Don was a member and the official photographer for the International Entertainment Buyers Assoc. from 2002-2009. He is one of Nashville’s premier entertainment and sports photographers having also served as the house photographer for Northstar Studios and B.B. Kings Blues Club in Nashville, TN.
His images and artwork have appeared in national and regional publications such as: Billboard magazine, Amusement Business magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, People Magazine, Rolling Stone, Jet Magazine, MusicCityNews.com, Venues Today, Country Weekly, Guitar Player Magazine, USA Hockey Magazine, Baseball America, Center Ice Magazine, Tennessee Sports magazine, Reno Gazette-Journal, U-T San Diego and the North County Times (San Diego).
As a sports photographer, Don Olea covered the NHL’s Nashville Predators from 2004-2011. He teamed up with author Justin B. Bradford in 2016 for his book, “Nashville Predators: The Making of Smashville”. Which details the fascinating history through unique player anecdotes and perspectives from those involved in the teams rise to prominence. Don’s photos are featured throughout the book as well as the front and back cover.
As my art and photography progressed, I was looking for unique ways to create a fine art style in Photoshop based on some of my own original photography. Over the last couple of years, and after quite a bit of trial and error, I’ve developed my own style, which I am very pleased with. I guess I would be considered a “hybrid” artist as I’m am creating digital originals via “pixel paintbrush”, utilizing my illustration, photography and traditional painting, to combine these mediums into one finished piece.
Just as with traditional artists — and prior to finishing any piece, I always take some time to analyze the work at this point to make sure it has motion, balance, depth, color harmony, style, masterful eye control, and evokes the right emotional response.
WORTHINGTON GALLERIES STATEMENT: Don Olea is a highly sought after emerging American artist. Olea pairs his remarkable and distinctive artistic expression with a striking palate of rich deep color. The result is a stunning and unique fusion of realism, expressionism, and surrealism. Every painting is a rare original creation that excites and inspires. His background as a music and sports photographer provides the foundation for the amazing and emotional movement in each of his works. We suggest buying a Don Olea original before they are priced out of reach.
