Q&A – Questions & Artists: Gretchen Klug

Gretchen Klug displays her painting, “Bay to Bay,” the cover image of “Door County Living’s” 2012 Philanthropy Issue.

Gretchen Klug’s paintings, on display at Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek, showcase the natural beauty surrounding her: the forests, the water, and one of her favorite subjects, sailboats.

Raised in Horicon, Wis., Klug states that growing up near Rock River and Horicon Marsh “sparked my appreciation of nature.” Klug and her husband Bill now live in Door County where she never tires of the inspiring landscape.

Recognized for her appreciation of the Door County landscape, Klug will display artwork for The Ridges Sanctuary Invitational at Link Gallery in Fish Creek from July 1 – Aug. 2 as well as the Miller Art Museum in Sturgeon Bay for The Door County Land Trust’s exhibit, “This Land is Your Land,” on display Nov. and Dec.

Klug has also donated her time and talent for charity by offering her painting “Bay to Bay” as the cover for Door County Living’s recent Philanthropy Issue. The painting will be auctioned off and all proceeds will go to the Door County charity of the winning bidder’s choice.

Randy Rasmussen (RR): Most artists that I have interviewed over the past few years always started creating at an early age. Do you remember your first drawing and how old you were when it was done?

Gretchen Klug (GK): I created my first real drawings at four years old. I loved horses and loved the book Black Beauty. I wanted a horse, but my parents decided against that idea. So I drew and drew them. My mother showed me some of those drawing she had saved and was surprised how good they were. I had drawn the horses with an awareness of anatomy and design. They definitely were not the stick drawings of a child.

When I was a little older, I arranged a studio in the basement where I could pretend I was a real artist. Guess I always knew what I was going to do with my life.

RR: What was your favorite class in high school?

GK: Art of course! I had a wonderful art teacher in high school who encouraged me to follow my artistic education. Our school had modular scheduling, much like a college, so I was able to concentrate on my electives in art.

RR: How would you describe your current work?

“View from the Hill” showcases one of Klug’s favorite subjects, sailboats.

GK: My current work is joyous! I am hardworking and passionate about my work – I’d much rather be doing art than anything else. I believe I have to dig into my very soul to paint. I have to go way beyond technique. I paint with my whole heart.

RR: How many colors are you currently using?

GK: I use about 13 colors regularly, but usually not all in the same painting. I begin a painting with a limited palette, then build on that. I believe colors are not separate or individual – they must function together. I do not match the color of my subject – I look for the relationships among the colors and establish that order throughout.

RR: Do you have a favorite spot to paint in Door County?

GK: I have discovered the importance of pairing my studio time with my outdoor time. I do most of my paintings in my studio, but spend countless hours outside gathering ideas, remembering colors, observing light effects, and scenes.

I can’t limit myself to just one favorite place to paint in Door County. I have so many places I love. I never get tired of driving around the county, and spending time in the wonderful parks. I prefer early morning and late afternoon for the wonderful shadows and colors.

RR: What is the one thing you are totally sure of in your work?

GK: One thing I am totally sure of in my work is that I will continue to paint for my lifetime. I find it so interesting and rewarding. I am blessed to have something that I love so much.

RR: Who are your three favorite painters?

GK: My three favorite painters are Cezanne, Van Gogh, and Monet. Of course I love Nicolai Fechin, Sergei Bongart, and the Russian Impressionists.

RR: Who is the one instructor that has had the greatest influence on your work?

“The Glory of the Forest”

GK: The one mentor that has the most influence on my work is Robert Moore – a great artist and teacher. I have studied with Moore in workshop settings from 2007 – 2012. He has brought back to me the principles of painting while helping me to develop my own distinctive style.

RR: In your opinion what makes a great painting?

GK: It has been said a great painting begins like a sunrise. Start with simple masses first, then let the sun come higher and break these major masses into subordinate light and shadow patterns. It communicates clear information and allows the viewer to enjoy the experience of the painting. Then it needs some magic!

A great painting is planned but has something about it that is spontaneous and exciting. It has energy and pulls the viewer in for a closer look!

RR: How has your work evolved over the past 10 years?

GK: Over the past 10 years, I have become better at communicating the visual language of space and form. I continue to cultivate my gifts, style and work ethic as an impressionistic painting. I am having a great time!

Edgewood Orchard Galleries is open daily May through October. View Klug’s work at http://www.edgewoodorchard.com. For more information call 920.868.3579.