Visual Artist Spotlight: Kathleen Tolleson
Visual Artist Spotlight: Kathleen Tolleson
ARTIST INTERVIEW:
Q1. When did you decide to become an artist?
A1. I have always loved art and spent a few years doing design work with a focus on art and accessories. About eight years ago I became the Gallery Director at a local art gallery. It was during this time that I tried experimenting with oil and acrylic paints. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had a gift that I did not know existed! I was encouraged by other local artists and some of them helped me get started with some basic art techniques.
Q3. Where did you receive your training?
A3. Initially I was mentored by other local artists during the time I was employed at the art gallery. Since then, and most recently, I am currently being mentored by one of my favorite local artists.
Q4. How did your training influence what you’re doing now?
I am currently being mentored by a local artist and seem to be transitioning and coming closer to “finding my own voice” in the medium of oils and acrylics.
Q5. Please describe your art style and medium and why you chose that particular one (or how God influenced this choice).
A5. I would say that my art style is certainly impressionistic with a love for rich bold colors and heavy texture. My preferred mediums are oils and acrylics with palette knife and/or brush.
Q6. What do you do or use to keep yourself inspired for your art work?
A6. I am learning that the more I paint, the more I seem to be inspired to paint. Music definitely inspires me as well as studying the works of other artists.
Q7. In what ways do you incorporate God into your work?
A7. I trust that God is involved and delights in the journey of artistic expression that I know He place inside of me.
Q8. Is there a class or offer that you would like to share with my readers?
A8. I love to encourage EVERYONE that they have creative expression inside of them. Do not be afraid to pursue and take seriously even the smallest desire that you have when it comes to being creative; be it on a canvas, a musical instrument, a song, a dance or just a passion for appreciating the beauty of the world around you. Creativity comes from the beauty realm of God and we have all been designed by the Master Creator!
When purchasing one of my paintings, 20% of the cost is donated to local and international charities helping children at risk.
Q9. Any final thoughts about sharing your art work with my blog readers?
A9. I am still developing–this is an exciting journey with the Master Artist who lives on the inside of me. His creativity is limitless. There is much more for me to do with the various and diverse artistic expressions and passions that He has given to me.
ARTIST BIO–Kathleen Tolleson
As a relatively new artist, I am truly enjoying my creative journey at this time in my life.
I have always loved design and enjoyed selling art and helping others in the decorating of their homes and/or businesses. I always encourage a client to make art a main focus when planning a room design.
The love of the creative process is to me, a God-given passion and creating a piece of art that someone truly loves and enjoys is absolutely a delight to my heart.
My paintings are original and my typical technique is “impasto” which means I use lots of paint on the surface of my canvas or board and it is applied very thickly with a brush or painting knife. French Impressionists and other artists used the impasto technique and found that it can add expressiveness to the painting and help reflect light from the painting in a particular way.
Currently, I am being mentored by a well known artist named Dorsey McHugh. I am looking forward to my continued adventure of developing and discovering the creative giftings on the inside of me. The wonderful thing about creativity is that there are no limits. Such fun!!
Check out Kathleen’s paintings on Etsy here:
www.etsy.com/shop/
(c) 2012 Cheryl Cope