The art world and the Petaluma, CA community are mourning the loss of Camille Przewodek, a celebrated master impressionist painter, teacher, and owner of Przewodek Fine Art. Camille, aged 77, passed away after a brief but intense battle with metastatic liver cancer on July 22, 2024. She was surrounded by her family, including her daughter Erin, granddaughter, partner, and husband of 40 years, Dale Axelrod.
Camille Przewodek’s artistic journey and legacy are both inspiring and profound. She was deeply influenced by the beauty of nature, a theme that permeated her work and life. Her passing has left a significant void in the hearts of her family, friends, students, and the broader art community.
Camille’s education and career were marked by significant achievements and contributions. She studied painting under the guidance of master colorist Henry Hensche at the Cape School of Art in Provincetown. Hensche, who was an assistant to the renowned American Impressionist Charles Hawthorne, profoundly impacted Camille’s artistic vision. He introduced her to Monet’s impressionist tradition of seeing and painting color influenced by light. This teaching transformed Camille’s perception of shadows, filling them with vibrant colors rather than dark shapes. Her works became a testament to this technique, making her one of the most respected figures in impressionist painting.
Camille’s career spanned several decades, during which she garnered numerous accolades and taught countless students. She served as an Awards Judge at the American Impressionist Society’s (AIS) 3rd Annual Impressions: Small Works Showcase at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey, Michigan, in 2019. Her influence extended beyond judging; she also conducted workshops, provided painting demonstrations, and served as a mentor to many aspiring artists. Her dedication to her craft and her generosity in sharing her knowledge made her a beloved figure in the art community.
One of Camille’s most significant achievements came this year when she won the PleinAir Salon art competition, fulfilling one of her long-held goals. This victory was a testament to her enduring talent and commitment to her art. Despite her illness, she continued to inspire and contribute to the field until her final days.
Camille’s family has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received. In a heartfelt message posted by her daughter Erin on Camille’s Instagram account, the family shared their grief and plans for honoring her legacy. Erin described her mother as vibrant and beloved, someone whose spirit will continue to shine through her work and the memories she left behind.
The family plans to hold a celebration of life ceremony to honor Camille’s memory. Details of the event will be shared in due course. In accordance with Camille’s love for nature, her body will be composted and returned to the soil, a fitting tribute to a woman who found so much inspiration in the natural world.
The American Impressionist Society (AIS) also mourned Camille’s passing, acknowledging her as a master painter, teacher, mentor, and friend. They emphasized how she embodied the spirit of the society, contributing significantly to its mission and community. Camille’s influence on AIS and its members will be felt for many years to come.
Camille’s passing is a profound loss not only for her family and friends but also for the broader art community. Her work, teachings, and spirit will continue to inspire and influence future generations of artists. Her legacy as a master impressionist painter and colorist will remain a guiding light in the world of fine art.
In remembering Camille Przewodek, it is essential to celebrate her life and achievements. Born on August 2, 1946, in Lansing, Michigan, Camille’s journey was marked by a passion for art that began at a young age. Her dedication led her to study under some of the most influential figures in impressionist painting, and she went on to establish a successful career that spanned over four decades.
Camille’s impact extended beyond her artistic contributions. She was known for her warmth, generosity, and dedication to her students and community. Her workshops and classes were more than just lessons in painting; they were opportunities for students to learn about seeing the world through a different lens, one that was vibrant and full of life. Camille’s teaching philosophy was rooted in the belief that anyone could learn to see and paint the world in a new way, a belief that she instilled in her students.
Her family, including her devoted husband Dale, daughter Erin, and granddaughter, will continue to uphold Camille’s legacy. They have requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Camille’s memory to organizations that support the arts and nature conservation, reflecting her lifelong passions.
As we remember Camille Przewodek, let us celebrate her life, her art, and the incredible legacy she leaves behind. Her work will continue to inspire, her teachings will continue to guide, and her spirit will continue to shine in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
