Similarities Between Artists and Farmers

I find so many similarities between farmers and artists. They both work long hours well before and after everyone else has called it a day. They persist through difficult times and circumstances out of their control. Both are usually misunderstood by the general public. They recognize patterns and connections of larger systems that can help them in their work. And both can create beautiful and vital sustenance for our world: food and art. Imagine life without farmers and artists... what a hungry and dull place it would be.

Host a Painting Party

Did you know I still do private paint parties? 🎨 Today was so much fun with the ladies from Salem MVC. We painted a sunflower: some chose to create on a canvas and some wanted to paint on a white washed pallet. I think they turned out awesome, don’t you?! 🌻

Interested in hosting your own private paint party at your home with friends, family, or coworkers? Here’s the link with more information: https://www.kimberlyenglish.com/painting-party.html

Painting Progression: Caught in a Country Moment

In Aldine, the town where I live, the dairy farmers of Triangle Farm would walk their cows down the street twice a day. Locals knew this daily ritual as “The Cow Parade” which would stop traffic at the intersection and cause commuters to wait for the cows to walk from the field to the barn for milking. I absolutely loved watching the cows walk down the road and would often make sure to be there around the time that they would walking. I took the reference picture for this painting in March of 2009. The farmers have sretired and the cow parade has since ended. I wanted to create this painting to honor the farmer’s legacy and preserve this special memory held by so many people.

Artistic Ability is a Skill

I truly believe everyone has an artistic ability. After all, making any type of art is a skill, that if given consistent practice, will yield better results. ✍🏻 When I am teaching and helping a student, some will say: “You make it look so easy! I wish I was talented.” And while artistic talent does run on both sides of my family, it’s the time I’ve given to my work, thousands of hours, that enables me to “make it look easy” as they say. 🎨

The most important thing of being able to draw and paint in any desired style is the ability to see how everything relates to each other. Recognizing connections between pieces of a whole object and breaking them down into shapes to render it. Take the time to really analyze what you’re looking at. And practice.

These are just some thoughts I’ve had while working in the studio this week and felt compelled to share. I’m looking forward to speaking more about art this weekend (May 18 & 19 from 10AM-5PM) during the Salem County Arts In Bloom Studio Tour.

Download tour brochures here 🗺: bit.ly/2019AIBMap

“The Salem Oak” -Acrylics on Gessobord - 6”x 6” © Kimberly English

New Product!

🌟New Zippered Clutch Bags🌟

These linen canvas bags are great for holding your phone and keys or even makeup. They feature one of my original paintings on both sides! 🎨

Shop the whole collection by clicking here 🛍 

April Workshop Recap

This past weekend's painting workshop was so much fun! These ladies were so sweet and we all had a wonderful time getting to know each other while painting. We even had real dogwood blossoms to use as references. I really enjoy teaching smaller workshops to ensure everyone gets the the help they need so they feel confident with their finished product.

National Gardening Day

National Gardening Day was April 14th! 🥦🍅🍠🥒We love growing and preserving our own homegrown food. Our yearly garden has: lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet corn, zucchini, green beans, wax beans, peppers, sweet potatoes, horseradish, watermelon, cantaloupe, raspberries, blackberries, rhubarb, and grapes. Last year we finally added strawberries. 🍓

Do you have a garden? If so, what do you like to grow? 👩🏻‍🌾