Artist: Jeff Koehn

Born in a small Wisconsin town, Koehn's first grade teacher was prescient when she told him he would be a famous artist someday. Jeff received his formal art education from the Art Institute of Colorado, where he graduated with honors in December of 1995. While at the Art Institute, he received extensive training in pastel, oil, and acrylic painting from world-renowned artists Doug Dawson, Lynn Kircher and Dong Long. In addition, in 1995 he was awarded 1st Place in the National Creative ‘Geanie’ Student Competition.
Jeff’s style has evolved from early emphasis on photo-realism with the use of pastels in portraits. His earlier illustrative work has appeared in numerous publications. As he shifted to oil and acrylics, he has become absorbed with the excitement of color and texture, refining his paintings with dry brush techniques that lend both complexity and subtlety to his distinctive style. His influences come from Vermeer’s use of light spilling across his paintings, and also from John Singer Sargent’s lush portraits.
Koehn’s painting style is versatile enough to be described as both soft and bold simultaneously.  The bright, rich colors and strength of form bring boldness to his delicate forest scenes.  The trees seem unnaturally tall with dappled leaves traversing their height. Koehn has an ability to render the light in his artwork in an incredibly realistic way.  As the eye moves from bottom to top of each painting, the sky becomes brighter and the light seems to slowly absorb the leaves.
Jeff’s immediate and enthusiastic reception in the gallery community is undoubtedly an indication of an artist on the rise.