Ron Elstad (b.1944)

Ron Elstad, a lifelong Californian, transitioned from a successful career as a Commercial Illustrator to become a celebrated American Artist. Settling in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Elstad found inspiration in the luminous landscapes of the American Southwest. He proudly identifies as a Colorist, expressing Impressionistic intentions in his work. His bold, vivid strokes with thick, carefully chosen colors set him apart as a master of his craft, specializing in impressionist landscapes of California and the western United States.

Self-taught in fine art and previously an Illustrator, Elstad gained recognition among the top California painters, including the California Art Club. He's a distinguished member of the Oil Painters of America and the California Art Club, receiving numerous awards, such as the Bronze Medal in the Art of California Discovery Awards. Collectors nationwide admire his representational yet "colorfully loose, yet controlled" plein air painting style.

Elstad's canvases avoid dark tones, using pure color and techniques like brushes and palette knives heavily laden with paint to create rich textures. He attributes his style to early twentieth-century Southern California impressionists. This "New Generation of California artists" embodies reverence for nature's beauty and light, following in the footsteps of environmentalist predecessors. Ron Elstad's work conveys profound emotions about his surroundings, capturing the unique spirit of California's natural beauty.