Sculptor Brian Keith (b. 1971) has earned national recognition for his portraits, monuments, and limited edition sculptures. Characterized by careful attention to the human form and a passion for storytelling, Keith’s work brings classical technique to a wide range of contemporary subjects, where the celebration of life and legacy join skillful execution.
For Keith, fine art has been a lifelong pursuit. Born and raised in San Ramon, California, he began training at the early age of 7 with his first mentor, his grandmother. His efforts as a young artist were rewarded with a full 4-year scholarship to attend the Academy of Art in San Francisco—but Keith chose to attend Biola University where he would study both art and the Bible academically. Studies with accomplished painters Daniel Greene, Ken Auster, and Carolyn Anderson would further build the technical foundation for his art.
In 2001, Keith found himself seeking instruction that would take him to a still higher level of proficiency. Captivated by the passion and vision present in the work of Morgan Weistling, Keith reached out to the artist and began what would be a transformational mentorship. Three-dimensional bronze sculpture emerged as Keith’s forte: a multi-faceted art form combining elements of artistic vision and design and the physical workings of the artist’s hand. In sculpture, Keith found a perfect match for his artistic strengths and a powerful new vocabulary.
In 2005, Keith received the first important commission of his career: a bronze portrait bust of former President Reagan (a limited edition of 200) that has made its way into the private collections of Governor Mitt Romney (Massachusetts), Governor Rick Perry (Texas), Governor Mike Huckabee (Arkansas), Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, The President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakasvhill, and also features in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library.
Not long after that first major achievement, Keith earned a commission to develop a sculpture program for Blackhawk Plaza in Danville, CA. For this project, Keith designed and created Swan Tales, a narrative about an older man who sits down to read to his granddaughter, when the story they share together magically comes to life in front of them. Keith’s whimsical figures won him more supporters and gathered national recognition quickly following the installation, along with several more large commissions for monument-sized works of art.
In 2011, the National Sculpture Society honored Keith with awarding him an elected membership to the prestigious organization. Today, Keith’s ever-expanding portfolio includes gallery bronzes, commissioned life-size and monument-sized works of art. Keith has also shown in the National Sculpture Society annual awards exhibition. His bronze sculptures and oil paintings can be found in public and private collections throughout the United States.