Shelby Keefe's Gallery 

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

Artist Statement

Technique and Intention

Impressionist oil paintings on stretched canvas that utilize a vibrant  acrylic underpainting

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 underpaintings, 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