“My art gives me joy- it allows me to share grand moments with others 
while firmly planting the image in my memory. Not a tortured soul, I am 
driven to recreate the beautiful scenes of awe and wonder I encounter 
wherever I am.”

  Klaaren’s formal art education includes serious progressive art
programs of the 1970’s in New York including  SUNY at Buffalo and a Degree in
Art and Design from MVCC..
  

His diverse abilities evolved from past employment in magazine 
illustration to the amusements and movie industries as a scenic artist, 
utilizing self-invented tools. Numerous trips to study in the Museums of 
Europe,  combined with his daily life as a muralist and a non-stop
canvas fine artist, his evolved into his style of “realistic impressionism.”

  His mural works range from residences to public buildings that
include 56 Hillsborough and Pasco County schools, the UACC, MOSI "Kids in Charge" 
building, and several clinics including the women's health services
floor of TGH.

  Painting plein air while traveling has quickened his hand and natural 
abilities. His vast collection of personal travel photographs allows
Klaaren to creatively visualize his own or his client’s ideas on his canvases of 
landscapes, city scenes or portraits.

  Since 1990 Klaaren has participated in Tampa, Florida’s local art
scene. His one man shows of varying themes have been on display at several
local galleries as well as public buildings including MOSI and SWFTMD. His 
affiliations include TRA, NTAL, IAPPAP and ISAP-FL.Klaaren’s first entry into
a juried exhibition garnered him the “Best of show” Award in September, 2006.

   For the past nine years he has been working with the School
District of Hillsborough County in an Arts Educational Enhancements program as a 
demonstrator muralist and has added Plein Air Painting Workshops to his 
expanding resume. Inspiring students of all ages is his latest joy.