Howard Behrens was a prominent American artist known for his distinct and textured paintings created using a palette knife. Born in Chicago and raised near Washington, D.C., Howard showed an interest in art from a young age. He earned the nickname “The Artist” in school by contributing artwork to his school’s newspaper and yearbook. Moreover, Howard decided to pursue art after a sledding accident at the age of 17.

Furthermore, after obtaining a Master’s degree in painting and sculpture from the University of Maryland, College Park, Howard worked as a graphic artist for the government. He traveled to different places to explore new techniques and develop his talent. As a result, he eventually became one of the world’s most famous palette artists, using a palette knife for his paintings. His style evolved over time, and he found inspiration from exotic tropical places and European architecture.

In addition, Howard’s textured style earned him numerous awards and honors. One of these was being appointed as the official artist of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Many of Howard’s pieces were accepted into permanent museum archives around the world. He approached his creations with “controlled spontaneity,” finding worthwhile subject matter wherever he went. Additionally, Howard was always armed with a camera and sketch pad wherever he went.

Moreover, Howard’s work displays influences from well-known artists such as Claude Monet, Alfred Sisely, Camille Pisarro, Auguste Renoir, and Italian palette knife painter Nicola Simbari. Howard was among the first to create hand-embellished serigraph prints. He created a collection of works inspired by Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France, which he named “A Tribute to Monet.”

Unfortunately, Howard Behrens passed away on April 14, 2014, after battling Parkinson’s Disease. However, he will always be remembered for his unique style and his many contributions to the world of art.