STUDIO 101
Kumiko S. McKee
About
Kumiko S. McKee, a Japanese-born American artist, creates intricate graphite portraits that capture the emotional essence of her subjects with exceptional detail. Graphite has long been her medium of choice for its soft luminosity and delicate tonal range. Using primarily mechanical pencils, she achieves subtle blends of light and shadow with precise lines, combining meticulous hatching and blending techniques to bring her subjects to life.
McKee’s realism-focused work has earned numerous accolades, including 1st Place in Artist Network’s Stroke of Genius 12 international drawing competition, an Honorable Mention in the Drawing category at the 15th ARC Salon Competition, and an Honorable Mention at WMOCA’s IBPC 2025 - International Biennial Portrait Competition.
Her work has been exhibited internationally at prestigious venues such as Sotheby’s NY in New York, the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona, ModPortrait 2024 exhibitions in Barcelona and Madrid, and WMOCA in Wisconsin. In addition, two of her artworks will be launched to the Moon via SpaceX as part of the Polaris Archive of the Lunar Codex project.
Artwork
Constance En Fourrure Graphite on Paper 24"X18" (61cm x 46cm) 2024
Melancholy In Spring Graphite on Paper 24"X18" (61cm x 46cm) 2022
Isaiah Graphite on Paper 40"X30" (102cm x 76cm) 2017
Liza Graphite on Paper 40"X30" (102cm x 76cm) 2015
Savion Graphite on Paper 40"X30" (102cm x 76cm) 2019
Alice Graphite on Paper 40"X30" (102cm x 76cm) 2022
"Requiem for Dear Carol" Graphite on Paper 24" X 18" (61cm x 46cm) 2020
Self Portrait with Beloved Momo Graphite on Paper 40"X30" (102cm x 76cm) 2011
Husband and Pet of Artist Graphite on Paper 40"X30" (102cm x 76cm) 2011
Original works and merchanise available from my studio. In-person visits and purchases welcome!
Contact
Kumiko S. McKee
Studio 101
Email
www.kumiko-art.com
3 Square Art
2415 Donella Ct, Ste 110
Attn: Studio 101
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Inquire about originals, commissions, or studio visits. Plan a visit!
Biography
Kumiko S. McKee was born and grew up in Japan. Kumiko started studying art from high school as a fine art major. After working as a display designer for two years in Tokyo, Japan, and traveling 36 countries with backpack, she moved to the United States and studied painting at the University of Wyoming and obtained BFA degree. She opened her studio "Kumiko Art Studio" online gallery in 2003 and founded an art center “3 Square Art” in 2017. She has received prestigious awards in numerous juried exhibits and competitions including 1st Place Award four times.
Most Recent Achievements:
⭐️Featured Article: The Top Award-Winning Drawings of 2020 (Artists Network)
⭐️ Selected for the 15th International ARC Salon Exhibitions at Sotheby’s NY in New York and the European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM) in Barcelona, Spain