JUDITH DUPREE BEALE

“Recently, I began working again with experimental watercolor techniques adding in inks and acrylic flows in the last stages to keep colors intense. I am also working with structural acrylics both on paper, board and canvas and I find it to be much like sculpting. Collage is always around in my studio to be nurtured and developed between paintings.”

Judith Dupree Beale holds a BFA in Art and Art History from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, AR, and an MFA in Studio Arts with a concentration in Painting from the University of Memphis, TN. Since 1992, she has been actively participating in juried competitions at the local, regional, national, and international levels. In 2022, her artwork was featured in the Small Works on Paper exhibition organized by the Arkansas Arts Council, highlighting her involvement in the local juried art scene. Additionally, she recently achieved recognition on an international level with her inclusion in the Art Tour International’s Top 60 Masters for 2023, attesting to the excellence of her artistic practice.

Kathryn Bagwell’s artistic repertoire encompasses oil paintings and collages that portray both men and women in a diverse figurative style, spanning from cubism to expressionism and realism. Based in Texas, Bagwell’s artistic journey is heavily influenced by her background as a musician, her fascination with ancient art, and her exploration of the complexities inherent in human nature.

Bagwell’s introduction to the world of art took place at an early age, as her family regularly visited the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock. While she initially pursued a degree in music, drawing has been a skill passed down through generations in her family. However, a pivotal moment occurred in 2006 when the loss of her sister led her to shift her focus from music to visual art.

Bagwell’s artistic practice is marked by improvisation as she fluidly navigates between various self-developed styles. Her artworks exhibit a vibrant use of color, employing charcoal lines, thick oil paint, as well as incorporating elements such as newspaper clippings, vintage music, and handmade paper. The subjects depicted in her works often establish powerful eye contact with the viewer, creating an engaging and introspective experience.

Her art seamlessly integrates cross-cultural influences and delves into psychological themes, encompassing subjects such as female empowerment, societal turmoil, self-deception, and introspection. Bagwell’s creations serve as a visual exploration of the human experience, capturing the nuanced dynamics of the human psyche.