Biography
Edward Howard is a fine artist whose work blends classical technique with contemporary imagination. Born in Oklahoma, he has lived in New York and Chicago and is now based in Los Angeles. At just ten years old, he began his artistic training under Southwest painter Ross Myers. He went on to graduate summa cum laude from The American Academy of Art in Chicago with a BFA in Fine Art and later studied at The Florence Academy of Art in Italy through a prestigious study-abroad program. He is currently pursuing graduate studies at USC.
The son of a photographer and grandson of a painter, Edward was steeped in visual storytelling from an early age. His work draws deeply from the traditions of the Italian masters and the rigor of academic realism, yet he brings a distinctively contemporary voice to the canvas. Known for his use of chiaroscuro and narrative composition, his paintings often evoke fantastical realms, inviting viewers into richly imagined worlds.
Edward’s work has been featured in Spectrum volumes 18–21 and selected for the Art Renewal Center’s International Salon. He has exhibited multiple times in the Main Show at IlluXCon and was an Illie Award finalist at IlluXCon 5. His paintings are held in private collections throughout the United States.
In addition to his fine art practice, Edward has worked in film and television as a concept and storyboard artist, contributing his narrative vision to screen as well as canvas.
EDUCATION
- Graduate Studies in Education at USC
- BFA summa cum laude, American Academy of Art, Chicago, IL
- Florence Academy of Art, Florence, Italy
Awards
2025 Finalist, Art Renewal Center International 2024/2025 ARC Salon (3 Works)
2016 Finalist, Art Renewal Center International 2015/2016 ARC Salon
2015 Artist Guest of Honor, ConStellation 6
2015 Honorable Mention, Art Renewal Center International 2014/2015 ARC Salon
2014 Spectrum 21: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.
2014 Finalist, Art Renewal Center International 2013/2014 ARC Salon
2013 Spectrum 20: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.
2013 Finalist, Art Renewal Center International 2012/2013 ARC Salon
2012 Spectrum 19: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.
2012 Illie, finalist for IlluXCon 5
2011 Spectrum 18: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.
Group Exhibitions
2016 Art Renewal Center International 2015/2016 ARC Salon (catalogue)
2015 Art Renewal Center International 2014/2015 ARC Salon (catalogue)
2015 ConStellation 6, Artist Guest of Honor
2014 Art Renewal Center International 2013/2014 ARC Salon (catalogue)
2014 IlluXCon 7 Exhibition, Main show artist
2014 Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! Exhibition, Kansas City, Missouri
2013 Art Renewal Center International 2012/2013 ARC Salon (catalogue)
2013 IlluXCon 6 Exhibition, Main show artist (catalogue)
2013 Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! Exhibition, Kansas City, Missouri
2012 IlluXCon 5 Exhibition, Main show artist (catalogue)
2012 Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! Exhibition, Kansas City, Missouri
Collections
Works held in private collections across the United States.
Bibliography
Beren Neale, “Focus on The Face.” ImagineFX, Christmas 2014, pp. 106-111.
Clifford Hope, No. 115 “No. 1 Fan.” ImagineFX, Dec. 2014, p. 47.
Fenner, Cathy and Arnie Fenner. “Spectrum 21: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.” Vol.21, Flesk Publications, Nov 11, 2014. p. 299.
Ian Dean, “Gallery: Edward Howard.” Fantasy Illustrator, 2013. p. 14.
Clifford Hope, No. 92, “Profile: Edward Howard.” ImagineFX, Feb. 2013, pp. 54-57.
Fenner, Cathy and Arnie Fenner. “Spectrum 20: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.” Vol.20, Underwood Books, Nov. 19, 2013. pp. Title Page, 270
Fenner, Cathy and Arnie Fenner. “Spectrum 19: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.” Vol.19, Underwood Books, Dec. 4, 2012. p. 260.
Fenner, Cathy and Arnie Fenner. “Spectrum 18: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.” Vol. 18, Underwood Books, Dec. 6, 2011. p. 298.
Radio/ Television
John Todd, Interview, Under the Radar, KKFI, Kansas City, MO, May 8, 2014
Publications as Author
“Focus on The Face.” ImagineFX, Christmas 2014, pp. 106-111.
Social Media Contacts
www.efhoward.com
www.bluesky.com
www.pinterest.com/efhoward/
www.instagram.com/howardted/