Bio

Frank Loudin Biography

Gentle, insightful, honest; a keen eye, a great sense of humor . . . all define Frank Loudin. They also describe the subjects of his paintings.

A rural upbringing allowed Frank to develop an intimacy with the down-home, country Americana he recreates most vividly in his art. The son of a Methodist minister, Frank and his family relocated regularly throughout West Virginia and, later, New Mexico. From the hill towns of Appalachia and west along the Old Santa Fe Trail, are found colorful towns such as Ripley, Morgantown, Carrizozo and Springer, where the Loudin family lived. This somewhat nomadic life style remains an important part of Frank.

In more recent years, he and his wife, Jan, lived on Catalina Island in Southern California where Frank was inspired by the maritime atmosphere. Now on Orcas Island in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by greenery and mists, his inspiration has taken yet another turn.

Frank studied both architecture and art at the Universities of Colorado and New Mexico before heading west to complete his education at the prestigious Art Center School of Design in Pasadena, where he developed his talent. Frank considers himself foremost a storyteller. His illustrative ability and the fluid watercolor medium provide the necessary tools to narrate a loving and poetic story.

The perpetual boy in Frank remains a strong part of his character. Like a young cat, curiosity guides him as he ponders the blueprints of an old bi-plane, or leads him down a back road with Jan and their dogs. The boy who has become a man, unaffected and pure, rediscovers that which is dear to us all, then shares it through his paintings.

Frank and his wife, Jan, owned the Frank Loudin Gallery on Catalina island for several years. As an illustrative artist, Frank has created many successful prints over the years. Frank is still being sought out for commission pieces based on his unique abilities.