DAN KLEMPA:PHOTOGRAPHY

Took a field trip to Hull yesterday — the wind had other plans for me, but I still squeezed in a handful of sketches before retreating. Back in the studio today, those loose lines turned into a surprisingly productive session. Sometimes you just need a bit of salt air to shake things loose.

Wrapping up an unforgettable trip to Italy with a few final days in Pisa. 🇮🇹✨

Spent my last afternoon taking in a Pisa SCvs. Fiorentina match — and wow… I thought U12 soccer parents were rowdy until I cheered with this crowd. ⚽️😂

Grateful for the painting, the food, the people, and all the inspiration this trip gave me. Until next time, Italy — you’ve been amazing. 🎨🍷

Last day painting at the Watermill. We visited a castle, had lunch in the mountains, and had a little show of all the work done this week — the perfect way to wrap up a magical, productive week. 🎨🏰⛰️

I’m proud of the work this place inspired and can’t wait to come back.
Now it’s on to Pisa for my last few days in Italy. 🇮🇹

Days 4 & 5 in Tuscany:
Yesterday I took the train to Lucca — a stunning walled city where I think I finally understood the meaning of dolce ozio (sweet idleness). 🚆🏰✨

Today it was back to work, painting at a quiet convent. 🎨🙏

(Best viewed over on Instagram)

Day 3 of painting in Fivizzano. A beautiful hilltop town with plenty to take in. 🎨

Finished the day with drinks and entertainment from a local musician—can’t ask for much more. 🍷🎶

Feeling lucky to call this inspiration “work.”

Day two Painting: rain didn’t slow me down. 🌧️🎨
I painted in the valley, I painted in the mountains… and yes, I ate like a king in between. 🍝🍷

No complaints here

After the first full day in Tuscany I’m already smitten. 🍷🍝✨
The food, the wine, the people—every detail feels like it belongs in a painting. Luckily, I’ve had the brushes out all day and the inspiration here is endless.

This place is beautiful in ways that photos can’t quite hold… but I’ll keep trying, one watercolor at a time. 🎨🇮🇹

When you binge too much Yellowstone and suddenly every brushstroke looks like it belongs on a ranch. 🐎⛰️🎨

This watercolor was 90% paint, 10% cowboy daydreams.
No Stetsons were harmed in the making of this painting. 🤠

Plein Air Newport 2024- watercolor half sheet

For years I’ve shared the world through my lens, but lately I’ve been drawn to something quieter, slower — watercolor. The same light and shadows I’ve always chased with a camera are now flowing across paper, one brushstroke at a time.

I’ll still be behind the camera, but I’m excited to start showing you this new side of my work. Think of it as photography’s softer cousin — a way of capturing mood and memory that feels even more personal.

Thanks for following me through this shift. I can’t wait to share what’s been on my easel. 🎨

legends in the house.. and we don’t wear pink

Lena strikes again this week, at school they celebrated Wacky Wednesday. She asked for a quick photoshoot before she went to school to see her outfit. I couldn’t say no to this face.

Her energy is infectious. Just a fun Sunday with the kids.