David's
contemporary and classic oil portraits not only convey a likeness
of the subject, but his work captures the spirit and character of
the individual subject. His unique ability to capture the personality
of the sitter through local color, lighting and environment sets
his work apart. David Beal began his professional painting career
while still in his teens. As a young man he designed, illustrated
and installed historical murals in public spaces, such as libraries
and schools in the upper Midwest. He was recognized for his depictions
of historical events through murals and figurative paintings at
the age of 16 by President Gerald Ford. While still in high school,
David developed the ability to quickly capture a realistic likeness
of his subjects working in charcoal, pencil while refining his drawing
technique and sensitivity to lighting and color theory.
Mr. Beal furthered his art education by moving to New York at the
age of 18 to attend the Art Students League of New York, in New
York City. While in New York, David also attended classes at the
Salmagundi Club and worked at the National Arts Gallery. He completed
his formal education at the Columbus College of Art and Design in
Columbus, Ohio, and the Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City,
Missouri. While attending the Art Students League in New York, David
worked with renowned illustrator Robert Emil Schultz, anatomy and
figure expert Robert Beverly Hale and pastel master Daniel Greene
to refine his visual and technical skills specific to oil portraiture
and pastel portraiture. David then worked professionally as an illustrator
and Creative Director for many years, completing books, editorial
illustrations, greeting cards, magazine covers, calendars, murals
and other commissioned works of art.
Mr, Beal has traveled extensively abroad, and recently returned
from Tokyo, Japan, where he lived with his family for two years.
His love for objects that tell cultural and historical stories manifests
in his paintings. Unique textiles, cultural artifacts and other
details are often included in portraits as ways to help represent
individual personality and character.
David maintains a studio in Overland Park, Kansas. He and his wife
Carol, a jewelry designer, live nearby with their three sons.
David has completed commissioned portrait paintings for clients
across the U.S, from Cleveland to Kansas City to Los Angeles. He
is a member of the Oil Painters of America (OPA) as well as the
Portrait Society of America (PSA).
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