Kathryn Kaiser: I Paint What Moves Me

Meet Kathryn Kaiser. Kathryn creates beautiful, thought-provoking images, scenes and stories through her art. Her work's intense yet subtle energy is mesmerizing. Find her studio at STOP F of the Images Studio Tour THIS weekend, October 5 to 8, 10am to 5pm daily!

READ ON to discover more about Kathryn and her work ....

Your work emanates with emotion - What are the core themes and what do you hope people absorb from viewing your work?
 
I paint what moves me. If an image, an event or a vision leaves an impression, I will often find a way to attempt to capture it in my work. It is not that I have a strong desire to educate viewers, but I am always pleased when a piece inspires someone to stop and consider the story behind it. Occasionally my work may push people outside their comfort zones. Although this is often a frightening place to be, it is also where I tend to learn the most about myself and the world. I consider a piece successful if it provokes an emotional response in the viewer.

Your depiction of light is amazing. What medium do you paint in and what inspires your colour palette?

I have always been in awe of the way light affects what we see: shape, colour, depth and mood. Light defines everything in our physical and visual world.
 
Oils are my medium of choice, and I also work in acrylic, charcoal, and chalk pastel. I am looking to experiment with other media. I have done a bit of water colour, clay sculpture, and would very much like to learn more about printing and working in metal. 
 
I am not overly conscientious about the colour palette I use, and tend to let the colour mixing become intuitive. I begin with a fairly limited selection of colours and mix what is needed from these. I can see that I am drawn to warm, rich colours and love to play with the contrast of warm and cool, and how that defines space (depth) in a piece. Understanding colour is certainly an ongoing process. Not being very scientific or technical about colour mixing, I have the messiest palette board ever. More than a few of my teachers would cringe at these words. 

You recently opened your own Artist Studio – any future plans for workshops, events?
 
Oh yes, I have a studio! It is wonderful to finally have a dedicated space to work, and I am so excited (as is my family) to finally be out of the living and dining room. I would very much like to run workshops, and have other creatives use it as well. Our plan is to make the costs accessible to instructors to facilitate workshops both in the studio and outside. I would enjoy having a drop in studio for parents with kids one day a month, for example. We also have a 48 acre property with bush and trails that we would love to use. I would love to have a drop in studio for parents with kids one day a month. 
 

You are participating in the upcoming Images Studio Tour, but where else may people find your work, in person and online?
 
Currently my work is only available to see in person in my studio, which is open by chance or by appointment. I have many of my pieces on my website, which will also show links to upcoming shows and exhibits. Plans are to exhibit at a couple of different galleries in Orillia in the near future. Stay in touch for updates on upcoming events.

Find Kathryn's work online on her website Verity Blue Studio, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Behance.

Artist Bio: Kathryn Kaiser is an artist & designer living outside of Coldwater, Ontario. Largely self-taught, she has been painting just over six years now. Her main focus is portraiture and landscapes, which are emotionally charged and often reflect an aspect of the human condition. She approaches each piece with a unique perspective... allowing her work to stay fresh, which keeps the whole process ever changing and evolving.

Kathryn is a board member of ODAC (Orillia & District Arts Council). She is an active member of OMAH in Orillia and Quest Art in Midland ON. She is involved in various projects in the Orillia and Coldwater communities and internationally, as well as humanitarian work with new Canadians and refugees. 
 
“The human condition holds the most inspiration for me, and this is where I find myself returning again and again.  I am relentless in my search for truth and understanding.  It is critical for me to interpret each subject individually.  How are we affected by our environment and experiences?  Where do we hold our scars, what are our stories?"