LaJon Miller

For as long as I can remember, art has been the lens through which I experience the world. Growing up in Southern California as the middle child among five siblings, my artistic journey began early, sketching scenes from Saturday morning cartoons like Looney Tunes and Transformers at the tender age of four or five. This early fascination with vibrant characters and imaginative worlds laid the groundwork for a lifelong passion.

Artistic Evolution and Influences

My artistic foundation was unexpectedly solidified by comic books; they were my first “art books.” This early exposure, however, led to a pivotal high school experience where an art instructor challenged my preconceived notions of drawing. He pushed me beyond comic book anatomy, urging me to draw from real life – a humbling lesson I carry with me to this day. It reinforced the invaluable truth that there will always be something new to learn, fostering a humility that fuels my continuous growth.

After graduating high school in 1996, I briefly stepped away from art, swayed by the notion that it wasn’t a viable career path. Yet, the call to create persisted. I eventually pursued and earned an Associate’s Degree in 3D Animation and Design from Brooks College in 2007, becoming the first in my family to graduate college. This formal training, combined with later self-instruction in modern mediums like acrylic and spray paint, broadened my technical range. My artistic inspirations are a blend of the classical and contemporary, drawing from the profound works of old masters like Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Monet, and Charles Bargue, alongside pop culture icons such as Dali, graffiti artist Justin Bua, and comic book titans like Alex Ross and Jack Kirby.

My creative expression often explores texture and vibrant color, aiming to create dynamic pieces that almost emerge from the canvas. I frequently work with acrylic and watercolor due to their quick-drying properties, and I love to experiment by mixing mediums, crossing spray paint with acrylics, and combining watercolor, ink, and acrylic paintto achieve unique visual effects.

Teaching and Community Engagement

My journey in art extends beyond personal creation to a deep commitment to teaching and community. I discovered my passion for education while teaching drawing and painting classes for a private art studio company. There, I honed my ability to teach both children and adults, drawing techniques inspired by old masters like Rembrandt, Homer, Manet, Hopper, and Van Gogh.

I’ve had the privilege of sharing my skills with diverse communities, including a two-year tenure teaching art classes for a non-profit organization in San Diego. More recently, I’ve channeled my artistic drive into creating numerous opportunities for others to engage with art. I offer private art classes and actively participate in community-involved projects with non-profit organizations such as Girls Fly.org and Road to Artdom. I’ve also contributed to public art initiatives, including mural projects through First Fridays in Bixby Knolls, and hosted art parties at EJ Malloy’s.

My commitment to making art accessible and engaging has also led me to participate in countless art-related events, shows, and art walks. I’ve had the honor of showcasing my work in various group and solo art shows across Southern California, including Long Beach, Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Redondo Beach. Through these endeavors, I strive to foster connections, inspire creativity, and contribute to the vibrant artistic fabric of my community.