ARTIST BIO
Capturing Beauty: The Artistic Journey of Keith Rust
Keith Rust, a fifth-generation Californian, landscape painter, and recognized Roycroft Renaissance Master Artisan, is known for capturing nature's beauty while paying homage to the Arts & Crafts movement. Keith's journey is linked to his love for the outdoors and his passion for craftsmanship.
Growing up on his family's ranch in Northern California, amidst the oak trees and pastures, his early years were surrounded by rural life. It was in this environment that his enjoyment of art and imagination began to ignite. This passion for art was nurtured by his mother, a multimedia artist, and his father, a man of boundless creativity.
From his early years, Keith was drawn to the act of creation, experimenting with various mediums and techniques. Guided by his first art professor, Mr. John Kaneko, Keith discovered a profound love for painting, a love that would shape his artistic career. Following Mr. Kaneko's recommendation, Keith pursued his studies at the renowned Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, where he immersed himself in the world of illustration.
While at Art Center, Keith focused on advertisement illustration, honing his skills and pursuing a desire to create movie posters for the entertainment industry. His earlier artwork was characterized by a painterly photorealistic style, reflecting his dedication to precision and attention to detail.
After graduating with honors, Keith embarked on a successful career in the computer game industry, where his creative talents flourished. Beginning as a game artist, he quickly rose to the positions of Art Director and then Vice President of Creative Arts. Yet, despite his professional achievements, Keith's heart remained bound to his true passion for painting, ultimately leading him to transition into a career of teaching.
As a high school art instructor, Keith has shared his passion and expertise with the next generation of artists, inspiring students to explore their own creative potential. His teaching is characterized by a commitment to encouraging individual talent and fostering a deep appreciation for the transforming power of art.
During his time at Art Center, Keith was introduced to the undeniable beauty of the Arts & Crafts movement, which flourished in the historic streets of Pasadena, California. Captivated by its aesthetic appeal, Keith found inspiration in the rich architecture of the Arts & Crafts and was drawn to the movement's principles of craftsmanship, simplicity, and love of nature.
Driven by this passion, Keith began a transformative journey, remodeling his home with the spirit of the Arts & Crafts movement. Drawing inspiration from the diverse landscapes of California, he crafted various rooms that paid homage to the region's natural beauty. The idea gave rise to a series of landscape paintings reminiscent of block prints, each one showcasing different quintessential California scenes.
Over several years of dedicated practice and refinement, Keith developed his signature style. His work is a masterful blend of Japanese woodblock tradition and his own distinct style, characterized by vibrant hues and intricate detail. Particularly noteworthy are his dynamic sunsets, which seem to radiate with an inner glow, captivating viewers and transporting them into each painting.
His paintings are a labor of love, meticulously crafted over hundreds of hours to capture the essence and spark a memory of that location. Beginning with photographs taken during his travels, Keith meticulously sketches each landscape design, creates the paint colors and adds the details to create a sense of depth and emotion.
In 2018, following his visit to the 31st National Arts & Crafts Conference in Asheville, North Carolina, Keith applied for and was accepted as a Roycroft Renaissance Artisan. Since then, Keith has showcased his artwork regularly at art shows across the country, with his pieces also available in various stores, galleries, and online. In recognition of his exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to the arts, Keith was elevated to the esteemed status of Roycroft Renaissance Master Artisan in 2024.
INTRODUCTORY PRESENTATION
CREATION VIDEOS
Roycroft Renaissance Artisan Keith Rust shares a behind the scenes look at the painting process for his landscape paintings.
INTERVIEWS / ARTICLES
Arts & Crafts Homes and the Revival - 2023
Arts and Crafts Collector - 2022
Arts and Crafts Collector - 2019
Roycrofters At Large Association - 2019 – Click on my “Read About the Artisan” button for the interview.
Modern Bungalow - 2018
Burbank Arts - 2018