Artist Bio

Kortney Goodman Struempf is a contemporary American painter specializing in large-scale, expressive oil works that balance vibrant abstraction with dynamic natural motifs. Growing up in Georgia and volunteering within animal rescue spaces, she developed a lifelong fascination with the raw power of the natural world—a passion that vividly manifests in her two primary focuses: the explosive movement of equestrian subjects and the bold, graphic shapes of coastal pelicans.

Working primarily in oil on canvas, Kortney utilizes loose, energetic brushstrokes and a highly evolved understanding of color theory to build texture and motion. Following a successful early gallery presence, she took a intentional hiatus to dedicate herself to raising her family. Now returning to the studio full-time, her latest work captures a matured artistic voice, effortlessly translating the tension between structure and freedom onto the canvas. She works from her private studio, continuously exploring the limits of contemporary abstract expressionism.

Artist Statement

My mom, Vinda, told me that I “drew a perfect stick figure at age 2”. I’ve seen that picture and I’m not sure I agree artistically but as a mother I can appreciate where she’s coming from. Art has always been my main drive. My sanity. The smell of oil paint, the linseed oil and mineral spirits can bring me into the studio and soothe any emotions I may have. (Yes, I realize it’s odd but...aren’t we all?) My aunt gave me my first oil painting lesson at 10 years old and I’ve been hooked ever since!

I’ve dabbled in most types of art to some degree or another over the past few decades but painting has always been what draws me back to create. Whenever I’ve done a commission I always tell my clients “if you like the drawing, you’ll love the painting. You’re hiring me to paint and that’s where you’ll want me to spend my time.” My background in art education has given me a different perspective on art and I can decipher or break down most art and how it was created and usually which colors were used, which can be a good and a bad thing. 

My subject matters or lack thereof determine the direction a painting will go. I typically have an idea or color scheme in my head but I let my gut make most of the decisions about where color will be placed. Granted I sometimes get lost in my own head going over composition rules and color theory do’s and don’t that I have to take a step back and look with clear eyes. That could be a few minutes or a couple of days depending on the painting. To me a painting is done when it takes its first breath. Yes, I logically know that paintings can’t “breathe”, but they seem to let me know when they are finished being done.