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.
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.
“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, my paintings are almost exclusively executed with a knife—regardless of the size or subject matter.
I take studio classes 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 three summers I was an Artist in Residence in Bar Harbor, Maine, near Acadia National Park (my very favorite place). My gallery and studio (The Gallery Upstairs) looked out over the boats and islands in Frenchman’s Bay. Talk about a stimulating, creative environment! In 2013, I will open a new gallery in Bar Harbor, with local artist Lucy Tracy. We will also represent a few other Maine artists.
I also own a marketing communications agency. As a copywriter, I write marketing material, 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