About

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Best known for his unique gilded images, Patrick Guyton’s artistic journey began at the early age of six. Under the tutelage of his father, Michael, an award-winning fine artist, commercial artist, and sign painter, and his mother, Anita, a miniature-scale artist and interior designer, he developed a strong foundation in the arts.

In 1984, he attended The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where he studied fine arts, figure drawing, sculpture, photorealism, architectural rendering, and global design theories. He graduated with a degree in Visual Communication. In 1987, he moved from Pennsylvania to Southern California to pursue a musical career while simultaneously working as a fine and commercial artist. His commissions included illustration, signage, and murals for clients such as the NFL, Ford, Harley-Davidson, professional athletes, musicians, Fender and Jackson Custom Guitars, grade schools, and The Harvest Crusades.

Professional Career and Evolution of Style

In 1997, Guyton joined Linda Jones Enterprises/Warner Bros. as a background artist and cel painter for legendary animator Chuck Jones. During this time, he was honored to study directly under Maurice Noble, the renowned background designer of Disney and Warner Bros. fame. His most notable work from this period was the background scene for the What’s Opera, Doc? Limited Edition Animation Cel, which was included in the film’s induction into the National Film Registry as one of the most culturally significant films of all time.

Guyton was also commissioned by Looney Tunes/McKimson Productions, where he worked on classic animator Robert McKimson’s Limited Edition Sports Animation Cels. His expertise extended to commissions from Hanna-Barbera Studios and Fleischer Studios, painting limited edition cels and backgrounds.

Inspired by masters like Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Vermeer, Klimt, and Waterhouse, Guyton’s work has evolved across multiple applications and techniques. He experimented with both client-driven and self-developed styles, ultimately fusing 14th-century Japanese gilding from the Kamakura Period with 17th-century Flemish glazing techniques to create his signature Gilded Modernism®. Seeking further innovation, he revived an ancient electro-static process to enhance metal patinas, bringing out the natural colors in various gilding techniques.

Global Recognition and Legacy

In 2008, Guyton was discovered by the esteemed art publisher David Smith. Instantly recognizing his talent, Smith signed him, establishing him as one of the most influential artists of the 21st century. By 2010, his works were being distributed worldwide, primarily through Princess and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. In 2015, he joined Park West Galleries, where his exclusive collections became highly sought after within their global cruise, land-based, and online art auction systems. Over the past five years, his top-tier VIP paintings have repeatedly surpassed the six-figure mark in the global art market.

In 2021, Guyton was honored as the Official Artist for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. His original painting, created on pure silver leaf, is now on permanent display at the festival headquarters. Additionally, he designed a five-foot-tall gilded cherry blossom sculpture adorned with silver leaf, which was displayed throughout the festival and auctioned to the highest bidder.

Today, Guyton’s gallery-exclusive works can be viewed at Patrick Guyton Gallery in Laguna Beach, California, as well as in select galleries across the U.S. He frequently visits these locations, unveiling new collections and engaging with collectors. His meticulous craftsmanship, blending mood and atmosphere with sophisticated detail, continues to captivate audiences—creating breathtaking works that evoke deep emotions and a visual symphony.