Workshops in New Art Gallery

Yesterday I held a socially distant painting workshop in my new gallery/teaching space.
We painted an apple on a framed piece of galvanized metal. After painting with our masks on, we all grabbed some fresh air outside and grabbed a quick group picture. What a fun afternoon with beautiful weather! 

Yesterday also marked 6 YEARS since I began teaching painting workshops! Time sure is flying and I am so thankful for all my customers’ support! 

Want to know when the next painting workshop will be? Sign up for my newsletter here: https://bit.ly/2PIfebH

New Book: The First Ten Years of Paintings

I put together a softcover booklet featuring 39 of my paintings from 2009-2019 in chronological order. Each painting has the story about its creation with 38 full color pages. Click the link to check it out: bit.ly/10YearsofPaintings

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.

My Experience Using Watercolors Again

The latest painting that I created is a portrait of my friend’s Jeep Rubicon. I am an acrylic painter by choice but I decided to create this painting using watercolor. I thought it would be fun to share the process and my experience using watercolor again.

So why did I choose to use watercolor instead of my preferred acrylics? Well, it has to do with our recent family trip. While we were on vacation in West Virginia our truck’s AC stopped working on one of the hottest days. Lucky for us, the friends we were visiting own a mechanic shop and were able to recharge our system. Instead of a payment, they asked to barter for a painting.

On our way home, we stopped at Jerry’s Artarama in Wilmington for my birthday. While I was shopping, I saw they had a half pan of Lukas Farben watercolors in stock. I’ve been thinking about trying watercolor again and thought this was the perfect opportunity! I ended up purchasing it over 50% off during their moving sale. I can’t believe I got such an amazing deal on it!

For those of you who do not paint, I'll explain some of the differences between acrylics and watercolor. Acrylics are an opaque, thicker painting medium whereas watercolors are thin and transparent. When using acrylics, you generally start by painting the darkest values first and layer the lighter values on top to create depth and volume. Watercolor, to me, is must like drawing. You start with lighter washes/values and work to the darker values.

This is the first watercolor painting I’ve done for myself (besides teaching samples) in over 10 years. I definitely had fun with it and I really enjoyed working with watercolors. Just like acrylics, they can be versatile but, obviously, in different ways. I like that I could create gradients rather easily. It also was nice to be able to work a little faster and more freely. However, I still prefer my acrylics! 

Below is the time-lapse video of the painting.

"Deb's Rubicon" - Watercolor on Paper - 8" x 10" by Kimberly English ©2018

To order your own vehicle watercolor painting, click here: http://bit.ly/2uQJRD9

Arts in Bloom: 10 Year Retrospective

This year the Salem County Arts in Bloom Studio Tour will be celebrating it's 10th anniversary. All the exhibiting artists have the opportunity to create art or a display related to theme of 10. As I was contemplating what I should do, I realized that 10 years ago was when I decided to change my college major from Biology (I know, what?!) to Art Education. You can read more about that decision here. In the spring semester of 2008, I began taking fine art classes which changed my life forever.

At my site location, I will curate a 10 year retrospective exhibit for the tour participants to view during this year's Salem County Arts in Bloom. It will include college art assignments, my first acrylic paintings, as well as photographs and videos from my tenured art teaching experience. The collection will have captions and information for the tour goers to follow the journey and development into my career. Along with the retrospective I will also include new works of art and products.

The Salem County Arts in Bloom Studio Tour will take place on May 19 & 20 from 10AM - 5PM. For more information, visit the official website by clicking here.

Photo by Don Malavoy

20" x 16" Oil Painting - 2008

18" x 24" Figure Drawing - 2009

22" x 28" Acrylic Painting - Summer 2009

New Painting Reveal at Gallery 50

This past week I finished my newest painting! I had just enough time to prepare it to be apart of the Salem County Arts in Bloom exhibition at Gallery 50. The opening reception is this Friday, March 2nd from 6-9 PM. I will be revealing my new painting at this exhibition and give a brief talk around 7PM. My fellow Arts in Bloom artists will also be in attendance and refreshments will be served. Gallery 50 is located at 50 East Commerce Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302. The show will be on display until March 30th.

 I hope to see you Friday night!

Looking for New Farms to Represent

As an agricultural advocate for farmers in South Jersey, I am always looking for new contacts and inspiration to photograph. I use the photographs to create original acrylic paintings and to ​promote the active agricultural community in southern New Jersey through sharing on social media and with farming agencies. You can see the collection of photographs I have taken by clicking here. If you are a farmer that would like to have your land, equipment, or operations photographed or created into a work of art, please click here to fill out the Farming Contact Form. The first 10 farmers to fill out the form will receive a free framed print (size and picture orientation is at the discretion of the artist) and a yearly calendar. All farmers will receive one free print and will be acknowledged when sharing online.

Scheese Farm, Friesburg, NJ

Wilson Brothers Farms, Daretown, NJ

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

Looking Ahead to 2018

It's always exciting starting a new year! After reflecting on the past year, it is natural to look ahead at the new possibilities to focus on as the new year begins. I have a lot of artistic plans and events for 2018 and thought I'd organize some my thoughts and ideas into a blog post to share with you.

I would like to continue to develop my acrylic painting portfolio in 2018. I plan to create paintings of vintage trucks, local landscapes, and depicting the various seasons we are so fortunate to experience. However, I also want to stretch my artistic muscles and explore different mediums as well.  This year I would like to revisit my original medium of choice: drawing. I thought a great way to do that is through a 30 day drawing challenge where I will create a drawing everyday for one month. I even thought I could share the process of the drawing challenge via social media live feeds. I am hoping it will provide me the opportunity to be more creative, fulfill my need to teach,  and reach a different audience that I have previously with my paintings.

I will be a participating artist in the 10th Annual Salem County Arts in Bloom Studio Tour. While I was reflecting where I was 10 years ago in my artistic career, I realized that it was at that time that I began studying to become an art educator. I decided to do a retrospective exhibition this year to provide the studio tour goers a look at where I started and how I have developed. I will have collections of drawings and paintings from college assignments as well as my first acrylic paintings that have not been on display before. I am really looking forward to putting this exhibition together to share with everyone!

This year I also plan to design a "Hometown Collection" of artwork and home goods featuring local towns and recognizable landmarks. My hope is to instill pride in local residents and to provide people who grew up here but have since moved the opportunity to reminisce. I am looking for input for my Hometown Collection of South Jersey Towns. To share your input and opinions on towns and landmarks I should include, please click here. I would greatly appreciate it! I plan to have the collection debut during the Arts in Bloom Studio Tour and then available online and locally at retail stores.

I am looking forward to 2018 and sharing my creations with you along the way. 

As always, thank you for your support!

Utilizing Artwork for Agvocacy in South Jersey's Farming Industry

The artwork I create has been inspired by the agricultural landscapes of southern New Jersey since I began painting 9 years ago. At the time, I had just started dating my husband and we spent a lot of our dates on tractors in spinach and hay fields or on his four wheeler exploring his family's farm. The photographs I took from our adventures served as references for my acrylic paintings.

Fast forward to the present, I have continued to focus my subject matter on the beautiful farmlands southern New Jersey has to offer. Recently, I've come to realize that my artwork can perform an important role in the agvocacy for southern New Jersey's farming industry. What is "Agvocacy"? It is a relatively new term that is the combination of the words "agriculture" and "advocacy" which is defined as the positive promotion of agricultural industries.

I'd like my paintings and photography to serve as a platform to promote the active agricultural community in southern New Jersey. The hard work and sacrifices farmers make to grow crops needs to be acknowledged with artwork that evokes just as much of an emotional response from viewers as the farmer's physical efforts in sustaining their land. Portraying their fields, equipment, and operations in an artistic manner will help bring awareness to the often overlooked beauty that exists within farming. It is my hope that my artwork can create connections between the larger, non-farming population and the people that choose to dedicate their life to agriculture.

If you are a farmer from southern New Jersey that would like to have your land/operations photographed or created into a work of art, please email me at: kimberlydenglish@gmail.com

Wilson Brother's Farms - Daretown, NJ

Spring Brook Farms of Pittsgrove

Harvesting Spinach in Elmer

"On The Edge" - Acrylics on Gessobord - 6" x 6" by Kimberly English ©2015 - SOLD

 "Curious #601" - Acrylics on Canvas - 8" x 6" by Kimberly English © 2015

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

2018 Salem County Farmlands Calendar

A collection of photographs by Kimberly English featuring the farmers and farmland of Salem County. $5 of each calendar sold will be donated to the Woodstown Future Farmer's of America Program. A great holiday gift that gives back to our farming community!

Click here to preorder yours today!

To view more agricultural artwork, please visit my website: www.kimberlyenglish.com

Holiday Open House

In 6 short weeks, join me for my first Holiday Open House! A collection of artistic and luxurious, handmade home products for a unique shopping experience!

I will have original artwork, prints, framed prints, pillows and greeting cards available. Preordered 2018 Salem County Farmlands Calendars will be available for pick up.

Janice Chassier will offer her handmade ceramics. Including: mugs, bowls, soap dispensers, serving platters and more!

A Whole New Light will have handmade soy candles and warming oils.

Handmade and painted bowl fillers for your home decoating needs.

Happy Goats Soap Company will have handmade soaps.

2018 Salem County Farmlands Calendar

The Salem County Farmlands Calendar is a collection of photographs by Kimberly English featuring the farmers and farmland of Salem County. $5 of each calendar sold will be donated to the Woodstown Future Farmer's of America Program. A great holiday gift that gives back to our farming community!

Featuring: Coleman Brothers Farms of Elmer, English Farms of Aldine, Wilson Brother's Farms of Daretown, and Spring Brook Farms of Pittsgrove.
​
Calendars are only available through preordering. Orders will be taken until November 20th. Calendars will be available for free local pick up at my Holiday Open House December 2-3, 2017. For non-local customers, please choose your shipping option at checkout.

If you are a Salem County farmer that would like to have their operations and/or land photographed to be included in next year's calendar, please email me at: kimberlydenglish@gmail.com

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.

The Process of Commissioning a Painting

I have been receiving a lot of welcomed inquires about having a custom work of art created. Today, I wanted to share with you questions you should ask yourself when considering having a painting made and more information about the process of commissioning a painting by me.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Considering Commissioning a Painting

What do I want painted?
It seems like an obvious question but it is important to know what you want me to paint. This can be anything that has specific meaning to you. However, some people prefer to allow me to come to their location and get inspired by my surroundings and allow me complete control of the painting's subject matter. Below are some ideas for commissioned paintings:

• Landscape
• Pet portrait
• House portrait
• Favorite vacation photograph
• Show hot rod
• Farm equipment
• Floral bouquets 

What is my budget?
Commissioning a work of art is an investment. The imagery you want painted probably has significant meaning to you (or your recipient) which is why you want to commemorate it with a one of a kind work of art. As such, I will spend 25-60 hours creating your painting to ensure I capture both the physical and emotional aspects of the imagery to the best of my ability. Your budget will determine the size (which depends on the amount of detail) and framing.

The Process of Commissioning a Painting

First, clients will either talk to me in person or fill out the fine art commission contact form on my website. From there we will meet to discuss your idea and I can come photograph the landscape, animal, truck, or tractor that will be rendered.

After I have reference pictures I will then be able to provide you with a commission agreement contract that will have a more accurate price dependent on the amount of detail to be rendered and framing preferences. The signed contract and a deposit of 50% of the painting is due before I begin.

If the client grants me permission to share behind the scenes progress on social media, they will be able to see me working their painting. If the work of art is a surprise, I can also send updates privately.

Below are some commissions from this year. Click each image to enlarge

"One of a Kind" - 8" x 10" - Acrylics on Gessobord by Kimberly English © 2017 - SOLD

"Sun-Kissed Abby" - Acrylics on Gessobord - 8" x 8" by Kimberly English © 2017

To start the commission process, click here

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