Alan Perkins

Alan Perkins is a Detroit-born artist now based in San Francisco, whose practice centers on portraiture and storytelling. He creates deeply personal works that honor family and memory, often painting portraits of loved ones who have passed. These pieces serve as meaningful gifts and visual legacies, connecting past and present through symbolic imagery.

Music is a vital influence in Alan’s art. Growing up in a musically rich family rooted in jazz and Motown, he draws inspiration from the sounds and stories of his heritage. His portraits of jazz musicians pay tribute to this lifelong passion, blending rhythm and emotion into his visual storytelling.

Alan also explores themes of wonder and the cosmos, painting vibrant depictions of outer space. His creative approach is shaped by a blend of imagination, music, and memory—bringing together diverse influences to create work that is both heartfelt and visionary.