Shane Townley (b.1972)
Contemporary Artist / World Traveler
Born in Ithaca, New York to father Donald Townley (a Cornell University graduate) and an english mother, Michelle Hall. Don, Townley’s father, was in the medical equipment business which required the family to move around the country frequently until settling in Southern California in 1984. At the age of 12 Townley designed the artist signature he uses today and changed his own name. His mother recollects the day he ran to her and said, “this is my name from now on and this is my signature for when I’m a professional artist.” She nods and says with excitement, “ok, and you will be a very famous artist!” This positive attitude was vital to the progression of a master painter in the making.
Townley graduated from Platt college of art and design in 1995. He then moved to New York to study under professional living artists, while also working in the advertising world as a commercial artist. It wouldn’t be until 2004 that Townley leaves New York and the commercial world. In search of more of a fine art career, he returns to the sunny weather of the west coast he was so familiar with as a child. He opened his first gallery in San Clemente and 2 years later a second gallery in Laguna Beach, CA.
“Every painting has a history and a story behind it.” Townley, travels the world capturing images of his different journeys, cultures and people. You will notice “origin” on the placard next to the artwork. This is the country or city the idea and concept of each piece originated from. “Executed” is where the painting was created. Currently, Most of his pieces are created in a 2000 square foot studio just outside of Laguna Beach. All of Townley’s work is original, one of a kind works of art and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Christie’s Auction house will hold an auction of Townley’s work in 2022 with estimated price ranges expected to be in the $20,000 – $40,000 range.
Currently, Townley is an internationally renowned artist. His work can be found in private and corporate collections worldwide.Townley has exhibited in shows in New York, Beverly Hills, San Diego, Las Vegas and Scottsdale with connections to galleries in Venice, Italy and Barcelona, Spain. Townley is the current art director of Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art.
When Townley is not traveling the world in search of his next inspiration, Laguna Beach is where he currently resides with his wife Adela.
Artist Statement
“I do not only paint what I see, I paint what I feel within a scene, hoping to bring the viewer on the journey with me, every moment and every second is like poetry and will be gone for ever. This emotion and glimpse, in time is what I strive for.” – Townley
“I do not paint an actual place, I paint dreamscapes, I paint from within.” – Townley
“I have dedicated my life to creating awareness of our natural surroundings.” – Townley
