Caggio Art Show - Studio Visit With Kayla Koeune

By Maureen Mulhern, Caggio Blog Contributor

February 2011 • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This show is sponsored by BelAir Cantina

This week I visited the studio of Kayla Koeune, Caggio's featured artist for February/March. Her show opens today (February 18th - March 20th). I chatted with the emerging artist and UW-Milwaukee graduate, interested to learn more about her emotive figurative representations; unedited, richly painted and intimate. In this very personal series of paintings, Koeune explores ideas of self and relationships-- merging memories and keen observation-- focusing on the dark, passionate, and compelling side of raw emotion. In addition, she investigates the classical origins of figure drawing and portraiture, applying a contemporary interpretation. Lastly, Koeune challenges perception with an unorthodox and multifaceted point of view.For Koeune, drawing and painting the human figure has been a lifetime pursuit. What is key for the artist is observing the figure in unscripted environments; identifying the true and often intimate nature of thoughts and feelings. Originally from Neenah, Wisconsin-- a small town on Lake Winnebago-- Koeune's first memories were that of observing others at the establishment where her mother bartended. As a young child she would build a fort-like barrier around herself with bar stools, providing a vantage point by which to draw and sketch the bar's patrons. This early interest in life drawing was influential in determining the creative path the artist would take; A path that would lead Koeune to study the classical origins of figure drawing and portraiture.

Majoring in drawing/painting-- with a minor in art history at UW-Milwaukee-- Koeune studied works by Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Spending a semester abroad in Italy, the artist only reaffirmed her lifelong interest in the human form. Works on paper from this time period have influenced her to experiment with conté, staining and oils, with special emphasis given to proportions of the human body, hands, and portraiture. What gives her work a contemporary interpretation is the implied narrative-- recalling a memory or moment in time-- coupled with her distinct palette.

In terms of process, Koeune works from both live models and photography. Sketching thumbnails quickly to determine composition, there is an immediacy to her linework that is fluid and unrehearsed. She paints from initial sketches and dims color with gray, resulting in muted warm palettes often accented with cool tones. Favorite pigments include yellow ochre and alizarin crimson, while a new direction-- explored recently-- adds in tones of white. Favoring conté, graphite, watercolor and oil the artist also uses coffee staining techniques to age and distress her drawing surface.


Inspired by travels abroad in both Western Europe and Southeast Asia, Koeune challenges perceptions with her multifaceted point of view. Reflecting an unorthodox background Koeune has taken experiences and observations and recalled them passionately in her work. Conversely, Koeune is also a sergeant in the army and has recently been stationed in Iraq. It is not surprising she practices mixed martial arts while training for a marathon; is learning to weld as she continues to evolve her career as a painter. Artistic influences include the Italian Renaissance masters, Rembrandt and the Norwegian figurative painter Odd Nerdrum.

Premiering today at Caggio, Koeune's paintings and works on paper are sure to be a thought provoking collection of work!