JWCC Heath Center Art Gallery to be host of art show, reception by Steinkamp

QUINCY — The John Wood Community College Heath Center Art Gallery is the host of a show of artwork by John Steinkamp through Feb. 18.

Steinkamp is a self-taught oil painter who has worked with advertising agencies, television stations, non-profit organizations and entrepreneurs. In recent years, he has steadily increased his scope to include fine art, selling works in Chicago galleries and participating in art competitions. He has taught the fundamentals of drawing to students of various ages and abilities.

Steinkamp displays in his collection his most current level of skill in a focus on formal portrait work in oils. He couples a dedication to depicting a likeness of the figure with a refinement in brushstroke and color harmony.

“This exhibit is the result of refining my oil painting technique,” he said in a press release. “Themes and self-expression took a backseat to the study of other accomplished painters works. My use of the limited Zorn Palette consisting of titanium white, yellow ochre, vermillion and ivory black, was an attempt to develop the skill of color mixing. Even with limiting my focus to technique alone, thought and emotion still poured out in the form of journaling and conversations with friends and family who are portrayed in many of the pieces. Experience became an influence on both quality and quantity.”

A reception will be held 6:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in the gallery. An artist talk will take place at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public. 

Some artwork is for sale. The college retains a portion of each sale to support the gallery. For more information about the exhibit or to purchase artwork, contact Jenna Seaborn, Heath Center Art Gallery Curator, at jseaborn@jwcc.edu or 217-653-3246.  

Learn more about Steinkamp by following him on Facebook. Visit twitchtv.com/jsteinart to watch a gallery tour and demonstrations. For commissioned pieces, contact him at steinrock83@gmail.com or 217-440-1479.

The JWCC Heath Center Art Gallery is on the lower-level of the Paul Heath Fine Arts Center, 48th and Harrison. The gallery is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.