Dennis Mathewson’s collection of fine art is a captivating journey through Hawaii’s vibrant island lifestyle and breathtaking underwater world.
In an ocean of artists, one stands alone. For American Artist Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating the art and backstory of fellow airbrush artist Dennis Mathewson.
Hawaii artist Dennis Mathewson always seeks inspiration from his surroundings. What artist couldn’t be constantly inspired by erupting volcanoes, breathtaking ocean surf, a bounty of tropical flora, abundant, vibrant sea life, and islands rich with Polynesian history and culture?
Golden Soul, 24”x48”, aluminum/solvent/gold leafing, 2022
Many artists learn art and painting in school, while others like Dennis are born as gifted artists. Dennis Mathewson has been a professional artist since the age of fifteen, and throughout his adult life, he was born with artistic talent. He has lived and breathed in the creative world around him for as long as he can remember. Growing up with the custom hot rod and motorcycle trends of the 1970s and 80’s it still inspires his current work today. Painting and creating from his passion for what he sees in his mind and what life surrounds him in his island lifestyle.
Mathewson showcases the realistic, liquid style of the ocean, tropical jungle landscapes, and a bounty of diverse subjects in his skillfully hand-carved mixed media metal art, along with his exclusive signature color combinations. His trend-setting unique original art begins with an aluminum blank or other metal surfaces and utilizes special tools, which allow him to carve the images directly into the metal, giving them a magical 3D appearance under various lighting environments. These almost halo graphic images become three-dimensional and strikingly lifelike to the viewing eye. His work is a culmination of diversity derived from years of past experience in this contemporary art form.
Kula King, 15″x30″, aluminum/solvent, 2024
Mathewson’s fun and whimsical storytelling tiki, as well as edgy pieces, are sure to bring a smile to local folks and visitors alike.
Island Lifestyle Three, 24″x48″, aluminum/solvent, 2012
In addition to being an acclaimed artist in the fine arts, Mathewson, a master refinished, has decades of experience in award-winning motorcycle, automotive, and industrial custom painting. He had successfully owned and operated his diversified commercial art studio in Honolulu for over 35 years. He is considered one of the world’s “top guns” in the custom automotive painting industry. Mathewson mainly focuses on his highly demanded fine art painting to supply the art galleries that display his work.
Adding to his accomplishments, he is a certified scuba diver, photographer, freelance writer for numerous trade magazines, and a gifted speaker, instructor, and featured artist at major events worldwide. His book Hawaii Made the Art of Dennis Mathewson showcases his history and years of work.
Dennis Mathewson’s unprecedented style is highly prized and collected by enthusiastic fans, celebrities, and devoted art collectors worldwide.
You can see more of his artwork at DennisMathewsonArt.com
Mega Surf, 42″x42″, aluminum/solvent/resin, 2018
While experiencing Dennis Mathewson’s artwork for the first time, you will find yourself embracing and sharing his passion for the true island lifestyle in Hawaii. His mesmerizing three-dimensional metal art appears to dance under any lighting environment. Visually experiencing liquid magic in his underwater images while his whimsical storytelling tiki images bring a smile to anyone’s face.
- Over 50 years of experience in professional artistry, starting at the age of 15
- Recognized as a top custom painter in the automotive and motorcycle industries, certified as a Master Refinisher
- Renowned international airbrush and art instructor, with involvement in major global events and contributions to over 100 art trade publications as a writer and speaker
- Creator and designer of Airbrush Tools for Anest Iwata – Dennis Mathewson Artool Airbrush templates
- Creator and designer of Direct Moulding DM Dzign Pitcher Frame Line
- Creator and designer of Alsa Paint Corporation’s Dennis Mathewson’s Hawaiian Hues paint line
- Produced Front and Rear Art Badges for Karma Automotive Rivera Hybrid Car
- Leading fine artist in Hawaii for more than two decades
- Pioneer of Mathewson Metal Art
- Sold over 2700 original pieces of Fine Art Metal
- Published more than 300 images
- Experienced scuba diver
- Accomplished photographer
All art and images copyright © Dennis Mathewson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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A.D. is an artist who started drawing at a young age. Throughout his life, he has worked with different creative tools in traditional and digital art and design. His art and writings have been showcased in various publications such as Airbrush Action Magazine, Airbrush Magazine, American Art Collector, Art & Beyond, Dream To Launch, Easyriders, Las Vegas City Life, Las Vegas Weekly, L’Vegue, ModelsMania, Quick Throttle, and The Ultimate Airbrush Handbook.
