WITH A WHIMSICAL STROKE OF A

Artist Jacqueline Campa calls herself a visual storyteller and colorist. Colleagues and collectors describe the 75-year-old Key Largo resident as a trendsetter and risk-taker, someone not afraid to experiment, whether with acrylics or watercolors.

“Jackie is one of the most prolific artists I think I’ve ever known. She is constantly trying new things. It’s inspiring to me,” said Key Largo Art Gallery co-owner Tere Kelley. “Everything she brings in has some sort of story and whimsy to it and it makes you happy. It makes you smile.”

Campa’s vibrant artwork has been on display at Kelley’s art gallery, located on the bayside at MM 103, since the studio opened its doors in 2005.

All of the paintings portray a certain degree of playfulness; many are expressive paintings of women. “I seem to have a thing with mermaids and women’s faces lately,” Campa said.

She believes her interest in painting women dates back to her childhood, growing up in a house with a single mother and a sister.

“As a girl, I enjoyed drawing women because I didn’t grow up in a household with men,” she explained.

Many of Campa’s colorful paintings are inspired by her extensive travels through the Caribbean. Case in point: one she fondly named “Tutti Frutti.”

“’Tutti Frutti’ is just an island girl with a cute little thing on her head; I just thought she was funny,” said Campa of the vivid painting of a woman wearing fruit and flowers on her head.

Campa grew up in Tennessee and became interested in painting while attending Middle Tennessee State University. She moved to Key Largo 25 years ago after spending seven years living on a boat with her husband, Paul, a certified public accountant. “He has one side of the brain and I have the other,” joked Campa.

Once in the Keys, Campa joined the Art Guild of the Purple Isles and quickly came to know other local artists. About six years ago, she began sharing her talents at weekly free art workshops inside the Key Largo library.

“I want to keep painting as long as I can contribute and make art that’s important and enjoyable for other people,” said Campa.

Key Largo resident Deb Riolo is one of her students and biggest fans. “I fell in love with the vibrant colors. I fell in love with how it made you feel alive,” said Riolo, who has bought five of Campa’s pieces. The most recent purchase was one Campa titled “The Queen,” inspired by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

“She was such a strong and gracious lady. She sure did love colors and wore them beautifully,” said Campa of her fondness for the late British monarch.

Besides being vivid and vivacious, Riolo also loves the fact that all of Campa’s pieces are one-of-a-kind. “She doesn’t make prints of anything,” said Riolo. “Everything is an original.”

At any given time, Campa can be working on five or six paintings. She usually completes 10 to 15 pieces a month. “There is nothing she won’t try,” said Kelley. “She’s always got something new on her plate.”

Campa does not take on commissioned work because she does not want to be boxed in. If she has an idea, she wants to be able to pursue it.

Art is not only a passion for the grandmother of three; painting with vibrant colors can also be therapeutic. “I use art as therapy or my place to heal from whatever happens to me,” said Campa.

Today, Campa says, she is living a dream. The island lifestyle in Key Largo consisting of crystal clear waters, abundant nature and colorful people continue to inspire this artist.

“Many years ago, my dream would be that I could paint all I wanted to paint every day and I’m getting to do that,” said Campa with a smile. “How many people can say that? It is truly wonderful.”

Campa has some advice for artists who are starting out. “I think you have to keep focused on just being honest with your art and try to be yourself and not be disappointed because you’re rejected. Maybe you haven’t found the correct audience for you,” she said.