Shelby Keefe

Shelby Keefe

Shelby Keefe paints in a bold brush, realistic style uniquely her own. Living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she earned a BFA in 1981 then embarked upon a career as a graphic designer. She became a full-time fine artist in 2005 and now travels around the country painting in plein air painting competitions, teaching workshops, and producing work for her galleries and corporate clients in her Milwaukee studio.

Various States of 1800

Her unique style has become noticed nationally, having been published in Southwest Art and Plein Air Magazines–both being honored as the cover artist. A consistent award winner, Shelby has been invited to participate in museum shows, top-tiered plein air competitions and serves as faculty for the annual Plein Air Convention and Expo. Shelby is a Signature Member of Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society and American Women Artists and has gallery representation at at Oh-Be-Joyful Gallery in Crested Butte, CO and Fine Line Designs in Door County, WI.

These Old Bones

I am passionate about drawing and depicting my subjects with honesty as well as expressiveness. My goal is to create a fresh perspective to the recognizable world without being predictable or mundane. Being comfortable at rendering in oil paint, I enjoy tackling complex subjects from cityscapes to the figure in the ala prima method of wet on wet.  Utilizing a vibrant underpainting technique of complimentary colors, my oil paintings are complex, but not overly-worked. As I continue to grow as a representationalist painter, I plan to develop my ability to say more with less.”

“Go with the Flow – Bold Brush Painting in Plein Air and the Studio” with Renown Inspirational Instructor Shelby Keefe
Workshop at the Casa – February 4 – 11, 2023
Click to see details of this Workshop

See more of Shelbys’ work on her website:
www.ShelbyStudio.com