Derek Van Derven

Derek Van Derven is a masterful realist painter whose work continues the legacy of the Old Masters. With a BFA in Painting from Rutgers University, Derek honed his craft through intensive summer programs at the Rhode Island School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. His expertise in classical techniques, combined with a modern sensibility, results in paintings that captivate collectors and institutions alike.

Derek’s work is housed in esteemed collections, including the Normandy Museum in France, the Christ Child Museum in New Jersey, and the United States Governors' Collections—a testament to his recognition at the highest levels. His paintings also reside in numerous private collections, reflecting their enduring value and appeal among discerning collectors.

A lifelong artist, Derek began drawing at age seven and quickly became fascinated with the technical mastery behind great art. He was deeply influenced by John Singer Sargent’s bravura brushwork, Rembrandt’s mastery of light, and Odd Nerdrum’s evocative textures—techniques he seamlessly integrates into his own unique artistic language. He also draws inspiration from the powerful figure studies of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, further so...

Rutgers University Bachelors of Fine Arts