“FLAMINGO PEONIES IN BOTTLE II”
Inspired by a Steve Leimberg/Kathy Miller/Brooke Raulerson collaboration
When I undertake a new painting, it is a huge part of my life…from beginning to end. A blank canvas staring back at me is downright scary. I conceive the idea; worry with its composition; sketch the composition loosely with charcoal; apply paint to the entire canvas, keeping faint charcoal marks for the subject. I may or may not resketch the drawing with paint; I begin adding paint to the composition…large daubs of color….trying to place the darks first. I paint the entire canvas (many times without the true color combos). After I am satisfied with the first “coat” I apply a varnish to enhance the acrylic paints…making them richer in color and depth.
After the varnish is dry…usually overnight, I begin the process all over again, adding paint to the background, then embellishing the subject with paint…color correcting as I go. Once the canvas is covered I will add another coat of varnish.
Next I repeat the process all over again until I feel the painting is right. Many times I will work on several paintings at a time especially if I am working with a certain color palette or theme.
I will hang the painting in my studio or leave on easels, work on other projects, relook at the painting in a new light, different times of day, even turn it upside down if something is bothering me. To me, the painting process is like problem solving, deciding what is right and what is off. Sometimes on another day it hits me and boom…more paint or change of color or tone. Once I am close to being satisfied…I stop…I try not to overwork it! Sometimes less is more.
I sign it and apply the final coat of varnish!
Each painting is special to me. Many hours of thought, creativity, problem solving, and time not to mention the actual supplies make every painting special. And the hard part comes when I sell the painting. It is difficult to part with many because I truly love them. Each one is like a child. No two are alike. You love each one, sometimes in different ways, but always with love. And I find it very satisfying to see which painting appeals to which client.
The wonderful part of the sale is when I know a client loves the painting. There is great satisfaction in knowing a painting has a new home, but also that the new owner will be able to enjoy the painting everyday in their environment.
I miss every painting but know they will always be a part of me. Thank you friends and family who have supported me!
Come celebrate with me. I’ll save you a seat at the table.
12 Comments
Thank you Kathy for sharing your beautiful works of art. We love having them in our home!!
And I love they are in your beautiful home. You do have 2 of my favorites!
I loved every description on each process of creating a canvas. So many people just think you pick up a brush and in 2 hours you have a lovely painting– or not. It does take so much thought and it is hard to end up with something that pleases you let alone someone else.
Keep painting, you have a magical touch.
Thank you Janet! You certainly know the painting process is not just about”picking up a brush” as you enjoy a love of painting. So happy We both love to paint.
I love my painting that hangs in my kitchen where I can see it all day long. It made my kitchen more cheerful and beautiful.
I am so thrilled you have that painting! And I know how much time you spend in your kitchen at your wonderful island that is perfect for working on your computers. It makes me happy to know you can see the painting all day long! Thank you !
I think my painting is the most beautiful of all of Kathy’s painting’s and I am so glad I have it hanging in my home. Now looking for another Kathy painting to go in my guest room.
Thank you Vern! Yours is one of my all time favorites. I am happy to know it is with you. We’ll find the perfect one for your guest room
I love this sis!
Love this sis!
Thanks Lucy Bea! It has a good home!
Kathy, thanks for posting this so that we all get a glimpse into the creative process that you are so gifted with. I love your painting of our Hopewell Road home, and I can feel Dad’s presence on the porch keeping an eye on me. Mom and Dad had such good memories there. Love you!