David Damm was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Art Center College of Design and later studied with the noted Russian painter, Sergei Bongart (1919 –1985). His career began illustrating books, magazines and newspapers.

In 1981 he began exhibiting, and has since participated in numerous exhibitions, throughout the country, including the Natural History Museum, the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, The Bowers Museum and others in the Los Angeles area. He was featured in “American Artist” and has received many top awards including first place at the 1996 Mission San Juan Capistrano Plein Air Painting Event sponsored by Joan Irvine Smith. His greatest honor was meeting and completing a commissioned portrait of President Ronald Reagan.

Damm is a signature member of the California Art Club and a board member. He is a signature member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association and a member of the American Pastel Society. He divides his work between portrait commissions and landscapes, working in both oil and pastel.