Tony Armendariz is an award-winning American artist living and painting in Palatine, Illinois. Born and raised in Chicago to a graphic arts family, he learned to create with textile, photography, drawing and painting. Graduating from the American Academy of Art in Chicago, he studied under renowned watercolor instructor Irving Shapiro. While still attending the Academy, he began his employment in the corporate world for over 20 years as a graphic artist, illustrator and web designer. Tony’s work has been published, most notably in Fine Art Connoisseur, American Art Collector and Watercolor Artist magazines. Venues where he has exhibited include The Butler Institute of American Art, RJD Gallery, The Salmagundi Club and Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art. Some of Tony’s awards include the Mary Bryan Memorial Award and Medal at the 2023 Allied Artists of America 110th Annual Juried Exhibition, Best of Show/Purchase/People's Choice Awards at the 2021 VMRC 18th National Juried Art Exhibition, First Place Award at the 2019 40th International Juried Exhibition of the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society and Best in Show at the 2018 42nd International Exhibition of the North East Watercolor Society. Tony is a signature member of many national artistic societies including the American Watercolor Society and the Illinois Watercolor Society where he also served as director. He is represented by Hilliard Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri. Tony currently teaches watercolor painting at the Oak Park Art League in Oak Park, IL.