[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][mk_fancy_title tag_name=”h3″ size=”20″ font_family=”none”]Artist Information[/mk_fancy_title][vc_wp_text]

P: (856) 327-4594
Contact Artist

Artist Website[/vc_wp_text][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”725,726,727,716″][mk_gallery][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_wp_text]I will be available for portrait commissions after September 2011. I have an artist’s blog/running commentary on my work that is now into its third year. http://kirchner-livingartist.blogspot.com

My early childhood was spent in North Jersey; art was a part of my life- my grandparents encouraged, and my mother and father painted. I completed my first oil painting at the age of five and promptly sat on it in my Dr. Dentons. My family moved to Cumberland County when I turned eleven and I studied art all through my schooling, but I graduated Millville Senior High with the intentions of becoming a marine biologist. I have always loved the water and its environment as well.

My passion for art won a few years later and I entered Glassboro State College at the age of 21, studying painting with Joseph Tishler and art history with Fred Adelson from 1981 to 1986. I also worked for a time as the Slide Librarian for the art history department and Rodney Gates. I left in 1986 to raise a family and returned to now Rowan University in 1992, studying painting with Joseph Tishler and Dan Chard, and printmaking with Herb Appelson, receiving my BA in 1997. The Rowan profs are some of my fastest friends and mentors to this day.

In the interim between the college studies, I followed my nose back to the water and became a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 34, Millville. I pursued an education there, receiving certification as a Weather Specialist, Advanced Navigator and Public Education Officer and patrolled the Maurice River.

I now live a block and a half away from the river. Since 2007 I have combined my love of art and water with an extensive study of the Maurice River landscape. It began with sketches in pencil, pastel, watercolor and photography, resulting in a full blown oil painting series that has continued into studies in monoprints. The Atlantic City Press covered my documentation and work in a feature color Life article, “Through An Artist’s Eyes” in August 2009. My work centered on traditional realism in the past; since studying the river I have turned to expressionist realism. I love color and the free application of paint.

I dabble with photography and digital art, I also love to explore!

I belong in private collections throughout the States and have participated in over 40 exhibitions through New Jersey, New York City and New York State since 1992. I am quite involved with the Riverfront Renaissance Center of the Arts as a volunteer, Art Consultant and Center Member Artist, and have taught art to PAL, SHINE, and Silver Run Scools. I am currently enjoying a printmaking studio at the Center.[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]