watercolor by Fritz Kapraun
Narni
watercolor on paper
16” x 12”, unframed $250
This morning view of a typical narrow street in the Umbrian hill town of Narni is almost abstract in its use of color and repetitive vertical elements to imply perspective. Here mood is as important as subject matter. This painting is emotional and leads us to a nostalgic reminiscence of Italian vacations.



My interest is in architectural details that provide opportunities to respond to striking contrasts in light, texture, and geometry. My painting is based on the premise that we design and occupy living spaces that become inseparable from our worldview and lifestyle. The relationship between culture and architecture seems especially strong in the Southwest where Spanish, European and Native American experiences have created a style immediately recognizable throughout the world.

Fritz Kapraun

I received the Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Texas at Austin in 1969. My career includes teaching at the University level as well as an active research program developing marine bio-products as renewable resources. Presently, I am tenured faculty and professor of biology at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. I formalized a life-long interest in architecture and drawing through art instruction and workshops in Wilmington and Italy.

watercolor by Fritz Kapraun
St. Augustine Cathedral
watercolor on paper
16” x 12”, unframed $275
This afternoon view of a Tucson landmark is quiet,
dramatic and powerful as a result of the use of
shadow on white reflective surface.

 


watercolor by Fritz Kapraun

In addition, I devote much time to commissioned architectural portraits of homes, both historic and contemporary. I pursue my fascination with Spanish colonial architecture by frequent working vacations to the Southwest and Mexico.

I have been a contributor to the Mountain Oyster Contemporary Western Art Show and Sale in Tucson since 1998.

In Tucson, I am represented by the Milagro Art Gallery. I am a member of the Wilmington Art Association and the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild.

San Geronimo Church and Taos Pueblo
watercolor on paper
16” x 14”, unframed $275
This is perhaps one of my most romantic paintings. The emotional content overwhelms the architecture.
A winter sky with mare's tail clouds, brilliant light reflected from the bare ground, and sharp noon shadows
almost make us shiver as we step into a glorious winter day and become part of a scene that extends
timelessly back into the history of the American Southwest.

 

Contact Fritz Kapraun for more information about paintings or commissioned architectural portraits at:

Milagro Art Gallery
2920 N. Swan Rd., #119
Tucson, AZ 85712
520.323.1138

Fritz Kapraun
4748 Rushing Drive
Wilmington, NC 28409
910.392.9309
E-Mail:  jsakel@aol.com