimt and Kaz. Tanahashi, and his kids. Douglas occasionally teaches drawing classes, inviting students to shed creative inhibitions and rediscover their most playful, primitive selves.

In his paintings, Douglas delves into themes examining aspects of human ecology and our relationships to the elements, impermanence and the natural cycles of life - growth - death - decay; time, edges and the limits they imply, as well as the infinite human capacity to transcend and transform.

Douglas also owns Teva Designs, a landscape design company, which he founded with his wife 15 years ago. This work allows him to put design skills into play using earth, stone, water and plants, deepening his connection to the natural world and further inspiring new paintings. He lives in Sebastopol, CA with his wife - Liat, son - Robin, and daughter - Olive.