Alan Van Bergen

“Art gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” 
― Plato

About The Artist

Robert Philipp and students, including Alan van Bergen, foreground, 1981. Photo: Waintrob-Budd

Alan van Bergen began his career (after earning a BFA from Pratt Institute and serving two years in the military) as Art Director for a major corporation, during which time he received a design award from the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Subsequently, he and his business partner founded the design and photography firm Stevens and van Bergen. After a successful twenty-year run, he left to pursue fine art full time, attending the Art Students League of New York, where one of his pastel paintings was purchased for the League’s permanent collection.

Working across pastel, oil, and mixed media, van Bergen’s art is known for its expressive use of light, atmosphere, and emotional depth. His work reflects a lifelong dedication to both classical technique and visual storytelling, blending the discipline of design with the sensitivity of fine art. In addition to his artistic accomplishments, several of his short stories have been published, and he co-wrote a screenplay for the Argentine military about the Falklands War.

His paintings are represented in numerous private collections.