Throughout history, there have been only a select few artists who have changed the way we view art. In the beginning, early man described his world by painting rock walls, using crushed berries and blood.

When the first artists discovered pigments and began painting on paper and canvas, they eventually created distinct styles such as Impressionism, Abstract, Pointillism, Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and any other “ism” they could come up with.

Since then, most artists have copied or cloned these styles by simply adding their own spin. The resulting lack of innovation is the current “product” of many art schools.

Then along came Chris DeRubeis…

Born in 1978, it wasn’t long before DeRubeis showed a very early proclivity for drawing. He drew on any materials he could find at home to express his talents. This talent was nurtured to the fullest by his family, and at age 11, his grandfather gave Chris his first airbrush.

After watching Chris use his airbrush for the very first time, his grandfather proclaimed that Chris was to become the artist he had always dreamed of being and would inevitably share his talents on the world’s grand stage.

School was viewed as a chore for DeRubeis. He enjoyed drawing figures on math tests, not solving equations. He preferred doodling beautiful landscapes in the blank spaces most teachers expected to find an essay. Teachers scolded him for not concentrating on his studies and warned that he was on the wrong path. However, this criticism did not deter him from his ultimate destiny.

DeRubeis continued to paint and even took extra art classes during lunch breaks. At age 20, he attended the Pasadena Art Center as well as the Associates in Art College in Sherman Oaks, CA. To pay for schooling, he painted custom Harleys and started a successful party T-shirt business.

His professors tried to convince him to choose a “more commercial style” of art, but he was never satisfied painting ‘…like everyone else.’

As those who know DeRubeis would be quick to tell you, he has never been one to run with the herd. He found many of these styles to be outdated and uninteresting, much like his history lectures. Chris continued his quest, searching for something greater and undiscovered—and then one day, it happened.

While grinding the base paint off a Harley gas tank in his workshop, DeRubeis noticed something spectacularly unique. With each pass of the grinding pad, a new piece of metal was exposed to the light, unveiling fantastic patterns that seemed to dance off the tank as if it had come to life.

History began.

Racing to the local metal shop and grabbing scraps of metal, DeRubeis began experimenting with different tools to manipulate the way light reacted with the surface. He introduced chemicals and paints to the surface, creating unique reactions and bringing his art to life…

Abstract Sensualism was born!

“I favor metal because I can combine a form of sculpture as the foundation for my expression and have found a way to enhance my ability to communicate emotions more intently. All art should inspire and evoke emotion… Art should be something you can actually feel.”

The introduction of his unique style to the art world was met with uncertainty, as galleries had never seen or sold art like it before. It wasn’t long before his innovative style and technique were noticed, and galleries across the country began inquiring about his work.

Then, in 2005, DeRubeis’ work was submitted and honored with two nominations at the First Annual Fine Art Awards, televised live from the MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Nominated in the “Mixed Media” and “New Movement” categories, he earned the MUSE Award in “New Movement” and is now known as “The Father of the Conceptual Movement.”

At only 27, DeRubeis dedicated his award to his grandfather, who had passed away just months earlier.

By 2009, his work was in high demand, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after artists in the world. Today, as he steps into a new era of complete artistic independence, his work continues to be showcased in high-end galleries across the United States and beyond, reaching collectors worldwide.

His ability to continuously evolve and push artistic boundaries ensures that Abstract Sensualism remains a defining force in the art world. Yet, with great innovation comes imitation. Many have attempted to replicate DeRubeis’ techniques, but none have been able to capture the movement, energy, and depth that define his work.

“You won’t find what I create in any art school… yet.”

Yet another unique twist to DeRubeis’ artwork—his pieces are rarely shown in frames. When asked why his work is always “floated,” Chris simply replied with a smile,

“WHY NOT?”

Beyond the Metal

Outside of the studio, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and making memories while traveling with his kids. A devoted Lakers fan, he rarely misses a game and appreciates the energy of live sports. His creativity extends beyond the canvas and into the kitchen, where he enjoys experimenting with new flavors. He also has a passion for wine tasting, embracing the artistry of winemaking much like he does with his own work—by exploring depth, complexity, and expression in every sip.