ARTIST'S BIO
Careful observation and creative interpretation are hallmarks of Kurt Plinke's
artwork and his teaching style. A working artist for over twenty-five years,
Mr. Plinke has developed in his work a personal style and message. This
personal imagery is a continuing thread throughout his art. His work ranges
through scientific illustrations of nature, loose studies of wildlife and
environments, to abstract imagery of nature, man and the human condition.
As an instructor, Kurt tries to guide students towards developing their own
style by introducing a variety of methods to each student. He uses humor and
patience to help beginner and experienced artists further their knowledge and
abilities.
Kurt Plinke has been painting with watercolours since he was a child. Attending
Bowling Green State University in Ohio and Wilmington College, he studied Fine
Arts and Biology. While studying there, Kurt became interested in printmaking
and the historical aspects of the various mediums used by artists. This
interest in historical methods and mediums has continued to this day, as he
studied historical Egg Tempera methods at Towson University.
Since moving to Maryland in 1985, Plinke has developed his abilities as an
artist, as well as an observer of nature. In 1999, he was named
Artist-in-Residence for Adkins Arboretum in Tuckahoe State Park. In 2000, he
was the cover artist for the Chestertown Wildlife Art Festival. Kurt Plinke's
meticulously detailed wildlife studies in transparent watercolours are known
throughout the Eastern United States. More recently, Plinke has developed ideas
about combining natural and human elements in abstract ways. In these, he
combines historic methods of painting with ancient and modern imagery to evoke
in the viewer an awareness of the frailty of man.
Currently, Kurt Plinke teaches art at Chesapeake College, as well as through a
number of area art centers. He has a studio on the Choptank River in Caroline
County, Maryland. He shows his work in galleries and at exhibitions across the
eastern United States.
