We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathleen Strukoff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathleen, why did you pursue a creative career?
I was always creative and artistic when I was growing up so I thought it was natural to pursue that in college. Once I started, I decided I needed to get a more “practical” major and ended up in business. For quite some time I put my artistic career aside while I pursued my business career. I finally realized that something key to my spirit was missing…….creating art! About 25 years ago I started slowly seeing if I could still paint and was surprised that it still excited me. About 15 years ago, I started taking workshops and then within the last 5 years I completely dove in and now devote my full time efforts to my creative career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I call myself a modern impressionist because I paint with some of the same approach as the Impressionists (Van Gogh, Bonnard, etc) but with a modern twist……I am not traditional artist. One of my collectors said: “If David Hockney and Edward Hopper had a baby, it would be you!”

Painting “alla prima” or “at the first” is what thrills me most about painting. Capturing the essence of a scene on location in one quick and energetic session when possible.. I am known for my brilliant colors and capturing the light whether it is a urbanscape or a landscape!

For me, there is nothing better than standing in Mother Nature or in the middle of a city and capturing the full sensory experience of that scene. And the feeling that maybe that scene has been like that for many years. I also love painting the forgotten motel or small scene in a remote place. I am trying to capture the feeling of nostalgia for these places and trigger an emotion for the viewer who can fill in the story in their own mind. 

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

LA: the Santa Monica pier and walking along the park by the ocean; stay way up in the Hollywood Hills and hike, make a visit to LACMA, make a stop at Olevera Street and lunch at the Grand Central Market. Dinner at the Little Door, lunch at the Beverly HIlls Hotel and sneak in a dinner at Yamashiro Hollywood.

Head to Palm Springs with a pit stop in Joshua Tree. See a drive in concert at Mon Petit Mojave, hike in the Park, ribs at Pappy & Harriets.

Then several days in Palm Springs which would include hiking, floating in the pool, art walks, lunches and dinners at several of my favorite places (Sol & Sombra the original Pony Express stop, for one), shopping at the Vintage Market, live music at one of the many venues, a bike tour of the homes of the old stars, a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum and a retro cocktail party at my house with my favorite and colorful friends. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All of the amazing art friends who I have met in the various communities I have lived in. I have learned so much from them and the amazing love and support has furthered my career and immensely enriched my life. What a fantastic community!

Website: www.kathleenstrukoff.com

Instagram: @lachicaart

Facebook: kathleenstrukoff

Youtube: @kathleenstrukoff7407

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