Get to know Keith
Internationally renowned artist and a Sonoma Treasure Artist, Keith Wicks is recognized for his ability to capture the intensity and romanticism of light and color on canvas.
From a first place win in a Bakersfield art show as a sixth grader to working for George Lucas, Keith Wicks has built his life around a passion for art. A native of Bakersfield, Wicks has lived in Los Angeles, San Francisco and now Sonoma with his artistic ambition flourishing every step of the way. Wicks knew from a very young age that his talents were going to take him places. “When I was in grade school, I communicated very well through drawing. I was more apt to draw than be outspoken.”
Finding success had not been a problem for Wicks, who attended Bakersfield College and then went into business for himself as a graphic designer. His company focused on advertising with a specialty in logo design and print. While his clients ranged from the Central Valley to Los Angeles.
Wicks had always pictured himself being an artist and living in a big city, so he decided to go back to school.
Wicks enrolled in the Art Center College in Pasadena and, after graduation, moved to San Francisco. He then spent nearly a decade teaching at the Academy of Art University and working in multimedia. Between classes, he free-lanced for advertising and production companies and ultimately found himself working for Industrial Light & Magic, which was run by George Lucas.
Despite his commercial success, Wicks’ favorite creative outlet has always been painting. Eventually, he broke away from the big city life in pursuit of the canvas.
“I decided I really wanted to focus on just painting so I moved from San Francisco to Sonoma and I have been here since 1997.”
His focus shifted slightly in 2002 with the founding of the Sonoma Plein Air Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to preserve art education in Sonoma public schools and art organizations. “It all started when my daughter was in the third grade and said she would only get art classes once a month.” The Foundation is now 16 years old and its supporters have raised more than $1.3 million dollars for art education.
“I want to make sure that kids have the same support I did and don’t put off their creativity because the money isn’t there for art programs.”
Now Wicks paints on location and shows his work through-out the world. His work has appeared in galleries, various publications and is included in numerous prominent collections.
Keith’s most recent career endeavor includes joining the design team for Wing and Barrel Ranch, a 1,000-acre private pheasant club located in Sonoma, California. As Project Design Manager Keith has lead all aspects of design including concept, renderings, overseeing building construction, interior design, landscape design and project management for construction team.
“The ruggedly elegant member’s clubhouse commands a sprawling view of the mountains surrounding Napa and Sonoma's wine country, overlooking the clear waters of Sonoma Creek. Here, members can relax and take advantage of The Trap Bar, exquisite dining room, premier shooter’s pro shop, private meeting rooms, locker facilities, an enclosed cigar room, expansive deck and more.”