Denard Stalling’s artistic expression began at an early age. He has been drawing and painting since age eight when his mother enrolled him in art classes at the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD). After graduating from CCAD in 1988 with a Bachelor’s Degree in illustration, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Since beginning his professional painting career, Stalling has painted many different subject matters and explored numerous themes using a variety of mediums. Known mostly for his realistic portrait work, Stalling has entered a new genre, mixing his passion for music with an ability to paint realistically striking images. Stalling’s interpretation of beautiful instruments shows graceful lines and reflections that are inherent in the design and craftsmanship of the musical instrument. He notes that if one studies an instrument, you will discover in it an elegance almost as powerful as the music itself. In his paintings, the strong composition and exquisite detail are in contrast to the abstract quality of his hand-made frames. The resulting pieces are an eloquent statement.