Kent Sullivan
Orlando, Florida
Artist Kent Sullivan paints realistic scenes shaped by his deep connection to light, atmosphere, and the natural world. "Everywhere I travel, I find the sun and air present in new and unique ways," says Kent. Early in his career, he worked a variety of jobs while pursuing art, including taxi driver, pizza delivery, waiter, and leasing agent. Over those years, he continued to develop his practice with persistence, guided by a commitment to original compositions rather than copying from others. His work has been featured in publications such as Art of the National Parks and Picturing Florida, and he has participated in programs including NASA's art initiative. Working from memory, imagination, and observation, he builds each painting through a careful, layered process that aims to make the final work feel effortless, like an illusion. Kent works in a carefully organized home studio, where he prepares his own canvases and develops each composition with intention. Outside the studio, he enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and seeking out new landscapes that inspire his work.
Artist Statement
I am a committed representational painter. I work in traditional oils with a contemporary perspective. I have always been drawn to painting toward reality, using texture and composition to allow the viewer to feel the expressive qualities that only rich oils can explore. A little mystery is a good thing. I use only the finest oils and usually prepare my canvases myself.
There are more places I would like to paint than I will ever be able to paint. Everywhere I travel, I find the sun and air present in new and unique ways.
I am committed to developing my own compositions. I deplore copying. Often, I develop a painting strictly from memory or imagination. That being said, I also use photographic reference or field studies done in paint or pencil. I typically begin with a monochromatic underpainting and then gradually introduce color.
There are more places I would like to paint than I will ever be able to paint. Everywhere I travel, I find the sun and air present in new and unique ways.
I am committed to developing my own compositions. I deplore copying. Often, I develop a painting strictly from memory or imagination. That being said, I also use photographic reference or field studies done in paint or pencil. I typically begin with a monochromatic underpainting and then gradually introduce color.
Artist Background
Orlando College
Associate of Arts, 1990