About The Artist
Monique Straub
Known for her vividly colored botanical and landscape paintings in oil on canvas, her work is focused on the raw concepts of movement and design, and painted with a twist of joy and playfulness.
Formal training in technical illustration, art history, and commercial photography have taken a back seat to the pursuit of a more whimsical style.
Working as a full time professional artist in soft pastel, and oil paint for over thirty five years, her vibrant work is held in numerous private collections. Monique has been featured in Professional Artist Magazine, San Diego Home & Garden Magazine, Southwest Artist, and Art Collector Magazine.
A Festival Artist at Heart
From her twin studios in San Clemente and La Quinta, she brings to life bold renditions of everyday scenes. A simple trip to the grocery store can trigger a series of photos, that later become the springboard to something more.
Selected as a "Featured Artist" for the Mission Federal ArtWalk in San Diego, and awarded "Best in Show - Painting" at the La Jolla Festival of the Arts, Monique currently shows her work at several fine art festivals in Southern California, including the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, La Quinta Art Celebration, and Laguna Art A-Fair in Laguna Beach.
"Monique Straub never fails to woo us with her bright colors and strong shapes. You can easily recognize her original oil paintings, which is saying something in the sea of images that dances in your head after a few hours of Mission Federal ArtWalk."
--Patricia Frischer, Gallerist/Curator
Artist Statement
"As a fifth generation San Diegan, in 2020 I made the decision to split my time between home studios in San Clemente on the coast, and La Quinta in the Coachella Valley, California.
I enjoy painting the world with my own twist. Rather than producing traditional textbook renditions, I choose to concentrate on a more unique approach, emphasizing the individual character of my subject.
Subjects range from desert landscapes, colorful florals, and an occasional still life in my own bold, eclectic style.
The eclectic approach allows you to think outside the box and does not hold you to the constraints of a certain design style. My pieces fit seamlessly into curated spaces that are unique and showcase the individualism of the collector.
Often asked, "Why oil and not acrylic?" My answer, "It doesn't make sense to me to paint nature with plastic."
Working from my own photographic references, I approach each of these original works as an adventure. The result is as surprising for me, as I hope it is for you."