Alexander Shanks was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1996. He began his artistic training at an early age through the classical methods taught by his parents, Nelson and Leona Shanks. Growing up, Alexander worked extensively in graphite and charcoal, in his father’s studio, while his father Nelson painted portrait commissions and other major paintings. Alexander studied at Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia, completing four years of training, while simultaneously taking workshops with a variety of notable artists.
Alexander lives in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania where he paints in his private studio, actively fusing classical methods with contemporary ideas. Alexander regularly visits museums for inspiration and historical understanding of art. Heavily influenced by classical and contemporary art, Alexander paints portrait commissions, still life and figure paintings, through observational creative exploration. Producing pieces that correspond to his own life experiences. Alexander is currently a teacher of realist art and an accomplished freelance painter. Alexander
