Wade Koniakowsky began painting at the age of 6 and started surfing before he was 12. These two passions together with his oil paintings of tropical interpretations have made him to gain worldwide recognition. His work is currently showcased internationally as well as in seventeen galleries extending from Hawaii to the East Coast. Through his tropical “dreamscapes” the viewer can escape to a distant shore and lose the tensions of every life. Koniakowsky has developed a deep reservoir of ocean-inspired imagery. His has also been featured in numerous publications including Print, Communication Arts, Art Direction, and Graphis. He has created art for Duke’s Oceanfest, the Rabbit Kekai World Long board Contest, which is the Women’s World Long board contest and Oahu World Paddleboard Championships the to Molokai.
Koniakowsky’s signature paintings can be seen in international surf competitions, television shows and movies. He has been a regular contributor of art for ROXY sponsored events, and his designs currently adorn the custom surfboards that decorate Billabong stores nationwide. As an advertising art director, Koniakowsky’s career that spans more than 25 years includes campaigns for Fortune 500 brands such as Quiksilver, IBM, Microsoft, McDonald’s, Reebok, and Taco Bell. The collectors of his art include such notables as Duke’s Restaurants, Dick Brewer, Joey Cabell, and Troy Polamalu who has more than 10 of Koniakowsky’s pieces. Koniakowsky has won more than 300 creative awards including recognition by the Los Angeles Advertising Club and the New York Art Director’s Club. He owns the Ocean Art Gallery located in the Solana Beach Cedros Design District.
