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Calvin

Lai

Artist

Original Paintings & Giclée Prints

New Portrait Painting Workshop

Capturing Character in Portrait Painting

I’m excited to share that I’ll be teaching a new online course through Mastrius!

‘Capturing Character In Portrait Painting’

Learn how to bring your subject’s character to life while honoring your unique style and artistic interpretation.

▪️Capture your subject’s essence and character regardless of your style, whether realistic, impressionistic, expressive, etc

▪️Understand your artistic goals for each portrait and your interpretation of the subject

▪️Go beyond rendering what you see, to capturing what you feel

▪️Choose the best materials to bring your portrait painting to life with ease and confidence

Registration closes 24 hours before the course begins

🚩 Get YOUR SEAT hit the button for more info and to sign up!

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Featured Exhibition

I'm honored to be part of a great group show at the Sausalito Center for the Arts in Sausalito, CA!

"Here & Now: The Bay Area Figurative Movement Grows" is a dynamic exhibit open to the public from 1/8/25 - 2/2/25

Featuring works from over 20 artists who explore the figure and evolve the genre to new boundaries!

You can check out the show at 750 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA, Wednesday - Sunday, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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For Aspiring and Emerging Artists

Join my Mentorship Groups at Mastrius

If you're looking for a bit of extra guidance in your art, whether professionally or personally, let me help you! My mentorship groups cover all aspects of being an artist, from refining your technique and style to pushing your art career to the next level. Through the great organization, Mastrius, I am mentoring both aspiring and emerging artists. Follow the link for more information and to sign up!

Classic Realism with Modern Sensibilities

I collect moments. If you look through my collection you'll see paintings of people I've met, places I've been, and things I've seen. With a background in classical realism, it's important for me to paint moments realistically. But solely painting realism feels incomplete, and I find that it can become a bit too academic. It's not only about the visual recreation that is my intention in oil painting. I want to make my audience feel they are walking down a rainy street, climbing up a sun drenched hill, or sitting in front of a loved one. I want a viewer to feel the moments I collect... READ MORE

My Services

Fine Art Paintings for Sale

If you are looking for an oil painting as a collector or as someone needing to enliven a room, I invite you to check out my portfolio, as well as my store page. I have a wide selection of oil paintings for sale from contemporary figurative art to still lifes to pieces of the San Francisco cityscape.  

Commission Portrait Artist

I have had years of experience as a portrait painter.. I specialize in capturing the essence of individuals, couples, and families (even pets!). If you would like to own a one of a kind oil painting of yourself or your loved ones feel free to contact me with any questions. Visit my commissions page for further information!

Oil Painting
Lessons

Learn the art of oil painting. Steeped in classical realism and well versed in painterly realism, I offer affordable private and small group instruction out of my studio in San Francisco. I also offer lessons via Skype. If you are interested in realism and traditional art techniques, feel free to set up an appointment with me.

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