Chris Chapman
Chris is known for her plein air landscapes
and native botanicals.
She has been exhibiting professionally for over 30 years
working in watermedia, pastels and oils. Born in Pasadena in
1950, living at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, her
bonds with nature and creative expression were forged very early.
She was an explorer by horseback, especially after her family
moved to the western outskirts of the San Fernando Valley.
After studies at University of Oregon, UC Santa Barbara, and
Santa Barbara Community College, her artistic livelihood was
realized.
Combining conservation with art, Chris
and artist husband John Iwerks lived and painted on the Gaviota
Coast from 2000 to 2013.
As the first preserve managers at Arroyo Hondo Preserve they
made lasting contributions while also teaching art classes at
Santa Barbara Community College.
Now Chris and John live and paint nearby in the beautiful Santa
Ynez Valley.
Chris is a member of the Oak Group, a Santa Barbara based group
of preservation minded painters formed in 1986.
Her work is featured in permanent installations and collections
at Ventura County Art Museum, Wildling Museum of Art & Nature,
University of CA Santa Barbara Sedgwick Reserve, Arroyo Hondo
Preserve, Descanso Botanic Gardens, and Carrizo Plain National
Monument.
She is a Signature Member of several national
pastel societies and Honorary Lifetime Member of Santa Barbara
Art Association.
"Painting is the pathway I chose for my life's work,
but it also chose me."
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