Allen Riddell
Artist & Art Educator
Born: 1960
Allen Riddell is an artist residing in Bedford, Texas. Growing up in Oklahoma City and Houston, he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1980, where he spent 15 years cultivating his artistic talents. Riddell holds degrees in Business and Art, initially working in the finance and banking industry before deciding to pursue a career in art. He studied at several art schools and undertook private studies in San Francisco.
In 1995, Allen returned to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to assist with his family’s machine tool business and care for his mother, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. During this time, he reignited his passion for painting and eventually became an art teacher, currently educating students at Grapevine High School. He is also a devoted father to his son, Alex.
Riddell draws significant inspiration from traditional and classical art, with old masters like Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Turner, Monet, Innes, and Hopper greatly influencing his work. He focuses on figures, landscapes, and still lifes, prioritizing mood and light over strict realism. Recently, texture has become increasingly important in his paintings as he explores various mediums, including cold wax in his oil works. His art is primarily inspired by the diverse landscapes of Texas, Oklahoma, and the Southwest, and he is increasingly drawn to abstraction as he captures the unique terrains and textures of the region.
