FEATURED ARTIST - KATHY KUYPER
How long have you been a member of the GCWS and why did you join?
I’ve only been a member of GCWS for a little over a year. I joined to meet other artists, to learn new techniques and perhaps better ways to market my work.
Have you held any positions with the GCWS; if so, what positions?
I have recently been elected Secretary of GCWS.
What are some of your artistic achievements?
Over the years I have won numerous awards in outdoor art shows throughout the tri-state area. One of my paintings was chosen in 2010 to be part of the ViewPoint show. Recently one of my hand painted ornaments was selected to be sold at the Cincinnati Art Museum’s gift shop.
Describe your usual procedures for creating a painting.
I usually take my inspiration from photographs, sometimes combining several ideas from different photos into one design. After sketching my design, I transfer it to my paper. Working wet on wet is my favorite method of watercolor painting. I tend to work quickly and if all is going well, my painting will be completed in a few hours.
How long have you been painting?
I attended University of Cincinnati’s DAA program in the late 60’s where I originally painted in oil. In the early 1980’s I took watercolor lessons from Ray Loos and fell in love with painting in watercolor and its freedom.
In what medium, other than watercolor or acrylic, do you work?
Oil.
Where do you get your inspiration for paintings?
My inspirations come from my love of nature and wildlife. I love to try to capture the characteristics of old barns, lighthouses and covered bridges in my paintings, hoping to bring the memories they hold within to life.
Are you a teacher?
No.
Where do you see yourself in the future? (ie., is painting a hobby; will you enter shows; do you see yourself teaching?)
After painting for over 30 years as a business, I plan to transition back to where I began, painting as a hobby. I will continue to enter an occasional show and sell my work through galleries and the internet.
Your website: www.watercolorsbykathy.com
Is there anything else you would like for us to know about you and your art?
For 25 years I have designed and painted Christmas ornaments, creating new designs each year featuring winter scenes and landmarks of Cincinnati. Individuals that have bought my ornaments year after year know me as “the Ornament Lady”. Prior to my husband’s retirement I was painting upwards of a thousand ornaments a year. My ornaments are and have been employer Christmas gifts for several local companies and have been shipped around the world.
