Cheryl Kampe Fine Art

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Watercolors, Oils, Pastels, Acrylics by Cheryl Kampe

Recent Works

"Scratching The Surface" - My Current Show

After a trip to Japan I was in awe with the beauty and aesthetics of everyday objects. A twig and a flower arranged to highlight simple beauty. The philosophy of less is more. The constant use of negative space, the packaging, their use of pattern and their calligraphy all represent art as part of everyday life.

When working on this new series I felt I needed to use these ideas. I decided to use oil paint and cold wax on wood panels, using an assortment of tools to apply the layers of paint and to scrape areas to show additional texture and color.

I started with the bold calligraphy-type shapes using layers to create textures that are visible in the negative areas. Using cold wax I discovered that scrapping back added new dimensions to the composition. This discovery allowed this series to evolve in a more abstract direction As in Jazz music, abstract painting uses improvisation to weave familiar concepts and materials to achieve original and fresh results.

Cheryl Kampe

My Art

I started painting with watercolors using a variety of subject matter.  From my earliest efforts in painting I have sought to develop my skills with the medium and to bring out distinctive characteristics of the subject.  After moving to Pacific Grove, CA, the surrounding area provides an incredible range of material. The mood and character of the Central Coast provides a major inspiration for my work.   I seek to use a combination of detail and abstract regions to produce a painting that appears photorealistic from a modest distance, yet on closer view is abstract over large areas and in perfect harmony with the more realistic elements. 

A series of more realistic watercolors called "As I See It" included many of the Trees plus several Coastal Scenes in my galleries.  Those led to a series of abstract paintings called "Elements of Nature". Though this form was new for me, these paintings are also inspired by the same aspects of the coast, especially the waves meeting the shore in an endless variety of patterns and moods.  I am pleased to have received 1st place at the Los Gatos show for my painting titled "The Wave".

I began to paint in different media to get different effects — acrylics allow a more abstract and textured element such as the Urban Landscapes.  Pastels bring a softer feeling and a tactile experience for many of my Coastal Scenes and Familiar Surroundings.  Oils have been the perfect medium for California Landscapes. Recently, I have focused on oils and plein air painting. In a sense, it is a return to the classic elements of painting - form, values, and color based on traditional techniques. Once more I find the Monterey Central Coast the perfect source of inspiration.

Coming Shows

Featured Artist, March 2020, Venture Gallery, Monterey (Gallery currently closed per State health directives.)

Open Studio Tour, May 9 - 10, 2020, at the studio in Pacific Grove. Postponed

Los Altos Rotary - Fine Art in the Park, May 16 - 17, 2020.  Postponed to August 28-29.