It is an unusual day when Calvin Willis arrives at the art studio without a hat on. Each cap is an extension of his personal taste, and his train conductor’s hat reflects his love of trains. Many of Calvin’s illustrations and paintings also reflect his fascination with trains and all things transportation. Calvin lives vicariously through his drawings saying, “It’s almost like you’re on one.” Besides drawing trains, his figures are very striking and incorporate geometric designs. His graphite drawings are built up with many layers, and his erasing erodes the surface of the paper. This process creates ghost images in his illustrations. He always notices the little details when anything in his life changes, he is very observant and that translates to his artwork.
Exhibition History
2021
Pulp – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
2018
Open Door Collection – 1650 Watermark
Animal Kingdom – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Horizons – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
2017
Efflorescence – Franklin Park Conservatory Cardinal Health Gallery
German Village Meeting Haus – Columbus, OH
Open Door Collection – 1650 Watermark
2016
Alladin’s Exhibition – Alladin’s Eatery
America – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Are You Afraid of the Art? – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Complementary – Carnegie Gallery
Frame of Mind – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
2015
Are You Afraid of the Art?– Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Don’t Be Square – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Rock, Paper, Scissors – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
The Plot Thickens – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
2014
Are You Afraid of the Art? – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Big and Small Wonders – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Flora & Fauna – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Red Hot – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
2013
Are You Afraid of the Art? – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Home – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Small Wonders – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
2012
Are You Afraid of the Art? – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Pieces of Me – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Outside/In – Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Key Skills
Painting
Drawing
Mediums
Watercolor
Graphite
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