Written by Robert K. Carsten
With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for ambiance, pastelist Dave Kaphammer discovers inspiration in the historic New England buildings and aged agricultural equipment he observes in and around Salem, Mass.
“I enjoy seeking subjects in my daily surroundings—items often seen but not fully appreciated—yet sunlight and cast shadows are my main focus,” Kaphammer explains. He is particularly fascinated by how light and atmosphere alter a scene, often heightened by the unique traits of each season.
“To me, an exceptional painting resonates on multiple layers simultaneously,” Kaphammer remarks. “It must begin with a solid composition and captivating value and color schemes. Bold strokes and glowing, layered colors thrill me. However, it also needs to engage emotionally, narrating a story and conveying feelings. When all of these elements align, it’s pure magic.”
A Tractor for Every Season
“For a considerable time, I felt motivated to depict vintage tractors located in my community,” Kaphammer shares. “They symbolize an disappearing lifestyle and are profoundly visually engaging, particularly under strong sunlight that creates unique, abstract shadow patterns.”
The subsequent four artworks showcase agricultural machinery in various conditions and across different seasons, each presenting a unique atmosphere and moment in rural existence.
Winter
“In Tractor Shadows, the vertical layout and close crop create a more abstract visual,” Kaphammer reflects. “The tractor and its shadow are predominantly dark, transforming the light areas into playful, negative forms.”
Spring
“I positioned the tractor to one side in Yellow Ford to create room for its shadow,” he mentions. “The shadow holds equal importance to the tractor itself. The cool greens and rich teals enhance the warm yellows and greens of the illuminated grass, alongside the vibrant blues and yellows of the tractor. I loved contrasting the soft, organic grasses with the robust machinery in the foreground.”
Summer
Kaphammer states that the shadowy foreground in Amber Waves of Grain fueled this composition, where the interjecting highlights narrate the story with just a few strokes. “The tractor primarily appears as a shadowy outline, highlighting its insect-like form,” he shares. “I aimed to honor the owner of this tractor—my initial and cherished tractor subject—gracefully working on a beautiful day.”
Fall
“Selecting subdued, dark hues for the tractor and foreground in John Deere at Sunset allowed the illumination and lit-up grass to truly stand out,” the artist indicates. “The tractor wheels—a vibrant saturated yellow—lean toward gold and olive, as more blue appears in the shadows. All shadow hues tend to cool, which allows the warm, vibrant highlights to truly shine.”
Gallery
To view the complete article on Kaphammer, and to explore other artists inspired by scenes from everyday life, visit the Winter 2026 edition of Pastel Journal.
About the Artist
Dave Kaphammer, residing in Salem, Mass., teaches art courses and workshops and has received multiple accolades in national and international juried exhibitions. He is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and the Pastel Painters Society of Cape Cod, where he has held the presidency; a Master Circle Member with the International Association of Pastel Societies; and an Artist Member of the Copley Society of Art; Rockport Art Association; Pastel Society of New Hampshire; and Pastel Society of Connecticut. His works are showcased at the Sidoti Gallery of Fine Art and the Rockport Art Association in Rockport, Mass.; the Copley Society of Art in Boston; and the North Shore Art Association in Gloucester, Mass.
About the Author
Artist, art writer, and educator Robert K. Carsten has penned numerous pieces about art and artists.
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