Al•ju•lew \'a-jÜ-lÜ\ n (2000): Artist or one who creates works of art.

llen J. Lewis has acquired inspiration from many notable artists; however, his first influence was his mother.  With no formal art training, she would amuse Allen and his siblings by sketching their likenesses.  He found her natural ability for art amazing.  Watching his mother draw would spark a yearning in Allen for art.  As a result, he begins to study the works of great artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Adolphe William Bouguereau, John Singer Sargent, and Norman Rockwell.  Allen’s passion for art grew along with his skills.

Like most artist, Allen began his art education in grade school where his talent was quickly apparent.  He earned a reputation for being among the most talented artists in his school.  This reputation would follow him to high school where Tarleton Blackwell, a well known established artist and educator in the South, would introduce him to the craft of painting.  Allen would continue to be encouraged by many teachers; however, one, St. Claire “Brownie” McLaurin, would take a special interest in him and his talent.  McLaurin, through her selflessness, acquainted him to the many opportunities and advantages his talent could bring him.  With her help, Allen submitted his work to local and regional art competitions.  As a result, he would garner a reputation as an artist beyond his small town.

Although eager to pursue an art education after high school, Allen instead decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.  He states, “I wanted to mature, and I needed to see the world beyond my hometown.” Military service afforded him the opportunity to travel to the Far East, the Arctic Circle, and most points in between.  The traveling gave him the chance to study abroad, allowing him to experience first hand some of the world’s different cultures.

Allen has studied at the University of Maryland University College Asia, North Virginia Community College, Art Institute of Atlanta, and Georgia State University.  He continues to attend demonstrations and workshops with some of today’s most celebrated artists.  Always looking for ways to improve his art, he is an avid reader of art instructional books. 

Allen’s awards include the Columbia College Art Merit Award, the Benedict College Art Award, first place at the 2000 Georgia National Fair Art Competition, and first place in the 2003 Stone Mountain Art Station Member Juried Exhibition/Competition #3.  Allen was a finalist in competitions held by the Portrait Society of Atlanta and Cultural Arts Council of Douglasville Georgia.  He has also shown his work in a solo exhibition sponsored by the Conyers/Rockdale Council for the Arts.  More recently, Allen has won Second Place in the North Light Book Club 13th Annual Cover Competition for his painting Royal Antique.