A Legacy of Art and Inspiration in Carmel
Carmel, with its craggy coastline, restless sea, and solitary cypress trees, has long been a source of inspiration for artists. Before the arrival of the famed artists who would later portray this landscape, the area already held a unique charm that drew creative minds to its shores. An earthquake once sent many of these artists tumbling down the coast, seeking refuge in the inspiring setting that would eventually become a hub for artistic expression.
One such artist was Ada Belle Champlain, who in 1922 traveled 373 miles from Laguna Beach, where she had established an art association three years earlier, to formalize the growing engagement among Carmel artists. By 1927, this effort culminated in the formation of The Carmel Art Association, laying the foundation for what is now a world-class art destination.
Hella Rothwell, a real estate broker and art enthusiast, has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Carmel’s artistic legacy. For 26 years, she has dedicated herself to the annual Carmel Art Festival, spending 10 of those years as its leader. Her passion for the artists’ enclave is evident in her commitment to ensuring that collectors, the curious, and creatives have the opportunity to celebrate and acquire fine art.
Gerard Rose, an early president of the Carmel Art Festival, once remarked that Rothwell was the second-best photographer he had ever met. He never revealed who the best was, but his praise speaks volumes about her talent and dedication.
The 33rd Carmel Art Festival, dedicated to building and showcasing what Rothwell calls “Carmel’s Artistic Legacy,” will run from May 15-17. This year’s event promises to be a vibrant celebration of art, where visitors can immerse themselves in the works of both local and visiting artists and perhaps take home a piece of their creativity.
“I love how all these fine-art painters, both visiting and from this legendary artists’ enclave, feel so inspired to let their artistic soul come through during the Festival,” said Rothwell. “I really feel the energy elevate in the community, as people pause to see what the artists are painting and watch the image come up on the canvas, while connecting through conversation.”
Paul Kratter: A Master of Coastal Landscapes
Among the featured artists at this year’s festival is fine-art painter Paul Kratter, known for his vivid depictions of California landscapes. Recently returned from a painting expedition in New Zealand, Kratter embarked on the journey with a painter friend, a backpack filled with art supplies, and a suitcase packed with panels. Over two weeks, he captured the inspiring scenery of the region, filling every canvas he carried.
Kratter, who lives in Moraga, finds inspiration in the natural beauty of Point Lobos, a place he considers one of the most unusual and beautiful spots to visit and paint. His wife, Tia Wallace Kratter, is also an artist, working for Disney and now Pixar. While he focuses on plein-air painting, Tia’s career in animation offers a different kind of creative outlet.
Kratter has participated in the Carmel Art Festival for 10 or 12 years, during which he has consistently won awards. He believes this speaks to the beauty of the coastal setting and the talent of the artists who gather there.
“I know the area well,” he said. “I usually painted the sunlight. But I’ve learned something from painting on the Peninsula. It used to be, if I found it foggy at the coast, I’d drive out to Garland Park in the valley or even all the way into Salinas to chase the sunlight. Yet a few years ago, I decided to embrace the fog, which makes Point Lobos so mysterious.”
Embracing the Fog and Teaching Others
Kratter’s decision to “paint the fog” yielded one of his first-place paintings during the 30th anniversary of the festival. His four foggy paintings sold, while his sunny ones did not. He enjoys painting on foggy days because of the mostly gray colors, which he sees as part of the beauty of the coast.
Unleashing your inner artist is a key focus of this year’s festival. The event has shifted its focus from a strictly exhibition format to a “teaching and learning” program. Free demonstrations will be offered on Saturday, and pre-festival workshops led by renowned artists, including the Kratters, will provide hands-on learning opportunities.
“My sketching workshop will take place on Monday and Tuesday before the Festival,” Kratter said. “This was an idea conceived by Festival President Hella Rothwell, who is very receptive to ideas,” he added. “As is long-time festival participant, gallerist and artist Joaquin Turner. Hella has made some nice changes.”
Kratter, known for his sketches, recognizes the importance of this process in painting. “Sketching is about preplanning what you will do in terms of composition, values, what you will edit to leave in or take out; it’s really the road map to doing a plein air painting. I give a lot of individual attention to each student. I enjoy teaching and imparting what I know from spending 20 years painting outdoors. It’s really fun.”
A Weekend of Art and Engagement
Participants should also check out the Saturday afternoon “Quick Draw.” Artists will work all over town for two hours on Saturday morning in their medium of choice, bringing their finished works to Mission Street — which will be closed to automobile traffic — where the paintings will be auctioned off. On Sunday morning, families will be welcomed to Devendorf Park in Carmel for a special children’s interactive program focused on theater, dancing, and improv, plus an author book-signing and a studio painting sale with artists releasing paintings from their own collections.
“Whether participants are the collectors or the curious, established artists seeking a new perspective or beginners looking to learn from juried artists during the festival,” said Rothwell, “painting demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and inspiring conversations will foster inspiration, engagement, and learning throughout the weekend.”
For a schedule of art events and to register for the Friday Night Gala VIP event, visit www.carmelartfestivalcalifornia.com.
