Dave Bazen takes a realism approach to his art.  He considers this style of art to be a dying genre.  He believes that this style of art can truly 

depict a person’s view of the world as well as show their interests and views.  Everything he views is in perspective to his art.  When looking at a 

sunset for example, most would just sit and enjoy the sunset, he however tries to decide how to he would paint the sunset.  When meeting

individuals he is concerned with how he would paint their face.  It is the portrait aspect of painting that Dave Bazen enjoys the most.  He started

 out doing many landscape paintings before switching over to portraits.  He has completed a few still lifes but does not thoroughly enjoy them

 as much as the landscapes and portraits.

 Dave Bazen is part of a local group of artist known as Grand Valley Artists.  This group meets several times a week either to paint or to

critique each other’s art work.  They provide feedback on which areas of the painting could be improved.  Grand Valley Artists provides a

place where artist from around the Grand Rapids area can meet and paint, critique, or just socialize.

    Besides playing a major role in the Grand Valley Artist's club, Dave Bazen has also participated in a variety of Art Contests.  In one contest

 he entered a picture of his father and placed.  He also took part in the Artprize competition that was hosted in Grand Rapids.  This was the largest

Artprize competition that had ever been hosted.  Dave Bazen had several paintings that were placed in Spectrum Hospital.  He did not place in

this contest, but was thrilled that he could participate.

    Dave Bazen believes that anyone can paint or draw.  He says that if you put the time in it can be accomplished.  His best piece of advice would be
 
to paint or draw whenever and wherever possible.  He always carries a sketchbook with him so if he sees something that catches his eye he can sketch

it.  He recommends that any beginner start sketching things like landscapes or still lifes in order to gain confidence in their sketching.  Once they have
                                                                                                                                                                                                       
mastered these sketches they can work their way up to portraits.  Dave also recommends beginners use an easy and forgiving paint source like

watercolor, acrylic, or pastels.  They can then work their way up to more challenging paint types like oils.  Whenever somebody looks over his shoulder

while he is paintings and marvels at how good it is, all he says is, "You could do it too, all you need to do is practice."

• Service Reproductions (Supply Store)                                                                       
• T Square Art Supplies (Supply Store)
• Ken Cadwallader (freind of Artist)
• Jim Markle (freind of Artist)
• Larry Blovits (freind of Artist)
• Clayton J. Beck III (friend of Artist)
• Artpize Venue