TUCSON FINE ARTIST

Della Chelpka has lived in Tucson for 14 years, drawing inspiration from the Sonoran Desert while raising her family. Self-taught, she has nurtured childhood talents into a professional practice that spans many mediums and styles.

EXPERIENCE

Commissioned Artist known for western landscapes, portraits, and  custom projects in oil, acrylic, and pencil. Della has also painted murals for Tucson Dance Academy and Project 520.

Published Pen and Ink Illustrator with Happy String Music, completing four books in the Play With Me series. 

Community Artist whose donated custom-painted shoes for Peach’s Neat Feet bring joy and encouragement to children with disabilities and serious illnesses.

ARTISTIC RANGE

Della works across impressionism and realism. Combining strong technique with flexibility, Della’s artistic range allows her to meet the vision of each client while exploring her own creative path.

GALLERY EXHIBITIONS

Della’s work has appeared in respected venues:

• The Artist’s Gallery (Escondido, CA)
• Raices Taller 222 Gallery (Tucson, AZ)
• Baldwin and Ironwood Galleries at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tucson, AZ)
• Tombstone Art Gallery (Tombstone, AZ)

UNIQUE SPECIALTY: DESERT SCRIMSHAW

Della has pioneered an innovative adaptation of traditional oceanic scrimshaw for the desert Southwest. She studied this specialized technique under renowned scrimshander and painter TurningBear Mason, whose work has been displayed at the Mountain Oyster Club’s Art Show. 

SUPPORT AND INSPIRATION

In addition to TurningBear Mason, Della’s artistic journey has helped and encouraged by wildlife painter David Kitler, Wyoming-based artist Karen Barton, and the Canadian painter Tim Packer.