About

Craig's Story
Born in 1957 and raised near Seattle, Craig's dedication to making art has been life long. Early recognition and support for his work led to studies at the Art Center College of Design and a thirty year career as a graphic designer. In 1995 he became the first web designer at Microsoft and helped build the foundation of the Internet we use today.
 
In 2004 he quit his day job to pursue the dream of painting seriously. During his transition to full-time painting Craig served for three years on the board of directors at Seattle's Gage Academy of Art, and president for the final year. He helped rebrand the school and move the registration process online. And he took a few classes too. The transition to independent work happened quickly; Craig soon rented a hole-in-the-wall studio in a bad part of town and got to work. Inspired by road trips to the National Parks of the western US Craig's work began to get noticed. By 2008 he was represented by numerous galleries and his paintings were published in national art magazines, including the cover of Southwest Art.
 
Three years later Craig began a new adventure by purchasing five acres of rural forest on Whidbey Island where he built a modest home and standalone studio. He started working there full time in 2012 and the focus of his work began to turn inward. Inspired by the sea, the forest, the wildlife and the people he holds close. 

Artist’s Statement
The first chapter of my career found me living in the city and travelling the American west seeking answers in the National Parks. While I had not intended to make "western" paintings the influence of the landscape and wildlife was undeniable. Now, my travels around the west are done. My life, and my work are about the land and the creatures with whom I live. And the goal for my work has changed. Rather than make paintings that tell a story I'm much more interested in making paintings that share a feeling. My work explores the inner world where things are felt more than seen. I am making representational paintings about emotional experiences. And magic.

Thank you for your interest in my work,
Craig
 
 
Solo Exhibitions 
2026 Enchanted, Rob Schouten Gallery, Langley, WA

2017 Dreamers, Howard/Mandville Gallery, Kirkland, WA
  
2016 The Secret Life of Ravens, Brackenwood Gallery, Langley, WA
  
2015 Raven Clan, Giacobbe Fritz Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM
  
2014 Warpaint, Giacobbe Fritz Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM
  
2013 Myth and Legend, New Age, Museum of the Southwest, Midland, TX
  
2012 Myth and Legend, Part 2, Giacobbe Fritz Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM
 
2011 Myth and Legend, Giacobbe Fritz Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM
 
2010 Haven, Giacobbe Fritz Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM
 
2009 Talisman, Giacobbe Fritz Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM
2009 Talisman, Howard/Mandville Gallery, Kirkland, WA
 
2008 Instinct and Insight, Giacobbe Fritz Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM
2008 Icon, Howard/Mandville Gallery, Kirkland, WA
 
2007 Road Trip with Raven, Gallery Fraga, Bainbridge Island, WA
 
Juried Exhibitions, Invitationals and Awards 
2015 Western Visions, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY
 
2014 Western Visions, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY
 
2013 Western Visions, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY
 
2012 Western Visions, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY
 
2011Western Visions, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY
 
2010 Western Visions, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY
2010 Birds in Art 2010, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, WI
 
2009 Masters of Influence Invitational, Lovetts Gallery, Tulsa, OK -Patrons Award
 
2007 Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay, OR – Expressions West 2007, juror: Amy Pence-Brown, associate curator, Boise Art Museum – 2nd place purchase award
 
2006 Coos Art Museum, Coos Bay, OR – Expressions West 2006, juror: Ed Musante, artist, Entry of Merit award
 
Selected Group Exhibitions
2024 Spirit Energy, Rob Schouten Gallery, Langley, WA

2011 All Creatures Great and Small, Kneeland Gallery, Ketchum, ID
 
2010 Traditions in Transition, Kneeland Gallery, Ketchum, ID
 
2009 Artists of the Northwest, Mountain Shadow Gallery, Tucson, AZ
 
2008 Boston International Fine Art Show, Boston, MA
2008 What Does Compassion Look Like, Friesen Gallery, Seattle, WA
 
2007 Birds of a Feather, Gallery Fraga, Bainbridge Island, WA
 
2006 One Four Two Six, Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA,
 
Selected Publications
Southwest Art, Show Preview, August 2015, pp. 50, 51

Santa Fean, August/September 2014, cover, pp. 40, 179

Southwest Art, My World, October 2013, pp. 102-103

Southwest Art, Following Raven, March 2012, contents, pp. 94-97

American Art Collector, May 2010, pp. 88-89

American Art Collector, September 2010, pp. 106

Western Art Collector, August 2010, pp. 154 - 157

American Art Collector, August 2009, pp. 132 - 135

Santa Fean, August/September 2009, pp 135

Western Art Collector, May 2008, pp. 116 - 121

Santa Fean, April/May 2008, pp. 66

Western Art and Architecture, Spring/Summer 2008, pp. 156

Southwest Art, January 2008, pp. cover, 61, 87
Focus Santa Fe, August, 2007. pp. 20 - 21

American Art Collector, July 2007, pp. 106

Collections
The Girl and the Raven, Abingdon, VA

Trefethen Family Vineyards, Napa, CA

The Woodmark Hotel, Kirkland, WA

Seattle University, Seattle, WA

Horizon House, Seattle, WA

Southern Oregon Community College Foundation, Coos Bay, OR

Education
2004 – 2005: Seattle Academy of Fine Art (now Gage Academy of Art)

1979 – 1980: Art Center College of Design