Chris Galligan :: Artist, Painter :: Pet Portraits

Christopher Galligan, a California native living in Los Angeles, began painting at age 11. He left the United States at an early age to travel and live in many cities throughout Europe. While studying the history, art and culture of the people who would become his new friends and neighbors, Galligan supported himself through acting and modeling. He later returned to Southern California, where his love of surfing, sports, beaches, desert and mountains serve as artistic inspiration and a source of renewal.

Galligan's work is the culmination of his imagination, introspection and the many artistic forms and styles in which he is comfortable, ranging from abstract to impressionist. His style can best be described as an ever-changing collection of thoughts and images that reflect the artist’s ideas and emotions. By adding his own mix of whimsical realism—which he's coined "whimism"—with the unique personality of his animal subjects, Galligan's pet portraits are truly a breed apart.

Although he is constantly experimenting with new ways to express himself artistically, the one constant in Galligan's work is the freedom of expression that comes when paint meets surface. In 2000, he discovered wooden "pallet tops," which are typically used to secure and protect loads of paper. "I started painting on them and found them to be a unique surface unlike anything I'd ever seen," Galligan recalls. "People heard I was painting like a madman, so some of them started saving the tops for me. Now I make my own, and the process has been a huge part of my journey as an artist. I love the way paint and wood mingle together!" Inspired by this new discovery, Galligan expanded to painting on porcelainized metals (washer and dryer panels), woods, canvas and various other mediums that enhance the style, texture and look of his creations.

Animal Fair Magazine writes that "Galligan has an uncanny ability to extract an animal’s personality and depict it vividly in his priceless Paintings." His paintings are showcased in five- star hotels, such as The Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica, California, along with many other oceanfront boutique hotels.

Galligan's style has won over collectors, interior designers and pet lovers worldwide. He has been featured nationally on television and in Hollywood movies, including "Scrubs," "Nip Tuck," "New Adventures of Old Christine," "Bones," "The X-list," and "Art or Not." His work is also featured on the big screen in "The Hottie & the Nottie" starring Paris Hilton.

Galligan's Paintings are owned by many well- known celebrities, including Anthony Hopkins ("The Silence of the Lambs"), Matthew McConaughey ("Fool's Gold" and "Sahara"), Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys), Carla Gucini ("Spy Kids"), John Cleese ("Monty Python"), Connie Britton ("Friday Night Lights"), Kate Beckinsale ("The Aviator"), Bill Maher, comedian & “Real Time” host as well as motivational guru Anthony Robbins, just to name a few.

Galligan has been published in various Magazines including Animal Fair, 944, Metropolitan Home, Coastal Living, The Weekly Star, Beauty News L.A., The Corsair, and the list goes on… Demand for Galligan’s work continues to flourish on the strength of gallery sales, word-of-mouth among collectors, and media praise. Today, Galligan's work is headed in many exciting directions, with a number of new projects such as a home-living line, coast-to-coast gallery representation and worldwide hotel exposure.

Chris Galligan is the proud father of two sons who continuously give him the motivation to keep refining and reinventing his craft. As a strong proponent of child and animal welfare, Galligan often donates his work to assistance organizations, and a portion of every sale goes to nonprofit groups who share his ideals of peace, harmony and happiness for all living creatures.