ABOUT Christopher Best

Christopher first developed an appreciation for painting during childhood trips to the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. During his high school years Best completed a study program at the National Gallery focusing on the work of American painter George Bellows. This would begin to form the framework for his future as an artist.  As an undergraduate, Best began his academic artistic  studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design, GA. He then continued his studies in outdoor painting under the tutelage of Tim Bell, an established Maryland artist.  Best credits Bell as having largely influenced his  “plein-air” painting method. Best also studied figure drawing and painting with Robert Liberace at the Art League of Alexandria. Other influences include the works of Swedish Illustrator John Bauer, the marine paintings of E. Groupe’ , The illustrators of the American Golden era, George Bellows, the painters of the American “Ashcan School” as well as others. Christopher’s work is largely reflective of these influences and the joy of painting from nature.

Selected Awards & Exhibitions

2023 Juried artist Plein Air Easton 2023

2022 "Best New Artist Award" Bath County Plein Air, PA

2022 Juried Artist Plein Air Easton, MD

2021 Feature HGTV Good Bones  

2020 "Best Use of Light Award" Artist Paint Ocean City, MD

2019 "Annapolis: Old and New" Solo Show McBride Gallery, Annapolis Art Walk

2019 "The Gino Award" Top Award, Paint it! Ellicott City, MD

2019 "Featured Artist" Oxford Fine Art Fair, MD

2018 "Best of the Chesapeake Show" McBride Gallery, Annapolis, MD

2017 "Best Use of Light" Award, Paint Ocean City, MD

2017 "Best of the Chesapeake Show", McBride Gallery, Annapolis, MD

2017 "3rd Place Award", Paint Berlin, MD

2016 "Small Gems Show", December, McBride Gallery, Annapolis, MD

2016 "Best of the Chesapeake Show", McBride Gallery, Annapolis, MD

2015 "First Place", Paint Berlin, Berlin, MD

2015 "Honorable Mention", Quick Draw Rehearsal, Plein Air Easton, MD

2015 "Best of Show", Benfield Gallery Fall Juried Show, Severna Park, MD

2013 "Fall Juried Show" Benfield Gallery , Severna Park, MD

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Press

Fine Art Connoisseur https://fineartconnoisseur.com/2018/11/featured-artwork-christopher-best-presented-by-south-street-art-gallery/

Voyage Baltimore https://www.voyagebaltimore.com/interview/conversations-with-christopher-best/

Art School Live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1vOqe7ZaU4

Fine Arts at Oxford https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJHE41J1Z6o