Ryan LaLonde

Ryan is an illustrator, artist and designer. Having worked as a commercial creative design director for two decades, Ryan has refocused his unique vision in fine art creations that revolve around color, whimsy, juxtaposition and storytelling. Ryan’s work used to only reflect found paper and objects to create beautiful pieces that range from natural landscapes, wildlife, floral and abstract organic patterns to detailed collaged portraits of historical figures and celebrities. Since 2022, Ryan has been exploring that same whimsy but with acrylic paint. His works now reflect a bright palette which show humor and organic exploration of objects, people and animals in a juxtaposition to room or space. The current series of work called “Copy Cats” depicts hairless cats wearing sweaters in a space where they “match” another item in the still space. It is odd, quirky and a bit creepy.

Ryan’s work has shown at juried shows at the Zolla/Lieberman Gallery in Chicago, Studio 23 in Alameda, CA, Old Courthouse Arts Center in Woodstock, IL, the Elephant Room Gallery at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, Jingletown Arts Studios in Oakland and the Wausau Center for the Visual Arts where he won an honorable mention for his work. Ryan was also the BASE Upcycle Competition – Best in Show Winner for his mixed media pieced titled “Grandma’s Quilt”. Ryan currently has an active public studio space at 2309 Encinal Ave in Alameda and is part of a collective of Alameda artists that host art events and collaborate on creative installations and projects. Ryan grew up on his family farm in Standish, Michigan and honed his art at the University of Michigan School of Art and Design with a BFA in 1997. Ryan lives in Alameda with his family - husband Chris and son Farber.