Sherri
Kelcourse attended Southeastern Mass. University, earning a fine
arts degree with an emphasis on illustration. She worked as
advertising illustrator for 1 year in Massachusetts and another 10
years in L.A.
She has turned her focus to painting her surroundings. Sherri
combines her affinity for figurative work with an appreciation for
the beauty in nature: “I seek to convey something of the scene that
first caused me to stop and take it in; often being that connection,
the relationship between people and their surroundings.
I am continually humbled by the mastery of color, form, and design
so evident before me. It is all an indication of the complexity of
the One who thought it up and then brought it to fruition. “
Though much of my work focuses on people, I can’t ignore the
influence a varied California landscape has had in my paintings.
Most of the vineyard paintings are intentionally not specific
vineyards. They are influenced by visits to wineries throughout
northern California. When not painting on location, I work out of a
rented studio at the Bothwell Center. The Bothwell has been dubbed
an “incubator” for the arts. It is an affiliate of the Livermore
Valley Performing Arts Center, (LVPAC) and the Bankhead theatre. The
space is conducive to creativity. Often heard in the background are
sounds of violin students playing, accompanied by instructors on
violin or piano. Next to the studio area is a small theatre where
musicians sometimes play and performers rehearse for upcoming plays
and light opera.
Sherri has received numerous awards including, “Best in Oil
Category”, Livermore / 07 Alameda County Fair, Plein Air
Competition, 2nd place
Pleasanton Civic Arts Commission, Award for Artistic Excellence:
“Three Workers depicts, in charming style, the viticultural heritage
that is such an important part of our Valley. Three Workers
represents fine artistic vision, skill and an accomplished painterly
technique. The work also represents an artist’s connection and love
for the environment and community.” City of Pleasanton
10% of my profits will be donated to aid a village in Paarl, South
Africa through Monte Christo Ministries and Hands across the Waters.
A portion of my work will occasionally be donated to
www.goodforart.etsy.com , a site developed to help fund the sold
project. This project deals with the issue of modern day slavery and
the exploitation of children. For more info. on their work and the
current film project go to WWW.THESOLDPROJECT.COM or visit my site
at www.sherrikelcourse.com and follow the “sold” link at the bottom
of my home page.