About the Artist

Artist Statement 

I am Bobbie Puttrich, and through my art, I strive to encapsulate the joy and wonder of the creative process. Each stroke and hue on my canvas echoes my innermost feelings, shaped by the rich tapestry of my personal history. My cultural heritage is woven into the themes I explore, while the adversities I've faced fuel my drive to create. My education has provided me with a framework of techniques that I employ to give voice to my experiences, which deeply inform the subject matter of my work.

The joy of creation is my cardinal motivation; it is an integral part of my being. I sense a profound emptiness when not creating as if neglecting a vital part of my soul. In my work, you will find an array of themes—from the natural environment to the complex web of human emotions and relationships and abstract musings on time and memory. Through these themes, I seek to impart joy and delight, the same that I experience in the act of creation.

I turn to traditional mediums for their timeless appeal, allowing me to bridge the classic and the modern. My journey as an artist has been one of continuous evolution, as I have developed more intricate themes and refined my style, honed through years of practice, with a focus on the human condition.

The Impressionists, with their masterful play of color, have left an indelible mark on my work, as have the innovative methods of contemporary artists, the Russian School and the revered techniques of classical masters. These influences mingle with my consciousness, infusing my art with a sense of history and evolution.

With my art, I aspire to inspire thought and provoke a sense of beauty and harmony. I aim to represent significant emotional moments, offering the viewer a portal to personal expression and exploration. I desire those who encounter my work to feel a deep emotional connection, revel in the beauty, and ponder the narratives woven within.

The stories behind my current works are subtly informed by personal experiences, the beauty of natural landscapes and urban scenes, and philosophical and literary inspirations. Being an artist means embarking on a fulfilling personal journey, pursuing a lifelong passion, and committing to exploring the depths of my creativity.

Throughout my artistic journey, I've overcome personal obstacles, adding a spectrum of colors to my narrative. My approach to creation is thoughtful and spontaneous, allowing for intuitive expression and careful planning. This process is an amalgamation of a profession, a personal passion, and a therapeutic practice, occasionally sparking moments of social engagement.

I hope my art contributes to a greater understanding of life's rich emotional tapestry and preserves traditional art forms. I'm also intrigued by mapping one's life, offering insights into the personal journey through visual narratives.

Inspiration for my work springs from nature, urban landscapes, personal interactions, and other art forms, including music, literature, and dance. Personal trauma often leaves a profound imprint on my creations. Looking ahead, I seek to delve deeper into the themes I am currently exploring.

The most rewarding moments in my artistic career are those of transcendence—when the art seems to create itself, and I feel a divine connection with the spirit. I handle criticism as a learning opportunity, remaining steadfast in my artistic vision.

For emerging artists, I advise persistence, dedication, experimentation, and staying true to one's vision while building a supportive community. My work has no misunderstood aspects; instead, I invite interpretation and personal connection.

Artists Bio

Bobbie Puttrich doesn't just paint; she captures fleeting moments bathed in nature's ethereal dance of light and shadow. Her passion for plein air art and studio artwork emerges from her profound connection with the natural world and the emotions it stirs. Each canvas she touches becomes a portal, inviting onlookers to immerse themselves in a snapshot of time, evoking the same tranquility and joy she feels during her creative process.

From the vastness of landscapes to the intimacy of portraits and the elegance of still life, Bobbie's essence flows into every brushstroke. Her artistry is renowned for its vibrant hues and bold strokes, a testament to her dedication and evolution as an artist.

A proud alumnus of the American Academy of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago, Bobbie continually refines her craft, drawing inspiration from contemporary artists like Daniel Keys and Kathy Anderson. She continues the Russian Academy teachings having studied with Eugene Hall who was an apprentice to Russian painter Alexander Zlatoff Mirski, who in turn was a student of Russian Master Ilya Repin. Her masterpieces grace the walls of the esteemed Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Art, and has previously exhibited with Evergreen & Fairview Studio and various galleries nationwide. 

‘In the delicate interplay of light and shadow, I find that my muse, Nature, with its quiet magnificence, beckons me to translate its tales onto canvas. Using a palette of vibrant hues and deliberate brushstrokes, I aim to convey the serenity and elation that nature gifts me. From sweeping landscapes to the intimacy of portraits and creative explorations, my work invites viewers into a world where each piece resonates with the profound beauty of the natural world. Join me in this exploration, and together, let's find a moment of reverence in the everyday.” 

Bobbie Puttrich finds something deeply sacred in the act of painting. Travel feeds her curiosity and quiets the noise of daily life, letting her reconnect with beauty, memory, and meaning. It’s in these settings, brush in hand and soul open, that Bobbie feels most fully alive.  As for travel it isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about entering into them with the eyes and heart of an artist. Whether standing at the edge of a quiet stream in France or capturing the glow of a her village at dusk, Bobbie uses painting as a way to absorb and respond to the world around her. She loves how painting on location demands presence—how the light moves and shifts, and the moment won’t wait.

 Education

American Academy of Art, Chicago Illinois
Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Illinois
Evanston Art Center, Evanston Illinois

Palette an Chisel Club, Chicago
  
Studied sculpture with  Lincoln Fox, Tuck Langland, Rosalind Cook and Sheila Oettinger.
Studied painting with John Traynor, Mary Qian, Clayton Beck, John Budicin, Marcia Burtt, Eugene Hall, Carol Marine, Ray Roberts, Elizabeth Tolley, Kathie Odom, Eugene Hall, Kathy Anderson, Daniel Keys and Matt Ryder.

Selected Events

 The Palette & Chisel Gold Medal Show
The Plein Air Painters of Chicago Show at The Palette and Chisel
Union League Club Chicago National Day of Prayer Exhibit 
Passion Art Walk, Barrington Illinois 
Willow Creek Creative Gallery
The Fields Project, Ogle County Illinois Plein Air Event 
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens Paint Out, Winter Park Florida  
Prairie Center for the Arts Plein Air Festival and Paint Out, Schaumburg Illinois
6" Squared Show Randy Higbee Gallery Costa Mesa California 
People Places and Things  Show, Arlington Heights Memorial Library 
Snow Show at Studio 21 South North Adams Massachusetts 
Artists in Action Exhibit and Demonstration at Art Conference 
Juna Amagara Art Auction 
Scottsdale Artists School Best and Brightest Show
The Studio at the Creek Show
Pulling Lines Show at Bill Parks Gallery 
Sculpture Show and Sale at Evanston Art Center 

Demo's for KVAL Artist Group

Affiliations
The Palette & Chisel Club
American Women Artists
Oil Painters of America
American Impressionist Society