Studying history with a minor in fine art in college, David Kalbach didn’t initially push his artistic talents, deciding instead to pursue an MBA. Yet, even in the business world, he gravitated toward a visionary career in advertising—finding it a fun challenge to solve communication problems amongst other creative types. With his children leaving the nest, Kalbach is finally bringing his art front and center, allowing it to receive the recognition it deserves. 

HLB: What were you like as a young artist? 

DK: I didn’t have any direction or any real idea as to how you [could] make a living. Having seen Lust for Life about Vincent van Gogh at an impressionable age, I didn’t have high regard for the arts as a way of life.

HLB: Have you been blocked as an artist? 

DK: Artist’s block is a part of life. Sometimes it’s just being afraid of making a mark that’s wrong or doesn’t translate what you’re trying to create. It’s at this point when you have to drum up the courage to throw yourself into the fray. Don’t be afraid of making an error—try a solution that may be the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. A wild approach may suggest a different answer, or may become part of a solution. 

HLB: Do you deliberately paint certain subjects? 

DK: Inspiration strikes first. Paintings of people are generally people I’ve known or have become acquainted with—people whose personality, or some other aspect of their persona, I’m excited by.

HLB: Why do you gravitate toward pastels? 

DK: I picked them up not too long ago because of an artist friend, and ever since I’ve evolved to doing a lot of pastels. I’m the treasurer of the Pastel Society of the West Coast—the second largest [pastel society] in the U.S.

HLB: What do you enjoy most about your community? 

DK: The area of Folsom and El Dorado Hills is ideally situated—close to Sacramento, the Bay Area, the mountains and Lake Tahoe. While we can still take advantage of all the amenities of a large cosmopolitan area, I enjoy the benefits of being away from all of that noise and bustle.

kalbacharts.com