Donald Gruneisen
b. 1971, Louisville, Kentucky ∙ CE artist since 2014 - 2015, 2018
Photo by Evguenia Shtill
Donald Gruneisen (b. 1971, Kentucky) began his career as an artist in 2014, the same year he moved to San Francisco. Inspired by horror movies, old school Universal Studios monster movies, classic TV shows, psychedelic imagery and pop stars of that era, he is a contemporary illustrator with a nostalgic representational style.
Gruneisen joined Creativity Explored in search of an artistic community, left the studio in March of 2015 to pursue full-time employment, then returned part-time in 2018 to resume his art making practice. A positive and peaceful presence, Gruneisen’s teaching artists enjoy his warmth and humor. His inspirations have grown, but his style has remained consistent– rich, complex portraits and a distinctly angular aesthetic are key visual elements in Gruniesen’s artworks. On the back of his works on paper, he often includes detailed descriptions of his subjects, written in looping cursive.
Gruneisen has participated in a number of group exhibitions across the Bay Area. In 2023, his work was featured in “Into the Brightness” at the Oakland Museum of California and “Mode Brut” at the Museum of Craft and Design. He most recently participated in the exhibition “Eneight Vase” at the Creativity Explored gallery.
Exhibition Highlights
2024
“The Record Store,” Creativity Explored, SF, CA
2023
“Into the Brightness,” Oakland Museum of California, Oakland, CA
“Mode Brut,” Museum of Craft and Design, SF, CA
“Eneight Vase,” Creativity Explored, San Francisco, CA