Warren Chang

Classroom Clutter

2004

Born and bred in Monterey, California, Warren Chang (b. 1957) graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena in 1981, where he earned a B.F.A. in illustration with honors. He thrived for two decades as an award-winning illustrator in both California and New York, then he transitioned to a career as a fine artist starting in the year 2000. Since his transition to fine art 15 years ago, Chang has earned many awards and honors. His awards include Best of Show awards in the Salon International in 2003, Best of Show in the Raymar Contest in 2009 and the Dean Cornwell award for best Multi Figurative painting at the California Art Club in 2013. His work has been profiled in many publications, including the covers of American Artist and International Artists magazines, accompanying his articles on instructional painting.

Now based in his Monterey studio, he is an inveterate and popular teacher, currently affiliated with San Francisco's Academy of Art University. His work can be categorized into two main categories of biographical interiors and his paintings of fieldworkers. His interest in interiors reach right back to 16th century artist Johannes Vermeer, and include subjects of self portraits, family, friends and students in the interior environments of his studio, classroom and home. His intent is to create mood and emotion through his manipulation of light and use of close value relationships and subdued color.

Perhaps best known for his paintings of fieldworkers from the Monterey County area, this subject harkens back to such forerunners as Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Jean-Francois Millet, Winslow Homer, Eastman Johnson and Thomas Hart Benton. Chang depiction of unidealized fieldworkers are unsentimental, yet at the same time celebrate the human spirit. Chang admits being inspired and influenced by the novels of John Steinbeck; books he read in his youth as well as the general ambience of growing up in Monterey. A 112 page monograph book on his work was published by Flesk Publications in 2012. Most recently, he was honored with solo exhibitions at the Monterey Museum of Art and the Butler Institute of American Art both in 2015.