(SANTA ANA, CA) – Local Anaheim resident Robert Holton always knew that one day, he would be an artist. His distinctive style uses a “drizzle” technique that breathes vibrant color and movement into pop icons, city seals and business logos. Examples of this talented artist’s work will be on display at John Wayne Airport in a new exhibit showcasing popular Orange County locales and cities. His art will be displayed in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal as part of the JWA Community Focus Space August 19, 2021 through September 16, 2021.
Robert first began working in a creative environment with his father, when they started a sign business together in his garage. For years, his art studio was behind the sign shop he established and owned for three decades. In keeping with the family tradition, his son now runs the business.
The true catalyst to his painting began with a difficult situation in 2003, when his wife Alicia, passed away after a 4-year battle with cancer. Her passing and the emotional journey that he travelled trying to cope with her illness and death led him back to his childhood interest of art. With each painting that he completed, Holton felt his motivation to create was revived.
Holton draws from his surroundings and the local community for inspiration in his art. Expanding on his experience in signage, he created a series of paintings of Southern California icons to evoke pleasant memories. When asked about his unique approach to painting, Holton responded, "By hand painting each sign, I bring humanity into well-known images. With my application of my drizzling patterns, I change a common sign to the possibility of being seen more like as artwork."
The Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach has featured Holton multiple times in the past, describing his style as mixing nostalgia with fun. Recently, he moved to Laguna Canyon and continues to paint custom pieces in his new studio space. To learn more about Robert Holton and view additional examples of his work, visit www.drizzleart.com.
Holton's exhibit may be viewed (pre-security) on the Departure (upper) Level near security screening areas in Terminals A, B, and C and on the Arrival (lower) Level adjacent to Baggage Carousels 1 and 4.
For more information about the John Wayne Airport Arts Program, visit www.ocair.com/artsprogram.