Keith Haller Studio -- About the Artist

Artist Statement Bio Painting Approach Education Awards Contact Information Dedication

I have enjoyed every minute that I have spent at the art table--beginning with crayons, and continuing to watercolor and oil paints today. Every painting seems a miracle and provides a wonderful, fresh, reason to be alive.

BIOGRAPHY

Keith A. Haller Born September 11, 1960

Keith was born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri. He spent most weekends of his youth on a family farm in rural mid-Missouri, a small town named Freeburg. His parents preferred the country life and traveled there with the family every weekend.

On the farm, Keith developed a fondness for nature, fishing, hunting, and animals, and this interest inspired him to make his first paintings. During his high-school years, fishing and hunting magazines routinely posted wildlife painting images on their covers. Keith was captivated by these images, and he desired to have them on his own walls. With this goal in mind, he persuaded his Mom to purchase acrylic paints and canvas. Keith still remembers fondly the excitement and enthusiasm he felt upon buying those first painting supplies.

These first attempts at painting were quite successful, despite a lack of training. Most importantly, his paintings were highly praised by his family. Due to this encouragement, he continued painting through his late teens, moving on to landscapes and other subjects.

In college, he studied computers and business, leaving little time for art. Although he was quite fond of both, he did not stray from art for long. In his late twenties, he rediscovered his passion for art. He has been painting ever since.

PAINTING APPROACH

Keith's primary painting approach is to paint from life. With the subject before him, he can observe it fully, from all sides and with all senses. He can see the color in the shadow, and feel the wet of spring. He considers this approach essential to his work.

Keith's work purposefully includes a wide variety of subjects and mediums, the challenge continually extending his artistic reach.

To compliment and narrate his paintings, Keith maintains a painting journal. For each painting, he records a summary of place as well as the inspiration source.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Keith is a member of the Missouri Plein Air Painters Association, the Mid-America Plein Air Painters Association, and the Saint Louis Watercolor Society.

Keith is primarily a self-taught artist. He has read many art instruction and art history books, and he considers many artists to be his mentor. In particular, Keith has been influenced by the work of Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Robert Wade, Irving Shapiro, Eric Wiegardt, Arne Westerman, Edward Seago, and John Yardley.

JURIED AWARDS

Keith's works have been juried into many shows over the years. The awarded works are listed below.

2006 "Paint Saint Louis" En Plein Air Competition Artists Choice Award Juror: The participating artists (30+) "2006 World Series Parade"
2006 Lafayette Square Plein Air Competition 3rd Place Watercolor Class< Juror: Rito Cirillo "2006 Lafayette Square en Plein Air Competition #3"
2006 Lafayette Square Plein Air Competition Honorable Mention Oil Class Juror: Rito Cirillo "2006 Lafayette Square en Plein Air Competition #4"
2006 Saint Louis Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition "Spring into Watercolor" Creative Arts Gallery Honorable Mention Juror: Skip Lawrence "Peace"
2004 Saint Louis Artists' Guild "Wet and Wild Watercolor" National Water Media Exhibition Honorable Mention Juror: Judi Betts "My Zinnias"
2004 Saint Louis Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition "Awash in Watercolor" Creative Arts Gallery Judge's Mention Juror: Don Getz "My Zinnias"
2002 Saint Louis Watercolor Society Annual Membership Exhibit "Big Splash" Savoir Faire Sennelier Award Juror: Margaret Keller "Port Marciano Peace"
2001 Saint Louis Artists' Guild "Aqueous Solution" National Water Media Exhibition Artmart Award Juror: Arne Westerman "Purple Profusion"
1999 Saint Louis Watercolor Society Annual Membership Exhibit "Big Splash" Artmart Merit Award Juror: George "Papa" Tutt "Sanibel Sunset"

CONTACT INFORMATION

You may contact the artist at Keithmhallerstudio@sbcglobal.net.

DEDICATION AND THANKS

I dedicate this website to my wife, Penny. She brings me happiness and contentment, and she keeps me on track in painting and with God.

JESUS

Rejoice! Jesus Christ is the anointed savior of the world. He was commissioned by God to become a man, die on the cross, and bare our sins in His body.