Wedding Signs

One of the best aspects about being an artist is having the ability to work on different types of projects. Recently, I painted signs for my cousin-in-laws', wedding (you may remember the signs I painted for Bobby and Annaliese's engagement photo shoot). Here are some pictures from their wedding featuring my hand painted signs courtesy of Walter E. Homan Photography. Enjoy!

The Choice

This post is being dedicated to my Uncle Regan who passed away last week.

When someone passes away it causes you to reflect on your own life and the decisions you have made that have brought you to where you are. My Uncle Regan said something years ago that ultimately led me to the career I am in today: artist and art educator. When I was younger, my uncle was over our house visiting and I showed him a piece of artwork that I had just finished. He encouraged me to pursue the arts and then went on to say that he always regretted never doing anything with his own artistic talent.

Years had passed and I went through Salem County Vocational Technical School's Art Academy at Schalick High School. I entered college on the NJ Stars I & II Scholarship in the Fall of 2005. I began my college career at Salem Community College where I studied Liberal Arts and focused on the sciences. I LOVED science almost as much as I loved art. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher but I never thought that I could obtain a job as an art teacher. When I transfered to Rowan University in the Fall of 2007 I entered as a (believe it or not) Biology & Education major.

I will never forget this moment: Two weeks into my first semester at Rowan I was sitting in my Chemistry class when the words of my uncle resonated through my thoughts. When I left the class I literally asked myself: "What am I doing!?" It was almost as if I woke up from a dream and realized I was not doing what I really wanted: art. Right after that class I found out what I needed to do to switch majors to become an Art & Education major. I had a portfolio interview and was accepted into the program.

After that moment, everything fell into place. I met amazing friends and faculty members who shaped me into the artist/art educator I am today. During that transitional time was also when I met my husband. He has been a huge inspiration to my artwork and driving force to continue my pursuit of creating art and sharing my knowledge through teaching.

So my question to you: when did you consciously make the choice to pursue your career? How did you get to that decision?

Chassier Pond

This is my latest work of art that has been in the making for about a year. It is the largest piece I have ever painted (24" x 36") and one with just as much significance. This painting was commissioned by one of my closest friend's husband. He wanted me to create a painting of their backyard pond. This landscape holds special meaning because they created the pond when they built their house and have many memories associated with it; He wanted a painting of it so she would always have her pond wherever life may take them (Cue romantic music).

I found this painting challenging because of the size and the the way in which I work; extremely detailed. I hoped my style could be translated to cover such a large area and I believe I accomplished just that. Even though it was a challenge (a welcomed one at that) I enjoyed this painting because of the emotional connection the client had to the landscape. We worked closely to get the exact photograph to work from and throughout the process to capture their special place.

For more information about commissions, please go to: http://www.kimberlyenglish.com/commissions.html

2013 Arts in Bloom

It's that time of year again! Salem County's Arts in Bloom tour is this weekend and I am preparing for a great weekend. I will be at the same location as last year, A Whole New Light, 328 Route 40 Elmer, NJ. Come visit to see new paintings, classes and things to come for the remainder of 2013. We will have refreshments and snacks for visitors. Hope to see you this weekend!

Below is a picture of the prints that will be available for purchase. 

Full size prints of paintings are also available this year!

Cover of The Country Register

Recently, I was approached by the publishers of The Country Register of Delaware and New Jersey to submit artwork for consideration for their front cover. This week I found out my painting, Joanie's Wildflowers, was selected! It is featured in the March/April edition. Below are a couple of screenshots from their website and PDF version of the paper.

Thank you, Merle and Gail!

MoorArts Gala Event

On January 12th, I took part in the MoorArts Gala Event at the Moorestown Community House. There was an amazing turn out - over 160 people attended the event to support the arts! The food was excellent and I really enjoyed talking about my paintings and watching the performing artists. Here is a picture from the event:

To learn more about MoorArts, click here

Engagement Signs

My husband's cousin, Bobby, got engaged to Annaliese this past July and she asked me to paint signs on vintage pallet boards that they were to use in their engagement pictures. Since Bobby proposed in Maine while on a boat ride, they recreated the proposal with a sign saying "I Said Yes!" She also wanted a sign painted with their upcoming wedding date. Below are just a few pictures from their engagement photo shoot. Thank you, Annaliese, for sharing these beautiful pictures!

Please click on the photographs for an enlarged view

Photos courtesy of Walter E. Homan Photography

For more information on commissions, please click here