Dominic's work is a fusion of realism and impressionism. Each painting shows a strong sense of light, vivid color, fluid brushwork and deep emotional content. He strives to evoke in his viewers the same emotions that compel him to paint from the first brushstroke. Dominic has won numerous national awards in The Artist's Magazine, Arts for the Parks, the Portrait Society of America, Raymar Fine Art Competition and Best of Show at Eastern Regional Oil Painter's of America. Dominic Avant received a Bachelors of Fine Arts at Rhode Island School of Design in 1991. Upon completion at RISD he worked as a free-lance illustrator and teacher. In 1996 he was recruited by Walt Disney Feature Animation and worked on films such as Mulan, Tarzan, Emperor's New Groove, Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear and numerous shorts. This creative community introduced him to plein air painting, shortly after he began showing in galleries. His passion for painting plein air has grown to include studio works and remarkable portraiture that catches a person as they are in their real world. Today, Dominic both teaches at Ringling College of Art and paints. He resides in Bradenton Florida with his wife and two sons.