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Chris
Groves' love of art grew from his early experiences with nature
and the introduction of a master sculpture in his youth. Groves
was born in Boulder, Colo., but soon moved with his family to
Slidell, LA., where he lived until the age of ten.
Those early years in Slidell were spent outside, exploring the
woods, swimming in the bayou, boating, fishing, playing with
snakes and other wild animals. It was during those years that
he learned to love the outdoors and nature. At the age of ten,
his family returned to Boulder and Groves continued his exploration
of nature with countless hikes, mountain climbs and camping
trips.
His parents soon gave him a nature-drawing book and Groves latched
onto it as a source of awe and inspiration. He would spend countless
hours imitating the drawings and enhancing them with his own
interpretation. His parents, recognizing their sons' talent
and appreciation of art, hired a private tutor to instruct him
in basic techniques.
Soon, his interest turned from nature to people and their faces.
Groves would look to magazines, friends and siblings as a source
of inspiration and draw detailed portraits of their faces.
In high school, Groves met sculpture Glenna Goodacre, the mother
of a close school friend. Meeting with her and seeing some of
the success she enjoyed as a artist (Vietnam Women's memorial,
Sacagawea US Dollar design) helped to inspire his own artistic
aspirations.
After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder
with a B.F.A. in Environmental Design, Groves spent the next
ten years as an art director for two large companies, all the
while continuing to study and hone his fine art skills.
He has studied at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy, the
Colorado Academy of Art, the Loveland Art Academy, the Cottonwood
Art Academy and the Denver Arts Student League. He also enjoyed
a private, two-year mentorship with artist Jay Moore, which
he considers a turning point in his artistic career.
Most recently, Groves was chosen to paint full, life-size portraits
of the 10th and 11th circuit Bishops of Colorado.
Groves is married to Amy, a pharmaceutical rep, and the father
of three small children: Taylor Claire, age 5, Kasen, age 3
and Anders, age 1.
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