KLAAREN’s formal art education was enriched by personal study of Masterworks in major European and US museums. Enhanced by decades of eclectic projects for the movie and amusement industries and utilizing self-invented tools for murals, faux surfaces and 3-D projects, his diverse abilities evolved into a style of “realistic impressionism.” These Fine Art studio skills and a vast collection of personal travel photographs allow Klaaren to creatively visualize his own or his client’s ideas on his canvases of landscapes, city scenes or portraits.

Since 1999, Klaaren has participated in Tampa, Florida’s local art scene. His one man shows of varying themes have been on display at several local galleries as well as public buildings including MOSI and SWFMD. His affiliations include TRA, NTAL and ISAP-FL. Klaaren’s first entry into a juried exhibition garnered him the “Best of Show” Award in September, 2006, which was followed by an “Honorable Mention” Award in the 2007 TRA juried January Exhibition.

His best known local work is MOSI’s Recyclosaurus but his Murals are everywhere from private residences to a professional list including private residences, local schools, clubs, medical clinics, community centers, restaurants, retail businesses and active tourist spots such as hotels, night clubs, amusement parks.

For the past ten years he has been working with the School District of Hillsborough County in an Arts Educational Enhancements program as a demonstrator muralist and has added Plein Air Painting Workshops to his expanding resume. Inspiring students of all ages is his latest joy.

“I feel the need to capture the natural beauty of this place I have chosen to live. So much of the landscape changes from wild to groom on a daily basis. This is my personal attempt to save a bit of it.”
- Terry KLAAREN