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Christopher Mangum (born 1975 in Oakland), better known as Christopher M. or the “Painter of Chefs”, is a contemporary oil painter who lives in San Diego, California.

Early Life
While in high school, Christopher M. won an art competition

Career
Christopher graduated from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2000.

Style
Having studied many styles of art and admiring classical artists, Christopher focuses on letting a classical style show in a more modern way. This mixture of styles results in a traditional Realist style with many hints of Impressionism. Artists that influence Christopher’s work are 19th century artists such as John Singer Sargent and Edward Degas. References of these styles can be seen in the subject matter of culinary chefs which shows a great prevalence in Christopher’s work. Culinary life is important to Christopher as he feels the chefs character can tell many stories and he sees the similarities between chefs and artists. Clothing worn such as smocks or aprons is one similarity and the mixing of textures and colors is another. The culinary subjects are all painted in a similar style which has many Impressionistic qualities in the abstraction of forms and bright bold colors used. While experimenting with texture and brushstrokes that leave visual impressions on the canvas, Christopher shows a great deal of emotion in his work.

“I think that art should be an expression of personality,” Christopher M. says. “I want to create paintings that address things that are important in life, not just paint pretty pictures. My work is a celebration of life, and it feeds my spiritually.”

Quotation
“One thing that is important to me is that people remember to enjoy themselves and experience life to the fullest. The effect of this viewpoint on my work is that I don’t try to preach to people how to live their lives through my paintings. I just show them some of the good things that are out there for us to enjoy, as a reminder of the energy and vitality of life.”

Exhibitions / Collections / Selected Works

 * “Savor the Moment”, New York Art Expo (2008-2009)
 * United Kingdom Tour (2008)

Awards and Honors

 * (2008) Official Poster Artist, International Artexpo Las Vegas
 * Celebrity Artist & Poster Artist for the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
 * Poster Artist for the Oregon Food & Wine Festival
 * Artist to Watch by ‘’Art Business News’’.
 * Today’s Top Artist (2010) by Art Business News.

See Also / External Links

 * http://www.ecgallery.com
 * http://www.crownthornpublishing.com/artist.php?aid=3