Alexander Shanks (b. 1996) began his artistic training at an early age through the classical painting and drawing methods taught by his artist parents, Nelson and Leona Shanks. Growing up, Alexander worked extensively in graphite and charcoal in his father’s studio, while his father painted portrait commissions and other major works. 

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Alexander now lives in Brooklyn, New York and attends the New York Academy of Art where he is completing a Master of Fine Arts degree. He paints portraits, still life, and figurative subjects utilizing observational and creative exploration as well as critical thought. Alexander is interested in using the traditional and classical methods of his upbringing to develop a more personal and contemporary language that interprets themes of the modern world.

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