About the Artist
Ethan Blu has swiftly risen to prominence as one of the most collectible new artists in the United States. A self-taught artist with a lifelong passion for painting, Ethan began creating art as a child, often dreaming of a future as a full-time artist. Hailing from the small farm town of Peotone, Illinois, south of Chicago, he moved to San Diego in his early twenties to embrace the warmth of California and leave the harsh Midwest winters behind.
Ethan's creative journey began in landscape design before he transitioned to hairstyling. In 2016, while recovering from knee surgery and unable to walk, he decided to devote himself fully to painting during his recovery. His dedication was immediately rewarded when art collectors discovered and embraced his initial series of abstract animal paintings, particularly his vibrant depictions of hummingbirds.
After several years as the art director of a contemporary art gallery in Solana Beach, Ethan’s work evolved into large-scale, concentric, and calming pieces that invite viewers into a space of tranquility. His “Mindfulness Circle” series, which centers around themes of peace and presence, quickly became a best-seller in 2022, propelling him to open Gallery Blu in the Cedros Design District of Solana Beach, CA. The gallery has since become a haven for those seeking mindfulness through art.
Ethan’s work is deeply influenced by artists like Mark Rothko and Gerhard Richter, and he speaks powerfully through color to convey themes of mindfulness, balance, flow, and desire. In an era of constant distraction, Ethan’s art serves as a reminder of the beauty and necessity of presence. Gallery Blu attracts mindfulness enthusiasts and art lovers alike, offering a place where art and inner peace converge.