Chris Chapman

Chris is known for her plein air landscapes and native botanicals.

She has been exhibiting professionally for over 30 years, working in watermedia, pastels, and oils. Born in Pasadena in 1950 and living at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, her bonds with nature and creative expression were forged very early.

She was an explorer by horseback, especially after her family moved to the western outskirts of the San Fernando Valley. After studies at the University of Oregon, UC Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara Community College, her artistic livelihood was realized.

Combining conservation with art, Chris and artist husband John Iwerks lived and painted on the Gaviota Coast from 2000 to 2013. As the first preserve managers at Arroyo Hondo Preserve, they made lasting contributions while also teaching art classes at Santa Barbara Community College.

Now Chris and John live and paint nearby in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley.

Chris is a member of the Oak Group, a Santa Barbara-based group of preservation-minded painters formed in 1986.

Her work is featured in permanent installations and collections at the Ventura County Art Museum, Wildling Museum of Art & Nature, UC Santa Barbara's Sedgwick Reserve, Arroyo Hondo Preserve, Descanso Gardens, and Carrizo Plain National Monument. She is a Signature Member of several national pastel societies and an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Santa Barbara Art Association.

"Painting is the pathway I chose for my life's work, but it also chose me."