More Than Meets the Eye: Craig Alan Brings His Intriguing Art to Ocean Galleries
Whimsical, yet complex. Buoyant, yet deep. Colorful, yet spare. The paintings of renowned American artist Craig Alan hover in the exquisite balance of these contradictions and will be on brilliant display at Ocean Galleries’ exclusive Craig Alan Exhibition over the July 4th weekend in Stone Harbor.
“You just look at his work, and you’re drawn to it first by how great the imagery is,” says Ocean Galleries owner Kim Miller. “But then, when you look closer, you realize that there is so much more going on.”
A prolific artist, known as an innovative genius, Craig Alan has a contemporary style that spans genres from abstract expressionism to graphic realism, with each painting exuding the artist’s distinct creative vision. He is perhaps best known for his unique “Populus” paintings, that were first inspired when he was looking over a balcony at a wedding and thought that the crowd of people randomly gathered below formed the shape of an eye.
That flash of inspiration led Alan to begin painting images like the one he envisioned at the wedding; many small parts making a distinct whole.
With these unique paintings, “look closely,” the artist’s representative, Rebecca Allen says. “What may appear to be texture or shading from afar is actually a gathering of tiny individuals – each with its own posture, direction, and presence. First-time viewers should allow themselves to shift perspective, both literally and figuratively. Craig’s work rewards curiosity and close observation.”
Beyond the structural complexity, Craig Alan’s paintings make statements on an even deeper level. “The interplay between the individual figures and the larger compositions invites the viewer to pause and look deeper,” explains Rebecca Allen. “His unique use of micro-population portraiture offers commentary on identity, culture, and collective memory – all through a lens that feels both contemporary and timeless.”
Another unique element of the “Populus” paintings, is that the images created by the little, tiny people clearly depict portraits of celebrities and icons of all ages and eras, including Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, John Lennon, Van Gogh, Freddie Mercury, and Frank Sinatra, to name a few. “He does a lot of recognizable figures,” shares Miller.
And again, the use of popular imagery is as purposeful as the tuxedo on one of the tiny people in the painting. “Craig Alan blurs the line between high art and popular imagery with intention,” Rebecca Allen shares. “By integrating iconic faces, symbols, and scenes into his fine art practice, he recontextualizes the familiar. His work pays homage to cultural moments while also inviting deeper reflection on the influence of media, celebrity, and social dynamics.”
Of course, all of this makes Alan’s art a dynamic presence at Ocean Galleries. “Every time we have his work framed in the gallery, people are enticed and really intrigued by them,” says Miller. “His work is different from anything else we have in the gallery. These paintings are not acrylic or oil paintings of the beach or water. This is truly a unique style.”
And the July 4th exhibition will provide a deeper, broader exploration of Alan’s paintings over the long holiday weekend. “The Ocean Galleries exhibition brings together a curated selection of Craig’s newest works, many of which explore themes of unity, transformation, and the role of the individual in shaping society,” explains Rebecca Allen. “Several pieces nod to iconic figures and cultural moments, reimagined through Craig’s signature lens of thousands of hand-painted people. It’s a celebration – how each of us is part of a greater whole.”
With his paintings displayed in the finest galleries across the U.S, Canada, and Europe, and coveted by collectors worldwide, many are still surprised to learn that the crisp, clean images Alan creates are meticulously, individually painted. “People are often amazed to learn how time-intensive Craig’s process really is,” shares Rebecca Allen. “Every figure in his compositions is hand-painted and placed with intention. While the overall image may seem digital at first glance, everything is done traditionally. The balance between technical precision and conceptual storytelling is part of the magic.”
In fact, Alan’s magic is often quite stirring for those who experience his art. “Collectors are often deeply moved by Craig’s work – there’s an emotional resonance that sticks with people,” explains Rebecca Allen. “Galleries appreciate the way his pieces command a room and spark conversation. His ability to mix visual spectacle with substance makes his exhibitions both crowd-pleasing and critically engaging.”
The team at Ocean Galleries is thrilled to offer this experience to art lovers in and around the area. “We’re shaking things up a bit with this exhibition,” says Miller. “And I’m so excited because it’s so different. We’ll have originals, mixed media, sculptures, limited editions that depict images such as Hello Kitty, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean, the Statue of Liberty, Mickey Mouse, and a nice collection of pieces depicting hearts like you’ve never seen them before.”
Given Ocean Galleries’ coastal location, there will also be a few beach-themed paintings. “Some of the paintings have a beautiful turquoise,” says Miller. “We’ll really have something for everyone.”
For her part, Miller is thrilled to highlight one of today’s most intriguing modern artists. “When people come to this show, I truly feel it will inspire them to go off the grid a little bit,” she shares. “Step away from the expected and experience something that is very intricate and unique.”
Rebecca Allen is equally excited for the Craig Alan experience at Ocean Galleries. “This exhibition is not just a showcase – it’s an experience. Whether you’re discovering Craig’s work for the first time or revisiting it with fresh eyes, this collection reflects his evolution as an artist while staying true to the heart of his practice: storytelling through community. Ocean Galleries provides the perfect space for that dialogue between artist and viewer to unfold.”
Craig Alan: The Origin Story
Known worldwide for his signature style fusing pop art with fine art and evocative images with technical
mastery, Craig Alan was once a student-athlete and even a street artist on his way to becoming a master of his craft.
Born in California and raised in Atlanta, Alan accepted a soccer scholarship to the University of Mobile in Alabama, where he took three summer art classes that turned a spark of interest into an enduring flame. He ultimately decided to focus his studies on studio art with a minor in theater.
To earn some extra money while he was in school, Alan would drive to New Orleans on weekends where he created portraits for tourists on the streets, charging $15 for charcoal and $30 for watercolor. (It’s hard to fathom what that street art could be worth today.) Not only did this endeavor provide him with financial compensation for his skill, but it also allowed him to start perfecting his gift for portraying human figures and forms.
Alan would go on to become one of the most prolific contemporary artists in America. His paintings grace the walls of some of the finest galleries around the U.S., Europe, and Canada, and are coveted by collectors around the globe. Today, Craig Alan continues to push the boundaries of imagery, detail, and storytelling through his meticulously crafted paintings.
The Craig Alan Exhibition
Just the Facts
Who: World-renowned contemporary artist Craig Alan
What: Exclusive exhibition featuring a collection of paintings, mixed media, sculptures, and limited editions, including paintings from Alan’s renowned “Populus” collection.
Where: Ocean Galleries. 9618 Third Ave., Stone Harbor
When:
Exhibit: Friday, July 4; Saturday, July 5; and Sunday, July 6. Art on display and available for purchase throughout the weekend. Patrons are welcome to peruse the exhibition during gallery hours (10am-9pm).
Wine Receptions: 6-9pm each evening.
Exhibit and receptions are complimentary and open to the public, though RSVP is encouraged.
How: RSVP for artist receptions at oceangalleries.com or by calling 609-368-7777. Walk-ins welcome.
