Inspired by the textures and colors that he sees in his everyday surroundings, Ali Saif's paintings are his response to the visual chaos that confronts him. He starts with black and white paint and then adds and subtracts colors and shapes. As the surface is worked and reworked many times, the layers build to create a dense environment.

Originally from Iran, Saif has lived in California for over 30 years. He studied both business and art at Sonoma State University, where he worked with Inez Storer and William Morehouse. Focusing on his painting, he received an MFA at San Francisco Art Institute, studying with Sam Tchakalian and Bruce McGaw. Saif currently works and lives in San Francisco.

Education:
BA in Art, Sonoma State University, 1983
MFA in Painting, San Francisco Art Institute, 1985