Wild Horizon Fine Art Finding Inspiration in Natural Landscapes
Painting has always been a part of Camille Kouyoumdjian’s life. But it stayed in the background for a long time.
“I’d paint when I needed to recharge or reconnect — with myself, with nature, with quiet. For the most part, I’m self-taught, though over the years I’ve taken workshops here and there to develop specific skills,” she said. “I’ve also had informal mentors — other artists I admire and friends who’ve encouraged me to keep going.”
Camille grew up exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Eastern Seaboard. She said it was the summers spent hiking, cycling, and kayaking in Acadia that truly shaped her. “These landscapes have long inspired my work and rooted me in a deep sense of connection to the natural world,” she said.
Drawn to storytelling and language, Camille studied English literature in college. “But I also felt a strong need to be practical, so I added a second major in international studies and economics,” she said.
Camille said, “I was always creative — writing, painting, even dabbling in landscape design — but I worried about how I’d support myself with those interests alone. That fear pushed me toward a master’s in international development and public health, and I spent years working in that space, often traveling, collaborating with people from all kinds of backgrounds and cultures. Looking back, that work taught me how to listen deeply, to notice nuance, and to communicate across divides — skills that have translated directly into my art.”
She worked in international development and public health for 15 years. Camille worked for both federal contractors and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, primarily focusing on public health policy, research, and program implementation.
Due to creativity being part of her life — whether through writing, designing spaces, or observing the natural world — she said painting felt like a natural extension of that. “Especially when I worked in international development, I found myself turning to the outdoors and to art to process everything I was witnessing — the beauty, the injustice, the complexity. Over time, painting stopped being just a side thing I did to recharge and started becoming the primary way I made sense of the world,” Camille said.
Her subject matter has remained constant, with Camille continually inspired by the wilderness — especially national parks and international hiking routes. She said her work reflects the textures, colors, and emotions that are evoked by those types of immersive, natural experiences.
“Over time, I’ve experimented with acrylics, watercolor, collage, and now oil and cold wax. I prefer lightfast media and avoid anything that requires framing behind glass or the use of fixatives,” she said. “I often travel with Derwent Inktense blocks, and I frequently incorporate texture pastes and gels. Today, I work primarily in mixed media, blending techniques I’ve developed across all of those mediums.”
Shifting to Full Time
Camille described her move to creating art full time as a slow shift rather than one big leap. She said the gradual shift began about 18 years ago, after her daughter was born.
“Creating art became a vital source of solace and flexibility as I balanced motherhood and professional life,” Camille said. “Over time, as I began receiving recognition and realized I wanted more freedom and connection in my work life, I transitioned to full-time artmaking.”
She also said, “But there was definitely a moment when I realized: I need to give this a real shot. I had gathered enough courage and clarity to say, ‘This is the work I want to be doing.’ That moment came from years of paying attention to what drew me in and what left me feeling whole. Once I made that decision, I built a dedicated workspace, started showing my work, and began learning everything I could about the business side of being an artist.” Camille explained how she made her decision a viable one. “I started small. I created a space in my home where I could work without interruption. I learned how to photograph my work, build a website, and show up consistently on social media,” she said. “I also began applying to local art shows and festivals to get my work in front of people. I experimented with different formats — prints, originals, commissions — to see what resonated. Over time, I built relationships with collectors, galleries, and fellow artists. Each step built on the last.”
Regarding her studio’s name — Wild Horizon Fine Art — Camille said it reflects both her love for the wilderness and the expansive sense of possibility offered by creating art. “Wild Horizon evokes both the natural landscapes that inspire me and the imaginative space where creative exploration happens,” she said.
Camille started participating in art festivals about five years ago, when she felt confident enough to share her work publicly. She noted that after the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, she especially appreciated opportunities to connect with other artists and art lovers in person.
“I look for festivals that are well organized, have a strong community vibe, and attract people who care about art and the environment,” she said. On average, Camille does six to eight shows a year.
That number may shift, depending on what else she is working on at the time. “When I first started, I did fewer — mostly local ones — but now I feel more comfortable traveling for the right opportunities,” Camille said.
When asked about her other revenue streams, Camille said she tries to diversify. “In addition to festivals, I sell work through galleries and curated gift shops that align with my values. I also take on commissions, which I really enjoy — it’s a chance to collaborate and bring someone else’s story or space to life,” she said. “I’ve done exhibits, and I’m exploring prints and licensing opportunities as well. I’m always thinking about how to create sustainable income without compromising the integrity of the work.”
Regarding commissions, they come to her through various channels, including art festivals, galleries, arts organization memberships, and word of mouth from students and collectors. “Each experience is unique and personal,” Camille said.
She has had plenty of challenges as an artist. “Self-doubt, financial uncertainty, burnout — they’re all real. One of the biggest challenges was shifting from a ‘safe’ career path to a creative one and trusting that it would be enough,” Camille said.
How has she subdued those challenges? “I’ve overcome those doubts (or at least quieted them) by building community, staying grounded in purpose, and treating the business side of art as just another creative challenge to figure out,” she said. “Having a support system — friends, other artists, mentors — has been key.”
When it comes to her work, Camille said, “Everything I’ve done before — traveling, working in development, studying literature — shapes the way I see and express the world. My experiences have given me a deep respect for difference and a reverence for nature. I’m constantly inspired by the interconnectedness of things, by the way human stories and natural systems overlap. That’s what I try to capture in my work — a sense of awe, and also a quiet call to responsibility.”
And after spending most of her life in the Washington, D.C., area she has just started a new chapter on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Camille says she is “ready for a more peaceful life, one that offers distance from the relentless pace of city living and the constant buzz of politics, and closer to the rhythms of the tide, the stillness of the forest, and the quiet strength of the mountains.”
Her new home has a dedicated studio that overlooks the water. She said it is an ideal creative space and setting it up was a top priority when choosing a property.
The move means she has new shows to consider applying to. “Maine has a vibrant arts community and many wonderful opportunities. I’ve already juried into the Coastal Fine Art Alliance Festival in Southwest Harbor and am looking forward to exploring more local shows,” she said.
And Camille has already joined several regional arts organizations, including UMVA, ArtWaves MDI, Creative Ground New England, and the Union of Maine Contemporary Artists. She has also been actively networking with galleries, has solo shows lined up for the summer, and has started booking appointments to show her new work to gallery owners.
Camille gets the word out about her work and schedule in numerous ways. “I maintain an email list and regularly send out newsletters and blog posts. I’m active on Instagram and Facebook, and my website is an essential part of staying connected with collectors and students. It hosts new work, blog updates, and announcements about upcoming shows and classes. I also offer holiday specials and seasonal promotions, and I often find that teaching helps spread the word organically through my students,” she said.
What Camille loves most about what she does is the freedom to follow ideas wherever they may lead. “I love being in conversation with nature and translating those observations into visual stories. And I love that my work can speak to people across backgrounds — because ultimately, we all understand beauty, loss, and wonder, even if we speak different languages.”
