In addition to being a widely-published, working writer, Jeff is a working painter. Jeff majored in drawing and painting at California College of the Arts in Oakland and later, studied with painters Pam Glover and now, Randall Sexton. Jeff also gains much inspiration from being around children making art.
His latest work in oils – featured below – focuses on landscapes. Jeff paints outdoors, in the wind and sun, and in the tradition of the Society of Six, a historical group of Oakland painters which included Louis Siegriest, Sheldon Connor Gile, and August Gay. Jeff’s work is characterized by strong compositions, unexpected color, and a loose, painterly style.
Jeff is currently Visiting Artist at the Cedarburg Bog, near Cedarburg, Wisconsin, the site of a University of Wiscconsin-Milwaukee Field Station. Jeff visited the Bog in October of 2021 and May and October of 2022 in order to create a body of 25 plein-air landscape paintings for a solo exhibition at the Cedarburg Cultural Center. The exhibit, curated by Jeanette Gabyrs, and titled, Seasons of Change at the Cedarburg Bog: Paintings by Jeff Kunkel, opens on Friday, April 21st, 2023, in the evening and extends through June 4, 2023. All paintings will be for sale, and a portion of the money will go toward the work of the Field Station and Friends of the Cedarburg Bog.
Most of Jeff’s landscape paintings are 14″ by 18″ or 16″ by 20″
If you are interested in an Oakland studio visit or buying a painting, please contact Jeff at jkkunkel@gmail.com
