Matthew Almy

Born in 1974, Matthew grew up outside of Chicago, Illinois.  At the age of 18, he began his formal art training at the American Academy of Art in Chicago.  After receiving an Associate Degree he left to pursue painting on his own for several years.  Returning to the American Academy, Matthew received a BFA with honors in 2001.  Seeking to expand his knowledge of painting and drawing in the classical style, he and his wife, Magda, went to study under Daniel Graves at The Florence Academy of Art in Italy.  He was made an Assistant Instructor in the Intensive Drawing Program, and received a certificate in painting in 2005.

Matthew has been working as a painter for some 12 years.  He has won many awards, including Best Painting of the Year in 2005 at The Florence Academy of Art.  He has had several one-man shows and has participated in several group shows.  His work can be found in collections worldwide.  Matthew has a private studio in Chicago where he works and teaches.

"I am primarily a figurative painter, but have retained a love for still lifes.  With paint I can explore in depth objects that I find beautiful and intriguing.  I get to create little moments by painting things I find all around the world, exploring the moods different light and compositions produce.  I find that this greatly enriches my figure work; the two go hand in hand."