Artist Focus: Derek Penix
/Western Art Collector | March 2022
“Koi” | Oil | 60“.× 60“
Throughout March, Claggett/Rey Gallery will be proudly celebrating the work of artist Derek Penix. The gallery walls will be adorned with more than 20 new masterpieces created over the past six months.
In 2020, Penix settled his family in the surging town of Temecula, California. A destination that claims its community to be compiled of “curious mavericks…and accomplished and passionate people.” This bold description aligns with the artist’s intimate and confident approach to capturing the world through his unique lens. Surrounded by orchards, vineyards and the colors of nature, this bountiful environment infuses Penix with an abundance of energy and inspiration. Penix transports viewers from the fruit-laden branches and serenity of a koi pond to the cacophony of the streets and sidewalks of New York.
This vibrant exhibition will be available online starting March 1, and guests are also invited to come immerse themselves in the world of the artist’s splendor at Claggett/Rey’s beautiful gallery space in Edwards, Colorado.
Art Weekly | March 2022
“Blue and White” | Oil | 36“×36“
The painter's exhibition is currently on display at Claggett/Rey Gallery in Edwards. It will be there through the end of the month. Originally from Oklahoma, Penix is now based out of Southern California. He grew up in a family of artists and has been painting professionally since just out of high school.
Penix said that he is drawn to a wide variety of subjects, and most often paints in series, similar to Monet's studies of haystacks or lily pads. When a scene or object catches his eye, he proceeds capture it from multiple angles, lighting, textures, and so on, producing multiple perspectives and sensations from a single scene.
His exhibit at Claggett/Rey is titled "Colorful Dimensions," and includes more than 20 selections from his various series, with subjects such as swimming koi fish, fruit and aspen trees, ocean vistas and more. Penix tends to gravitate towards scenes with bright lighting and a sunny atmosphere, resulting in rich colors that maintain a natural feel.
Maggie Rey co-owns the Claggett/Rey Gallery with her husband, Bill, and is responsible for curating the various exhibitions that they show each year. This is not the first time that they have shown Penix's work at the gallery, and she said his work always resonates with buyers in the valley.
Penix has been able to study with painter Quang Ho, another artist represented by Claggett/Rey Gallery. While painting, Penix often steps back from canvas - way back.
"When you're up close, it's easy to lose the context of what you're doing," Penix said. Stepping to the back of the room allows him to see with clarity, and keeps him fresh. It's a successful technique, as his canvases are bold expressions of light and life.
"Derek's work is very impressionistic — big broad strokes of beautiful color, and I think his pieces draw you into an intimate setting," Maggie Rey said. ''Whether it's a high perspective, looking down upon the streets of New York, or it's in the middle of an orange or apple orchard looking through the branches, he draws the viewer in and just allows you to really appreciate these colorful dimensions."