Art Inspired by the Seasons, Travel, and Vintage Photos
Representational art that stretches the tangible with unique landscapes and figurative settings.
Explore DKH Armentrout Art
Artist Statement
Color over color, loose brushwork, and a bit of scribbling dominate my work. The media can include pencil, crayon, pastel, ink, watercolor, and acrylic. My painting inspirations come from the changing of the seasons, travel, old buildings or structures, and vintage photos.
THE PURSUIT OF DUELING PASSIONS
I-am-back after a 15-year + break from producing art in any focused fashion. Much of that time was spent asking myself how or why I should do art. I struggled with wanting to make something practical, useful, and functional. I had stints in painting shoes, felting coasters, and doing other random crafts. None of this blossomed into a passion, and I kept yearning to lay something out on paper and grab a paint brush.
While on my hiatus from art, I focused on my other passion which was information and records management. Although it seems like quite a deviation from art, I did use my creativity to come up with solutions for managing electronic records. Most of this time was spending working at the National Archives where I was surrounded by my other interests of history and archives. I really loved what I was doing, but I was always thinking about my art. You will see that I combine these interests into some of my paintings where I use vintage photos and historic sites as subjects.
My current focus is to brush off the dust, remove painting cobwebs, and just have fun. I’ve created a series of floral paintings based on a trip to the Netherlands, completed a commission piece on an eight by five-foot canvas, and recently embarked on creating watercolors based on my new home in the wild and wonderful West Virginia.
I welcome you to follow me on this journey.
Tulips Galore
Flora Awakening depicts a grouping of tulips rising to reach the sun at the vibrant gardens at Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands. Mixed Media. Painting is 10" x 12.5" without mat and framing.
Garden Garnish reveals the playful arrangement of unusual tulips that can be found in the delightful gardens of Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands. Mixed Media. Painting is 6.5" x 9.5" without mat and framing.
Fiery Field depicts long rows of tulips inspired by the vibrant gardens at Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands. Mixed Media. Painting is 10" x 12.5" without mat and framing.
From Lisse depicts the purple tulips and yellow daffodils from the vibrant gardens at Keukenhof in Lisse, Holland. Mixed Media. Painting is 10" x 8" inches without mat and frame.
Buggy was inspired by finding this groovy buggy among the tulips at the stunning gardens at Keukenhof, Lisse, Holland. Mixed Media. Painting is 6.5 x 9.5" without mat and framing.
Bonding with Place
Under the Overlook is a painting based on being below an overlook at the New River Gorge in WV. The rocky outcrop captures the attention while foliage nestles its fall. Watercolor and Wax Finish on Board. 10"x10"
The inspriration for Thicket and Pine was based on a walk near Spruce Knob in West Virginia. I was intrigued by the majestic trees in the background, the gnarly, tangled brush in front, and the bright yellow and white flowers. Watercolor and Wax Finish on Board, 10" x 10"
Not Forgotten
Old Man. There is no in-depth inspiration or explanation for him, he just is. Mixed Media. 5"x8" without mat and framing.
Summer Sass was inspired by a set of vintage photos found at a thrift store. The subject of this photo had signed it - Always, "Sass" - One can make their own story as to who she was and who was the recipient of the photo. Sadly, at some point, this photo lost its importance. Mixed Media. 8.5"x11" without mat and framing.
Hold Spring was inspired by a set of vintage photos found at a thrift store. The subject of this photo had on a layered dress and a big bonnet. Perhaps she was dressed for Easter or some important event. One can make their own story as to why she was dressed up and posing. In the original, she was not standing in front of cooling towers, but I wanted to bring this anonymous lady in the present