About the Artist
Judith Pond Kudlow is an American classical realist painter, and founder of the Kudlow Classical Atelier in Chelsea NYC, (formerly NYK Academy), one of the leading ateliers dedicated to preserving the traditions of 19th century naturalistic painting in the United States. Widely respected for her mastery of light, color, and form, Kudlow has devoted her career to creating paintings that unite technical excellence with quiet poetic beauty.
Born in Montana, Kudlow is a graduate of the College of William & Mary and pursued advanced artistic training in New York at the Art Students League, the National Academy School, the School of Visual Arts, the New York Academy of Art, and the Harlem Studio of Art. Her work is rooted in direct observation from life, emphasizing precise drawing, harmonious color, subtle value relationships, and the convincing illusion of three-dimensional form.
Accomplished in portraiture, still life, and figure Kudlow has become especially known for her distinctive "Color-Form" paintings. These luminous large-scale oil paintings of fabric and paper inspired by Renaissance drapery studies are powerful contemporary explorations of structure, atmosphere, and light.
Kudlow's paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States and are represented by Anderson Fine Art Gallery (Georgia), Camilla Richman Fine Art (Massachusetts) and Geary Gallery (Connecticut). Her work is included in private and public collections across the country including the State Department and the White House. She is a Resident Artist member of the Salmagundi Club in New York City and winner of many awards including the prestigious ARC Annual International Salon Competition as a finalist in the still-life category.
Throughout her career, Ms. Kudlow has remained committed to the ideals of classical realism while continually expanding the expressive possibilities of the genre. Working from her studios in New York City and Redding CT, she continues to paint, teach, and inspire a new generation of artists dedicated to craftsmanship and the enduring power of beauty in art.
Selected Profiles and Reviews
- Fine Art Connoisseur — "Focusing on Fabrics" (Max Gillies, 2015)
- American Artist — "Create an Intimate Atelier" (Austin R. Williams, 2011)
- American Artist (Stephen Doherty, 2007)
- The Wall Street Journal — Roger Kimball, "Classical Realism: Antidote to 'Novelty Art'" (2008)
- The New Criterion — Roger Kimball, "Bright Spots: The Harlem Studio of Art" (2006)
- American Art Collector (2006)
- The New York Sun — Gary Shapiro, "From Homer to the Present" (2005)
- American Arts Quarterly — James Cooper, "Exhibitions – Harlem Studio of Art" (2004)
Commissions:
In addition to the paintings shown on this web site, Ms. Kudlow also accepts portrait commissions. Examples can be found in the Portraits and Figure section of the Works page on this site. Please contact her directly at 203 733 5225 or [email protected] for more information. The process for commissioning a portrait is an initial consultation - in person, or by phone - to determine the style, size, composition, etc. Once these general questions are resolved, the first sitting is arranged to take photographs, make color sketches and a preliminary drawing. Ms. Kudlow will then complete the painting in her studio. Additional sittings may be required as the painting nears completion. A 40% deposit is required at the start of the process, and final payment will be made upon acceptance of the portrait. The prices range from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the size and complexity of the painting. The entire process takes about two months to complete. Assistance with framing is available.
