When Kathleen and Chuck Eaton were childhood sweethearts, neither could imagine they would be painting together.

Kathleen had always been artistic, and later made a career publishing quilting books, selling needlecraft designs to manufacturers, and managing a graphic design firm. Now married 48 years, the Peoria couple share a passion for oil painting, and they are featured artists at The Finer Arts Gallery in Cave Creek.

Guests can meet them during a special “Art Affaire” event from 5 p.m. to 7p.m. on Friday, June 16. The gallery is located inside the historic Treehouse building, 6137 E. Cave Creek Rd., in Cave Creek.

Kathleen began painting professionally 15 years ago after selling her graphic design and marketing firm.

“After about 10 years of intense computer graphics, I realized my eyes were not what they used to be. I had always wanted to go back to fine art oil painting, and I sold my business so I could dedicate myself to painting. I attended workshops with some of today's finest artists, and never want to stop learning new techniques,” Kathleen said.

Chuck began painting later in life.

After almost 35 years in business and sales, he began sketching and eventually began painting. His fine art journey began with watercolor lessons, but after a short time. he switched to oils and discovered plein air.

They both find plein air painting, or painting outdoors, to be exhilarating.

“The best part about painting from life is that you see what's actually in front of you as opposed to trying to guess at the colors in a digital photo. Lights and shadows can be greatly exaggerated in photos, and the subtle colors that a camera often doesn't pick up are what makes a plein air painting much more exciting,” Kathleen said.

Chuck prefers to paint landscapes and seascapes, while Kathleen enjoys painting people and pets, and fields of flowers or forests. They both prefer to paint with oil, but for different reasons.

“I prefer oils to other mediums because I find them to be so forgiving. It takes a while for the paint to dry, and layering it creates beautiful effects. Plus, oils will last for generations,” Kathleen said. “Chuck prefers oils because of their rich texture and more forgiving nature. He tends to play with his paints and compose as he goes. Oils are just better suited to that approach.”

Originally from Chicago, the Eatons moved to Arizona in 2021 and were fortunate to find a home in Peoria that had an art studio.

“Two of the original owners of our home were husband and wife artists, and they built a studio for their needs,” Kathleen said. “We often share time together in the studio, but also enjoy ‘alone time’ to focus on important projects. It's nice to have someone to ask an opinion on something, or to offer a critique. We'll listen to music or a podcast we both enjoy. Or we'll plug in headphones and listen to an audio book.”

Visitors to The Finer Arts Gallery will find diverse paintings, drawings, sculpture, mixed media, photography, glass, wood, fiber, ceramics, jewelry, and other original work.

For details, call 480-488-2923 or visit www.thefinerartsgallery.com.