Gretchen Kirstel, Art History

Gretchen has been an artist all of her life.  She started making paper dolls and illustrating books she wrote when just a child.  As a teenager, she tried paint by the number and her mother commissioned her to create a logo for her business.  Painting became a source of pleasure for her as she began to use oils to copy pictures in magazines and art books.  As a teacher, for over thirty years, she taught art within her classroom.  Early in her career, Gretchen studied with artists in California and began to develop her style of painting.  She also worked with charcoal, pencil, pen and ink,watercolor, and acrylics along with oil paints.  On her artistic journeys, after moving to Colorado Springs, she began to create original works of art.  She painted using photographs she took, used live models for portraits, and began introducing "immediacy" into her art while painting outdoors. Encouraged by other artists, she explored the use of pastels as practice paintings, and soon was able to create fine works of art in pastels. Her portraits have become unique in their style.  Some reflect the passions of the model, some include animals or scenery they have loved,and in some the model is part of a larger landscape which may tell story or express dreams.  Besides a variety of medium,Gretchen also enjoys exploring many subjects, which include portraits,landscapes, and abstract works.  On this web site you will be able to view and learn more about each of her works.