June 2023 2-D Featured Artist A.J. Woods

J. Woods says his focus has always been on fine art and portrait painting.  He still remembers winning his first art contest in the fifth grade for a drawing of a native American in his feather and fringe outfit.  Today, he still focuses on portraits of people and animals.  "I try to find something unknown about my subjects to share in the painting," says A.J.

After serving in the Air Force, he was trained in sign lettering by his grandfather which led to a 35-year career in commercial art as an owner, art director and artist. His professional specialties were sculptural signs and mural painting. “I have provided art for remarkable venues such as Camp Snoopy, Mall of America, Disney Florida and Rainforest Café restaurants around the country,” he explained “I have been fortunate to win a number of awards and to show and sell my art in many galleries and exhibits since 1981. I paint live for exhibitions when the opportunity arrives.”

He believes that art brings beauty, joy and conversation into people’s lives and feels privileged to participate in such enjoyable endeavors.