Todd White (artist)

Todd White sketching at a diner

Michael Todd White (born 1969 in San Antonio, Texas) is a figurative expressionist painter who is a self-described “observational artist” and known to the public for his “Rat-Pack meets Picasso” style of art.[1]

White was named the official artist for the Grammy Awards by the Recording Academy in 2007. His painting appeared on the ceremony's invitation and program book and served as the official image for the event.[2]

His work was featured in the Inspirations of Oz Fine Art Collection, an exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz. The collection toured designated cities all over the world including Miami, Los Angeles, Dubai, Japan, London, Toronto and Vienna.[3]

In 2010, White was chosen to provide sketches for Coca-Cola Light in Mexico. White's six sketches are depicted on different faces of Coca-Cola Light bottles and cans, each featuring his distinctive box signature. This was the first time that Coke had collaborated with a fine artist to depict artwork for its label. The bottles were released in August 2010.[4] As a result of some of these career achievements White has earned international recognition and a lengthy list of celebrity collectors.[5]

Early years

White was born in San Antonio, Texas and attended John Marshall High School. White's grandmother, Wanda Spurlock, was a painter as is his mother, Kathryn Yahn, who specializes in traditional Southwestern landscapes.[6] In addition to painting, Yahn is also an art teacher in San Antonio, Texas.

From 1991-2000, White worked in animation on various television shows, including Tiny Toons, and spent his final years in animation as the lead character designer for SpongeBob SquarePants.[7] In 2000, White left Nickelodeon to pursue his passion of painting on a full-time basis.[8]

White's work hangs in a number of galleries in North America and he is currently one of the best selling artists in the United Kingdom.[9] Some of White's most prominent exhibitions include a show at the Bank of Scotland in Manchester, England and at the unveiling of The World's Largest Todd White Collection, hosted by CNN's Larry King at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California.[10] A very useful exhibition of his work can currently (2011) be seen in a prominent gallery in the French quarter in New Orleans.

Books

In 2010 Todd White released his first book which would collect all his work to date, including original sketches, insights to his creative process and personal comments as well as a biography. The original edition was limited to 850 numbered copies, and included 2 exclusive Limited Edition prints numbered and signed by the author.

References

  1. ↑ Art Business News, "GRAMMYS go for Classic White", Chuck Crisafulli, 2006, p.123
  2. ↑ Art Business News, "GRAMMYS go for Classic White", Chuck Crisaflli, 2006, p.123
  3. ↑ Boulevard Magazine, “The Askew World of Todd White”, Jan/Feb 2009, p.8
  4. ↑ "Todd White special project for Coca-Cola" Retrieved 21 July 2015
  5. ↑ Art Business Today, “Why All Eyes are On Todd White”, published by aurorafineart.co.uk, October 2006, p.14; People, “At Home with Ne-Yo”, Tiffany McGee, January 19, 2009
  6. ↑ Orange County's Best, “White Hot!”, Bryan S. Smith, November–December 2007, p.43
  7. ↑ Space Magazine, “Style and Swagger”, Madison Rae, April/May 2007
  8. ↑ Your MoveLiverpool's Guide to Property and Life, “Art for the Stars”, Michael Hunt, April 13–26, 2007, p.74-75
  9. ↑ Art Business Today, "Why All Eyes are on Todd White", published by aurorafineart.co.uk, October 2006, p.39
  10. ↑ The Press EnterpriseInland Southern California's Newspaper, "Casino Raises Stakes in Class", Sean Nealon, June 28, 2007
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