Dee Kirkham is an accomplished artist, living in the foothills of the Lake Tahoe National Forest in Nevada and has been flourishing as a distinguished fine arts oil painter for over 40 years.  Her exceptional talent in still life, figurative and plein air has put her in the forefront of the American Art Scene, won her many awards, and given her the opportunity to share her passion with students.  Her motto is “Art is my God given passion and journey – more fulfilling and beautiful shared than alone”.

Learning from a very early age, her creative influence was inspired under the auspices of her father, who was an accomplished artist, musician and published lyricist which extended personal relationships for Dee to experience the art of Peter Hurd, Henriette and Michael Wyeth.  Dee is trained in the Old Dutch Masters style of painting with mentors such as the legendary David Leffell and Sherrie McGraw which led her to the opportunity to expand her studies at The New York Student’s Art League.  Her plein air training has been greatly influenced most notably by Jacqueline Kamin, Greg Kruetz, Kevin MacPherson, John Cosby, and John Budicin, as well as many others.  Dee is also an accomplished figurative artist with mentors Michelle Dunaway, Jeremy Lipking and Joe Todorovich.  Dee feels that the lessons learned were vital to her career and she continually strives “to always have my paintings resonate an emotion from within the viewer”.

Capturing the essence with her unique ability, Dee’s chiaroscuro and alla prima style of painting instills an abstract realism to capture the light and shadows as well as an intriguing unique style that makes her paintings valued by many collectors.  The connection between art and life is fundamental to her philosophy and the pristine setting of her natural home surroundings provide endless inspiration for her work.  She is one of those rare people who have true passion, dedication, and a gift for transposing nature’s beauty to canvas.  Her thoughts in response to a collector's question in respect to her favorite painting – “my favorite painting is my next painting.” 

Achieving national recognition, her honors are considerable and include numerous national and international juried art shows, solo and private exhibitions, as well as corporate and museum collections nationwide.  Dee maintains strong alignment with fellow artists and mentors, important artist memberships and exhibits, and gallery representation.   Responding to a colleague about her ultimate goal she indicated “is to inspire and be inspired by others and reflect that inspiration in her paintings”.

Passing on the gift of her artistic abilities, Dee is a much sought-after workshop instructor, with annual sessions offered in the United States, Canada, Italy, France and Germany.  Her inspiring style of teaching gives students the foundation and confidence to grow in their skill of establishing concepts for their paintings and much more.   Advice to her students and the ending statement of every workshop is “Keep Painting!”

Membership Affiliations:

Oil Painters of America                   
American Impressionist Society               
American Women Artists- Artist With Distinction
National Oil & Acrylic Painters
California Art Club
Society of Impressionistic Artists
Women Artists of the West – Master Signature Artist
Women Artists of America
Laguna Plein Air Painters
Southern Calif. Plein Air Painters
New Mexico Plein Air Painters
Oregon Plein Air Painters

Achievements & Awards:

2016 WAOW 45th Exhibition – 2nd Place for Show & RSHanna Gallery Award
2016 Oil Painters of American National Juried Exhibition
2015 Women Artists of the West – National Juried Exhibition- Best Still Life & Floral Award
2015 American Women Artist – 25th National Juried Exhibition
2014 Women Artists of the West – National Juried Exhibition – Merit of Excellence Award
2013 Women Artists of The West – National Juried Exhibition – Merit of Excellence Award
2013 Oil Painters of America Salon Exhibit
2013 Oil Painters of America National Exhibit
Numerous other exhibitions and awards upon request