“Pink Barn,” 11″ x 14″, oil on canvas, Code RESK5, $975
Shelby Keefe is a contemporary impressionistic painter, teacher and performance artist. Born in Whitewater, WI in 1958, she graduated in 1981 with a BFA from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI. After retiring from a career in graphic design, she now operates her own art studio and exhibition space in Bay View, on the south side of Milwaukee. Her award-winning urban landscape paintings have earned her participation in prestigious national juried shows and arts festivals as well as garnering commission work for a variety of corporate clients and private collectors. Her oil paintings are found in collections such as The Bradley Foundation, Acuity, Northwestern Mutual, Ozaukee Country Club; WE Energies; Foley & Lardner; Habush, Habush and Rottier, SC; Cook & Franke, SC; and other businesses around Milwaukee, and in private collections around the nation.
Artist Statement
Technique and Intention
Impressionist oil paintings on stretched canvas that utilize a vibrant acrylic under painting
Impressionist Oil Painter
I consider myself to be a contemporary Impressionist specializing in architectural subjects, whether it be urban or rural landscapes. I use my own photographs as reference as well as painting “en plein air”. I intend to put the viewer in the scene; transporting them to the location and transforming their mood in a positive way through color and composition. I’m attracted to scenes where the subjects are dramatically lit. This adds a vibrancy and a sense of immediacy to the paintings. I like to apply the oils freely and liberally over brilliant acrylic under paintings, creating a subtle juxtaposition of contrasting colors that vibrate and excite the eye. I believe that a work of art has a longer lasting “wall life” if the viewer continually finds something new in the work and the paint is allowed to do the “talking.”
Teacher & Performance Artist
I am committed to furthering my growth as an artist and also to share my vision and techniques with the larger community. I teach that making art, being around art, and thinking creatively is essential for human fulfillment and quality of life. I believe that ALL people have creativity within–no matter what their experience with art-making. My contribution as a teacher and artistic coach involves direct and individualized instruction to all levels of experience with focus on doing painting demonstrations and “performance art”.
Shelby Keefe