Born in 1971, Otto Stürcke grew up in Southern California, and from an early age aspired to become a professional artist. His ambition was further cemented by two of his childhood teachers, Mrs. Ferris and Mrs. Main, who both had a keen talent for decorating their classrooms with their own art. While in high school Otto joined the U.S. Marine Corps in hopes of attaining financial aid for an art college. He was recognized for his drawing ability and was named the “artist private”; but his plans were momentarily altered in 1991 when he was called to serve in Desert Storm.

Soon after his military service, Otto enrolled in art workshops and courses at several local art associations and colleges while launching his illustrative career for toy, television and film studio projects. These years served him as a training ground for honing many techniques and mediums. After an introductory workshop on pastels by noted artist Dianna Ponting, Otto found his principal medium of choice. He still continues to use different media to reflect his insight, including his love for oil painting, while seeking to refine his methods to enjoy every aspect of painting.

As a representational artist, Otto seeks to find common ground between the contemporary and the classical. He aims to depict, the personal, the emotional, and the quiet elegance in his paintings through light, shadow, and texture.

To learn more, visit the artist’s website.