Reed Cardwell • 1955 – 2013

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of one of San Diego’s most prominent artists and art mentors, Reed Cardwell.

Reed touched many aspiring artists through his teaching and developed a devoted group of students over the years. He leaves his students with wonderful memories and many hours of precious instruction and advice on how to become better artists.

Throughout his career Reed had many exhibitions of his art; locally, across the U.S. and in Hawai’i. Reed Cardwell is well known for his strong figurative abstract paintings. With his aggressive use of color, Reed transformed raw emotion into human form. In November 2008, marking the historic Presidential election, Reed’s monumental exhibition of “The Presidents – from George W. to George W.” was mounted in the Simayspace at the Art Academy of San Diego.

I’ve known Reed since 1995 when Bravo Workshop’s studio was at the Ratner Art Center on 13th Street in the East Village. Reed’s studio was across the hall. When I worked with the Art Academy of San Diego as their Director of Workshops, Reed was our Abstract Painting instructor.

Reed taught Abstract Painting workshops at Bravo School of Art and was scheduled to teach here last week. His dedication to his students and his commitment to the art schools where he taught is a testament to this man’s values.

Reed Cardwell leaves a legacy of his amazing and remarkable works of art, a memory of his kindness, devotion and his generosity.

He will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held, along with an exhibition of his work, on
Sunday, August 25 from 3 – 6 p.m. in North Park at
Art Academy of San Diego • 3784 30th Street • San Diego, CA 92104