Randall Sexton 1958 - 2023

BIO

Randall Sexton, born in 1958 in East Hampton, Connecticut, was a prominent artist known for his dedication to direct painting and his loose handling of paint. He held a BFA in Painting from the University of Connecticut and further honed his skills at the San Francisco Academy of Art. Sexton's artistic journey included studying under notable figures such as Milt Kobayashi, Michael Lynch, Carolyn Anderson, and Bob Gerbracht.

From 1996 to 2003, Sexton shared his expertise as an instructor at the San Francisco Academy of Art, specializing in figure, landscape, and still life painting. His teaching endeavors extended to Pixar University from 2004 to 2008. Despite his extensive career, Sexton continued to lead private painting classes and workshops.

Recognized as a "painter's painter," Sexton was a valued member of various artistic organizations, including the Baywood Artists Group, California Art Club, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, Northern California Painters Group, and The Outsiders. His award-winning works graced the pages of renowned publications such as American Artist Magazine, Antiques and the Arts Weekly, Artweek, Plein Air Magazine, The Plein Air Scene, Southwest Art, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

In his artist statement, Sexton articulated his commitment to direct painting, merging traditional methods with a contemporary sensibility. He emphasized the importance of staying present and responsive to the world, drawing inspiration from nature as his demanding and inspiring teacher.

Randall Sexton's passing in December, 2023 leaves a void in the artistic community. His paintings, each a simple sentence in an ongoing story, will forever stand as a testament to the magic of life and the mysteries of light, color, and shape that he explored throughout his lifetime.