DAVID IMLAY is a Southern California–based painter known for his emotionally rich, photorealistic oil paintings that capture the quiet poetry of urban and suburban life. Rooted in American Realism and influenced by artists like Edward Hopper, Robert Bechtle and John Register, Imlay’s work often depicts vintage cars, foggy streets, and sun-drenched architecture with a moody, cinematic touch.
Born in San Juan Capistrano, David comes from a lineage of artists — his paternal grandfather, Theron Imlay, was a celebrated Southwest style Southern California pastel and oil painter whose work helped shape David’s early visual language. In 2001 he earned a BFA in Illustration from San Jose State University and studied at Lorenzo De Medici in Florence, Italy.
His work has been exhibited at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, Stafford Gallery in Sonoma and New York, Art Toronto, and numerous galleries and venues throughout the West and East Coast. He has completed commissions for notable collectors, including NFL players Joe Staley, Jeff Garcia and Fred Hill, and his work is held in both private and public collections such as a piece included in the Mission San Juan Capistrano’s permanent collection of artifacts. David has most recently exhibited at OC Made Exhibit hosted by The Fullerton Museum Center in March of 2026.
Known for layering oil paint over surfaces like newsprint and patterned paper, Imlay’s paintings evoke a sense of time standing still — offering viewers not just a scene, but a feeling. He is currently available for commissions and continues to produce new work from his Southern California studio.
EXHIBITIONS
Fullerton Museum Center, California, OC MADE, March-August 2026
De Young Museum, San Francisco, The De Young Open, 2020-2021
385 Broome Gallery, Little Italy NYC, NY 2016-2024
Silvas Adobe, SJC Historical Society Presents: LOCALifornia, 2019
Seeing Things Gallery, San Jose, 2014 and 2016
SCOPE Art Fair, New York via Reaves Gallery, 2013
Art Toronto, Art Miami & Art L.A. Via Modernbook Gallery, San Francisco, 2011
Exchange L.A., Los Angeles, Launch Event for Bluecanvas Issue #9, 2011-2012
Dolores Park Cafe, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition, 2009 and 2011
Reaves Gallery, New York, Group Exhibition, 2010
Blackbird, San Francisco, Solo Exhibitions, 2010, 2011 and 2017
Michael Mut Gallery, New York, 2010
Artist-Xchange, San Francisco, Group Exhibitions, 2009
Triple Crown, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition, 2009-2010
111 Minna, San Francisco, Group Exhibition: Neighborhood SF, 2009
Gallery 560, San Francisco, Group Exhibition, 2009
SOMA Grand Gallery, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition, 2009
Lost Art Salon/Reaves Gallery, San Francisco, Group Exhibition, 2008
Harthside Homes Artist Studio & Gallery, Bolsa Chica, Solo Exhibition, 2008
Reaves Gallery, San Francisco, Solo & Group Exhibitions, 2008-2009
Neue Transit Gallery, Santa Ana, Solo Exhibition, 2007 & 2008
Madrone Lounge, San Francisco, Group Exhibition: Family, 2007
Gallerie 25, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition, 2007
Wine Bar & Gallery, San Francisco, Solo Exhibition: Artspan Open Studios, 2006
Space Gallery, San Francisco, Group Exhibitions, 2006 & 2007
Dragon Bar & Gallery, San Francisco, Joint Exhibition: Youth Speaks Benefit, 2006
550 Bryant Gallery, San Francisco, Group Exhibition, 2005
Mission Barrack’s Gallery, San Juan Capistrano, Solo Exhibitions, 2005 & 2007
Sirens Salon & Gallery, Los Gatos, Solo Exhibition, 2004
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, Permanent Collection, 2003 to Present
ISLG of Campbell, Permanent & Rotating Collection, 2003 to 2008
PREVIOUS REPRESENTATION
Stafford Gallery, Healdsburg CA
Reaves Gallery, San Francisco/New York NY
Modernbook Gallery, San Francisco CA
Open to commissions, original paintings and limited runs of prints available for purchase. Please contact artist for any info.