William Vincent Kirkpatrick: Modern Impressionist
Beginning next month, Baterbys Art Gallery will honor the life and work of American artist William Vincent Kirkpatrick by hosting an exhibit featuring his art. Visitors will be dazzled by the artist’s paintings which include serene landscapes, dynamic portraits, and fine still life images.
Kirkpatrick was born in St Augustine in 1939 into a creative family; his mother was an artist and his father played several musical instruments. He had aspirations to become an artist at an early age, and he even won his first art contest at age 10. He moved from Florida to New Mexico in 1956 and fell in love with the landscape. While there, he not only received inspiration from the land, but also from artist and writer Alfred Morang. From Morang, he learned the techniques of the French Impressionists which would become hallmarks of his own style. Travel also played a large role in Kirkpatrick’s life. He visited places such as Mexico, the Bahamas, Africa, Ireland, Russia, Greece, and China, and he created artwork based on his travels. Eventually, he moved back to Florida where he died in his Vero Beach home in 2004.
Kirkpatrick is often called an American Impressionist because he adapted methods from the French Impressionists. From Morang, he learned the essential elements of their technique. He discovered how to apply colors next to each other to suggest subtle shifts in shadow and light. Like the French Impressionists, he used quick brushstrokes to suggest the essence of a place instead of its details. Additionally, he applied his paint in layers to create texture and add dimension to his work. Although, he is best known for his landscape paintings, Kirkpatrick focused his attention on other subjects as well. He also painted captivating portraits and detailed floral scenes and still lifes.
Modern Impressionists, an exhibit featuring Kirkpatrick’s work, will begin May 8th and continue until June 20th. All the works on display will be available for purchase. The artist’s work rarely goes on view to the public, so do not miss your chance to see his stunning paintings.