Arthur Kvarnstrom
Arthur Kvarnstrom · Source: New York Artists Circle · Rights retained by the original rights holders
- Medium
- Watercolor
- Based in
- Wind Gap, Pennsylvania
- Practice
- Painting, Works on Paper
Arthur Kvarnstrom draws inspiration from his many teachers over the years, as well as from other painters. Rembrandt is a perennial favorite, as are Fairfield Porter and Lois Dodd who have vindicated his commitment to pa… Full biography
Biography
Arthur Kvarnstrom draws inspiration from his many teachers over the years, as well as from other painters. Rembrandt is a perennial favorite, as are Fairfield Porter and Lois Dodd who have vindicated his commitment to painting the world around him.
Art has always been part of Arthur's life. After high school, he attended Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, New York, majoring in Liberal Arts, and signing up for all the art classes.
At this point, making art didn't seem a viable way to spend a life, never mind making a living. It certainly wasn’t within the realm of possibility according to his parents. Not knowing what to do next, he spent several years floundering, including a stint in the Navy.
A move to Tucson Arizona in 1968, and a subsequent decision to return to College at the University of Arizona proved momentous. During the next decade, he immersed himself in art education, learning to draw and paint. With the help and encouragement of his teachers Douglas Denniston, Bruce McGrew, and Joseph O’Sickey, Arthur made rapid progress. He earned a BFA from the University of Arizona and an MFA from Kent State.
Arthur's early work was based on direct observation, which has not changed. What has changed is his intent. During his student years and for some time following, his objective was to accurately draw or paint what he saw. In the last several years, his intent has evolved to focus on marks and abstract shapes and rhythms.
Arthur now lives and works in Wind Gap, Pennsylvania.
Artist statement
My watercolor paintings embody qualities that are increasingly important to me. They rely on relationships of simplified form and space while employing color as a means of expression and communication. The Dunnfield Creek series, painted over a period of several years represents my interpretation of abstract shapes found in this particular landscape.
Additionally, painting on location provides a thorough immersion in nature, an experience that informs the painting. The natural world is alive and wondrous. Being present in nature is a spiritual experience that I share through painting. Painting is a meditation on nature akin to poetry – haiku in painting.
