Craig Tracy

   Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Craig Tracy has always been immersed in art. The vibrant culture of New Orleans, especially the Mardi Gras tradition of face painting, deeply influenced his artistic journey. "It was always evident that I was destined to be a professional artist," Craig recalls. ​

   Craig's parents, who were part of the nonconformist hippie movement, nurtured his creativity and instilled in him a unique perspective on art and life. Interestingly, it was this very hippie movement that revived the art of body painting in the West. Throughout his youth, Craig's art was filled with depictions of love and beauty. By fifteen, he was introduced to airbrushing, and by sixteen, he was professionally airbrushing custom items in a local mall. This experience honed his skills, teaching him to paint diverse images on various surfaces.

   ​ After graduating with honors from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Craig became a freelance illustrator. However, he soon grew disillusioned with the isolation and commercial nature of the job. He returned to his roots, painting on a myriad of surfaces, which eventually led him to body painting. "From the first face I painted, I felt its profound impact. It took me years to truly appreciate this ancient art form," Craig reflects.

   ​ Craig's passion for body painting grew exponentially. He began collecting body-painted images from artists he admired, surrounding himself with these inspiring works. His first major body painting series, "The Nature Series," was critically acclaimed, with some pieces becoming iconic. Craig's belief in innovation and exploration shines through in his work. His journey took him to the World Body Painting Festival in Austria, where he collaborated with artist Jeral Tidwell in 2005 to win a first-place honor. Craig has since become a regular judge at the festival, considering it one of his life's greatest joys. ​

   Today, Craig Tracy stands as a pivotal figure in the body painting world. He not only creates art but also runs the world's first gallery dedicated to body-painted images. Located in New Orleans, The Craig Tracy Gallery showcases a diverse collection of photographs, prints, videos, and books on body painting. Craig invites all to experience the magic of body painting at his gallery, promising an unforgettable experience.