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Alana Knuff

"I remember my childhood days drawing. The fascination then was replicating the details of the forms I saw. The slightest variation created new form. Now, while painting, I remain ever mindful of that bit of paint so carefully placed on canvas. Each brush stroke has power to convey the essence of the subject and set a mood. Or not.

As my work has progressed, light has taken on deeper interest. It shapes and colors our world with limitless variations. And yet, the absence of light, shadow, creates the depth and intrigue. Seeing and imparting relevant values from light to shadow continues to be a driving force in my work.

There is so much to explore and the journey seems endless. Variations in color harmony, juxtapositions of warm and cool hues as well as contrasting intensities, and lost and found edges – all demand attention. On the art continuum from abstract to photo realism, my style falls in the middle. I call it romantic realism."

BACKGROUND

As young as five, Alana drew.  With a desire to win a bicycle, she entered a national art contest at age nine.  Her colored pencil rendering took second place, losing to a first-place oil.  The sponsor, Kellogg, was impressed by her talent.
Both the analytical and the artistic shape her life.  She graduated with a degree in Mathematics and had a successful career in Capital Project Management.  After returning from a workshop in Italy in 2008, she retired and focused full time on art.  In 2011 Alana completed a portrait workshop at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy, under the instruction of Maureen Hyde.  In 2013, Scottsdale Artist’s School awarded her a scholarship with which she took a portrait workshop under Romel de la Torre.  That year she also completed a portrait workshop under the instruction of Michael Shane Neal.  
Alana is a professional artist with a passion for both portraiture and marine art.  In a short period, she has received numerous awards, completed commissions, exhibited in galleries, had a solo show and displayed her artwork in several museums.  Her work has supported various charitable events.  Her paintings reside with clients in Italy, Canada and the United States.  Alana gives painting demonstrations, private lessons and teaches portrait workshops.  Primarily self-taught, her artwork displays remarkable draftsmanship with a composition leading the viewer.   Harmony is achieved using a limited palette with a wide range of values and hues.  Alana calls her style ‘romantic realism.’  Her medium is oil.  A body of work may be viewed at  www.alanaknuff.com.

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EDUCATION

2005   PMP, Project Management Professional

1978   Certificate, Northeastern University, building technology

1966   BA degree, University of Detroit, mathematics

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AWARDS, EXHIBITIONS, SHOWS
2019   18TH National Exhibit – American Society of Marine Artists - Barche a remi -Isola di Capri, selected to tour five art museums
2018   American Impressionist Society 19th Annual National Juried Exhibition, Barche a remi -Isola di Capri  
2017   Tall Ships Exhibit
2016   17th National Exhibit of the American Society of Marine Artists – Children’s Beach, Nantucket selected to tour 6 art museums 
2016   Piccolo Spoleto Juried Outdoor Art Exhibit
2015   Indoor Juried Art Exhibit Piccolo Spoleto- City Gallery, Charleston, SC – “Bohicket Dock” 
2015   Piccolo Spoleto Juried Outdoor Art Exhibit – Honorable Mention for the Body of Work
2013   October Solo Show - Atrium Art Gallery, Charleston, SC
2013   Piccolo Spoleto Juried Outdoor Art Exhibit 
2013   Magnolia Plantation National Competition – “The Pasture – Magnolia Plantation” – Second Prize    
2012   Piccolo Spoleto Juried Outdoor Art Exhibit 
2012   Portrait Society of America, Members Only, Landscape Category – “Winter Wait” – Honorable Mention
2011   Piccolo Spoleto Juried Outdoor Art Exhibit  – Honorable Mention for the Body of Work
2011   Charleston Artist Guild Member Show – “First Fountain” – Honorable Mention
2010   First Federal People’s Choice -- “Reflection” – Honorable Mention
2010   Charleston Artist Guild Signature Show – “Ray of Rosebank Farms” – Honorable Mention
2009   Community of I’On Artists Spring Show – “Lady May’s Gift” – Honorable Mention
2009   Magnolia Plantation Local Competition – “Lady May’s Gift” – First Prize


ARTICLES AND PUBLICATIONS
Nautical Beauty editorial American Art Collector June 2015
16th National Exhibition of the American Society of Marine Artists – “Winter Wait” 
Maritime Art editorial Southwest Art – Fall 2013 
"A Heart for Art" Charleston Style and Design Winter 2012
“Considering having a portrait painted?”  CharlestonCurrents.com April 2010


CURRENT REPRESENTATION
Ellen Taylor Interior Design, Columbia, SC – Nov 2019 to present
Lorraine Vale Interiors, 130 River Landing Drive, Daniel Island, SC – Jan 2013 to present

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