Derek Penix was born on December 29, 1980 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Penix grew up watching members of his family paint but didn't pursue painting himself until after high school. After trying his hand at painting and selling his first piece he knew this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

Penix has been recognized in many national competitions and publications. Even at a young age Penix was recognized in Southwest Art Magazine's "21 Under 31" artist competition in 2010, and Oklahoma Magazine's "40 Under 40" in 2014. To date, Penix's most notable and recent award has been the 2016 "Gold Medal Award" from Oil Painters of America 25th National Juried Exhibition, boasting a $30,000 prize. Penix currently lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.