Enter the colorful world of artist Kathy Kehoe Bambeck, whose joyful images are created to lift the spirit. See more by visiting her website.
As a young girl growing up in Southern California, I witnessed the transformative power of Disneyland in my neighborhood and then beyond. From an early age, I found myself drawn to the world of creativity, be it drawing, piano, or ballet. On the mile plus walk to elementary school, I would sketch trees, birds and houses along the way, captivated by every detail and nuance.
Throughout my schooling, I received recognition for my artistic abilities, completing my BA degree in Art /Art History at California State University, Long Beach. Since my teenage years, I have been blessed with a constant stream of commissions, juried art shows and exhibitions. They allowed me to delve into a diverse range of artistic endeavors from detailed watercolor and pen & ink botanicals and home portraits to murals, illustrations, calligraphy, oil portraiture, gold leaf, acrylic and plein air painting.
That being said, the beauty of line drawing and detail remain my favorite medium and style. In my earliest works, I used old-school croquil pen nibs dipped in black India ink. Later I moved onto newer, less time-consuming pens attempting to recreate the wonderful expressive quality of the quill pen.
Birds, buildings, butterflies and botanicals … these are a few of my favorite things!
I recall discovering boxes filled with my childhood sketches and illustrated stories, artifacts tracing the roots of my artistic journey. My passion for art never wavered. It led me to fulfill my dream of visiting European art museums one summer in college.
Embracing my bliss, I took the leap and left my day job at age 30 to pursue art wholeheartedly. For me, art is more than just a profession; it’s an anchor and a blessed gift. Having that passion inspires me to seek the best version of myself in every way.
Art has the power to uplift, entertain, teach, and make us laugh. It opens a window to the spiritual, connecting us to a deeper realm of existence. This is reflected throughout the history of art and why I feel so passionate about the arts. I find that having a purpose leads to many added bonuses. For instance, my love for drawing and studying butterflies led me to start raising them during the pandemic.
Today I license my designs for jigsaw puzzles and other diverse products. This has been an exciting endeavor, allowing my art to reach audiences worldwide. I am humbled by the impact visual arts have on people’s lives and feel privileged to share my passion with the world.
To me, following my bliss means embracing the wonders of creation and being true to who I am. Art is a language that transcends boundaries and unites us all in the beauty of the human experience.
I am simply a happy, grateful artist, grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion and spread joy through art. Let us embrace the magic of creativity together and celebrate the world that surrounds us in all its splendor.
Kathy Kehoe Bambeck invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
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