Speaking with Thomas Kegler makes you want to run out into nature
and see what he sees. His descriptions are breathtaking and his art is even
more so. His work is truly transformative in how he captures moments you didn’t
think could be captured. Kegler began painting at a young age as a hobby, over
time he worked in graphic design then was drawn towards teaching fine arts.
Growing up in a large family that celebrated the arts, Kegler and his siblings
have gone into arts related fields. In 2008 came the catalyst for his career, he
received the Hudson River Fellowship. The Hudson River Fellowship was founded
by a group of artists including Jacob Collins and our very own Edward Minoff allowing
Kegler to observe other artists and expand his technique as a painter. The
experience has allowed him to find the focus he was missing and the skills to
immerse completely into painting nature rain or shine, to become the artist he
is today.
Q&A with Thomas Kegler
How
did you first become involved in the arts?
Kegler: My
family background, I’m one of nine. I’m the second youngest, seven boys and two girls. In high school art wasn’t offered. Luckily I was exposed to art through
my family, they valued the arts. My family was involved in a hunting company
which allowed me to be exposed to nature. This background has really been reflected
in my career to where I am today.
What
are your strongest influences in your art?
Kegler: The
number one is definitely nature. I describe myself as self taught, all you need
for this is nature and time to understand your surroundings. It makes it a more
valuable experience. As for other artists… George Inness’ work, how through his
experiences he evolved his tremendous knowledge so that he could paint from
memory. That makes a point that you can paint from an understanding, like he
painted from his memory.
You
have a landscape painting workshop coming up in July, how long have you been
doing landscape workshops and what do they involve?
Kegler:
Probably 5 or 6 years. My background is in education. I love teaching; my
hometown in Western New York is a nurturing place for the arts. The art
community contacted me for critiques or lectures and evolved into the teaching
I do now. I do still life and landscape workshops so the location varies. The
number of students varies also, depending on the workshop. The time also varies
they can range from 1 day to as long as 10 days. I try to do four workshops a
year total.
On
your website you offer an instructional DVD about your painting methods. What
inspired you to create an instructional DVD?
Kegler: I
wanted to share not only what I have learned and how I do what I do, but also
show how to appreciate nature. In this new generation there is such an
involvement with technology, I want this new generation to also appreciate
nature.
What
do you do to submerse yourself in nature?
Kegler: I
can find beauty in the most mundane places. I think that I could go anywhere
and find something to interest me. I’m always looking for something that people
may pass by. I feel that I don’t have to work hard to find the places that I
paint. Every location really has something to offer. The beauty of nature is
that it’s not mundane; there is always something to see.
Do
the materials you use make a big difference to you?
Kegler: Yes,
I believe they do. I believe every artist has their favorite materials. I’m a
big fan of lead primed linen. Paints I’m less specific, I use more colors than
most painters. At times I will have at least 20 colors out, I may only use 5
but I like to have them available to me. Brushes, my materials are constantly changing;
currently I really like Rosemary brushes. The mediums I use are Natural
Pigments out of California. Basically a micro-brew of materials based on old
masters recipes.
Your
work is so visually striking, are you painting strictly realistic scenes or a
combination of scenes and experiences?
Kegler: I
think the word, interpret is the best word to use. In my field work I try to do
it exactly as I see it. My studio work has more liberties using a combination
of my field study and my memory. I think that ultimately I am striving for a
poetic statement for my paintings. I am trying to interpret my memory. A key to
a strong painting is simplification since the elements in nature are constantly
changing that is very important.
How
do you pick the titles for your works and how do they relate to the biblical
references you give them?
Kegler: The
titles are often a reference to a time of day or location or mood. They are my
personal connection to the work. The best way to explain the biblical
references is to give the viewer a reference to the work. A lot of
commonalities and life lessons to be learned. Very rarely are they meant to be
literal, more an invitation to understand my work. I want the viewer to make
their own connection.
How
much of a role does religion play in the creation of your works?
Kegler: I’m
a spiritual person. It’s infused in my life, the way I carry myself, the way I
do my paintings, my background. It’s a nod to my religion. Every time I’m in
nature it’s a spiritual experience for me, and I hope that I am able to catch
that with my paintbrush.
To see more of Thomas Kegler's work visit our locations in Greenwich, CT; Nantucket, MA; and New York, NY or online at www.cavaliergalleries.com
