Peach Painting

Jersey fresh peaches are in season. Where is your favorite farm or market to purchase your peaches? Let me know in the comments below 

Framed acrylic painting on board available for purchase.

New Drawing: Hudock's

Locals, did you hear?! Hudock’s opens this week! To celebrate, I created this mixed media drawing I took the reference picture on a date night years ago and always loved how the neon sign looked against the dark blue night sky. From start to finish it took about an hour and it was a lot of fun to just play!


Would you like to see this design on t-shirts, tote bags, or clutch bags? Let me know below!

Materials used:
General Sketching Pencils 
Lukas Farben watercolors 
Prismacolor colored pencils
Liquitex Paints

Painting a Tree

Here’s a portion of my current work in progress. From the top left to the bottom right shows the creation of a happy little tree. I started by adding the dark areas then added some negative space to help define the tree’s shape. Then I added layers of highlight to create depth and more negative space.

Speaking at the Salem County Art League

Last night I had the honor of being the guest speaker at the Salem County Art League meeting. I explained the different types of acrylic paints, mediums, and shared some of my favorite supplies and tricks. I also walked through the creation of “Sickler’s Mack” and explained my process from beginning to end. It was great to meet so many other artists and answer their questions about my favorite medium. 🎨

If you’d like me to present or speak at your organization, please email me at 💌: kimberlydenglish@gmail.com 

Picture courtesy of Vicki Dyer

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

March Painting Workshop

On Saturday March 30th from 1-4PM, come celebrate spring's arrival by learning how to paint a spring wreath. The 3D pallet board is white washed and measures 12" x 12" x 1.75" with a jute string to hang up on your wall as soon as you get home. Participants can choose what color their flowers and buds will be.All supplies are included and light refreshments will be served. Class size is small to ensure everyone gets individual attention from the instructor and has an enjoyable experience.

Click here to register

Apple Pallet Painting Workshop

Join me Sunday, September 23rd from 1-4PM at A Whole New Light to learn how to paint this rustic, 12" x 16" apple pallet sign. No experience is necessary and class size is small to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience. $40 includes all supplies, homemade apple pie, and refreshments.

Click here to register

New Painting Workshop: Saltbox Bucket on 1/27/18

Come paint a primitive saltbox house with a winter landscape on an oval burgundy bucket. Customize your house and door color as well as your composition. No experience necessary. All supplies are included. Bucket measures 10"l x 4.5"w x 4"h. Greenery not included.

Saturday, January 27th 12-3PM

Cost: $25

Studio Location

A Whole New Light

328 Harding Highway

Elmer, NJ 08318

To register, click here

Painting Progression: Potato Harvest in Elmer

A local farmer and friend, Michael Brooks, commissioned me to create this painting. I saw online that he was having an auction of old farm equipment and I contacted him to see if I could go over before the sale to photograph some of the old trucks. He agreed and asked if I would be willing to paint one of the 1977 F600 trucks for his parents. They had bought them brand new and he wanted to preserve the memories they held on their farm.

I created the composition from many photographs of the truck at the auction and fields. Since the truck did not have a potato body on it, I used reference pictures from Ben Wilson's potato equipment, and old photos that Mike provided. I also edited the truck to make it look new again, as per Mike’s request.

This painting was a challenge because I wanted to ensure it was accurately represented to preserve their family’s farming heritage. I wanted the background to depict a typical summer day in South Jersey during a potato harvest with beautiful clear skies. The vines and ground were a lot of fun to paint including the small potatoes that didn't make it into the truck. 

Below is the painting, click the image to enlarge, and the painting progression video

"Potato Harvest in Elmer" - Acrylics on Gessobord - 9" x 12" by Kimberly English © 2017

Painting Progression Video

Prints are available for purchase. Click here!

Special thanks to Michael Brooks for commissioning this painting, Ben Wilson for allowing me to photograph his farm equipment, Jen and Andy Williams for doing a beautiful job framing this work, and last but not least, my husband and mom for helping with the kids at various times while I worked on the painting.

Voted Best Art in Salem County

Yesterday I found out that I was named "Best Art" in Salem County for 2017 by the Salem County Chamber of Commerce. I am so honored and proud to hold the title again! Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for me.

Living and working in Salem County greatly influences my artwork. It's not hard to find an amazing view to photograph or paint when so much inspiration is right outside my door. The agricultural landscapes of Salem County will continue to be my focus as I illustrate our beautiful county for the world to admire.

Finished Live Event Painting: Rachel & David

This weekend I delivered the finished painting from Rachel & David Sickler's wedding. They had an absolutely perfect summer day for their home farm wedding. As a landscape painter that finds inspiration in the agricultural farms of South Jersey, this wedding was everything that I cherish.

I met with Rachel a couple of days before the wedding to see the ceremony site and discuss the elements that she wanted included in her painting. I took some reference pictures and I was also lucky enough to take some around their beautiful farm. The day of the wedding, I completed about 90% of the painting in just 7 hours. I brought the painting back to my studio to add finishing touches, varnish and a frame.

All of the details in her wedding were so personal and reflected her sweet, thoughtful personality. My favorite things to paint were the straw bales and Rachel's aisle decorations of milk cans and flowers. The texture and colors in the straw bales were so fun to create! I also loved how the milk cans were the same color and shape as the silos. I added these after the wedding and I believe their placement really helped to solidify the composition.

The most difficult parts to paint were the silos. I tried to work on them at the wedding but I quickly decided that it would be best to paint them in my studio where I had more control to create the perspective of their round shape. As in previous wedding paintings, the hands and faces were a challenge since they were extremely (smaller than the size of a dime). However, I enjoy this challenge by using as few strokes and shapes as possible.

It was such a pleasure to work with Rachel and create their wedding painting! It was an honor to be a part of their special day at such an amazing farm. I wish them many years of married bliss with all the blessings that it will bring in the years to come.

Below are pictures of the progression as well as the final painting and Rachel's review of the experience. Click the pictures to enlarge.

With my very good friends, Steve & Kathy Williams

Picture courtesy of Taylor Dubois-Bill

Rachel & David's Live Wedding Painting

"After watching Kim do a live painting at my friend's wedding, I knew I had to have her for our wedding. Kim came with high recommendations from the bride and after seeing the finished product, I knew I had to have her! Kim was super kind, thoughtful, and very professional throughout the entire process. It is evident she is passionate about what she does.

Since the wedding was at our house, Kim stopped beforehand to view the property and how everything would be set up. She took some pictures and noted details I thought I would only notice. Her excitement to paint at our wedding was clear and made it even more enjoyable to work with her.

Kim took no time at all presenting us with the final product which was wrapped and displayed beautifully in a handcrafted wooden frame. I cannot wait to display this timeless, beautiful work of art for years to come and perhaps pass on to future generations. If you are looking for a unique experience for your guests at your wedding in addition to receiving a beautiful painting, look no further than Kim English Art!"

-Rachel Layton Sickler

If you are getting married or would like to gift a couple a live event painting at their wedding, 

click here for more information and to setup a consultation.

Sharing Another Artist: Lori Gilbert

This week I wanted to share another artist: Lori Gilbert. I have been following Lori for a couple of years on Instagram and I am totally inspired by her artwork and lifestyle! She is a professional self taught acrylic painter who specializes in large, photorealistic ocean waves and sunsets. "Lori’s art is inspired through a complex web of internal and external factors. Love for the natural universe is inspiration for many of her pieces and emotional intellect adds a sometimes seemingly dark edge to her work which never fails to capture the viewers full attention."

I admire Lori's commitment to her artistic practice as well as using her personal fitness to fuel her creativity. She spends most her day painting in her studio using simple artistic materials such as Liquitex acrylics, styrofoam plates, and her favorite $4 paint brush from Michael's to create her works. She successfully uses dramatic color shifts and organic shapes to create the illusion of flowing water and soft clouds in her paintings. I am enamored by her ability to paint on such a large scale and create captivating visual effects.

Lori also credits regular workouts to helping her sustain and expand her creativity. I was inspired through following her regularly on social media that I have also incorporated fitness into my daily routine to help cultivate new creative energies. I have to admit, it does work! I feel even more motivated and inspired after I have had time to workout. Having the time to put your body to work also provides to opportunity for your mind to become more clear and think in different ways.

Below are some of my favorite works of art by Lori.

Be sure to follow Lori with the links and contact information below

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lori.Gilbert.Art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorigilbertart/

Blog: https://lorigilbertfineart.com/blog/

Website: https://lorigilbertfineart.com

E-mail: lgilbert756@gmail.com

Painting Progression: January Blossom

This painting was inspired by a day trip I took with my cousin, Casey, to Longwoods Gardens to celebrate her birthday. It was frigid cold at the end of January 2014, but we enjoyed the tropical warmth of Longwood’s luscious greenhouses. My daughter was just 3 months old at the time and she slept through the entire walk around the greenhouses! After browsing the amazing selection of flowers and plants, we had a lovely lunch at a nearby Olive Garden. The delicious soup and bread sticks warmed us up from the bitter cold.

When choosing a reference picture, I was drawn to this flower for the color shifts within the petals and the vast shapes created by the folds and wrinkles. It was mesmerizing creating the contrasts to show the twists within the petal edges. I also believe, subconsciously, I chose this flower to paint because of the color palette. My last painting, "Distant Vista on Shirley Road", had similar colors which made creating this painting's color shifts rather seamless.

"January Blossom" - Acrylics on Gessobord - 6" x 6" by Kimberly English © 2017

Original and archival prints are available for purchase

Why Landscapes?

I first began to paint when I was in college studying to become an art educator. At the same time, I also had just started dating my husband. We spent a lot of our dates on tractors in spinach or hay fields and on his four wheeler exploring his family's farm. I would take my camera along to capture the sights of our adventures.

The photographs from our time together served as subject matter for my college assignments. Learning how to paint using the landscapes from special places and moments that I had experienced really helped me connect to the painting process. I had a better understanding of the structures and lighting I was trying to render rather than if I had found a picture on the internet. I created the image while I was in landscape which greatly helped me recall the conditions of my surroundings (i.e., the dry texture of the ground)

Now, 9 years later, most of the pictures that I take are either in our yard or the fields surrounding our home. Where I live provides endless inspiration! I am so lucky to have so many beautiful scenes right outside of my door. Since I am a stay at home mom it is very convenient to walk out the back door and find a landscape that can become a painting while my children are taking their naps or tucked in to bed at night.

My paintings all have special significants and stories about that particular point in my life. They serve as an autobiography and illustrate the landscapes that have shaped who I am. Having the opportunity to paint my surroundings and have people not only recognize the location but also connect with it provides me with so much fulfillment.

Below are some of my first paintings that  I completed in college as well as pictures take from around our home.

"Watson's Mill Road" - Acrylics on Canvas - 9" x 17"

Completed for a college assignment

"Wilson's #601" - Acrylics on Canvas - 22" x 28"

Completed for a college assignment

"Any Given Sunday" - Acrylics on Masonite - 15" x 21.75"

Completed for a college assignment

Painting Progression: Distant Vista on Shirley Road

When I was contemplating what to paint, I had just finished an intensely detailed commission, "One of a Kind", and wanted to paint a subject that was less structured. After looking through my reference pictures, I decided to call upon my photographer friend, Don Macavoy. He takes amazing photographs and happened to have a beautiful sunset of a local scene which he granted me permission to use.

I was attracted to the color shifts in the sky as well as the varying shades of blues in the foreground. The barn and silos' shilouttes against the vibrant sky depicts Salem County's magnificent, unobscured sunsets that regularly occur. I enjoy photographing and painting sunsets because I am always amazed at not only the range of colors but how quickly they can change! If you take the time to watch, in a matter of moments you can witness the dramatic display of the color spectrum as well as the glistening glow of the sun as it descends into the horizon. I hope this painting inspires others to pause and experience this beautiful phenomenon that happens everyday.

"Distant Vista on Shirley Road" - 11" x 14" - Acrylics on Gessobord by Kimberly English © 2017

Painting Progression Video

Arts in Bloom Site #6

This past weekend was my 5th year exhibiting in the Salem County Arts in Bloom Studio Tour. This year was special because it was the first time I was at my house as my own site location. In previous years, I have exhibited at my workshop studio at A Whole New Light, and at Janice Chassier's Gallery Under the Oak Tree.

I began setting up my display on Wednesday. I wanted to use the display system I purchased from a Massachusetts photographer (read more about it here) inside our garage. I first had to shift things in order for the display to fit. My goal was to have the display components setup by Wednesday, hang all of the artwork and stage the setup by Thursday and tie up any loose ends (print out missing tags, price items) on Friday.  Despite the heat, everything went according to plan!

Friday evening I held a preview/opening reception event where I invited a few clients and friends to attend. It was a relaxed gathering where visitors could look at the artwork, talk, and enjoy some wine and desserts. We lounged on the straw bale couch and watched a distant lighting storm. It was the perfect way to start the weekend!

Saturday morning as I began to set up, visitors started to arrive around 9:30 AM. There was a constant flow of tour goers throughout the day including neighbors, farmers, friends, students, and art enthusiasts who I hadn't met before. I had so many wonderful conversations and even witnessed one of my paintings captivate and move someone so much, they cried. It was a powerful moment. I even sold my painting, "The Meathouse". It was an amazing day!

The day started slower on Sunday which gave me an opportunity to take some video of my set up and post on Facebook for Arts in Bloom (I am the Volunteer Social Media Coordinator for AIB). By lunchtime, visitors began to arrive and I was busy for the rest of the afternoon! I had several people return from the previous day to discuss private art lessons and commissioning a piece of artwork. Fellow Pitman Gallery & Art Center member artist, Eileen Meehan Ziegler and Ro Mansfield came to my site. They were so nice and I look forward to collaborating with them in the future! 

My aunt and cousins came down from Kennett Square to see my display. They ended up staying for dinner after the day had ended. It was the perfect ending to a successful event!

Overall, I had a phenomenal weekend! I had over 100 visitors between the two days and sales that far exceeded my expectations. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the support I received! I am excited to get back into the studio and create new works of art for next year's Salem County Arts in Bloom. Special thank you to my mom and student, Audrey, for helping me throughout the week with the kids as I setup for this big event. I couldn't have done it without you!

The Finished Live Event Painting

I delivered the finished work of art to Tyler and Taylor last week and wanted to share it with you! After completing about 90% of the painting at their wedding, I brought it back to my studio where I reworked the beams in the ceiling, went over all of the lettering to make them more opaque, and added additional details like shadows, flowers, and of the bride and groom. 

My favorite things to paint were Taylor's gorgeous dress and the beautiful lights that hung from the ceiling and behind the couple. While at the wedding, I purposefully created my composition to include as many of the lights as I could since they provided such a soft, romantic glow. To capture the lights and chandelier, I needed the barn ceiling to constitute most of the composition. I believe the triangles and angles created by the beams and wall create a visually solid design.

The most difficult part was working on the faces of the couple since they were smaller than the size of a dime! The wedding photographer, Dana Zarin, was a huge help in providing different reference pictures of the couple's profile. The photographs were very helpful in obtaining the information I needed in order to create their faces in as a few shapes and strokes as possible due to the limited size on the canvas.

This painting was such a wonderful experience. To be able to attend Tyler and Taylor's wedding and to paint the occasion while it was happening around me was nothing short of magical. I hope they enjoy just as much as I did creating it!

Below is the final painting and Taylor's review of the experience.

"Kim came to our venue (our farm) about two weeks before to meet us and scope out the space. My husband and I decided we wanted the ceremony painted, so she decided where she would set up for the ceremony.

On the day of our wedding, Kim showed up two hours before to set up and get started. It POURED on the day so we had to move the ceremony inside at the last minute. Kim was very flexible and accommodating which put us at ease during a very stressful time. She quickly changed her game plan to paint the ceremony inside in the barn, which turned out beautiful!

Kim stayed most of the reception and was able to interact with our guests. They enjoyed watching the process and transformation of the painting. Most had never heard of live wedding painting before and loved the entertainment it provided. We received so many compliments and they could not wait to see the final product!

After the wedding, Kim took the painting back to her studio to add some final details. She delivered the finished painting, framed and all, in a little over a week. We were so impressed with how it turned out! She captured the beauty and elegance of the ceremony while keeping the rustic feel of the barn.

We could not have asked for better experience. Kim’s professionalism, combined with her talent was a wedding experience we will always remember, and painting we will always cherish."

The Creative Process

Everyone's creative process is so different and unique to themselves that I thought I'd share the stages and various emotions I experience while creating a painting.

At the beginning of a new painting I am always super excited to get started! I begin by sketching it out on the Gessobord and laying in colors for the under painting. As I work, I am picking out the parts that I feel need the most attention and considering where to start.

My paintings take between 25-60 hours to complete due to the amount of details I like to render. After I finish the underpainting, the excitement wears off and I'm usually overwhelmed with the amount of work ahead of me and unsure of where to start. But the best way to get anything done, is to just do it. Sometimes this part of getting started can be forced. 

I like to compare the next portion of creating to reading a really interesting book. You're so into what's happening in the story that you just can't put the book down. When I'm in the groove of a painting, I want to spend every possible moment I have working on it. As I'm beginning to see the painting come together and understand the direction in which I am working, the excitement returns and I am rejuvenated with creative energy.

While I continue to work there are points where I am second guessing the work I have made so far and or my abilities to complete the painting all together. Then, the feelings of being overwhelmed return and finding the gumption to finish is challenging. I've discovered the best way to deal with this part of the process is to take a day or two to step away from the project.

After a short breather, I'm ready to finish. As I return to the work, I gain a better perspective on how to finish the painting. My momentum usually speeds up in anticipation of seeing the final creation. The excitement returns and every moment I have, I work on the painting until I feel it is finally complete.

Below are some pictures from various stages of the creative process from past paintings. 

A Milkhouse Holiday Sale

Yesterday I participated in A Milkhouse Party's Holiday Sale. I had such a great time! I met a lot of great new people, saw some old friends and even made some new ones.

I was so excited to start using my new art show display (you can read more about it here) that I set it up in my dining room on Wednesday. I wanted to get acquainted with how all the parts worked and the best way to handle the large panels. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to assemble. Below is a picture of my trial run.

I began setting up at the Milkhouse on Friday afternoon. I set everything up but due to my location being right in front of the back door, I had to open the panels to allow other vendors easier access. I had a great location and was glad to help out the fellow sellers! To avoid any mishaps, I labeled where everything would go and packed them up until the following morning. 

I always wake up super early when I have a big event and without fail I got up at 3AM. I used that time to finish last minute preparations and finish packing. I really enjoyed the quiet time before the kids woke up to get organized.

After getting everyone ready for the day, I arrived early Saturday morning to run electrical cords, close the panels and finish hanging things. My mom was nice enough to come help and give her expert staging advice. I ended up switching a lot of my display around to highlight my new products: Canvas prints and framed prints. 10 A.M. rolled around fast and after I scarfed down a Wawa gobbler bowl, I was ready to greet customers!

I had an amazing time meeting new people that live in the area. It's so inspiring to see people recognize the places that I paint or connect with the artwork personally with a memory. It's awesome to know so many people identify with farm life through the farm animals and landscapes that I paint. I truly enjoyed listening to all of their stories and sharing my own.

The day went by fast and my friend, Courtney, showed up to help me tear down. While I was going out back to get my truck, I was lucky enough to see a beautiful sunset.

Thank you to everyone who came to visit me and to those who purchased my artwork!

Painting Progression: Daretown Lake

On a beautiful afternoon in the early fall, I took a short drive to Daretown Lake for reference pictures for an upcoming exhibition with my good friend, Janice Chassier. The joint show will be in Kennett Square, PA at Mala Galleria and I decided I needed to create more paintings that reflected the habitat of Janice's favorite subject: Canadian Geese. Below is the video progression of the painting.

Video progression of "Daretown Lake"

"Daretown Lake" - Acrylics on Gessobord - 5" x 7" by Kimberly English © 2016