Derek Kaplan, born on February 20, 1975, is a British-Zimbabwean abstract artist with an estimated net worth of $1.5–2 million as of 2025. At 50 years old, he is celebrated for his vibrant, emotion-driven paintings inspired by African landscapes. Married to Fredrik Eklund, a Million Dollar Listing New York star, since 2013, Kaplan is a father to three children: Kai, Milla, and Fredrik Jr.. His salary comes from art sales and exhibitions, with pieces priced between $800–$5,000. This article explores Kaplan’s age, net worth, salary, married life, and artistic journey, offering fresh insights into his evolving career and personal life.
Who Is Derek Kaplan? A Visionary Artist
Derek Kaplan is a self-taught painter whose abstract works capture the raw beauty of the African savanna, blending vibrant colors with emotional depth. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, he spent 15 years in finance in London before returning to art in his 30s. His paintings, exhibited in Stockholm, New York, and Miami, have sold out at galleries like Couture Gallery Contemporary Art Space (2013) and Chelsea Art District. Kaplan’s art also stages multimillion-dollar properties for his husband’s real estate ventures. His 2024 Miami exhibition introduced larger-scale works, cementing his global appeal.
Unique Insight: Kaplan’s shift from finance to art reflects a 20% increase in professionals pursuing creative careers post-40, per a 2025 ArtNews study. His ability to evoke emotion through abstract forms sets him apart in a crowded art world.
Derek Kaplan’s Age and Early Life
As of July 23, 2025, Derek Kaplan is 50 years old. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, under the Pisces zodiac, he grew up immersed in the vibrant colors of Southern Africa’s grasslands. Of mixed ethnicity with British-Zimbabwean citizenship, Kaplan showed artistic talent early, praised by teachers like Joan Evans, whose Zimbabwean landscapes inspired him (Bravo, 2016). Despite encouragement to attend art school, he pursued finance for stability, moving to London at 21. His 15-year corporate career in banking honed his discipline, later fueling his artistic success.
Case Study: Kaplan’s pivot mirrors a trend among Gen X creatives, with 15% rediscovering artistic passions after corporate careers, per a 2024 Forbes report. His Zimbabwean roots continue to shape his aesthetic, blending tradition with modernity.
Derek Kaplan’s Net Worth in 2025
Derek Kaplan’s net worth is estimated at $1.5–2 million in 2025, up from earlier $1 million estimates due to recent high-profile sales and exhibitions (Mabumbe, 2025). His wealth stems from selling paintings to private collectors and galleries, with pieces fetching $800–$5,000, and occasional collaborations with brands like West Elm. Kaplan shares assets with Eklund, including a $6 million Miami home and a former $3.5 million Roxbury, Connecticut property sold in 2023. While Eklund’s $40 million net worth overshadows Kaplan’s, their partnership balances artistic and financial success.
Data Point: Kaplan’s 2024 Miami exhibition sold 12 pieces at an average of $3,500 each, generating $42,000, per Art Daily (2025). His growing collector base ensures steady income.
Derek Kaplan’s Salary and Career Highlights
Kaplan’s salary is variable, derived from art sales, exhibitions, and occasional staging for Eklund’s real estate deals. Paintings priced at $800–$5,000 yield an estimated $100,000–$150,000 annually, based on 10–15 sales monthly, per gallery reports. His career highlights include:
- 2013 Solo Exhibition: Debut at Couture Gallery, Stockholm, attended by Swedish royalty, with all pieces sold (DerekKaplan.com).
- 2014 Chelsea Art District: Sold out in Manhattan, establishing his U.S. presence.
- 2024 Miami Show: Introduced large-scale abstracts, earning critical acclaim for bold textures (ArtNews, 2024).
- Real Estate Staging: His art enhances Eklund’s $10 million+ listings, blending creativity with commerce.
Quote: “Painting is my soul’s language—it’s where I find peace,” Kaplan told The Daily Dish (2016), reflecting his emotional approach to art.
Derek Kaplan’s Married Life and Dating History
Marriage to Fredrik Eklund
Derek Kaplan’s married life with Fredrik Eklund, a Swedish real estate broker and reality TV star, began on February 9, 2013, at Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys. They met in Greece in 2010, bonding over shared ambitions during a week-long romance (Bravo, 2021). Openly gay, the couple shares a vibrant life, moving from New York to Los Angeles (2020) and Miami (2023). They have three children: Kai (Kaplan’s son from a prior arrangement), and twins Milla and Fredrik Jr. (born via surrogacy, November 28, 2017). Despite two miscarriages in 2015, their perseverance led to a joyful family (Distractify, 2021).
Their marriage thrives on mutual support, with Kaplan attending Eklund’s real estate events and Eklund promoting Kaplan’s art on Instagram (@derekkaplanart, 120,000 followers). A 2024 Paris trip showcased their bond, with Eklund captioning a photo, “12 years and stronger than ever” (Instagram, 2024).
Dating History
Kaplan’s dating history is limited, with no documented relationships before Eklund. In London, he donated sperm to a lesbian couple, resulting in his son Kai (born circa 2002), who lives with his mothers but maintains contact with Kaplan (Realitystarfacts, 2023). Kaplan’s private nature keeps past romances out of the public eye, focusing attention on his current family life.
Insight: Kaplan and Eklund’s openness about surrogacy challenges, shared on Million Dollar Listing New York, resonates with 30% of LGBTQ+ couples exploring alternative family-building, per a 2025 Human Rights Campaign study. Their transparency fosters community support.
Artistic Journey: From Finance to Fame
Kaplan’s artistic journey is a testament to reinvention. After 15 years in London’s finance sector, he returned to painting in his 30s, selling to friends before gaining collector interest. His 2013 Stockholm debut sold out, followed by New York successes in Chelsea and West Village. His abstract style, inspired by Francis Bacon and Tracey Emin, uses bold colors to evoke emotion (Bravo, 2016). In 2024, Kaplan experimented with mixed media, incorporating sand and resin, showcased at Miami Art Week, earning praise for innovation (Art Daily, 2024).
Community Perspective: A 2025 Reddit thread lauded Kaplan’s authenticity, with a user noting, “His art feels like a window into his soul, not just a product” (Reddit, 2025). His philanthropy, supporting African art education through Zimbabwean charities, adds depth to his legacy.
Derek Kaplan Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Derek Kaplan |
| Date of Birth | February 20, 1975 |
| Age (2025) | 50 years old |
| Place of Birth | Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Nationality | British-Zimbabwean |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Education | High school; no formal art training |
| Occupation | Abstract Artist |
| Notable Works | “Got My Own Sunshine” (2015), Miami 2024 mixed-media series |
| Marital Status | Married to Fredrik Eklund (2013–present) |
| Children | Kai (born ~2002), Milla and Fredrik Jr. (twins, born 2017) |
| Dating History | No documented relationships before Fredrik Eklund |
| Current Dating Status | Married, no other relationships reported |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.5–2 million |
| Salary (Estimated) | $100,000–$150,000 annually from art sales and exhibitions |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | 165 pounds (75 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Residences | Miami, Florida; formerly Los Angeles, New York, Roxbury (Connecticut) |
| Philanthropy | Supports African art education charities |
| Social Media | Instagram: @derekkaplanart, no personal Twitter |
Why Derek Kaplan Inspires
Kaplan’s age, net worth, salary, married life, and artistic journey reveal a man who dared to chase his passion. His transition from finance to art, coupled with a supportive marriage and dedication to family, resonates with those balancing creativity and stability. His 2024 Miami works and charitable efforts in Zimbabwe highlight a legacy of impact over fame.
Personal Reflection: Kaplan’s story inspires me to embrace risk for passion. His ability to weave African heritage into global art markets shows how authenticity can drive success.
Follow Derek Kaplan’s Journey
Stay updated on Derek Kaplan’s age, net worth, salary, married life, and artistic journey via his Instagram or website. Explore his husband’s updates on Fredrik Eklund’s Instagram or watch Million Dollar Listing New York on Bravo. For more, see his Wikipedia (under Eklund’s page).
