Artist’s Statement
I liken the process of creating my paintings to a storyteller weaving a tale. While the writer’s tools of the trade are complex characters and well-crafted narrative, mine are a simple painting knife and layer upon layer of thick, juicy oil paint.
What people notice most about my paintings are the texture, dimension and vibrant colors, often complementary hues, juxtaposed to create energy and build tension. I sometimes observe viewers studying my paintings from multiple angles, tracing my journey through the layers (read about my technique).
People ask me if I like Van Gogh’s work. I do! I love Van Gogh’s use of bold color, lines and the whimsical way he represents the objects and scenes he paints. This is what I hope to accomplish in my own paintings.
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“Art is a means of communicating with people, not an end in itself.”
Modest Petrovitch Moussorgasky, Russian composer
Artist’s Bio
I love painting with thick texture and complementary colors to create images that pulsate off the surface of the canvas or panel. And I have great fun mixing my own color combinations. You won’t find any gray or black paint on my palette! In 2010, I started experimenting with a palette knife and fell in love with this technique. Now, I execute all my paintings exclusively with a knife–regardless of the size or subject matter.
Generally, I begin a painting with a base color–often red or teal–and then create my final image by building up layers of colors, retaining the history of early layers, which continue to peek through, even in the final painting. I enjoy the flexibility of oil paints and the vibrant colors I can produce (read more about my technique).
I take paint with a group at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Studio School. Monday night painting classes are the highlight of my week, no matter how much time I spend painting during the rest of the week.
For the past six summers, I’ve run an art gallery in Bar Harbor, Maine, near Acadia National Park (my very favorite place!). My gallery and studio are located across the street from Frenchman’s Bay. Talk about a stimulating, creative environment.
I also own a marketing communications agency. As a copywriter, I write marketing materials, such as brochures, newsletters and website copy. I work with organizations in a range of industries, but specialize in healthcare. Visit the website for Marathon Marketing.
When I’m not painting or writing, I also love to read and run. I divide my time between Maine and Virginia.
Call or email me to purchase a painting or for more information.
804-514-0462 Kathy @ KathleenHallArt.com