Miniature Painting: Sunday Stars I

Behold! My latest painting: Sunday Stars I. This painting is a on a 3" x 3" canvas. I have never worked this small and wanted to try after seeing the artwork of Debbie Shirley. I found her through Etsy and began following her blog and Facebook page. Her artwork is usually 4" x 4" and depicts areas where she lives; New England.

In the beginning of June I came across Gallery 50's miniature art competition on their website. I called and requested more information and after reading the requirements thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try working small, like Debbie Shirley.

Below are the progression photographs of the development of this painting.

Salem County Arts in Bloom 2014

This year I did not participate as an exhibiting artist in the Salem County Arts in Bloom 2014 Studio Tour. Instead, I had the opportunity to visit fellow artists and support the work they are doing. Here's a glimpse of my day driving around Salem County:

I started my tour at Daniel Chard's house. He was my painting professor in college and he recently moved to another part of the county. I've been meaning to go over and visit and it was the perfect opportunity to do so. We talked about life, toured his home and, of course, talked about painting. It's great to catch up with old friends and I can't wait to begin working with him again.

Next, I headed to Alex Alampi Jr.'s Studio. I viewed his original watercolors and the works of Marion Williams, a porcelain painter. I purchased a print of "Crossing the Herd". This painting depicts the famous Smith dairy cows crossing through Aldine. As a lover of cows and resident of Aldine I HAD to have this print. I also purchased an ornament by Marion for our Christmas tree (A tradition we started to mark our travels and events throughout the years).

I headed home for some lunch and to regroup. I then went to Monroeville Vineyard and Winery to see what the artists and vines had to offer. I purchased a mini blanket with tags for my daughter (She is currently OBSESSED with tags) from Lminstitches and some wine to add to my collection.

My last stop for the day was to one of my best friend's, Janice Chassier. She recently purchased a shed and transformed it into a gallery. It is breathtaking! I snagged some of her signature clay log pieces for my kitchen; they are my favorite. I even got the chance to meet some potential homeschool art students and help them create some things in clay.

Below is a picture of some of the wonderful pieces I found on my journeys. It was a truly amazing day! Great weather, great artists, and great conversations. I am really looking forward to participating again next year and have lots of ideas to make my site exciting for visitors of all ages.

Another Hiatus

It's been six months since my last blog but there is good reason for my long hiatus: I had a baby! My husband and I welcomed our daughter, Courtney Danielle, into the world on October 23rd, 2013. Needless to say, life has become a little busier and a lot more fulfilling! I'm finding time after she goes to sleep to work on paintings. Below is a picture of what I am working on now. This will be a painting of Skyline Drive and the second of my vacation series.

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!