Ted Fuka

Artist Statement

Vibrant color plus a sense of authenticity is what the representational paintings of Ted Fuka convey utilizing the pure pigment of soft pastels. Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, he was always drawn to the varied scenery when his family would travel into the rural Midwest whether it was on summer vacations to northern Wisconsin, occasional trips to Michigan or just a drive out beyond traffic lights. It instilled in him a deep appreciation for the region's diverse landscapes, which he explores in his artwork.

He first discovered pastels in figure drawing classes while attending the American Academy of Art in Chicago and later found the spontaneous medium to be a good choice in creating color studies for finished illustrations in his graphic art business. However, his passion for these colorful sketches soon blossomed into a full-fledged artistic pursuit.

From a young age Ted always felt a deep connection to nature and expresses the feeling of being there in his paintings. The veritable beauty of nature and its enduring serenity is the impression Ted seeks to communicate to the observer while always striving to capture light and form. His work is in many private collections and has been juried into several prestigious regional, national and international exhibitions earning numerous awards.