Dean Wilhite
Artist Bio
I work in acrylics on canvas. Light and shadows are my great love. Getting the shadow detail right is the key to a successful painting. And the perfect highlight can be magic.
From childhood to life as an adult, I've looked for images that make me pause and reflect on events from my life. A shadow that crossed the old farm road I traveled down on my granddad’s farm, or the window shade on the house next door casting its long afternoon shadow on the siding boards, reaching the viewer with my memories and taking them on a journey back in time to their own is the goal.
The illustrative work I produce as the senior art director at Ackerman McQueen Advertising Agency for the award-winning BancFirst television campaign, featuring small towns in Oklahoma, are examples of the bold color pallet that is ever present in my work.
Wilhite recently completed a project where he created a stunning Renaissance-style portrait that elevated KimRay’s Triple-A valve to a position of grandeur. The valve was captured on a workbench with the tools that brought it to life, and a single light source was used to create a beautiful painting.
Dean Wilhite, an artist born in Olton, Texas, who specializes in acrylics and watercolors. His passion lies in capturing the nuances of light and shadow in his paintings. To him, getting the shadow detail right is crucial for a successful piece of art, and the perfect highlight can be truly magical.
Wilhite pursued graphic design at OSU Okmulgee and has since worked in a variety of design disciplines, including photo retouching, illustration, production art, and logo design. His work has been featured in national design journals and books.
Wilhite has searched for images that evoke reflection and nostalgia throughout his life. Whether it's the shadow of a tree on an old farm road or a window shade casting its afternoon shadow on a neighboring house, he aims to take the viewer on a journey back in time through his art.
As the senior art director at Ackerman McQueen Advertising Agency, Wilhite has created bold and colorful illustrations for the award-winning BancFirst television campaign, which showcases small towns in Oklahoma.
Artist Work
Title: The Arcadia round barn
Category: Painting
Genre: Realism
Description: The round barn located in Arcadia, OK, is a beloved attraction on Route 66. It has been standing since 1898 and is recognized as a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
Title: CHARCOAL OVEN HAMBURGERS
Category: Painting
Genre: Realism
Description: This classic neon sign was a feature of the northwest side of Oklahoma City since the late 50’s. Gone but not forgotten. I’ve tried to save its glory in this painting.
Title: Skirvin West tower
Category: Painting
Genre: Realism
Description: The Skirvin hotel, an iconic survivor in Oklahoma City, was once the city's tallest building.
Location
Oklahoma City, OK 73106