kathleen kemly biography
Artist Statement
Like many people, I find solace and peace in nature. Hiking in the forest or standing on my porch watching a rainstorm roll in over the city brings me to a place of connectivity with all things. As an avid backpacker, I have explored the mountains of Washington State, as well as hiking in Hawaii, Costa Rica, Oregon, Utah, British Colombia, New York and California.
In my art, I seek to communicate these feelings through the use of color, rhythm and forms. I want the viewer to feel that they are right there, in that moment in time and place. I begin a painting on site with drawings, color notes and photographs. Alternating between painting and collaging painted paper, I find my way to the heart of my subjects. This technique allows me to push and pull the elements of the painting until it feels right. My palette is inspired by Pierre Bonnard's work, I love his joyful, yet complex shifts in hue and temperature. My use of texture and form to convey emotion and movement are drawn from Van Gogh's paintings and drawings. David Hockney's playful experiments with space and color inspire my landscapes.
My hope is that my paintings become a portal for others to experience the joy and beauty that I find in the world.
"Humanity, take a good look at yourself. Inside you've got heaven and earth, and all of creation. You're a world-everything is hidden in you"
Hildegard von Bingen
Kathleen Kemly received her BFA from Parsons School of Design, New York, New York
Kathleen has illustrated many books including:
Molly, By Golly! by Dianne Ochiltree
Inside the Human Body by Dr. Aaron Bruhn, MD
Benjamin Brown and the Great Steamboat Race, by Shirley Jordan
A Mother's Song by Janet Lawler
You Can't Do That, Amelia by Kimberly Wagner Klier
Golden Delicious: A Cinderella Apple Story by Anna Egan Smucker
Shannon and the World's Tallest Leprechaun by Sean Callahan
A Fishing Surprise by Rae A McDonald
Like many people, I find solace and peace in nature. Hiking in the forest or standing on my porch watching a rainstorm roll in over the city brings me to a place of connectivity with all things. As an avid backpacker, I have explored the mountains of Washington State, as well as hiking in Hawaii, Costa Rica, Oregon, Utah, British Colombia, New York and California.
In my art, I seek to communicate these feelings through the use of color, rhythm and forms. I want the viewer to feel that they are right there, in that moment in time and place. I begin a painting on site with drawings, color notes and photographs. Alternating between painting and collaging painted paper, I find my way to the heart of my subjects. This technique allows me to push and pull the elements of the painting until it feels right. My palette is inspired by Pierre Bonnard's work, I love his joyful, yet complex shifts in hue and temperature. My use of texture and form to convey emotion and movement are drawn from Van Gogh's paintings and drawings. David Hockney's playful experiments with space and color inspire my landscapes.
My hope is that my paintings become a portal for others to experience the joy and beauty that I find in the world.
"Humanity, take a good look at yourself. Inside you've got heaven and earth, and all of creation. You're a world-everything is hidden in you"
Hildegard von Bingen
Kathleen Kemly received her BFA from Parsons School of Design, New York, New York
Kathleen has illustrated many books including:
Molly, By Golly! by Dianne Ochiltree
Inside the Human Body by Dr. Aaron Bruhn, MD
Benjamin Brown and the Great Steamboat Race, by Shirley Jordan
A Mother's Song by Janet Lawler
You Can't Do That, Amelia by Kimberly Wagner Klier
Golden Delicious: A Cinderella Apple Story by Anna Egan Smucker
Shannon and the World's Tallest Leprechaun by Sean Callahan
A Fishing Surprise by Rae A McDonald