Keith Vogrin Artist Bio
Keith J. Vogrin is a fine artist residing in Bethlehem Township, Pennsylvania. He was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in 1964, spending most of his childhood growing up in the small river community of Freemansburg, Pennsylvania. He began drawing at a very young age in pencil and charcoal. Vogrin later studied art formally at the Pennsylvania State University, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in Drawing and Painting. While in college, he experimented in many mediums and at one point considered majoring in sculpture, but ultimately decided on his true passion of oil painting instead.
Vogrin fashions himself as a neo-romantic scenery oil painter, with nature and architecture as the primary subject matter and “man” secondary (when included). He does not limit himself to one subject matter, location or environment. Instead, he constantly explores new subject matter and locations, while returning to those which have and continue to inspire him. Such locations include the greater Lehigh Valley region, the ocean and bay areas of the east coast and the Pocono Mountains. Like many traditional oil painters of the past, he occasionally mixes in locations from outside his “home area.”
In his personal life, Vogrin spends much of his time outdoors — fishing, camping and hiking. Many of his paintings reflect his passion for the outdoors, his oil paintings include many outdoor scenes ranging from rural to cityscapes. They are often from unusual perspectives, to challenge the imagination and create new views of observation that often go unnoticed. Some paintings are deep, dark and monolithic. His paintings can be easily identified by the dramatic contrast of light and dark areas using warm and cool colors. He uses this style to romanticize present day places and happenings which he experiences. He uses texture where needed with visible brush strokes in a “controlled looseness” fashion.
Keith Vogrin maintains a working art studio in his Bethlehem, Pennsylvania home. Now an award-winning artist, his work has been displayed in numerous juried shows across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. He continues to produce reflective new pieces every year, sometimes returning to past subject matter. Vogrin considers himself a “student” of art, taking on new subject matter to challenge him to go into expanded directions of creativity. He is grateful to God for providing him with his gift and to his wife, his family, and his many friends for their continued support.
When did you know you were an artist/photographer?
From a very young age, I always knew that I was an artist. It is something that you are born with and continue to develop for the rest of your life.
When and why did you decide to pursue art as a career?
Because of my aptitude tests, it was recommended that I pursue my college career as a science major. I had never taken any art classes in high school, but after taking “Intro to Drawing” in my sophomore year, I realized that this should be my true direction. So, after two years, I changed my major from Meteorology to art. During my Junior year, I applied and was accepted into the Fine Arts program at Penn State University.
What’s been your hardest challenge?
My hardest challenge was finding a career path after college that would pay the bills. I began as a graphic designer and grew into advertising and marketing.
What successes or achievements are you most proud of?
Early in my career, I was very active in painting, as a side passion to my full-time job. But, after I got married and had two children, I concentrated my time on my family, almost totally putting my fine art career on hold. Years later, after my last child entered college, I began painting again. Since then, I have had my pieces accepted in numerous juried shows in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. I am very proud of being able to resurrect my career.
What’s your advice for anyone who wants to explore art or creativity, but can’t seem to find the time?
Do not try to force yourself. Art comes from within. Let yourself go, and the art will follow.
What’s your advice when an artist feels intimidated by a blank canvas?
Start small. Sketch out what you are thinking on paper first if need be. Let your piece develop.
_______________ART@EPL is the library’s exciting partnership with the Lehigh Art Alliance and the Lehigh Valley Arts Council. The series is funded through a grant from PA Partners in the Arts, making it possible for area residents to enjoy free art lectures and workshops from local artists working in pastels, charcoal, sculpture, and watercolor among others.
Visit the ART@EPL page to see all the artists who have led workshops and exhibited work at the library as part of ART@EPL.
