Business Details
23 Years
experience
Museum-Quality Oil Portraits & Figurative Art
Founded in 2003 by John and Terry Reimer, Legacy Artists specializes in creating museum-quality figurative oil paintings that blend classical techniques with modern technology. Our studio combines Terry's formal training in life drawing and painting with John's expertise in digital imaging to offer a fresh approach to portraiture. Drawing inspiration from masters like William Bouguereau and John Singer Sargent, we maintain a commitment to timeless artistry while incorporating innovative methods. Located in a historic San Jose cannery building, our work reflects decades of combined experience and a deep respect for traditional artistic principles. 
Services
Oil Painting
Figurative Art
Digital Art Integration
Commissioned Portraits
Art Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We combine classical oil painting techniques with digital imaging expertise
- Our artists studied under living master painters and at prestigious ateliers
- We offer collaborative husband-and-wife artist team approach to portraiture
- Our studio operates in a historic 100+ year-old cannery building
- We maintain strict adherence to old master methods while embracing technology
Services
Oil Painting
Our oil paintings combine classical techniques with modern innovation. Using methods learned from old masters and contemporary experts, we create museum-quality works that capture emotion and detail. Each piece undergoes meticulous layering and glazing processes to achieve depth and luminosity. Our approach preserves traditional craftsmanship while incorporating digital planning tools for precision.
Figurative Art
Specializing in human figure representation, our figurative art emphasizes anatomical accuracy and emotional expression. We employ classical life drawing techniques refined through decades of study with master painters. Each composition balances realistic detail with artistic interpretation, creating timeless portraits that convey personality and narrative depth through masterful brushwork.
Digital Art Integration
We integrate digital technology with traditional painting methods to enhance creative possibilities. This process allows for precise composition planning and color experimentation before applying oil to canvas. Our digital tools facilitate client collaboration through preliminary visualizations while maintaining the authenticity of hand-painted final works that preserve tactile brushstroke textures.
Commissioned Portraits
Creating personalized portraits that capture subjects' essence through collaborative process. We combine photographic reference with artistic interpretation to produce lifelike representations. Our approach incorporates client input throughout multiple stages while maintaining artistic integrity. Each commission receives individual attention to facial expressions, lighting effects, and background composition for emotionally resonant results.
Art Workshops
Offering instructional sessions in classical painting techniques based on atelier training methods. Workshops focus on life drawing fundamentals, color theory, and oil painting processes. Participants learn through hands-on practice guided by our experienced artists who share decades of combined expertise. Sessions emphasize skill development through structured exercises and personalized feedback.
People
John Reimer
Co-Founder & Digital Art Specialist
Former high-tech executive with engineering background who co-founded PCMCIA. Combines technical expertise with artistic passion, applying digital tools to traditional oil painting. Holds BSEE from University of Illinois and brings technological innovation to artistic processes.
Terry Reimer
Co-Founder & Oil Painting Specialist
Formally trained at School of Representational Art in Chicago. Studied under master painters including Nelson Shanks and David Leffel. Former nurse turned full-time artist with deep expertise in classical techniques. Specializes in capturing emotional depth through figurative painting.
Questions
What artistic styles do Legacy Artists specialize in?
We focus on classical realism with influences from William Bouguereau and John Singer Sargent, combining traditional oil painting techniques with modern digital tools.
How are commissions handled?
We work closely with clients through multiple stages, starting with photographic references and digital mockups before creating the final oil painting with personalized adjustments.
What makes your approach unique?
Our husband-and-wife team merges Terry's formal atelier training with John's digital imaging expertise, creating a collaborative process that enhances traditional portraiture methods.
Where is your studio located?
Our studio occupies a historic cannery building near downtown San Jose, CA, featuring original brick walls that provide authentic artistic atmosphere.
What training do your artists have?
Terry trained at Chicago's School of Representational Art, while John brings technical expertise from his engineering background and high-tech career.
How long does a portrait take?
Commission timelines vary by complexity but typically require several weeks to ensure proper layering and drying between oil paint applications for museum-quality results.
