Chris Kappmeier
 

New Jersey artist Chris Kappmeier is often seen outdoors in his local surroundings, painting arresting landscapes and cityscapes that are a tribute to the raw authenticity of his surroundings.  The Lyndhurst resident is primarily, first and foremost, a plein air painter, although he occasionally ventures into creating floral still life work in his indoor space. His thickly painted impasto pieces, often angled in unusual perspectives, are filled with a sense of vibrancy and life – buildings seem to breathe and landscapes invite gentle breezes and sunlight. 

Kappmeier studied art and design at the Newark School of Fine Arts, and has continued to work on his art as a full time pursuit.  A highlight of his career was an apprenticeship spent in Italy with Professor James McGinley.  Works from this period are clearly different from his recent paintings; however, the months in Italy provided the artist with the technical foundation and skills to progress as a full time professional artist, and influences from this time period remain evident in his work today. 

The artist focuses on being fully present in his creative process.  Kappmeier remarks that “I don’t think you can paint a cold winter scene or a hot summer day without being in it.  My art is about the feeling of the moment and is not done from pictures.  In this way, I am a part of all of my paintings.”  This sentiment exudes a truth in brushstrokes, color and perspective. 

“Art is the most important thing in my life.  I love the feel of the brush to canvas, pencil to paper, the smell of the paints and linseed oil.  I use all mediums, including crayons, markers, watercolors, pens, and pastels.”  His images are that of the every day scenes- the anxious taxi huddle, historic buildings in the afternoon sun, simple street scenes. 

The commonplace becomes uncommon in his images. 

Chris Kappmeier currently resides in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.