About Our Teaching Artist: Harvey Cusworth is an award-winning artist recognized for his expressive oil paintings that explore the dynamic relationship between light, color, and form. Inspired by California’s distinctive natural light, his work captures both expansive landscapes, like the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific coastline and also intimate urban scenes with a thoughtful, contemplative focus. Central to Cusworth’s artistic process is the observation of how light shapes and transforms his subjects. “The way light interacts with subject matter suggests patterns that guide my compositions,” he explains. “My goal is to use those patterns to create a strong visual impact and convey the essence of what I see.”

Harvey has a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and a Masters of Fine Arts Degree, with a painting and drawing emphasis, from California State University, Long Beach. Cusworth is an active member of several professional art organizations, including the California Art Club. He has received numerous accolades, such as Best of Show in multiple juried exhibitions and First Place in the California Art League’s “California Scene “show in 2023. He also earned Best of Show honors in the Foundation for Education of the Arts exhibition.

His work is currently represented at the Portico Gallery in Montecito, California, and is held in many private and public collections, including the City of Thousand Oaks. In addition to his artistic practice, Cusworth dedicated much of his career to arts education. He recently retired from teaching high school painting and drawing, where he led Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art courses and instructed students in techniques ranging from oil and acrylic painting to watercolor and drawing. His devotion to promoting arts education continues as he currently teaches workshops and painting classes for adults