Acrylic PainterRudolph Vessup
“Painting and creating is my way to express and communicate to others.””
Rudolph Vessup is a self-taught, Southern California, award winning artist. Experimenting with a variety of mediums he’s found his favorite to be acrylic and mixed medias.
Since the age of 12, Rudolph painted under his middle name of Norvell until 1985, taking interest in a variety of subjects. “Norvell” represented the more subdued, reflective side of his personality. “Rudolph”, however, represents his awe in the beauty of life and expressing its limitless energy, showing his playful and at times mischievous boyish personality.
Rudolph oftentimes found himself bored during class time and discovered drawing increased his imagination and was a useful tool to channel his energy, even if he had to clean off the school desks after class. Stumbling upon his new creative power to create something from nothing, Rudolph drew and painted for many years often hiding his work.
After high school, Rudolph visited several art museums and became inspired by the masterpieces of the Renaissance and Baroque Eras. Michaelangelo and Rembrandt sparked his imagination and desire to create. He found the uniqueness and styles of these artists brilliant and captivating.
Beginning in the early 1990s, Rudolph began exhibiting his art throughout Southern California. His art was displayed at many locations including the San Bernardino Cultural Center, Norman F. Fieldhym Library Gallery. U.C.L.A. Medical Center, Benedict Studios in San Bernardino, Arise Academy in Pomona, Rockwell International, and Fashion West, Inc in Hollywood. Rudolph was the featured artist in the 1990 JC Penny’s Exhibit and the 1994 Art-N-Fashion Show at the San Bernardino Hilton.
Between 2000 and 2020 Rudolph found it hard to balance his job as Lawn Maintenance Supervisor at ARC, an association for mentally challenged citizens, his family with eight children, and his art. Although he continued to paint during this time, he had to set aside exhibiting his artwork to focus on his first priority, his family.
After retiring in 2023, Rudolph rekindled his desire to share his passion for art and joined the Redlands Art Association and found renewed encouragement and inspiration toward his art. He has displayed artwork at the Gallery at RAA and the Banning Art Gallery and has participated at the Art-On-State Street, Art in The Park and is happy to be exhibiting his art this year at the 2024 Art for Heaven’s Sake. Rudolph is the 2nd place 2024 Multi-Media Mini Show award winner, the 2023 Fall Festival of Art, Fall Color Award Winner, and the 2nd place winner of the 2024 Wild West Festival Western Art Show.
Rudolph’s current passion is painting with bright colors and geometrical designs that combine abstract and realism. His goal is to inspire happy and positive emotions through his art.
