Bio

Lance Carlson is an abstract painter based in Long Beach, California. After studying drawing and painting at California State University, Long Beach, Carlson launched a successful career as an interior designer, creating innovative interior and exterior spaces for projects across the country. Through his interior design work, he explored the interplay of color, form, space, texture, and contrast within the built environment—an approach that profoundly informs his artistic vision today.

Recognizing the significant emotional impact art can have on interior spaces, coupled with an innate desire to express himself creatively, he ultimately dedicated himself fully to his own artistic practice. His paintings serve as an extension of this exploration—characterized by loosely painted shapes, high-contrast palettes, intricate mark-making, and linework. He endeavors to harmonize the chaotic world around him into cohesive compositions, illustrating his perception of order and chaos in the physical world.

Carlson’s work has been featured in both domestic and international exhibitions, and his paintings are included in collections across the United States and abroad.

Process

As an abstract painter, my creative journey is driven by spontaneity and exploration. I use acrylic paint and a variety of tools—from sticks and hand tools to traditional materials like brushes, pencils and crayons—to create unique textures and marks.

I often start without a specific plan, instinctively filling the canvas with random marks and blocks of color. While this initial layer will eventually be covered, it is essential for establishing a physical connection between myself and the surface, providing a springboard for discovery.

A significant part of my process involves problem-solving. As layers build, I analyze how new marks and colors interact with the overall composition. Often, sections I become attached to must be sacrificed for the sake of the design, while other areas may be scraped back to reveal hidden elements. This balance of creation and destruction is central to my process, allowing me to explore color and composition freely.

Education

Drawing and Painting, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA

Fine Art, Cypress College, Cypress, CA

Upcoming Events

June 2026

Featured Artist, Sandstone Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA

Exhibition History

2026

Featured Artist, Sandstone Gallery, June, Laguna Beach, CA

2025

Nine Together, Group Show, Artist Co-Op, Long Beach, CA

2024

All Media 2024, 40th annual juried All Media exhibition, Irvine Fine Arts Center, July 6 - September 28, Irvine, CA

Here, Lately, Featured Artist March, Sandstone Gallery, March, Laguna Beach, CA

2023

Garden, Micro-Gallery 30, Bixby Village, Long Beach, CA

Keep it Simple, Group Show, Artist Co-Op, Long Beach, CA

New Work, Group Show, Artist Co-Op, Long Beach, CA

2022

Here and Now, Group Show, Artist Co-Op, Long Beach, CA

Solo Show, District Wine, Long Beach, CA

Fresh:  A Group Art Show Presented by Art Clout in Collaboration with Long Beach Creative Group, Rod Briggs Gallery, Long Beach, CA

2021

Small Works Show, Page Against the Machine, Long Beach, CA

Art2Life International Juried Exhibition, Online Group Exhibit, Juried by Juan Kelly, Nuart Gallery, Santa Fe, NM

Coming Together: An Exhibition of Small Works, Long Beach Creative Group, Long Beach, CA

Marks, Flatline Gallery, Long Beach, CA

Centered on the Center, Huntington Beach Art Center, Huntington Beach, CA

Benefit Exhibitions

2025

FAMFestival and Art Auction, benefiting the Long Beach Memorial Hospital’s Jonathan Jacques Children’s Cancer Research Foundation, Long Beach, CA

Flora, fundraiser for Coastline College Art Gallery, Newport Beach, CA

2024

Open Gallery Benefit Show, Artist Co-Op, Long Beach, CA