Maurice Howard
Artist
Maurice Howard was born in Waco, Texas, and raised in Southern California. At age three, his family moved to France while his father served in the military, returning to the U.S. a few years later.
He discovered his passion for painting at 19, attending several independent art schools before enrolling at Cal State Fullerton to study Fine Art. After college, he worked at Hanna-Barbera Studios as an animation “In-Betweener,” then later as a dental technician in Pasadena.
Howard’s artistic influences include Salvador Dalí, M.C. Escher, and African American painter Charles White. His work spans realism to surrealism, with layered pencil, acrylic, and oil compositions revealing hidden imagery through intricate lines and curves.
In 1982, the City of Hollywood commissioned him to create the “Melrose Clown” mural, which gained wider recognition in the films The Last Dragon and Rhythm of the Night.
Today, Howard credits much of his growth to artist Charles Bibbs, whose mentorship and encouragement remain a driving force. As a member of Bibbs’ Art2000 Visual Artists Association, Maurice continues to support and inspire emerging artists.
“For me, stepping out on faith is pivotal. Without faith, the road leads nowhere. As ideas come to me, like a plant, my inspiration grows from there.”​​