Coaster Artwork Artist Spotlight: Theme Park Art by Allen Greene

Welcome back to our Coaster Artwork Artist Spotlight series where we’re featuring talented artists whose artwork focuses on roller coasters, theme parks and the amusement industry. Today, we’re highlighting the art of Allen Greene.

In 2025, Allen, known online as “Theme Park Art by Allen,” turned a lifelong love of roller coasters into nostalgic watercolor scenes inspired by growing up near Kings Island. What started as personal artwork quickly resonated with fans when he debuted his pieces at Kings Island’s WinterFest event, where guests connected his paintings to their own stories.

I had the chance to interview Allen to learn more about his passion, craft and what the future may hold.

C101: What came first – the artist or the coaster enthusiast? How did those two passions intersect?

Allen: Both passions for coasters and art developed from a young age. Growing up near Kings Island, those trips shaped many of my earliest memories.

At the same time, as a kid, I loved art. I remember drawing roller coasters on the back of my schoolwork in elementary school. Theme parks and art became an intersection for me, where storytelling, nostalgia, and fun all meet.

Why watercolor specifically? What does that medium allow you to capture that others might not?

Watercolor has this unique ability to feel both precise and nostalgic at the same time. It forces you to let go a bit—you can’t control everything—which actually mirrors memory. I also like how watercolor layers are translucent, allowing the pencil line work to come through the paint and be part of the piece, giving it a fun and loose artistic style.

Our experiences in parks aren’t perfectly sharp; they’re layered with emotion, light, and atmosphere. Watercolor lets me suggest those moments rather than over-define them, which helps people step into the scene with their own memories.

Do you have any specific memories from your trips to Kings Island or other parks that have influenced your art?

I grew up going to Kings Island and Cedar Point. During my younger years, each new season meant conquering a new ride as I became brave enough and grew tall enough. These memories were filled with overcoming fears, bonding with family, and the excitement of a new ride victory. From the thrills of the coaster wars to the quiet moments walking through the parks, I have been shaped by growing up in these spaces.

While much of my work highlights the big thrill rides of today and the past, other pieces are rooted in small, specific moments—like seeing the Eiffel Tower framed just right at sunset. It’s about those in-between moments that stick with you.

On that note, has anyone shared with you a memory or story from Kings Island that your artwork evoked?

That’s honestly been one of the most meaningful parts of this. At WinterFest, people would stop and tell me about first meeting a spouse at the park, or their family park traditions, or park memories with loved ones. I loved speaking with older guests who had memories of Cincinnati’s Coney Island, riding the Shooting Star, or people whose family members had worked at Kings Island in the past. One person told me their relative had designed the floral clock when Kings Island opened. Someone else shared that a family member had worked on The Beast. People talked about riding defunct attractions like the old Sky Ride. On and on the stories would go. The artwork becomes a starting point for those stories. It’s a reminder that these places aren’t just entertainment—they’re tied to real, personal memories.

What did it feel like seeing your art for sale at WinterFest?

It was surreal. Seeing something that started as a personal creative outlet in a place like WinterFest at Kings Island—and then watching people connect with it—was incredibly humbling. I went in hoping a few people might resonate with it, and instead I got to have conversations and meet so many amazing people.

I know you offer personalized paintings. What is that process like, especially if you haven’t been to the park and don’t have the memories attached to it?

Those are some of the most meaningful projects. I spend time listening—asking questions, gathering photos, and understanding what specifically made a park moment special. I love diving into research about a park I haven’t been to before. I always enjoy taking on a custom piece.

What’s the most interesting commissioned request you’ve received?

Some of the most interesting ones are pieces of defunct rides that clients have family memories tied to. These are a lot of fun. I’ve done several that require researching an older ride or area of a park while also incorporating a client’s personal memory. These pieces are especially meaningful and touching.

What’s on the horizon for you? Are there any dream coasters, attractions or theme park scenes that you’d like to paint?

There’s a long list! Every day there’s a new piece I’d love to create. Recently, I’ve been working on pieces inspired by attractions at Cedar Point, Dollywood, and the now-closed Cincinnati’s Coney Island. I would also love to create many more Kings Island–inspired pieces. I’m currently working on a special piece celebrating the Kings Island Grand Carousel’s 100th anniversary. There are so many historically significant rides and attractions from Kings Island’s past and present, such as The Bat (1981), Screamin’ Demon, Son of Beast, and more. I would love to capture these and beyond. Longer term, I’d love to explore more parks—there are so many theme park memories to celebrate.

What is your favorite coaster at Kings Island? Outside of Kings Island?

At Kings Island, it’s hard to beat The Beast—especially at night. There’s nothing quite like it. Outside of Kings Island, I’d probably say Alpengeist at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. I have wonderful family memories of riding that coaster the year it opened. It was bigger and more intense than anything I had experienced before.

Allen’s artwork is available for purchase on his Etsy shop. See more of his work on his Facebook and Instagram pages.

Are you a creator of coaster or theme park artwork? Please contact us to discuss the possibility of featuring your work on Coaster101.

See all of our coaster artwork artist spotlights here.