Art has been a lifelong passion for me. I would consider myself a fairly prolific painter. There are very few days that go by when I am not working on my paintings. Since graduating from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Art in 1985, I have pursued artistic endeavors in various media. My body of work represents styles of abstract expressionism, using biomorphic forms with a liberal use of color. Many of my oil paintings and drawings reflect three dimensional forms as represented in my sculpture and woodworking. I design and handcraft most of the frames and stretchers for my pieces using wood that I've hand selected for its unique beauty and compatibility with each individual piece. I also design and fabricate many one-of-a kind pieces of furniture.

    I show my work once or twice a year. When I am not working in my home studio,  I am the Production Manager at Openwood Studios, in Madison, Wisconsin, where I have been creating and producing themed dimensional signs and graphics for over 31 years. At Openwood I do woodworking, painting, carving, design modification, layout, and installation.  

    For more information about or to purchase my work contact me by phone 608.770.2021 or email at timothyrtogstad@gmail.com.  For more information about dimensional signs, visit us at www.openwood.com.