FROM PORCH TO PALETTE

# The Artistic Journey of Pappy Khouri: From Hobbyist to Impressionist

For Pappy Khouri, the moment he picked up a paintbrush was more than just a creative impulse—it was the beginning of a journey that would span over a decade of growth, exploration, and discovery. It all started on the porch of The Village Gallery in Oriental, NC, when an offhand comment about wishing to paint was met with the simple yet powerful gesture of placing a brush in his hand. That pivotal moment, thanks to artist Gosia Tojza, launched Khouri into a lifelong love affair with painting. Today, he’s an accomplished impressionist artist, deeply inspired by light, color, and the beauty of coastal landscapes. In this post, we dive into Pappy Khouri’s artistic path, his evolving style, and how collaboration and experimentation continue to fuel his creative journey.

By Sara Beck

Discovering the Passion for Art

Pappy Khouri vividly remembers the moment he began his artistic journey. "I was sitting on the porch of The Village Gallery in Oriental, NC, watching one of the gallery artists paint a scene from the harbor in front of us. I commented that I wished I could paint. Her answer was to put a brush in my hand and a canvas in front of me," he recalls.

This simple gesture from artist Gosia Tojza sparked something profound within him. "We painted together several times. I kept those early paintings, and I can honestly say, ‘I’ve come a long way in twelve years,’" he reflects.

Evolving as an Impressionist Artist

Khouri considers himself an impressionist. He draws inspiration from several artists, particularly Russian impressionists. He pays close attention to color and light while he paints. Notably, he has been influenced by the works of Birger Sandzen, Claude Monet, and the Dutch and Italian masters.

Over the years, he has noticed that his style has become increasingly looser. He aims for a consistent goal of applying heavier paint to his work. Although he primarily focuses on impressionism, he likes to explore various movements and mediums. For instance, he enjoys abstract painting, where he experiments with form and color. He also creates pottery, allowing him to work with three-dimensional forms.

The Role of Collaboration in Khouri's Art

Collaboration has played a pivotal role in Khouri’s artistic evolution. He deeply values the feedback he receives from his mentors. "I listen to everything they say, even if I don’t grasp it immediately," he shares. "But then, there's that ‘a-ha’ moment, and it all falls into place."

For many years, his art studio was located within an art gallery, which fostered his creative growth. He thrived on the input from visitors who observed him paint. At times, he even invited them to join him on the canvas, encouraging a sense of shared creativity.

Current Inspirations and Future Projects

Currently, Khouri has just finished a series of paintings depicting the Oriental, NC harbor and the fleet of shrimp boats docked nearby. "I’m in the process of moving to Wilmington, so I’ll likely look for local landmarks to paint. I love boats, harbors, and landscapes. Something will emerge," he explains.

Khouri finds joy in his creative process and trusts that inspiration will manifest itself, even when he feels uncertain. "Sometimes it’s hard to come up with an idea to paint. That’s when I go through my reference photos." He spends days laying them out and staring at them until one photo jumps out at him, prompting creativity. "Voila, it becomes a painting," he adds.

Final Thoughts on Khouri's Artistic Journey

Pappy Khouri's journey as an artist exemplifies how passion and collaboration can shape an individual’s artistic path. His dedication to constant improvement and willingness to explore various styles have enriched his work.

Whether painting serene landscapes, vibrant harbors, or engaging in collaborative projects, Khouri remains a shining example of the transformative power of art. He continuously inspires others to embrace their creativity and pursue their passions.

Pappy Khouri is currently showing with *Fine Art Local, in downtown Wilmington