Thank you for your interest in my artwork. It’s so encouraging to have your support.

I’m a representational artist that primarily works with watercolor and ink. My artistic style is an interesting balance between a loose, gestural energy and a detailed accuracy. With a positive personality, I’m thankful for life and I love putting lines and color on paper to create something that allows the viewer to pause and appreciate the subject . . . whether that means an indoor environment, an everyday object, gorgeous nature or beautiful architecture.

Biography

Matt Bear was born in St. Louis West County and gained a passion for creating art at a very early age.  In high school he branched out from drawing and quickly picked up watercolor painting. Despite Matt’s artistic talents and interest to pursue art in college, he struggled with perfectionism and his creative flame burned out at the end of high school. 

After a 14 year lull with minimal artistic output, Matt started drawing and painting again around 2016. He slowly realized it was time to rediscover himself as an artist and acknowledge the gifts God had blessed him with at a young age. Matt began selling prints and connecting with other artists through Instagram and by joining a local life drawing group.  He also benefited from attending a plein air painting workshop in 2017. Working against time and dealing with unfavorable weather while painting outdoors taught Matt to relax while rushing to create a piece.  This was the key for him to conquer his previous struggles with perfectionism and discover his new artistic style.

Things progressed for Matt when he was recognized at Columbia Art League’s 2018 Boone County Art Show in Columbia, MO.  10:30 on the Quad received an honorable mention and sold to a Mizzou fan at the opening  VIP reception. The success of the plein air watercolor and ink image of the University of Missouri’s Francis Quadrangle gave Matt valuable direction.  Despite his deep love for oil painting and its significance in art history, he made the decision to further develop his strength. Seven months later he attended the 2019 Callaway Plein Air by Art House in Fulton, MO where he sold Court Street and won the event’s Quick Paint for 1941 Club Coupe Reflection. After these positive experiences, Matt’s excited to further develop his art and see where it goes.

Accomplishments

1st Place – Quick Paint, 2019 Callaway Plein Air

Honorable Mention – 2018 Boone County Art Show

Education

Drawing 1 & 2 at Columbia College of Missouri.

Plein Air Painting Workshop - October 2017, taught by award winning contemporary representational style painter Nyle Gordon.