David Vollbracht,OPA , Medicine Lodge, Kansas
Through my oil paintings, I aim to convey the captivating beauty of the Kansas prairie and Rocky Mountains, rendering realistic impressions of these varied landscapes.
I would like the viewers of my paintings to feel my response to nature. I am trying to communicate what I feel about this scene before me; by taking the abundant information of the landscape that my eye sees and simplifying that into an emotional response. Thus, I orchestrate the oil paintings rather than depict a literal view of my subject. This intuitive approach enables me to communicate my emotional connection to the subject matter, focusing on the intricate relationships between light, patterns, and shapes.
My artistic development began with formal training at Art Instruction Schools, Colby Community College, and Fort Hays State University. I have further honed my skills through workshops with distinguished artists Clyde Aspevig, Wayne Wolfe, and Howard Friedland. A notable milestone in my career has been becoming a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America.
David has shown his work at numerous shows including:
Western Regional OPA
American Impressionists Society Small Work Showcase
Marks Arts National Oil Painting Exhibitions
Plein Air Salon Competitions
Virtuosos of the OPA
Alla Prima Westcliffe
Mountain Oyster Club Shows
National Oil Painters of America Exhibitions
Vernon Filley Art Museum Invitational
National Small Oil Painting Show and various Kansas and Colorado Plein Air Shows
Awards and Honors
2024 Award of Excellence Wet Paint Competition OPA Nat. Wichita, KS
2017 Award of Excellence Western Regional OPA St. George, UT
2016 & 2015 Best of Show Alla Prima Westcliffe Westcliffe,CO
2013 Director’s Choice Award Paint the Parks El Dorado, KS
2013 Best of Show Small Works Art Show Wichita, KS
2013 2nd Place Red River Art Show Ardmore, OK
2012 Clinic Founders Award Winter Gala Art Show Ardmore, OK
2007 Gallery Award American Plains Artist Estes Park, CO
2003 Signature Membership Oil Painters of America
2000 Robert A DiMeo Award OPA National Show Carmel, CA