Gretchen Klug

My Door County home is nestled in the woods perched atop the craggy bluffs overlooking Green Bay. My daily trek from my front door to my foliage draped studio is like walking through one of my paintings. Along the path are the trees and flowers I love so much. In the woods, I find inner peace and the natural tranquility of the changing seasons as well as an endless source of subject matter. I strive to capture the light and mood of the forest and get my inspiration from my “walk in the woods.”

In the initial stages of my paintings, I apply a thin layer of paint with a brush to establish the composition. Next I apply a heavy layer of oil paint with a palette knife which gives me the ability to add depth and dimension and create a unique surface quality. This vibrant collection of paintings is constructed with harmonious color and complex color progressions. The painting process is like building with blocks of color, and with this variety and variation of color there is interest as well as an inner glow. 

Sailboats and florals are constructed with solid values and shapes, and with a central focus of light. The trunk of a tree is mirrored in the mast of a sailboat or the stem of a flower. The leaves of a tree are mirrored in the petals of a flower, and the light in the sun-smacked waves are mirrored in the sky. I paint things I know and love. I don’t just paint what I see, but add to it what I feel. Being able to paint and create is my blessing. I am living my passion. 

Gretchen began her career with a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1973. Upon graduation she became a commercial artist for Lenox Candle Co. and soon became Design Director for the company. With an independent spirit, she then began a freelance/consulting business. In the mid 80’s she worked as a commissioned artist for Interior Designers until 2003. Then she became determined to follow her real love, painting. 

The journey was started as she began painting with regional artists and artist Jove Wang. When Gretchen saw a painting by Robert Moore at a Gallery in Oregon, she found the artist she wanted to study with, and began working with Robert, a modern day master colorist in Arizona, and at his studio in Idaho. Her best teachers have been and will continue to be practice and patience. There is no better teacher than just doing it. 

I love to paint, and I try to make my paintings show that love.  Oil paint is the perfect medium for me – it is expressive, offers surprises, is wonderfully messy, offer texture, produces wonderful color, and a sophisticated result.

When I paint, I forget myself and react directly to what is occurring on the canvas.   I try to think of nothing and let the painting speak to me. I look for the magic that makes a painting sing!  I start with an idea, ruff in the shapes with color, and begin responding to what is happening.  I allow the painting to take on a life of it’s own.

I feel freedom when I paint, and reflect that in my work. I paint the essence of a subject, not the details.